Continuation of the Exceptional Longevity Data Management and Coordinating Center (EL DMCC) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support the continued operation and expansion of the Exceptional Longevity Data Management and Coordinating Center (EL DMCC) through a single U24 cooperative agreement award. The NOFO will be open to all eligible applicants. Established in 2022, the EL DMCC serves as the central hub for NIA’s human longevity translational research portfolio, integrating data and activities across studies to maximize the value of deeply phenotyped cohorts and associated genomic and multi-omics datasets. The DMCC currently plays a critical role in enabling cross-cohort analyses, coordinating collaborative research, and advancing shared data resources. Core functions include data harmonization and integration; development and implementation of common data standards; provision of statistical, computational, and artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) infrastructure and tools; coordination of cross-project collaborations; and managing shared data systems, including data storage, access, and platform operations. The DMCC also develops and maintains the ELITE (Exceptional Longevity Translational Resources) Portal, which provides secure access to harmonized datasets, analytical tools, and cloud-based computational workspaces. The DMCC supports controlled access to EL data and use of these resources by the research community and maintains ongoing efforts to ensure the Portal is interoperable with the NIA Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Portal and other data resources of the National Institutes of Health, consistent with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. Through the NOFO, the Coordinating Center will be expected to build on and expand these core functions by: • Enhancing integration of increasingly large and diverse datasets across cohorts and species • Expanding statistical, computational, and AI/ML capabilities and associated infrastructure • Developing and refining methods and standards for multi-omics data harmonization and integrative analyses • Coordinating and supporting collaborative research across NIA-funded projects • Developing and disseminating translational resources, including target nomination and prioritization resources, curated target knowledgebases, and inventories of candidate therapeutic targets • Advancing the...

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed...