The NIA Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications to develop, operate, and sustain a cloud-based data storage and computing platform that democratizes access to large-scale Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD) genetic and genomic data. The platform must be secure, scalable, and interoperable. The platform will support the NIA Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS), the primary NIA-supported repository for the archiving and distribution of human genetic data related to AD/ADRD. The purpose of the platform will be to: • Enable efficient ingestion, curation, harmonization, and analysis of multi-ancestry, large population-scale datasets; • Provide robust analysis, visualization, and artificial intelligence -ready resources within secure cloud workspaces; • Ensure compliance with federal security and data-sharing policies; • Promote interoperability with other NIH- and NIA-supported repositories; and • Provide user support, training, and community engagement. The NOFO aims to foster collaboration, accelerate discovery, and maximize the scientific value and impact of AD/ADRD genetics research for the broader research community. By improving data accessibility, interoperability, reporting, reproducibility, and scalable computational systems that enable rigorous, reproducible, and transparent research, the NOFO seeks to align with the NIH’s plan for Gold Standard Science and the AD/ADRD Research Implementation Milestones. Additionally, the NOFO seeks to address the Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's recommendation of ensuring broad, secure access to high-value datasets and enhancing data usability to maximize the return on research investments and support future discoveries in AD/ADRD. Moreover, the NOFO intends to directly advance NIA’s Strategic Directions, particularly Goal G to support the infrastructure and resources necessary for high-quality research, by strengthening data sharing, computational infrastructure, and research rigor across the AD/ADRD community. The NOFO intends to utilize the U24 activity code. Applications are not being solicited at this time. This notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.

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...

This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Not Applicable.