Revision Applications for Incorporation of Novel NCI-Supported Technology to Accelerate Cancer Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA CA 20 021

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the funding opportunity RFA-CA-20-021?

RFA-CA-20-021 is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that supports revision applications to active, currently funded NCI R01 research projects. The revision funding is intended to add targeted support that extends or strengthens the parent R01 by incorporating a novel technology developed with support from NCI's Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) program.

What is the main goal of this FOA?

The main goal is to accelerate the adoption of promising IMAT-supported technologies by moving them from development into broader real-world use within the cancer research community. NCI aims to encourage independent validation and practical demonstration of these emerging tools within the context of ongoing R01-funded cancer research.

Who can apply for this opportunity?

Applicants must be able to submit a revision application to an active, currently funded NCI R01 project. The FOA lists a wide range of eligible applicant organization types, including government entities, higher education institutions (public and private), nonprofits, for-profits, small businesses, tribal governments and tribal organizations, public housing authorities, eligible federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, and non-U.S. (foreign) entities.

Does the parent grant have to be an NCI R01?

Yes. This opportunity specifically supports revision applications to active, currently funded NCI R01 projects.

What type of application is being requested (new grant or something else)?

This FOA supports revision applications to an existing (parent) award rather than a brand-new standalone project. The revision is meant to extend or strengthen the ongoing R01 work by introducing an IMAT-supported technology.

What is meant by introducing an IMAT-supported technology?

The revision should bring into the parent R01 a novel technology (such as a platform, assay, workflow, or instrument) that was developed with backing from NCI's IMAT program. A strong revision will clearly identify the IMAT-supported technology and explain how it will be used within the existing R01 research.

What kinds of technologies are intended for adoption in these revisions?

The FOA describes technologies coming out of IMAT-supported development, including new platforms, assays, workflows, or instruments. The core idea is to apply a new technical approach or tool that meaningfully advances the ongoing cancer research being conducted under the parent R01.

What does NCI mean by "more than a minor aim"?

The FOA indicates that revisions are not intended to simply add a small or marginal aim. Instead, the revision work should meaningfully expand the original research questions or materially speed the parent study's progress by adopting an IMAT-enabled technology.

How should an application connect the parent R01 and the IMAT technology?

A strong application should clearly connect (1) the active parent NCI R01 and its scientific aims, (2) the specific IMAT-supported technology being introduced, and (3) a well-justified plan showing how the technology will broaden the science or accelerate progress in a meaningful way.

What is the emphasis on "independent validation" in this FOA?

NCI is using these revisions to encourage independent validation and practical demonstration of IMAT-developed technologies in real research settings. This means showing how a new method performs when applied to live biological questions, real samples, and established study designs within an active R01.

What should the revision project demonstrate about the technology?

The FOA emphasizes practical demonstration and field-relevant testing. Proposed revision work should clearly state what will be tested, what metrics will be used to evaluate performance or impact, and how the technology will be integrated into the existing R01 to produce interpretable results.

How does this FOA help the cancer research community?

By funding revisions that integrate IMAT-supported tools into ongoing R01 projects, NCI aims to reduce the lag between technology innovation and widespread adoption. These projects can build confidence in new technologies, clarify best-use scenarios, and expose the methods to new user communities.

What grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?

The opportunity uses the R01 grant mechanism, and it specifically supports revisions to active NCI R01 awards.

Are clinical trials required under this FOA?

No. The FOA is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning proposed work may include a clinical trial but does not have to.

What is the maximum award amount for this opportunity?

The listed award ceiling is $150,000. This indicates the revisions are intended to provide targeted incremental funding rather than fully re-scope the entire parent R01.

What is the funding category and CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is a discretionary grant program in the education and health activity category and is associated with CFDA number 93.394.

When was this FOA created and what is the closing date shown?

The FOA was created on December 20, 2019, and the original closing date shown is September 29, 2020.

What types of organizations are explicitly included as eligible to apply?

The FOA lists eligibility across many organization types, including state, county, city, township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding universities where applicable); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses; and other organizations.

Does the FOA encourage participation from specific institution types or communities?

Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible groups such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISIs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, HBCUs, TCCUs, faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-U.S. (foreign) entities.

What is the practical intent of providing revision funding rather than a new standalone award?

The practical intent is to leverage existing, ongoing NCI R01 research and accelerate progress by integrating an IMAT-supported technology. This approach supports real-world demonstration within established study designs and helps show how a new tool performs in a working research environment.

What should applicants focus on when describing the impact of the technology on the parent project?

Applicants should focus on how the IMAT-supported technology will either broaden the parent project's scientific questions or materially speed up progress. The FOA suggests making it straightforward to understand the integration plan, the evaluation metrics, and the expected field-relevant outcomes.