HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network Leadership and Operations Centers
Can you apply?
This grant is for HIV/AIDS clinical research institutions and networks. Applicants must be eligible NIH grantees, typically 501(c)(3) nonprofits, research universities, or government entities. Priority goes to organizations with established HIV/AIDS research capacity and multidisciplinary teams. Geographic scope is national, though funded sites operate across the United States.
The grant supports leadership and operations of clinical trials networks. Funds cover infrastructure, staff, data management systems, and coordination across trial sites. Activities include protocol development, participant recruitment and retention, and quality assurance for HIV/AIDS research.
Award amounts vary by application complexity and network scope. Multi-year funding is typical for these centers. Organizations must demonstrate scientific merit and capacity to manage complex clinical networks.
Key dates
- Apr 8, 2026 Applications open
- Jan 22, 2027 Application deadline in 223 days
- Dec 1, 2027 Award announced
- Dec 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) seeks to advance the National Institutes of Health (NIH) mission by supporting four Clinical Trials Networks (CTNs) each comprised of a Leadership and Operations Center (LOC), Statistical and Data Management Center, and Laboratory Center working with Clinical Trials Units to advance prevention, treatment, and implementation research designed to end the HIV epidemic. This NOFO will solicit applications for four LOCs to provide scientific leadership, research prioritization, and conduct studies in a CTN. A LOC develops the research agenda in one of these areas: 1) HIV therapeutics/cure, and prevention/treatment for HIV-associated comorbidities in adults; 2) HIV prevention/treatment in maternal/adolescent/pediatric populations; 3) biomedical HIV prevention strategies for adults/adolescents; and 4) immune-based prevention for HIV and HIV-associated diseases. CTNs will conduct HIV implementation research improving uptake of evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies across the lifespan. High impact LOC studies will produce crucial findings significantly benefiting Americans with or at-risk of HIV and HIV-associated diseases.
Grant authorities that allow NIAID to forecast this opportunity are: Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Hospital
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 (R&R) Supplement
- Project Narrative and Research Strategy
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (Key Personnel)
- Letters of Commitment from Partner Sites
- Data Management and Quality Assurance Plan
- Organizational Capacity Documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Division of AIDS
- 📧 sciops@niaid.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.855 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$438,527,853
-
$246,626,852
-
$204,359,786
-
$201,437,825
-
$200,221,259
-
$185,816,804
-
$180,737,624
-
$136,265,880
-
$116,817,868
-
$99,478,296
Top States by Funding
- CA 10 awards $818.8M
- WA 3 awards $684.0M
- MA 6 awards $602.8M
- NC 3 awards $446.4M
- NY 7 awards $375.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.855). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $4,073,812,529 | |
| 2025 | $4,378,235,639 | |
| 2026 est. | $4,299,426,996 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
501(c)(3) nonprofits, research universities, medical institutions, and government agencies with NIH eligibility are eligible. Organizations must have established capacity in HIV/AIDS clinical research and strong multidisciplinary teams.
What does this grant fund?
The grant supports leadership and operations of HIV/AIDS clinical trials networks. Eligible activities include protocol development, site coordination, data management, participant recruitment, and quality oversight.
Is this a one-year or multi-year award?
These are typically multi-year grants, often 5 years with renewal options. Budget periods may be annual within the project period.
How competitive is this program?
This is highly competitive. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional scientific merit, established HIV/AIDS research capacity, and strong management infrastructure.
What is the typical funding range?
Award amounts vary significantly based on network scope and complexity. Contact the program officer for guidance on expected budget ranges for your application type.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the NIH program officer early to clarify your network's scope and eligible budget range before investing in the full application.
- Emphasize your organization's track record managing multi-site clinical research and demonstrated success recruiting and retaining HIV/AIDS study participants.
- Develop a detailed operations plan showing clear roles, communication systems, and decision-making structures across all trial sites and leadership roles.
- Include letters of commitment from all partner institutions and trial sites, confirming resources and participation in the network.
- Use data from prior trials or pilot work to demonstrate your team's capacity to meet timelines, quality standards, and compliance requirements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without established HIV/AIDS research infrastructure or prior clinical trial management experience. Vague operations plans that don't clearly assign leadership roles and site coordination responsibilities. Underestimating budget needs for data management, quality assurance, and multi-site coordination.
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