Immuno-Oncology Translation Network (IOTN): Data Management and Resource-Sharing Center (DMRC) (U24) | RFA CA 17 047

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA CA 17 047

The Immuno-Oncology Translation Network (IOTN): Data Management and Resource-Sharing Center (DMRC) (U24) funding opportunity (RFA-CA-17-047) is a National Institutes of Health cooperative agreement created under the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot Initiative. It is tied to a specific Cancer Moonshot scientific priority identified by the Blue Ribbon Panel (Recommendation B), which called for building a translational science network focused exclusively on immunotherapy approaches to treat and prevent adult cancers. In practical terms, this FOA supports the network infrastructure needed to speed up immuno-oncology research by enabling researchers to work together, share data efficiently, standardize how information is captured and analyzed, and make key resources broadly usable across participating teams.

The main purpose of the DMRC is to serve as the central hub for data management, coordination, and resource sharing for the broader IOTN. The network goal is to accelerate discovery of new immune targets and to evaluate innovative immune-based therapies, including combination approaches, aimed at eliminating established cancers in adults or preventing cancers before they occur. Because immunotherapy research often involves complex, multi-site datasets (clinical information, immune profiling, genomics, imaging, biospecimen annotations, and response outcomes), a dedicated center is meant to ensure that data and materials are collected in consistent ways, curated with quality control, and distributed in a manner that supports cross-project comparisons and rapid translation. The DMRC concept also reflects the Cancer Moonshot emphasis on team science: rather than isolated projects, the intention is to create an environment where multiple groups can contribute and benefit from shared standards, shared platforms, and shared outputs.

This opportunity uses the U24 activity mechanism and is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning NIH expects to have substantial involvement in coordinating the award’s activities compared to a traditional research grant. The funding activity category is Health, and it is listed under CFDA 93.353. The original application closing date was January 16, 2018, and the opportunity was created on October 10, 2017. The listed award ceiling is $750,000, indicating the maximum anticipated budget level under the announcement. The FOA also notes “ExpectedAwards:” but does not provide a specific number in the supplied text.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations that could realistically operate a national-scale data and resource coordinating center. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; 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; tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other entities as allowed by NIH policy. The announcement explicitly calls out additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), eligible federal agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized, and U.S. territories or possessions.

Restrictions related to foreign involvement are clearly stated. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. At the same time, the FOA allows foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, which typically means a U.S. applicant can include certain foreign collaborations or performance sites if they meet NIH requirements and are justified, even though a foreign institution cannot be the primary applicant.

Overall, the DMRC U24 is essentially the backbone award for the Immuno-Oncology Translation Network: it is designed to make large-scale immunotherapy translation work faster and more coherent by building the data systems, governance practices, and sharing mechanisms that let multiple research teams operate like a single coordinated enterprise. The expected impact is less about producing one discrete scientific finding and more about enabling many immunotherapy discoveries and evaluations to move forward more efficiently, with better interoperability of datasets and resources, and with stronger collaborative momentum across the network.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Immuno-Oncology Translation Network (IOTN): Data Management and Resource-Sharing Center (DMRC) (U24)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.353.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-10-10.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-01-16. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $750,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA CA 17 047

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: