Respond: Epidemiology to End the HIV Epidemic (RESPOND: EEE) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA AI 21 023

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA AI 21 023

The Respond: Epidemiology to End the HIV Epidemic (RESPOND: EEE) funding opportunity (RFA-AI-21-023) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant designed to strengthen the "RESPOND" pillar of the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) initiative. Its core focus is on practical, action-oriented epidemiology that helps communities and public health systems better understand who remains vulnerable to HIV, where and how transmission is still occurring, and what local conditions are driving those patterns. The overall intent is to generate timely, decision-ready evidence that can shape interventions and allow faster, more context-specific evaluation of HIV control strategies, with the broader national goal of ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.

This FOA prioritizes research that uses local and population-level epidemiologic approaches and is carried out in collaboration with implementing partners. In plain terms, it is not just about producing academic findings; it is about working alongside organizations that actually deliver services or implement prevention and treatment programs so that the data collected can directly inform real-world action. Projects supported under this announcement are expected to improve understanding of HIV susceptibility and ongoing transmission in U.S. settings, which can include geographic "hot spots," specific populations disproportionately affected by HIV, or systems-level factors that make prevention and care less effective. By emphasizing local epidemiology and partnerships, the program is aiming for results that are relevant to the specific communities where HIV transmission persists and where EHE efforts need the most precise guidance.

The award mechanism is an NIH R01, and the FOA notes that clinical trials are optional, meaning applicants can propose studies with or without a clinical trial component as long as the work aligns with the epidemiology-to-action intent of the program. The funding opportunity is categorized as discretionary and is listed under health and education activity categories. It is associated with CFDA numbers 93.242, 93.279, and 93.855, reflecting its placement within NIH public health research portfolios.

Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of U.S.-based entities capable of conducting research and partnering with public health implementers. 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 tribal governments; tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other organizations that meet NIH eligibility rules. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types 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), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. This emphasis signals an intent to bring in institutions and organizations closely connected to communities most affected by HIV and to support place-based, equity-centered research capacity.

At the same time, the FOA draws clear boundaries around foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply. In addition, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement are not allowed. In practice, this means the work must be fully grounded within the United States and its territories, and applicants cannot rely on foreign institutional partners to carry out project components that NIH would classify as foreign.

The opportunity was created on March 30, 2021, with an original closing date of July 30, 2021. While the summary information provided does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, the main takeaway is that this is a targeted NIH research investment intended to make HIV epidemiology more immediately useful for program implementation under EHE. The expected impact is better, faster insight into ongoing HIV transmission dynamics and susceptibility in U.S. communities, leading to better-targeted interventions and more rapid assessment of whether those interventions are working in the specific contexts where they are deployed.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Respond: Epidemiology to End the HIV Epidemic (RESPOND: EEE) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242, 93.279, 93.855.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-03-30.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-07-30. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• 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.

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