Coordinating Center for National Resource Network for the Study of Human Auditory and Vestibular Disorders (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Solicitation RFA-DC-28-002 is a Notice of Funding Opportunity from the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, to establish a Coordinating Center for the NIDCD National Human Ear Resource Network. This collaborative network provides human inner and middle ear tissues to researchers for basic and clinical studies aimed at advancing the treatment of auditory and vestibular disorders. The Coordinating Center is responsible for maintaining network cohesiveness through the planning of workshops, symposia, and regular meetings, providing updates to laboratories, and managing communication with the public and scientific community regarding tissue donation. The maximum project period is five years, with a budget limit of 200,000 dollars in direct costs per year. Applicants, including for-profit organizations and small businesses, must maintain active registrations in SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Proposals are evaluated based on the significance of the proposed center and the qualifications of the investigators, with additional reviews for human subject protections, inclusion policies, and the use of vertebrate animals. Key requirements include a structured Data Management and Sharing Plan and adherence to cybersecurity guidelines, including a 48-hour incident reporting window. The application process is entirely electronic and requires several standard PHS and SF424 forms, with a response deadline of March 5, 2027.