Ensuring Research Integrity – Research on Research Integrity Program (RRI)

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health under the Department of Health and Human Services is seeking applications for the Ensuring Research Integrity – Research on Research Integrity Program (RRI) to conduct empirical research on the societal, organizational, behavioral, group, and individual factors that influence research integrity, with a focus on identifying root causes of research misconduct and drivers of ethical conduct in accordance with 42 C.F.R. part 93. Proposals must address one or more of four key focus areas: financial, cultural, institutional, and individual influences on integrity; the effectiveness of policies and training programs; reporting and response mechanisms for misconduct; and the role of artificial intelligence as either a risk factor or enhancer of research integrity. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by the deadline of July 27, 2026, with a required active registration in both SAM.gov and Grants.gov, including a Unique Entity Identifier. Each award is capped at $250,000 in total costs, with an anticipated two awards totaling between $300,000 and $500,000. The proposed period of performance is 12 months, with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2026, and funding is structured in single-year budget periods with potential for a subsequent sustainability competition. Proposals must include a project narrative limited to 30 pages, appendices not exceeding 75 pages total, and a comprehensive budget package that includes a narrative justification aligned with cost principles in 2 C.F.R. § 200.416. All documents must adhere to strict formatting rules: 8.5" x 11" page size, 1-inch margins, 12-point font, double-spaced text, and must be submitted in acceptable formats such as Adobe PDF or Word documents, with no compressed, password-protected, or Excel files permitted. Applicants must also submit required standardized forms including SF-424, SF-424A, SF-LLL, and a project abstract summary. Evaluation is based on three equally weighted criteria: project description, outcomes and dissemination, and project management and organizational capability, following a merit review process. Final selection considers programmatic alignment, budget availability, administrative compliance, and risk assessment in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.206, which evaluates financial stability, management systems, and past performance. Awards are subject to federal regulations including 2 CFR Part