Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD) Exploratory/Developmental Projects (UH2) | RFA AA 17 012

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the CIFASD Exploratory/Developmental Projects (UH2) funding opportunity?

This opportunity supports exploratory and developmental research projects within the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD) consortium. It is intended to seed and advance early-stage, innovative work that strengthens CIFASD efforts on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) through coordinated, collaborative research.

Which federal agency is offering this funding?

The funding opportunity is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) program administered by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

What is the specific announcement number for this opportunity?

The announcement is RFA-AA-17-012.

What does CIFASD stand for, and what is it?

CIFASD stands for the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. It is a long-running, multidisciplinary network of U.S. and international investigators focused on FASD, built to address a complex public health problem through coordinated consortium research rather than isolated, single-lab efforts.

What is the overall purpose of this program?

The purpose is to continue and strengthen the work of the CIFASD consortium by supporting coordinated, collaborative research that links clinical studies, basic science, and translational work to move findings more quickly toward real-world impact.

What scientific areas does this opportunity focus on?

The scope centers on three core areas: (1) prevention of FASD, (2) improved diagnosis across the full range of defects and outcomes associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), and (3) interventions that can lessen or ameliorate effects in individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally.

What kinds of prevention projects fit this opportunity?

Projects that contribute to better ways of preventing alcohol exposure during pregnancy are within scope, particularly when framed as collaborative efforts that can connect to clinical or community benefit.

What does "improved diagnosis" mean in this announcement?

It refers to more accurate and earlier identification of children and individuals affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, including individuals who may not meet classic diagnostic profiles, and improving diagnosis across the full range of defects and outcomes linked to PAE.

What kinds of intervention projects are relevant?

Projects focused on developing or testing strategies that improve functioning and health outcomes for individuals who have been exposed to alcohol prenatally are considered responsive to the intervention focus of the opportunity.

Is translational research emphasized?

Yes. A key emphasis is translation, meaning applicants are expected to frame exploratory or developmental ideas in ways that can realistically connect to clinical or community benefit, even if the work is still early-stage.

What award mechanism is used, and what does it imply?

The mechanism is a Cooperative Agreement (UH2). This is not a standard independent research grant; under a cooperative agreement, NIAAA typically has substantial programmatic involvement, and projects are expected to operate as part of a coordinated consortium.

What does UH2 mean in this context?

UH2 reflects an exploratory/developmental orientation. It supports innovative, potentially high-impact projects where feasibility, proof-of-concept, or early development work is still needed.

How is this different from a standalone research project?

This opportunity is designed for consortium participation. Projects are expected to integrate with CIFASD priorities, align with consortium-wide protocols or collaborative aims when appropriate, and contribute to collective milestones rather than operating as unrelated, standalone studies.

What level of collaboration is expected from awardees?

A high level of coordination is expected. The announcement describes a model where projects link clinical studies, basic science, and translational work, and where awardees contribute to shared consortium goals and, when appropriate, share data or methods and align with consortium protocols.

What is the maximum award amount listed?

The funding information provided includes an award ceiling of $200,000.

What is the application closing date shown in the provided information?

The original application closing date listed is November 29, 2016.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on August 29, 2016.

How is this opportunity categorized (funding type and area)?

It is categorized as discretionary funding in the health area.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 93.273.

Does the opportunity specify the expected number of awards?

The announcement indicates intent to make awards, but the expected number of awards field is present and not populated in the provided source.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types, such as state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; tribal governments and tribal organizations; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses; and other entities.

Are U.S. minority-serving institutions mentioned as eligible applicants?

Yes. The announcement highlights eligibility for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).

Are faith-based and community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are specifically highlighted among eligible applicants.

Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible to apply?

Yes. Regional organizations and U.S. territories or possessions are included among the highlighted eligible applicants.

Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible?

Yes. Non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) are included as eligible applicants.

Are federal agencies eligible to apply?

Yes. Eligible federal agencies are specifically mentioned as additional eligible applicants.

How should a proposed project position itself relative to CIFASD?

Projects should clearly justify how they extend, complement, or accelerate ongoing CIFASD goals, since the program is framed as continuing the research efforts of the existing CIFASD consortium.

Why does the announcement emphasize a consortium approach?

The program is built around the idea that FASD is a complex public health problem that cannot be solved by single-lab efforts, so it emphasizes coordinated, collaborative research across disciplines to speed progress toward practical impact.

What populations or settings does this opportunity appear designed to include?

Based on the wide eligibility list and the consortium model, the opportunity is designed to support diverse settings and populations, including communities that may be disproportionately affected or underserved.

What should applicants keep in mind about NIAAA involvement?

Because this uses a cooperative agreement mechanism, NIAAA typically has substantial programmatic involvement, and projects are expected to work within coordinated consortium expectations and collective milestones.

What is prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) in the context of this opportunity?

PAE refers to alcohol exposure during pregnancy. The opportunity focuses on preventing PAE, diagnosing outcomes associated with PAE, and developing interventions for individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally.