Development of Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: A Strategy for the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (R61/R33) | RFA AI 16 085

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA AI 16 085

The grant opportunity titled "Development of Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: A Strategy for the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (R61/R33)" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-AI-16-085) is a discretionary NIH grant program aimed at accelerating translational research that can lead to practical, real-world prevention products. Its central goal is to move beyond single-purpose interventions by supporting the development of multipurpose prevention technologies (often called MPTs), meaning products or approaches designed to address more than one sexual and reproductive health risk at the same time.

This FOA specifically targets prevention strategies that combine coverage across at least two outcomes. Proposed projects must be designed to prevent either (1) two or more sexually transmitted infections, (2) an STI and HIV, or (3) an STI and unintended pregnancy. In other words, applications cannot focus on only one infection or only one endpoint; the program is built around combination prevention. The intent is to encourage innovations that could reduce multiple burdens simultaneously, which is especially relevant in settings where overlapping risks are common and where users benefit from simpler, consolidated prevention options.

The funding mechanism is bi-phasic (R61/R33), which is structured to support a staged development path. The first phase (R61) is typically used for early, milestone-driven translational work that demonstrates feasibility and generates the key evidence needed to justify further development. The second phase (R33) supports the next step once predefined milestones are met, helping applicants push the technology closer to readiness for later-stage development, additional validation, or eventual clinical evaluation. This structure is meant to reduce risk for promising but still-developing technologies by tying continued support to clear progress markers.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is offered by the National Institutes of Health, falls under the health funding activity category, and is associated with CFDA numbers 93.855 and 93.856. The listed award ceiling is $300,000, and the original application closing date was 2017-03-15, with the FOA created on 2016-12-07. While the posting lists "ExpectedAwards:" without a number in the provided text, applicants would generally interpret this as NIH reserving flexibility in how many awards to make depending on application quality and available funds.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. domestic organizations and certain non-U.S. entities. 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 that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories as specified); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other unspecified eligible entities. The FOA also highlights 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), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This breadth signals an intent to attract a wide range of scientific, community, and implementation perspectives, including institutions serving populations that are often disproportionately affected by STIs, HIV, and unintended pregnancy.

Overall, the opportunity is designed for applicants working on translational, product-oriented prevention research where the end result is a plausible MPT concept that can realistically move forward through a development pipeline. The emphasis is on combination prevention impact, milestone-based progress across two phases, and inclusive eligibility to support innovation from academic, governmental, nonprofit, community, and private-sector groups.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Development of Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: A Strategy for the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (R61/R33)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.855, 93.856.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-12-07.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-03-15. (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 $300,000.00 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.

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