Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Urinary Stone Disease Research Network (USDRN) Scientific Data Research Center (U24 Clinical Trial Required) | RFA DK 20 507

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DK 20 507

This funding opportunity is a limited-competition NIH cooperative agreement (U24) from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to continue the work of the Urinary Stone Disease Research Network (USDRN) Scientific Data Research Center. The USDRN is in the middle of running a multi-center randomized clinical trial along with an observational clinical study focused on urinary stone disease, and this announcement is designed specifically to support the completion of those ongoing clinical investigations rather than launching an entirely new network or a new set of unrelated studies. Because it is a U24 cooperative agreement and the title specifies "Clinical Trial Required," the funded center is expected to play an active, hands-on role in managing and executing clinical-trial-related scientific and operational responsibilities in close collaboration with NIH program staff, consistent with how cooperative agreements function (meaning NIH typically has substantial involvement compared with a standard research grant).

Scientifically, the work being supported centers on three connected goals. First, the network is testing whether increased fluid intake and higher urine output can reduce urinary stone disease recurrence, and it is not just looking at the biological theory but also at real-world adherence, using innovative strategies to help participants maintain higher fluid intake over time. Second, the network aims to better understand ureteral stent-associated pain and urinary symptoms and to develop or evaluate approaches that mitigate these burdens, which are common issues for patients who require stents. Third, the studies include structured collection of clinical data and biological samples intended to create a resource for future investigations, allowing additional research questions to be pursued later using well-characterized specimens and datasets.

Operationally, the announcement is about sustaining the Scientific Data Research Center function for USDRN so the ongoing randomized trial and observational study can be completed with strong data management, coordination, and scientific oversight. While the summary text does not list every task, a data research center in this context commonly provides centralized data coordination across sites, supports protocol and case report form implementation, ensures consistent data collection and quality control, oversees secure data systems, assists with monitoring and reporting, supports statistical and analytic activities, and helps manage study documentation and regulatory or compliance-related needs tied to multi-site clinical research. The emphasis on completing clinical investigations suggests continuity, stability, and the ability to carry forward existing systems, workflows, and institutional knowledge are central to what NIH is buying with this award.

Eligibility is restricted by design. The FOA invites applications from the current USDRN Scientific Data Research Center, making it a limited competition rather than an open call. The text also notes that certain other applicant types may be eligible (such as eligible federal agencies and U.S. territories or possessions), but foreign institutions cannot apply. In addition, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement are not allowed. In practical terms, this means the work must be led and carried out within allowable U.S.-based organizational structures, without foreign institutional applicants or foreign project components.

Key administrative details from the source listing include the Funding Opportunity Number RFA-DK-20-507, the activity mechanism U24 (cooperative agreement), the NIH as the agency, and an original closing date of February 9, 2021. The listing shows an award ceiling of $700,000. The opportunity is categorized under discretionary funding and is associated with CFDA number 93.847. Overall, the grant is best understood as targeted continuation support for the existing USDRN data coordinating infrastructure so NIDDK can finish generating high-quality evidence on fluid-intake interventions for stone recurrence, improve understanding and management of stent-related symptoms, and preserve data and biospecimens for future urinary stone disease research.

• The National Institutes of Health in the food and nutrition, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Urinary Stone Disease Research Network (USDRN) Scientific Data Research Center (U24 Clinical Trial Required)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.847.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-09-10.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-02-09. (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 $700,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

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