Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HL 19 010
This funding opportunity (RFA-HL-19-010) is a limited-competition cooperative agreement from the National Institutes of Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to support the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) for the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN). In practical terms, NIH is looking to fund one central coordinating hub that will organize, manage, and support the network-wide clinical research portfolio for CTSN. The award mechanism is a U01 cooperative agreement, which generally means the NIH will have substantial programmatic involvement in the project compared with a standard grant, and the work is expected to be carried out in close collaboration with NIH staff and the rest of the CTSN sites.
The CTSN renewal described in the announcement is centered on producing high-quality, collaborative randomized controlled trials and related studies in cardiothoracic surgery, while deliberately reaching beyond surgery alone. The FOA emphasizes research questions that sit at the intersection of cardiac surgery with broader cardiology and neurology care, particularly where outcomes depend on cross-specialty, team-based decision-making and management. The overall expectation is that the network will test interventions and novel therapies in the surgical context, generate evidence that can improve patient outcomes, and produce findings that can influence clinical practice in ways that are relevant and translatable to the general population, not just to highly specialized centers.
A key feature of this renewal is the explicit integration of implementation research alongside randomized trials. Rather than stopping at whether an intervention works under trial conditions, the network is expected to study how best to support uptake, long-term use, and sustainability of evidence-based practices in real-world settings. This focus is framed as especially important in areas of high disease burden, where improvements in care delivery and consistent adoption of proven strategies can have an outsized impact. In other words, CTSN is being positioned not only to generate definitive trial results, but also to help close the gap between evidence and routine practice.
Another stated goal is workforce development. The network is expected to help foster the next generation of clinical investigators and implementation researchers, reflecting an interest in building long-term capacity in rigorous trial methods, multisite collaboration, and pragmatic translation of results into clinical systems. While the FOA summary does not list specific training components, it makes clear that developing emerging researchers is part of the renewal’s mission and is meant to be embedded in the network’s activities.
Structurally, this FOA is specifically for the DCC, and it is paired with a separate companion announcement (RFA-HL-19-009) seeking applications for Linked Clinical Research Centers (LCRCs). That division signals that the CTSN model relies on multiple clinical sites enrolling participants and delivering interventions, with the DCC serving as the centralized backbone for trial coordination and network operations. The DCC would typically be expected to handle many of the functions that make complex, multisite surgical trials feasible and reliable, such as protocol and manual-of-operations development support, randomization and data systems, data collection standards, data quality assurance, safety and regulatory coordination, statistical design and analysis, reporting, and supporting network governance and communications across sites. The label “Clinical Trial Required” indicates that the funded activity is expected to include management and conduct of clinical trials rather than purely observational or preparatory work.
Eligibility is broad across government, academic, nonprofit, and for-profit entities, including institutions of higher education, hospitals or research organizations with appropriate infrastructure, and certain tribal and public housing authorities, among others. Even with broad eligibility language, the “limited competition” framing usually means only certain applicants are permitted to apply (for example, prior network participants or invitees), with the specific limitation typically detailed in the full FOA text under additional eligibility information. The opportunity is categorized under health (CFDA 93.837 and 93.840), and NIH anticipated making a single award. The posting indicates a creation date of May 16, 2018, with an original closing date of August 2, 2018. The award ceiling is listed as 0 in the summary data, which commonly reflects that the ceiling was not specified in that field rather than implying no funding; the full FOA would normally provide budget expectations or limits.
Overall, the opportunity is best understood as NIH funding one organization to serve as the operational and analytical center of a national cardiothoracic surgical trials network, with responsibilities spanning rigorous trial coordination, cross-specialty clinical research support, and an added emphasis on implementation strategies that help proven interventions move into sustained everyday care.Apply for RFA HL 19 010
- The Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Limited Competition: Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN) Data Coordinating Center (U01 Clinical Trial Required)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.837, 93.840.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 16, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 02, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- 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 (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is RFA-HL-19-010?
RFA-HL-19-010 is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support a Data Coordinating Center (DCC) for the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN). It is described as a limited-competition cooperative agreement focused on providing a single, central coordinating hub for CTSN's network-wide clinical research portfolio.
What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?
The purpose is to fund one organization to serve as the CTSN Data Coordinating Center (DCC). In practical terms, the DCC is expected to organize, manage, and support CTSN clinical research activities across the network, enabling high-quality, collaborative randomized controlled trials and related studies in cardiothoracic surgery and connected specialties.
Who is the sponsoring agency for this opportunity?
The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
What kind of award mechanism is being used?
This opportunity uses a U01 cooperative agreement mechanism. A cooperative agreement generally means NIH will have substantial programmatic involvement compared with a standard grant, and the work is expected to be carried out in close collaboration with NIH staff and CTSN sites.
How many awards does NIH expect to make?
NIH anticipated making a single award to support one Data Coordinating Center (DCC) for the CTSN.
What does "limited competition" mean in this context?
The opportunity is described as limited-competition, which typically means only certain applicants are permitted to apply (for example, prior network participants or invitees). The specific limitation is generally detailed in the full funding opportunity announcement under additional eligibility information.
What network is being supported by this award?
This award supports the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN), specifically by funding its Data Coordinating Center (DCC) for a renewal centered on rigorous, collaborative randomized controlled trials and related studies.
What is the role of the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) within CTSN?
The DCC is intended to be the centralized operational and analytical backbone for CTSN. The FOA describes the DCC as the hub that will organize, manage, and support the network-wide clinical research portfolio and enable consistent, reliable execution of complex multisite clinical trials.
What types of research are emphasized in the CTSN renewal described here?
The renewal emphasizes high-quality randomized controlled trials and related studies in cardiothoracic surgery, with deliberate reach beyond surgery alone. The FOA highlights research questions that sit at the intersection of cardiac surgery with broader cardiology and neurology care, especially where outcomes rely on cross-specialty, team-based decision-making and management.
Is this opportunity focused only on highly specialized surgical centers?
No. The FOA states an expectation that findings will be relevant and translatable to the general population, not just to highly specialized centers. The network is expected to generate evidence that can influence clinical practice in broadly applicable ways.
Does the opportunity require clinical trials?
Yes. The opportunity is labeled "Clinical Trial Required," which indicates the funded activity is expected to include management and conduct of clinical trials rather than being purely observational or preparatory.
What is meant by integrating implementation research alongside randomized trials?
The FOA emphasizes that the network should go beyond determining whether an intervention works under trial conditions. It is expected to study how best to support uptake, long-term use, and sustainability of evidence-based practices in real-world settings, helping close the gap between evidence and routine practice.
Why is implementation research highlighted as important in this FOA?
The FOA frames implementation research as especially important in areas of high disease burden, where consistent adoption of proven strategies and improvements in care delivery can have an outsized impact. The network is positioned to generate definitive trial results and also support sustained everyday care improvements.
How does this FOA relate to other CTSN funding opportunities?
This FOA is specifically for the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) and is paired with a companion announcement, RFA-HL-19-009, which seeks applications for Linked Clinical Research Centers (LCRCs). The model described relies on multiple clinical sites enrolling participants and delivering interventions, with the DCC serving as the central backbone for coordination and network operations.
What are Linked Clinical Research Centers (LCRCs) in this context?
LCRCs are the clinical sites (funded under the companion FOA RFA-HL-19-009) expected to enroll participants and deliver interventions. This DCC FOA supports the centralized functions that connect and coordinate those clinical sites within the CTSN.
What types of functions would a DCC typically be expected to perform for a multisite surgical trials network?
Based on the FOA summary, typical DCC functions would include support for protocol and manual-of-operations development, randomization and data systems, data collection standards, data quality assurance, safety and regulatory coordination, statistical design and analysis, reporting, and supporting network governance and communications across sites.
Is the CTSN renewal limited to testing surgical techniques only?
No. The FOA indicates the network will test interventions and novel therapies in the surgical context while addressing questions at the intersection of surgery and broader cardiology and neurology care. The emphasis is on cross-specialty, team-based decision-making and management where it affects outcomes.
Does this opportunity include workforce development goals?
Yes. Workforce development is stated as a goal of the renewal. The network is expected to foster the next generation of clinical investigators and implementation researchers and build long-term capacity in rigorous trial methods, multisite collaboration, and translation of results into clinical systems.
Are specific training program requirements described in the summary provided?
No. The summary notes that the FOA does not list specific training components, but it clearly indicates that developing emerging researchers is part of the mission and is intended to be embedded in network activities.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad across government, academic, nonprofit, and for-profit entities. Examples mentioned include institutions of higher education, hospitals or research organizations with appropriate infrastructure, and certain tribal and public housing authorities, among others. However, because it is a limited-competition opportunity, additional eligibility restrictions may apply as described in the full FOA text.
What subject areas or CFDA programs are associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is categorized under health and is associated with CFDA numbers 93.837 and 93.840.
When was this opportunity posted and when did it close?
The posting indicates a creation date of May 16, 2018, and an original closing date of August 2, 2018.
Is there a stated maximum award amount (ceiling) in the summary provided?
The award ceiling is listed as 0 in the summary data. This commonly indicates that a ceiling was not specified in that particular summary field rather than implying there is no funding. The full FOA would typically provide budget expectations or limits.
What does it mean that NIH will have "substantial programmatic involvement"?
In the context provided, it means the project is expected to be carried out in close collaboration with NIH staff and CTSN sites, with NIH more actively involved in programmatic coordination than in a standard grant mechanism.
What is the overall takeaway of this opportunity?
Overall, this opportunity is best understood as NIH funding one organization to serve as the operational and analytical center of a national cardiothoracic surgical trials network, coordinating rigorous trials and cross-specialty research while also emphasizing implementation strategies that support sustained adoption of evidence-based practices in real-world care.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: Youth Experience in Reducing Border Impacts & Hazardous Fuels Monitoring in Saguaro National Park
Previous opportunity: Rehabilitate Park Creek Trail Sections with SCA Youth Crew
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFA HL 19 010
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA HL 19 010) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN) Linked Clinical Research Centers (UM1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed ) Apply for RFA HL 19 009 Funding Number: RFA HL 19 009 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| ARC Congressional Grant Apply for HQ0034 18 1 0002 Funding Number: HQ0034 18 1 0002 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Health Funding Amount: $24,000,000 |
| ARMM Health Capacity Building Activity Apply for 72049218APS00001 02 Funding Number: 72049218APS00001 02 Agency: Agency for International Development, Philippines USAID-Manila Category: Health Funding Amount: $16,000,000 |
| RISE II HEALTH SERVICES DELIVERY ACTIVITY Apply for RFI 625 18 RISEII HSD Funding Number: RFI 625 18 RISEII HSD Agency: Agency for International Development, Senegal USAID-Dakar Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Vulnerable Rural Hospitals Assistance Program Apply for HRSA 18 121 Funding Number: HRSA 18 121 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Diabetes and Heart Disease & Stroke Prevent Programs-Improving the Health of Americans through Prevention and Management of Diabetes and Heart Disease and Stroke Apply for CDC RFA DP18 1815 Funding Number: CDC RFA DP18 1815 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - NCCDPHP Category: Health Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Community-Based Violence Prevention and Linkages to Response in South Africa Apply for 72067418RFA00008 Funding Number: 72067418RFA00008 Agency: Agency for International Development, South Africa USAID-Pretoria Category: Health Funding Amount: $19,800,000 |
| Health Financing Improvement Program Apply for 72066318RFA00001 Funding Number: 72066318RFA00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Ethiopia USAID-Addis Ababa Category: Health Funding Amount: $40,000,000 |
| Expansion of the Family-to-Family Health Information Centers Apply for HRSA 18 115 Funding Number: HRSA 18 115 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Directors Transformative Research Award (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA RM 18 009 Funding Number: RFA RM 18 009 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Directors New Innovator Award Program (DP2 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA RM 18 008 Funding Number: RFA RM 18 008 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program – Supplemental Funding Apply for HRSA 18 112 Funding Number: HRSA 18 112 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Provider’s Clinical Support System – Universities (Short Title: PCSS-Universities) Apply for TI 18 014 Funding Number: TI 18 014 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| National Technical Assistance Resource Center for the Prevention of Sexual Violence Apply for CDC RFA CE13 13060501SUPP18 Funding Number: CDC RFA CE13 13060501SUPP18 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - NCIPC Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part A HIV Emergency Relief Grant Program Apply for HRSA 19 033 Funding Number: HRSA 19 033 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Living Well-Model Approaches for Enhancing the Quality, Effectiveness and Monitoring of Home and Community Based Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Apply for HHS 2018 ACL AOD DNIQ 0301 Funding Number: HHS 2018 ACL AOD DNIQ 0301 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Health Funding Amount: $435,000 |
| Radiation Protection of the Public as Practiced by the State and Local Radiation Programs Apply for CDC RFA EH18 1803 Funding Number: CDC RFA EH18 1803 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - NCEH Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Dental Faculty Loan Repayment Program Apply for HRSA 18 120 Funding Number: HRSA 18 120 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Public Health Surveillance of Recent HIV Infection and Response under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Apply for CDC RFA GH19 1942 Funding Number: CDC RFA GH19 1942 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - CGH Category: Health Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Collecting Violent Death Information Using the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) Apply for CDC RFA CE18 1804 Funding Number: CDC RFA CE18 1804 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - NCIPC Category: Health Funding Amount: $761,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFA HL 19 010", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.