Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 085
Target Assessment, Engagement and Data Replicability to Improve Substance Use Disorders Treatment Outcomes (R33 Clinical Trial Optional) is an NIH grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PAR 18 085) that sits within the Collaborative Research on Addiction at NIH (CRAN) initiative. In practical terms, it is aimed at strengthening addiction treatment research by supporting projects that develop, refine, and run early or preliminary tests of targeted treatment approaches for substance use disorders, particularly where people may be using more than one substance. The FOA explicitly recognizes the reality of polysubstance use and encourages work that can address multiple substances at once, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (often grouped as ATOD). The R33 mechanism signals an emphasis on later-stage exploratory or developmental work where a project is positioned to move beyond basic development into more structured testing, and the "clinical trial optional" note means applicants may propose a study with or without a clinical trial component, depending on what best fits the research question.
A central theme of the announcement is improving treatment outcomes by focusing on three connected ideas: targeting, engagement, and data replicability. "Target assessment" points to research that improves how clinicians and researchers identify what a patient needs and which intervention components are most likely to work for that person, potentially across different substances and patterns of use. "Engagement" highlights the persistent challenge of getting people into treatment, keeping them involved long enough to benefit, and designing interventions that are acceptable and feasible in real-world settings. "Data replicability" underscores NIH's interest in generating findings that are reliable, transparent, and reproducible, meaning studies should be designed and documented in ways that support validation, reuse, and comparison across settings and populations. Together, these priorities reflect a push for interventions that are not only innovative, but also measurable, implementable, and capable of producing results other researchers can confirm.
The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding and uses a grant funding instrument, with activity areas in education and health. It is administered by the National Institutes of Health and is associated with CFDA numbers 93.273, 93.279, and 93.399, which correspond to NIH research assistance programs typically tied to drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and broader translational or clinical research domains. While the public summary does not list an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, the presence of the R33 mechanism and the CRAN framing indicate NIH is looking for well-justified, scientifically grounded projects that can produce actionable evidence for improving substance use disorder treatment.
Eligibility is intentionally broad, spanning many types of domestic organizations and several categories of specialized institutions and community entities. Standard eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; and tribal organizations that are not federally recognized. The FOA also allows applications from nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories), as well as for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses. Beyond that baseline list, the announcement emphasizes inclusion of a wide range of community-rooted and minority-serving institutions and organizations, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, and eligible federal agencies. It also notes that non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions may be eligible, reflecting an interest in diverse settings and populations where substance use disorder interventions and engagement strategies may differ.
The timeline information included in the source indicates an original closing date of 2019-09-07 and a creation date of 2017-11-17, which is useful for historical reference and for locating the full FOA text and any related notices, amendments, or reissues. Overall, the grant opportunity is best understood as a CRAN-linked NIH effort to support rigorous, early-stage to preliminary testing of targeted addiction treatments that can handle the complexity of multi-substance use, improve real-world participation in care, and produce replicable evidence that meaningfully advances substance use disorder treatment outcomes.Apply for PAR 18 085
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Target Assessment, Engagement and Data Replicability to Improve Substance Use Disorders Treatment Outcomes (R33 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.273, 93.279, 93.399.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-17.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-09-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity?
Target Assessment, Engagement and Data Replicability to Improve Substance Use Disorders Treatment Outcomes (R33 Clinical Trial Optional) is an NIH grant opportunity under Funding Opportunity Number (FON) PAR-18-085. It sits within the Collaborative Research on Addiction at NIH (CRAN) initiative.
What is the overall goal of PAR-18-085?
The opportunity is aimed at strengthening addiction treatment research by supporting projects that develop, refine, and conduct early or preliminary tests of targeted treatment approaches for substance use disorders (SUDs), including the common reality that people may be using more than one substance.
What kinds of substance use does the FOA focus on?
The FOA explicitly recognizes polysubstance use and encourages research that can address multiple substances at once. It calls out alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (often grouped as ATOD) as examples of substance categories that may be addressed together.
What does "R33" mean in this announcement?
The R33 mechanism indicates an emphasis on later-stage exploratory or developmental work where a project is positioned to move beyond basic development into more structured testing. In practical terms, it supports work that is still exploratory/developmental, but ready for more formal early testing.
What does "Clinical Trial Optional" mean?
"Clinical Trial Optional" means applicants may propose a study that includes a clinical trial component or a study without a clinical trial component, depending on what best fits the research question and proposed approach.
What are the three core themes emphasized by the FOA?
The FOA centers on improving SUD treatment outcomes by focusing on three linked priorities: targeting (via target assessment), engagement, and data replicability.
What is meant by "target assessment" in this context?
"Target assessment" refers to research that improves how clinicians and researchers identify what a patient needs and which intervention components are most likely to work for that person. The FOA frames this as potentially spanning different substances and different patterns of use.
What does the FOA mean by "engagement"?
"Engagement" highlights the challenge of getting people into treatment, keeping them involved long enough to benefit, and designing interventions that are acceptable and feasible in real-world settings.
What does "data replicability" mean for proposed projects?
"Data replicability" reflects NIH interest in findings that are reliable, transparent, and reproducible. Studies should be designed and documented in ways that support validation, reuse, and comparison across settings and populations.
How do targeting, engagement, and replicability fit together in this FOA?
Together, these priorities reflect a push for interventions that are innovative but also measurable, implementable, and able to produce results that other researchers can confirm.
Is this opportunity intended for basic research or applied research?
Based on the description provided, the FOA emphasizes developing/refining targeted treatment approaches and running early/preliminary tests in a way that produces actionable evidence for improving SUD treatment outcomes, with attention to real-world feasibility and reproducibility.
Which agency administers this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
How is this opportunity connected to CRAN?
It is described as sitting within the Collaborative Research on Addiction at NIH (CRAN) initiative, signaling alignment with CRAN goals around advancing addiction research.
What type of funding is this (grant, contract, etc.)?
It is discretionary funding that uses a grant funding instrument.
What are the activity areas for this opportunity?
The activity areas listed are education and health.
Which CFDA numbers are associated with this FOA?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA numbers 93.273, 93.279, and 93.399, described as NIH research assistance programs typically tied to drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and broader translational or clinical research domains.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many domestic organizations and specialized institutions/community entities, as well as certain non-U.S. and territorial applicants as described in the FOA summary.
Are state, county, or local governments eligible?
Yes. The eligible applicants listed include state governments, county governments, and local governments.
Are special district governments eligible?
Yes. Special district governments are explicitly listed as eligible applicants.
Are public housing authorities eligible?
Yes. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities are included in the eligibility list.
Are institutions of higher education eligible?
Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, as well as private institutions of higher education, are included as eligible applicants.
Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized tribal governments are listed as eligible, and tribal organizations that are not federally recognized are also included in the eligibility description.
Are nonprofits eligible to apply?
Yes. Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status are included as eligible applicants, with the caveat that the nonprofit categories referenced exclude institutions of higher education in those nonprofit groupings.
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also explicitly included.
Does the FOA encourage applications from minority-serving institutions (MSIs)?
Yes. The announcement emphasizes inclusion of a range of minority-serving institutions and community-rooted organizations.
Which minority-serving institutions are specifically mentioned?
The summary names Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).
Are faith-based or community-based organizations included in eligibility?
Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are explicitly mentioned among the included organization types.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Yes. The eligibility description includes eligible federal agencies.
Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible?
Yes. The summary notes that non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) may be eligible.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. The summary notes that U.S. territories or possessions may be eligible.
Are regional organizations eligible?
Yes. Regional organizations are mentioned as potentially eligible in the eligibility description.
Does the public summary provide an award ceiling or expected number of awards?
No. The public summary described here does not list an award ceiling or the expected number of awards.
What does the FOA suggest NIH is looking for in proposed projects?
The description indicates NIH is looking for well-justified, scientifically grounded projects that can produce actionable evidence for improving SUD treatment, aligned with targeted approaches, stronger engagement, and replicable data and findings.
What are the key dates provided in the summary?
The summary lists a creation date of 2017-11-17 and an original closing date of 2019-09-07. These dates are useful for historical reference and for locating the full FOA text and related notices, amendments, or reissues.
Is this opportunity particularly relevant for interventions addressing multiple substances at once?
Yes. The FOA explicitly recognizes polysubstance use and encourages work that can address multiple substances at once, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD).
What stage of testing is implied by "early or preliminary tests"?
Based on the summary, the supported work includes developing and refining targeted treatment approaches and then conducting early or preliminary tests, consistent with the R33 emphasis on moving into more structured testing beyond basic development.
How does the FOA frame real-world implementation concerns?
It emphasizes engagement and feasibility, specifically calling attention to designing interventions that are acceptable and feasible in real-world settings and that keep participants involved long enough to benefit.
How does the FOA frame transparency and documentation?
Through its emphasis on data replicability, it signals that studies should be designed and documented to support validation, reuse, and comparison across settings and populations.
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| Development and Application of PET and SPECT Imaging Ligands as Biomarkers for Drug Discovery and for Pathophysiological Studies of CNS Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 227 Funding Number: PAR 18 227 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01) Apply for PAR 18 365 Funding Number: PAR 18 365 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Target Assessment, Engagement and Data Replicability to Improve Substance Use Disorders Treatment Outcomes (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 086 Funding Number: PAR 18 086 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01) Apply for PAR 18 364 Funding Number: PAR 18 364 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Transition Career Development Award to Promote Diversity (K22 - No Clinical Trials) Apply for PAR 18 366 Funding Number: PAR 18 366 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (NCI Omnibus R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 021 Funding Number: PAR 18 021 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 230 Funding Number: PAR 18 230 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Transition Career Development Award to Promote Diversity (K22 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 18 367 Funding Number: PAR 18 367 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Strategic Alliances for Medications Development to Treat Substance Use Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 218 Funding Number: PAR 18 218 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Grand Opportunity in Medications Development for Substance-Use Disorders (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 219 Funding Number: PAR 18 219 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 18 370 Funding Number: PA 18 370 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) for the Treatment of Mental or Substance Use Disorders or Alcohol Addiction (U19 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 231 Funding Number: PAR 18 231 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| A Family-Centered Self-Management of Chronic Conditions (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 383 Funding Number: PA 18 383 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Population Health Interventions: Integrating Individual and Group Level Evidence (R21)- Clinical Trials Not Allowed Apply for PA 18 406 Funding Number: PA 18 406 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Methodology and Measurement in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R21) Clinical Trials Optional Apply for PAR 18 378 Funding Number: PAR 18 378 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| mHealth Tools for Individuals with Chronic Conditions to Promote Effective Patient-Provider Communication, Adherence to Treatment and Self-Management (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 389 Funding Number: PA 18 389 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| mHealth Tools for Individuals with Chronic Conditions to Promote Effective Patient-Provider Communication, Adherence to Treatment and Self-Management (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 386 Funding Number: PA 18 386 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Population Health Interventions: Integrating Individual and Group Level Evidence (R01) - Clinical Trial Optional Apply for PA 18 385 Funding Number: PA 18 385 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Population Health Interventions: Integrating Individual and Group Level Evidence (R01) Clinical Trials Not Allowed Apply for PA 18 356 Funding Number: PA 18 356 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Methodology and Measurement in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R01) Clinical Trials Optional Apply for PAR 18 352 Funding Number: PAR 18 352 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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