Large Research Projects for Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (R01)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, issued this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to support large-scale research projects aimed at reducing and preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs remain a critical issue within the U.S. healthcare system, contributing significantly to patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients experiences a HAI on any given day, underlining the urgency of advancing preventive strategies. AHRQ supports research that aligns with federal priorities such as the National Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections and the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB), emphasizing both the scientific advancement and the practical implementation of HAI reduction strategies. This FOA is intended for applicants proposing R01 research projects to expand the evidence base regarding effective interventions and the epidemiology of HAIs. Eligible projects may examine the efficacy and effectiveness of preventive methods, analyze patient risk factors, clinical presentations, and sources of antibiotic-resistant organisms, and evaluate related aspects of infection control in acute care hospitals, ambulatory settings, and long-term care environments. Projects should also consider how under-resourced healthcare settings are impacted by HAIs and ensure inclusion of AHRQ-designated priority populations such as low-income groups, minorities, rural residents, and individuals with disabilities. Funding is offered through a grant mechanism with a project period not to exceed five years. Each award may not exceed $500,000 in total costs annually or $2.5 million over the entire project period. Projects must strictly adhere to AHRQ’s policies and cost principles, with funding limited to direct project-related expenses. While cost-sharing is not required, institutions are encouraged to contribute in-kind support, which can enhance project feasibility and sustainability. Applicants must follow the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide in preparing their proposals, noting that AHRQ diverges from NIH guidelines in key areas such as page limits and use of the Modular Grant format. Proposals must include a Data Management Plan and comply with public access policies requiring that peer-reviewed findings be deposited in PubMed Central within 12 months of publication. Applications are submitted via NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution, and must comply with all registration and account requirements, including a valid DUNS number and SAM registration. Standard application due dates apply, beginning with the first cycle on October 5, 2021. The FOA originally had a May 27, 2025 expiration date but was extended to March 20, 2026. As of the analysis date, the opportunity is expired but may still accept late applications under NIH late or continuous submission policies, subject to case-by-case approval. All proposals undergo scientific peer review and are evaluated on factors such as significance, innovation, investigator expertise, and alignment with AHRQ mission and priorities. Applicants may contact Dr. David Calfee or Dr. Melissa Miller at the Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (CQuIPS) for scientific/research questions. Grants management queries should be directed to Steven Young. AHRQ may require quarterly program calls and semiannual reports in addition to annual Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPR). This FOA is part of AHRQ’s broader initiative to improve healthcare quality and safety nationwide through the dissemination and implementation of research findings.