Large Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects for Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (R18)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), invites applications for its "Large Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects for Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (R18)." This funding opportunity, under the R18 mechanism, supports research focused on the prevention and reduction of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) through large-scale demonstration and dissemination projects. AHRQ, through its Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (CQuIPS), is a national leader in funding research designed to improve the safety and quality of the U.S. healthcare system. This funding opportunity is intended to promote the widespread adoption and scale-up of effective interventions to reduce HAIs across various healthcare settings. Healthcare-associated infections are a critical public health issue, responsible for significant morbidity, mortality, and financial burden in the United States. Approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients in the U.S. suffers from an HAI at any given time. The purpose of this grant is to fund demonstration projects that translate evidence-based practices into broader healthcare settings, including acute care hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, and long-term care environments. These projects must focus on the dissemination and implementation of proven strategies to reduce infections such as central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, MRSA, C. difficile, and respiratory viral HAIs. AHRQ seeks projects that will advance the adoption and sustainment of prevention strategies, especially in under-resourced healthcare settings. While the primary focus is on HAIs, applicants may also address issues related to the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB NAP), particularly where infection prevention intersects with antibiotic stewardship. Applications should include a clear dissemination plan and consider health equity dimensions, including the inclusion and analysis of AHRQ priority populations such as racial/ethnic minorities, women, children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and underserved communities. Eligible applicants include a broad range of U.S.-based entities, including public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, and various government organizations. Foreign institutions and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply as the lead institution, though they may participate as subcontractors. The total award budget is capped at $500,000 per year with a maximum total of $2.5 million over five years. Cost sharing is not required, though applicants may choose to include institutional support to strengthen their application. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov or NIH’s ASSIST system. There are no letter of intent requirements, and standard application due dates apply. The first due date was September 25, 2021, and applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. The opportunity expired on March 20, 2026. While this specific announcement has expired, NIH may accept applications on a case-by-case basis under late or continuous submission policies. The program is recurring, and interested parties should monitor the NIH Guide for active opportunities. Scientific and programmatic contacts include Dr. David Calfee and Dr. Melissa Miller at AHRQ. Questions about application submission should be directed to the eRA Service Desk or Grants.gov support. Awards are made under authority of 42 U.S.C. 299a, and recipients are expected to submit annual and semiannual progress reports detailing performance in alignment with FOA goals. AHRQ emphasizes timely, equity-focused, and evidence-based results from funded demonstration and dissemination projects.