The Small Business BRDG-SPAN Pilot Program

NHLBI Participation in Biomedical Research, Development, and Growth to Spur the Acceleration of New Technologies Pilot Program (RC3) (RFA-OD-09-008)

The NHLBI will participate in the Biomedical Research, Development, and Growth to Spur the Acceleration of New Technologies (BRDG-SPAN) Pilot Program (RC3), which is supported by funds provided to the NIH under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5. The purpose of this pilot program is to address the funding gap between promising research and development (R&D) and transitioning to the market – often called the “Valley of Death” – by contributing to the critical funding needed by applicants to pursue the next appropriate milestone(s) toward ultimate commercialization.

The BRDG-SPAN program aims to accelerate the transition of research innovations and technologies toward the development of products or services that will improve human health, help advance the mission of NIH and its Institutes and Centers, and create significant value and economic stimulus. This program also aims to foster partnerships among a variety of R&D collaborators working toward these aims.

Contingent upon the submission of a sufficient number of scientifically meritorious applications, the NIH intends to commit at least $35 million in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement. The NIH anticipates that at least 10 awards will be made in fiscal year 2010, pending the number and quality of applications and availability of funds. Budget proposals are limited to $1 million total costs per year over three years.  Because the nature and scope of the research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size of each award will also vary.

This FOA will use the RC3 award mechanism. The Project Director/Principal Investigator will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the project.  

Letters of Intent are due August 3, 2009. Applications are due September 1, 2009.

For general information on the NHLBI’s implementation of the Small Business BRDG-SPAN Pilot Program, contact:

SUSAN PUCIE
Division of Blood Diseases and Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institutes of Health
301-435-0079
sp34j@nih.gov

For Financial or Grants Management questions, contact:

ROBERT VINSON
Office of Grants Management
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

National Institutes of Health
301-435-0169
rv7g@nih.gov

Last Updated September 4, 2009