RADx-UP CDCC Rapid Research Pilot Program

RADx-UPMiniGrant-PilotProgramAdmin@dm.duke.edu

Duke University in partnership with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, is serving as the Coordination and Data Collection Center (CDCC) for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics- Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) program. The program goal is to improve access to and uptake of diagnostic COVID-19 testing in communities of underserved and vulnerable populations. The Rapid Research Pilot Program will provide grants to evaluate the feasibility of implementing emerging COVID-19 testing technologies in underserved communities.

In the context of this program, underserved communities are defined as NIH-designated health disparity and socially vulnerable populations known to experience barriers to accessing health coverage and basic healthcare services as well as disparities from COVID-19, including:

• Residents of rural and remote communities
• Residents of tribal lands and reservations
• Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities
• Community-dwelling older adults
• Individuals with intellectual, developmental, sensory, or physical disabilities, cognitive impairment, dementia, or communication disorders
• Homeless populations
• Individuals involved with the criminal or juvenile justice systems
• Individuals with medical comorbidities known to increase risk of severe COVID-19
• Pregnant and post-partum women
• Children and adolescents
• Individuals living in congregate, overcrowded, or public housing
• Individuals with substance use disorders or serious mental illness
• Migrant and immigrant communities
• Communities exposed to high rates of air pollution or other toxic exposures

Applicants should address potential challenges in 3 key areas:

1. Potential barriers to effective testing
2. Alignment of testing to the target population
3. Testing workflow and access

Eligible organizations include institutions of higher education, industry, state and local governments, and community-based organizations. Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions are encouraged to apply.

Award ceiling: $200,000
Project period: 12 months

Links to additional guidance and the application instructions are provided on the program website.

While not required, applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent through the online application system by December 23, 2022. The full application deadline is January 13, 2023.