Discovery of the Genetic Basis of Childhood Cancers and of Structural Birth Defects: Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (X01, Clinical Trials Not Allowed) | PAR 18 583

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 583

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant opportunity titled "Discovery of the Genetic Basis of Childhood Cancers and of Structural Birth Defects: Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (X01, Clinical Trials Not Allowed)" (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-18-583) supports the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First). The main purpose is to generate high-quality genomic data from pediatric cohorts so researchers can better understand the genetic drivers of childhood cancers and the genetic causes of structural birth defects. Rather than funding a traditional hypothesis-driven research project with extensive experimental work, this mechanism is centered on enabling whole genome sequencing (and, when appropriate, other sequencing approaches) on valuable existing patient samples, with the resulting datasets contributed back to a shared national data resource.

At its core, this opportunity invites investigators and institutions to submit samples from pediatric cohorts for sequencing at a Kids First-supported sequencing center. Applicants are encouraged to focus on two major directions: (1) sequencing existing pediatric cancer cohorts to clarify how inherited and tumor-acquired genetic variation contributes to childhood cancers, and (2) expanding the range of disorders represented in the Kids First Data Resource by sequencing cohorts affected by structural birth defects, with the goal of uncovering genetic etiologies that have been difficult to resolve using smaller datasets or less comprehensive technologies. While whole genome sequencing is a central emphasis, the program also makes exome sequencing and transcriptome sequencing available, including sequencing of tumors or other affected tissues when there is a clear scientific justification. This flexibility is meant to ensure that the chosen sequencing strategy matches the biology and the research questions, such as pairing germline and tumor genomes in cancer, or using transcriptome data to interpret functional consequences of variants in affected tissues.

A defining feature of the program is its commitment to broad data sharing and building community resources. Data generated through supported sequencing do not remain solely within the applicant's laboratory; instead, they become part of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Data Resource (Kids First Data Resource). The intent is to accelerate discovery by making harmonized, well-characterized pediatric genomic datasets available to the wider pediatric research community, enabling cross-cohort analyses, meta-analyses, and replication studies that are often impossible when data are siloed. In practical terms, applicants should expect that participation includes an expectation of contributing data and associated metadata in a way that supports downstream use by other researchers, consistent with applicable consent, privacy, and data governance requirements.

This opportunity uses the X01 funding instrument (a grant mechanism) and is categorized under Health (CFDA number 93.310). Clinical trials are not allowed under this announcement, reinforcing that the program is not designed to test interventions or prospectively assign participants to treatments. Instead, it is focused on genomic sequencing and the creation of research-ready datasets derived from pediatric cohorts.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of domestic U.S. applicants, such as state, county, and city governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding higher education institutions where applicable); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. In addition, the announcement explicitly highlights other eligible applicant categories that reflect a strong inclusion focus, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This breadth is designed to encourage participation from a wide range of institutions that may have access to unique pediatric cohorts, including underserved populations and geographically diverse communities.

Key administrative details provided in the source include an original closing date of 2018-03-22 and a creation date of 2018-01-16. The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided listing. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a pathway for qualified groups that already have access to pediatric samples and cohorts to obtain high-value whole genome (and related) sequencing through the Kids First infrastructure, while ensuring that the resulting data strengthen a national pediatric genomic resource intended to speed up discoveries in childhood cancer and structural birth defects.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Discovery of the Genetic Basis of Childhood Cancers and of Structural Birth Defects: Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (X01, Clinical Trials Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.310.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-01-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-03-22. (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.

Apply for PAR 18 583

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