The Metastasis Research Network (MetNet): MetNet Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Funding Amount
Up to $500,000
Deadline
November 22, 2028
959 days left
Grant Type
federal
Overview
The Metastasis Research Network (MetNet): MetNet Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Metastasis Research Network (MetNet) is a collection of U54 Research Centers that support using systems-level approaches to understand pressing questions in metastasis. The overall goal of the MetNet is to advance our understanding of metastasis as a whole body, systems-level problem to develop a comprehensive and cohesive picture of the processes involved. Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the NCI invites applications for MetNet Research Projects. These Research Projects should be defined as discrete entities that use systems-level approaches to address gaps and opportunities in metastasis research to integrate into the MetNet and complement ongoing research across the Network.
Details
- Agency: National Institutes of Health
- Department: Department of Health and Human Services
- Opportunity #: PAR-26-134
- Instrument: cooperative_agreement
Eligibility
Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International CollaborationsNon-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.NIH will no longer issue awards (i.e., new, renewal, or non-competing continuation) to domestic or foreign entities that involve foreign subawards/subcontracts. All NIH-funded research involving foreign subawards/subcontracts must be submitted in response to a NOFO that is specifically designated for funded international collaborations. This new requirement was effective, May 1, 2025.Applications involving foreign subawards/subcontracts submitted in response to this NOFO will be deemed noncompliant and will not be considered for funding. This policy applies to all monetary international collaborations resu
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
How to Apply
PAR-26-134-Full-Announcement.html
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<title>PAR-26-134: The Metastasis Research Network (MetNet): MetNet Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)</title>
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<div id="page-title" class="heading1" tabindex="0">Department of Health and Human Services</div>
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<a id='_bookmark261213' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_Part 1. Overview Information"></a><h1>Part 1. Overview Information</h1>
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<a id='_bookmark261214' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Participating Organization(s)
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<p>National Institutes of Health (<a href="http://www.nih.gov">NIH</a>)</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261216' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Components of Participating Organizations
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<p>National Cancer Institute (<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">NCI</a>)
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<a id='_bookmark261218' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Funding Opportunity Title
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<span class="title">The Metastasis Research Network (MetNet): MetNet Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)</span>
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<a id='_bookmark261219' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Activity Code
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<p><a href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/ac_search_results.htm?text_curr=u01&Search.x=0&Search.y=0&Search_Type=Activity">U01</a> Research Project – Cooperative Agreements</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261220' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Announcement Type
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Reissue of
PAR-25-130
<br/>
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<a id='_bookmark261221' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Related Notices
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<ul><li>Check for any recent <a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.php?id=11163">Notices of NIH Policy Changes</a> that may impact application requirements.</li></ul>
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<a id='_bookmark261222' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Funding Opportunity Number (FON)
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<span class="noticenum">PAR-26-134</span>
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<a id='_bookmark261223' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Companion Funding Opportunity
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None
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<a id='_bookmark261224' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Number of Applications
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<p>See Section III. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261225' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Assistance Listing Number(s)
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93.396
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<a id='_bookmark261226' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Funding Opportunity Purpose
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<p>The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Metastasis Research Network (MetNet) is a collection of U54 Research Centers that support using systems-level approaches to understand pressing questions in metastasis. The overall goal of the MetNet is to advance our understanding of metastasis as a whole body, systems-level problem to develop a comprehensive and cohesive picture of the processes involved. Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the NCI invites applications for MetNet Research Projects. These Research Projects should be defined as discrete entities that use systems-level approaches to address gaps and opportunities in metastasis research to integrate into the MetNet and complement ongoing research across the Network.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261228' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Funding Opportunity Goal(s)
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<p>To provide fundamental information on the cause and nature of cancer in people, with the expectation that this will result in better methods of prevention, detection and diagnosis, and treatment of neoplastic diseases. Cancer Biology Research includes the following research programs: cancer cell biology; cancer immunology, hematology and etiology; DNA and chromosomal aberrations; tumor biology and metastasis; and structural biology and molecular applications.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261229' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_Key Dates"></a><h2>Key Dates</h2>
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<a id='_bookmark261230' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Posted Date
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February 04, 2026
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<a id='_bookmark261231' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Open Date (Earliest Submission Date)
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May 05, 2026
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The following table includes NIH <a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/due-dates-and-submission-policies/due-dates.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">standard due dates</a> marked with an asterisk.
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<th scope="col" style="width:16.66%;border-left:2px solid #bcbcbc;" class="text-center">New</th>
<th scope="col" style="width:16.66%" class="text-center">Renewal / Resubmission / Revision (as allowed)</th>
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June 05, 2026 *
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July 05, 2026 *
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Not Applicable
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<td>November 2026</td>
<td> January 2027
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<td>April 2027</td>
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October 05, 2026 *
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November 05, 2026 *
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<td>
Not Applicable
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<td>March 2027</td>
<td> May 2027
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<td>July 2027</td>
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June 05, 2027 *
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<td>
July 05, 2027 *
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Not Applicable
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<td>November 2027</td>
<td> January 2028
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<td>April 2028</td>
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October 05, 2027 *
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November 05, 2027 *
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Not Applicable
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<td>March 2028</td>
<td> May 2028
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<td>July 2028</td>
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June 05, 2028 *
</td>
<td>
July 05, 2028 *
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<td>
Not Applicable
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<td>November 2028</td>
<td> January 2029
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<td>April 2029</td>
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October 05, 2028 *
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November 05, 2028 *
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<td>
Not Applicable
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<td>March 2029</td>
<td> May 2029
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<td>July 2029</td>
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<a id='_bookmark261235' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. </p>
<p>Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.</p>
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November 06, 2028
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<p>It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the Research (R) Instructions in the <a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=82400">How to Apply - Application Guide</a>, except where instructed to do otherwise (in this NOFO or in a Notice from <a href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=11164">NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts</a>).</p>
<p>Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the NOFO) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions.</p>
<p><strong>Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.</strong></p>
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<a id='_bookmark262235' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p style="margin-left:0in;">There are several options available to submit your application through Grants.gov to NIH and Department of Health and Human Services partners. You <strong>must</strong> use one of these submission options to access the application forms for this opportunity.</p><ol><li>Use the <a href="https://public.era.nih.gov/assist/landing.era?tabId=0819b5fc-46b7-4f02-b6b7-127e5a4e19fa">NIH ASSIST system</a> to prepare, submit and track your application online.</li><li>Use an institutional system-to-system (S2S) solution to prepare and submit your application to Grants.gov and <a href="https://public.era.nih.gov/commons/">eRA Commons</a> to track your application. Check with your institutional officials regarding availability.</li><li>Use <a href="https://grants.gov/search-grants?oppStatuses=closed|archived|posted|forecasted&fon=PA-25-301">Grants.gov</a> Workspace to prepare and submit your application and <a href="http://public.era.nih.gov/commons/">eRA Commons</a> to track your application.</li></ol>
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<div id="tocDiv">
<div class="heading1" tabindex="0">Table of Contents</div>
<div class="toc-link"><a href="#_Part1.OverviewInformation">Part 1. Overview Information</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_KeyDates">Key Dates</a></div><div class="toc-link"><a href="#_Part2.FullTextofAnnouncement">Part 2. Full Text of Announcement</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_SectionI.NoticeofFundingOpportunityDescription">Section I. Notice of Funding Opportunity Description</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_SectionII.AwardInformation">Section II. Award Information</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_SectionIII.EligibilityInformation">Section III. Eligibility Information</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_SectionIV.ApplicationandSubmissionInformation">Section IV. Application and Submission Information</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_SectionV.ApplicationReviewInformation">Section V. Application Review Information</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_SectionVI.AwardAdministrationInformation">Section VI. Award Administration Information</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_SectionVII.AgencyContacts">Section VII. Agency Contacts</a></div><div class="toc-link P_SingleIndent"><a href="#_SectionVIII.OtherInformation">Section VIII. Other Information</a></div>
</div><br/>
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<a id='_bookmark261245' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_Part 2. Full Text of Announcement"></a><h1>Part 2. Full Text of Announcement</h1>
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<a id='_bookmark261246' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_Section I. Notice of Funding Opportunity Description"></a><h2>Section I. Notice of Funding Opportunity Description</h2>
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<a id='_bookmark261247' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><h4><strong>Purpose</strong></h4><p style="margin-left:0px;">Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) solicits applications proposing research projects that use integrative systems-level approaches to address a specific question in metastasis research. Such projects are expected to integrate with the NCI’s Metastasis Research Network (MetNet) and complement its ongoing research.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Proposed projects should emphasize one of the central themes defined in the MetNet NOFO (<a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/rfa-ca-20-029.html">RFA-CA-20-029</a>) such as dormancy, early dissemination, cellular and/or physical microenvironment crosstalk, or mechanisms of responses by metastatic cells to therapies.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Consideration of a central theme within specific areas of research encouraged by this initiative includes, but are not limited to:</p><ul><li>Early dissemination and crosstalk as they apply to metastasis from the cancer of the lungs, prostate, pancreas, liver, kidney, bladder, or ovary;</li><li>Metastasis to sites such as the bone, lungs, or rare sites;</li><li>Metastatic processes such as the establishment of, maintenance of, or emergence from dormancy; and</li><li>Mechanisms of metastasis in cancers with rising mortality rates and those with high incidence.</li></ul><h4><strong>Background</strong></h4><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>The MetNet.</strong> Launched in 2021, the MetNet consists of U54 Research Centers that support using systems level approaches to elucidate and integrate a mechanistic understanding of the non-linear, dynamic processes in metastasis. Considering both chronological progression and biological scales, the overall goal of the MetNet is to advance our understanding of metastasis as a whole body, systems-level problem with the goal of developing a comprehensive and cohesive picture of the emergent processes involved. The MetNet is governed by the MetNet Steering Committee. The U01 Research Project awardees supported under this NOFO will integrate into and be required to participate in all MetNet activities, including serving as Steering Committee members.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Complexity of Metastatic Dissemination.</strong> Our understanding of the mechanisms associated with metastasis is complicated by the fact that some genetically distinct cancer cells can disseminate early, and, for some, before progression to clinically defined invasive stages of primary cancer. Dissemination occurs in the context of a multitude of complex reciprocal interactions among the tumors and their soluble and physical microenvironments that can promote dynamic crosstalk between multiple organ systems creating a systemic disease. Despite increased understanding of many of the individual steps in metastasis, less is known about how each step is influenced by or influences distant tissues and the whole organism. Dissemination can occur non-linearly, via multiple concurrent, partially overlapping routes that require the acquisition of cell-autonomous and microenvironment-mediated metastasis-promoting phenotypes. Because the molecular requirements are distinct for growth in different organs and environments, defining such phenotypes is challenging. However, the use of integrative approaches that incorporate the host micro- and macroenvironments, immune-mediated events, and crosstalk among the primary tumor, pre-metastatic, and metastatic sites can aid in shedding light on the complexity and dynamic nature of metastasis.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Understanding the Spectrum of the Metastatic Process and Dormancy.</strong> In general, metastasis research has often focused on discrete elements of the metastatic process, such as the acquisition of an invasive and migratory phenotype with experimental systems mimicking intravasation and extravasation using advanced stage tumor models or accelerated metastasis models in murine systems. Improving physiologically relevant models that capture the entire metastatic process and further developing probes to track and monitor the <i>in vivo</i> dynamics of metastatic cell states would help facilitate understanding of the spectrum of metastasis. In patients with cancer, metastatic cells lie dormant or quiescent at the secondary site for weeks, months, or years, only to recoup proliferative ability and develop overt metastases that appear later in clinical progression and/or after primary treatment. The molecular, cellular, and tissue-level mechanisms that contribute to the early dissemination, dormancy, and eventual growth of detectable metastatic lesions are not well understood, and definitive <i>in vivo</i> measures of early metastasis and metastatic dormancy are needed to continue to propel the field to the next level.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Metastasis as a whole-body, systems-level challenge.</strong> The cooperation between the entire system or organism and multiple cellular phenotypes leading to metastasis and supporting metastatic outgrowth makes metastasis research a whole-body, systems-level/physiology challenge. Therefore, undertaking metastasis research using dynamic, holistic systems-level approaches —taking an integrated perspective that considers the whole organism —could generate mechanistic models that encompass dynamic biological scales, and provide opportunities to derive a more comprehensive picture of metastasis.</p><h4><strong>Research Objectives</strong></h4><p style="margin-left:0px;">Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the MetNet Website (<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/dcb/research-programs/metnet">The MetNet</a>) or NIH Reporter (<a href="https://reporter.nih.gov/">https://reporter.nih.gov/</a>) to learn more about the research covered by the MetNet Centers. A diversity of approaches, cancers, and themes are of programmatic interest. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact NCI Program Staff before submission with questions regarding project goals and scope.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">To promote integration with the MetNet Centers, projects should encompass one of the central themes defined in the MetNet NOFO (<a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/rfa-ca-20-029.html">RFA-CA-20-029</a>). Moreover, specific areas of research encouraged by this initiative involve early dissemination and crosstalk as they apply to metastasis from organs such as lungs, prostate, pancreas, liver, kidney, bladder, or ovary; metastasis to sites such as the bone or lung or rare sites; associated metastatic processes such as the establishment of, maintenance of, or emergence from dormancy; and investigations that explore mechanisms of metastasis in cancers with rising mortality rates and those that focus on disparate incidence and outcomes among patients.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Examples of individual research project topics that could fill the gaps within the current MetNet portfolio and cooperate towards a systems-level understanding of metastasis include, but are not limited to:</p><ul><li>Characterization of molecular and phenotypic signatures that define the dormant state in secondary organs or metastatic sites and/or how those molecules and phenotypes act in concert with the mechanisms underlying metastatic dormancy;</li><li>Determination of cell intrinsic and/or microenvironmental factors that support the maintenance of a dormant state, dynamic phenotypic switching, and/or exit from metastatic dormancy;</li><li>Determination of cell intrinsic and/or microenvironmental factors that define pre-metastatic niche conditioning or organ tropism;</li><li>Examination of the role of stem-like or developmental cellular features that facilitate early disseminated tumor cells or emergence from the dormant state;</li><li>Determination of the effect of standard-of-care or targeted therapies on promotion, maintenance, or emergence from a dormant state;</li><li>Development of clinically relevant experimental models that concurrently address multiple dynamic and plastic steps in the metastatic process to organs such as the lung or bone;</li><li>Studies that integrate metastasis with the macroenvironment;</li><li>Development and application of novel tools to identify and track metastatic cells in vivo, including metastatic dormant cells, circulating tumor cells, or other micro- or macro- metastatic lesions to address mechanistic questions;</li><li>Determination of cell intrinsic and/or microenvironmental factors that facilitate early dissemination of tumor cells including angiogenic, immunogenic, neurogenic, and other stromal cells and structural proteins from pancreas, lung, prostate, kidney, bladder, or ovary;</li><li>Studies that advance and integrate an understanding of the role of signaling networks that mediate neural invasion to promote metastasis; and</li><li>Determination of the mechanisms and impact of innervation across tissues and organs and how that influences dormancy and colonization.</li></ul><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Organization of Individual Research Projects and the MetNet</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><i>MetNet Expertise:</i> The MetNet Centers involve transdisciplinary expertise that spans cancer biology, genetics, physical sciences, neurology, immunology, physiology, systems biology, and bioinformatics. To continue to promote collaborative opportunities and expertise sharing, this NOFO encourages the use of the multi-PD/PI option, with a team having complementary expertise. A designated Resource and Data Sharing manager is required.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><i>MetNet Organization</i>: The MetNet will consist of the originally funded U54 Research Centers and all U01 Research Projects that will be awarded through this NOFO. These entities will be governed by the MetNet Steering Committee, comprised of contact PIs, patient advocates, and NCI Program Staff.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><i>MetNet Pilot Projects</i>: To promote greater interactions across the Network and allow investigators to cross-test ideas, pursue intriguing observations or validate findings, MetNet Center and Research Project investigators are required to set aside funds in the out years for Pilot Projects. How Pilot Projects are structured and who may apply for such funds is at the discretion of the Center or Research Project leadership team. Such pilot projects are not required to be described in the application.</p><p><i>MetNet Junior Investigator Working Group:</i> To enhance the transdisciplinary expertise emphasized in the MetNet, the Junior Investigator Working Group supports the interaction amongst MetNet junior investigators to support collaborative opportunities, share scientific ideas, and discuss career development activities. Although not a requirement of the MetNet Research Projects, participation in the MetNet Junior Investigator Working Group is encouraged to facilitate the exchange of research within the MetNet and acknowledge the strength of communication at the junior investigator level.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;"><strong>Resources Relevant to MetNet Research Projects</strong></p><p style="margin-left:0px;">MetNet Research Project awardees will have the opportunity to take advantage of Network-wide working groups and will be expected to participate in Network-related activities with the MetNet community. Some of these activities will be facilitated through the NCI’s Division of Cancer Biology (DCB) Multi-Consortia Coordinating Center.</p><h4><strong>Non-Responsive Projects</strong></h4><p>The following types of projects would be considered non-responsive for the NOFO, and applications meeting these criteria will not be reviewed:</p><ul><li>Projects that do not emphasize cancer metastasis;</li><li>Projects that propose population-level epidemiology studies or clinical trials;</li><li>Projects that duplicate ongoing studies within the MetNet;</li><li>Projects that emphasize developing therapies to treat metastases;</li><li>Projects that do not apply systems-level approaches to a metastasis question; and</li><li>Applications that propose multiple large projects or describe specific pilot projects.</li></ul>
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<a id='_bookmark261250' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261251' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_Section II. Award Information"></a><h2>Section II. Award Information</h2>
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<a id='_bookmark261252' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Funding Instrument
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<p>Cooperative Agreement: A financial assistance mechanism used when there will be substantial Federal scientific or programmatic involvement. Substantial involvement means that, after award, NIH scientific or program staff will assist, guide, coordinate, or participate in project activities. See Section VI.2 for additional information about the substantial involvement for this NOFO.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261253' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a> Application Types Allowed
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New
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Resubmission
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<a id='_bookmark261255' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>The <a href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=11116">OER Glossary</a> and the How to Apply Application Guide provide details on these application types. Only those application types listed here are allowed for this NOFO.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261256' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Clinical Trial?
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<p>Not Allowed: Only accepting applications that do not propose clinical trials.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261257' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p><a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=82370">Need help determining whether you are doing a clinical trial?</a></p>
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<a id='_bookmark261258' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards
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<p>The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations, the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications, and programmatic priorities.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261259' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Award Budget
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<p class="Normal">Application budgets are limited to a maximum of $500,000 in direct costs per year and need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261260' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Award Project Period
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<p class="Normal">Project periods of up to 5 years may be proposed.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261261' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>NIH grants policies as described in the <a href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=11120">NIH Grants Policy Statement</a> will apply to the applications submitted and awards made from this NOFO.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261262' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><a name="_Section III. Eligibility Information"></a><h2>Section III. Eligibility Information</h2>
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<a id='_bookmark261263' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><h4>1. Eligible Applicants</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261264' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Eligible Organizations
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<p>Higher Education Institutions - Includes all types</p><ul><li>Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education</li><li>Private Institutions of Higher Education</li></ul><p>Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education</p><ul><li>Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)</li><li>Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)</li></ul><p>For-Profit Organizations</p><ul><li>Small Businesses</li><li>For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)</li></ul><p>Local Governments</p><ul><li>State Governments</li><li>County Governments</li><li>City or Township Governments</li><li>Special District Governments</li><li>Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)</li><li>Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized).</li></ul>
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<a id='_bookmark261265' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>Federal Governments</p>
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<li>Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government</li>
<li>U.S. Territory or Possession</li>
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<a id='_bookmark261266' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>Other</p>
<ul>
<li>Independent School Districts</li>
<li>Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities</li>
<li>Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)</li>
<li>Faith-based or Community-based Organizations</li>
<li>Regional Organizations</li>
<li>Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations)</li>
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<a id='_bookmark261268' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><h4>Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations</h4>
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<a id='_bookmark261269' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p class="Normal">Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) <strong>are </strong>eligible to apply.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261270' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations <strong>are </strong>eligible to apply.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261271' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p class="Normal">Foreign components, as <a href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=11118">defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement</a>, <b>are </b>allowed.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark262147' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a><p>NIH will no longer issue awards (i.e., new, renewal, or non-competing continuation) to domestic or foreign entities that involve foreign subawards/subcontracts. All NIH-funded research involving foreign subawards/subcontracts must be submitted in response to a NOFO that is specifically designated for funded international collaborations. This new requirement was effective, May 1, 2025.</p><p>Applications involving foreign subawards/subcontracts submitted in response to this NOFO will be deemed noncompliant and will not be considered for funding. This policy applies to all monetary international collaborations resulting in foreign subawards/subcontracts, however, it does not preclude unfunded international collaborations or <a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/HTML5/section_1/1.2_definition_of_terms.htm">foreign components</a>, funding for foreign consultants, or procurement of unique equipment or supplies from foreign vendors.</p>
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<a id='_bookmark261272' tabindex='-1' aria-hidden='true'></a>Required Registrations
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<p><strong>Applicant Organizations</strong></p>
<p>Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the How to Apply- Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as possible. Failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a late submission, please reference the <a href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=82423">NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2.3.9.2 Electronically Submitted Applications</a> for additional information.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=82390">System for Award Management (SAM) –</a> Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, <strong>which requires renewal at least annually</strong>. The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code.
<ul>
<li><a href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=11176">NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code</a> – Foreign organizations must obtain an NCAGE code (in lieu of a CAGE code) in order to register in SAM.</li>
<li>Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - A UEI is issued as part of the SAM.gov registration process. The same UEI must be used for all registrations, as well as on the grant application.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=11123">eRA Commons</a> - Once the unique organization identifier is established, organizations can register with eRA Commons in tandem with completing their Grants.gov registrations; all registrations must be in place by time of submission. eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application.</li>
<li><a href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/url_redirect.htm?id=82300">Grants.gov</a> – Applicants must have an active SAM registration in order to complete the Grants.gov registration.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s))</strong></p>
<p>All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account. PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons. If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.</p>
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