Project Call 8.1

The Project Call 8.1 concept submission phase is now closed.

NIIMBL is pleased to announce Project Call 8.1 for technology, workforce development, and Global Health Fund Projects. Through Project Call 8.1, NIIMBL intends to fund innovative, collaborative, member-led projects that advance manufacturing technologies, builds awareness of biopharmaceutical manufacturing careers, and enhances manufacturing capabilities for mRNA vaccines.

NIIMBL intends to makes up to $4M available for technology and workforce development projects, and an additional $1.7M available through the Global Health Fund. The concept submission deadline is September 30, 2024. Submitters must be NIIMBL members.

Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

Download the Project Call 8.1T Request for Proposals (Technology)

Download the Project Call 8.1W Request for Proposals (Workforce)

Download the Project Call 8.1G Request for Proposals (Global Health Fund)

Submission Hub

Submit your concept

Topic Areas

Technology

Process Analytical Technology and Control for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing

In-line Monitoring and Multivariate Analysis (MVA)
Real-time Analytical Technologies
Advanced Sensors

Manufacturing Platforms for Biopharmaceutical Products

Robust Analytical Tools
Expression Systems for Viral Vectors
Solid-phase Growth Factor Delivery Vehicles
Automated RNA and DNA Extraction Devices
Custom Bioreactors
Efficient Cell Washing and Concentration Technologies

Workforce Development

Increasing Knowledge and Interest in Biopharma Manufacturing Careers
Increasing Participation and Enrollment in Education and Training Programs
Internship and Immersion Experiences
Innovative Talent Pipeline Partnerships

Global Health Fund

mRNA/LNP Alternatives and Lowering Cost of Goods

Participation Benefits

Project Calls give NIIMBL members the opportunity to work collaboratively on solutions to current biopharmaceutical manufacturing technology and talent development challenges.

Large Industry

Steer the development of new ideas towards areas of strategic importance for the industry.
Partner with academic institutions and small-to-medium manufacturing companies with innovative technologies to meet your current manufacturing challenges.
Connect with investigators and learn about new capabilities during our Project Call Summit.
Access innovative technology and workforce solutions through active participation on projects.
Serve as a reviewer to prioritize proposals that align in industry interests.
Share risks and benefits of new innovations through partnerships

Small-to-Medium Manufacturers (SMMs)

Showcase your company’s capabilities to large manufacturers and receive feedback on your technologies.
Align your capabilities with industry needs and increase visibility.
Share your technology and concept during our virtual Project Call Summit.
Secure partnerships to help mature your technology toward commercialization through collaboration with industry and academic institutions.
Develop partnerships with large companies and academic institutions within the NIIMBL member community.
Access commercialization expertise and industry networks.
Share your technology and concept during our virtual Project Call Summit.

Academic Research Institutions

Collaborate with large industry, small-to-medium manufacturers, and other academic institutions to work toward innovative biopharmaceutical solutions.
Understand current industry challenges and develop potential solutions.
Share your innovative ideas with industry during the
virtual Project Call Summit.
Secure partnerships to develop and advance your technology.
Apply knowledge and innovations in a real-world setting, increasing the impact of your work.

Community Colleges and Nonprofits

Work collaboratively with companies to ensure training programs meet their skills gaps.
Share your training solution with industry during the virtual Project Call Summit.
Secure partnerships to develop biopharma training and education programs.

Key Dates

August 29, 2024	RFP Release
September 12, 2024 (noon ET)	Concept Stage Webinar
September 30, 2024 (5:00 pm ET)	Concept Paper Due
Mid-October 2024	Virtual Summit
Early November 2024	Invite for Full Proposal
January 31, 2025 (5:00 pm ET)	Full Proposal Due
February 2025	Proposal Review
Expected March 2025	Award Decisions Announced

Templates & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Membership and Registration

How does a new entity become a member of NIIMBL? Can individuals apply independent of their affiliated institutions?
- Entities must apply for membership through official channels. Membership applications are associated with an organization; individuals cannot apply independently. Visit https://www.niimbl.org/membership for membership details and to submit membership questions. Membership contracts will be sent out promptly upon request.
If an entity is associated with another organization that’s already a NIIMBL member, does this confer any membership benefits regarding proposal submissions?
- Being associated with a NIIMBL member organization does not automatically confer membership benefits; the entity itself must be a NIIMBL member to participate in project call submissions.
What is the process and typical duration for becoming a member of NIIMBL?
- The membership process duration can vary. Small companies should allow at least 1 week for the membership process. Large companies should expect longer processing times. Immediate queries regarding membership can be directed to the NIIMBL support team at [email protected].
What is the best way for non-members to network with NIIMBL members to identify potential project collaborations?
- Non-members can access a list of NIIMBL members at https://www.niimbl.org/membership/search/. We encourage members to utilize the NIIMBL portal to search and identify potential partners.

Proposal Submission

Are proposals limited to projects strictly within the priority areas, or are tangentially related ideas also considered?
- Proposals that align closely with priority areas are preferred, but innovative ideas that are related may also be considered.
Can proposals involve collaborations with non-members, specifically through subawards? Are additional organizations allowed to join as collaborators after the concept has been invited to a full proposal?
- Collaborations with non-members are not permissible through 2^nd tier sub-awards. A sub-award is defined as programmatic, substantive work with rights to intellectual property. A vendor provides a service or product off the shelf. A vendor can be a non-NIIMBL member.
What are the member tier requirements for collaborators on workforce concept proposals?
- There are no specific tier requirements. However, all collaborating organizations must be NIIMBL members.
Is there a maximum number of proposals that a principal investigator can submit or participate in?
- There is no strict limit, but PIs are encouraged to focus on quality and the manageability of multiple projects.
How are invitations to submit full proposals communicated, and what timeline should applicants expect?
- Invitations are communicated via email. The timeline for invitations is included in the RFP details.
Will all concept papers receive feedback, including those not selected for a full proposal?
- Yes, NIIMBL will share anonymized feedback from the stakeholders who choose to share it with us.

Technical Questions

What defines the BRL levels, particularly levels 4-7, and where can one find these definitions? Can a concept that is initially below BRL 4 be submitted with the expectation that it will reach BRL 4 by the proposal deadline?
- BRL levels are defined in the RFP documentation and on NIIMBL website (https://www.niimbl.org/industry-solutions/brls/). Concepts below BRL 4 may be submitted with a clear plan to reach BRL 4 ; however, higher-level concepts are more competitive.
What does a typical PI team composition look like, especially regarding industry partnerships and cost-sharing arrangements?
- A typical Project Team includes academic and industry partners, with funding and cost-sharing arrangements detailed in the proposal guidelines. The RFP includes details about cost-sharing considerations.
For workforce grant applications involving community colleges and industry partners, which specific topics are recommended?
- Topics should align with workforce development in biomanufacturing and include practical training components.

Financial and Grant Management

What is the maximum funding amount per proposal, and does this represent the total award for a category or just an individual proposal?
- The maximum funding amount is per proposal, not the total for all awards in a category (Refer to RFP for details on funding amount).
Are partners on a project considered co-PIs, and how does this affect the proposal?
- Partners can be considered co-PIs, and this should be clearly stated in the proposal to define roles and responsibilities.
What types of contributions qualify for cost-sharing, and are there specific guidelines for cash versus in-kind contributions? Are federal funds permissible for meeting matching funds requirements?
- Both cash and in-kind contributions qualify. Federal funds, however, cannot be used to meet the matching funds requirement.
Can other grant funds, like those from NSF, be used for matching funds or cost sharing?
- No

General Inquiries

Will the webinars be recorded, and how can attendees access the recordings?
- Yes, the webinars are recorded. Attendees will receive links to access the recordings post-event.
Does receiving an invitation to submit a full proposal generally indicate a higher likelihood of funding?
- Receiving an invitation to submit a full proposal suggests a favorable review of the concept but does not guarantee funding.
When is the virtual summit likely to occur, and what opportunities will there be for networking?
- Refer to the RFP’s Key Dates table for the date of the virtual summit. Networking opportunities will be available throughout the event.
Is it required that the results of a final awarded proposal be made public to the NIIMBL community?
- Yes, results are shared within the NIIMBL community, fostering transparency and collaborative opportunities.

Questions

If you have questions, contact [email protected].

Become a member

We offer a variety of membership options that give you the flexibility to choose your organization’s level of engagement based on technology interests and priorities.

Join NIIMBL