Multi-Site Studies for System-Level Implementation of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 21 023

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 023

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity PAR 21 023, titled "Multi-Site Studies for System-Level Implementation of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)," supports early-stage research to build and test practical ways of improving how evidence-based substance use prevention and treatment services are implemented across real-world systems. Issued under the Collaborative Research on Addiction at NIH (CRAN) initiative, this announcement is jointly sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The core idea is not simply to test whether an intervention works in isolation, but to study how systems (such as healthcare networks, community programs, schools, justice settings, or other service delivery structures) can reliably adopt, deliver, and sustain proven prevention and treatment approaches at scale.

This FOA focuses on "system-level implementation," meaning projects should examine the policies, workflows, staffing models, financing mechanisms, training approaches, data systems, leadership strategies, and organizational structures that determine whether evidence-based practices actually get used and maintained over time. NIH is looking for projects that develop and test interventions, models, and/or frameworks aimed at improving the delivery and uptake of evidence-based interventions, guidelines, or principles. In practice, that can include implementation strategies that increase access, improve quality and fidelity, reduce drop-off in service delivery, strengthen sustainability after a study ends, and improve coordination across sites. The multi-site emphasis signals interest in approaches that can be evaluated across multiple settings to understand what is consistent, what varies by context, and what elements are necessary for broader dissemination.

The mechanism is an R34, which is typically used for pilot or developmental work that lays the groundwork for a larger, later-stage effectiveness or implementation trial. The "Clinical Trial Optional" designation indicates applicants may propose a study that does or does not meet NIH's definition of a clinical trial, depending on the specific design. The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity area is categorized under education and health. The opportunity references CFDA numbers 93.273 and 93.279, reflecting NIH program areas relevant to drug abuse and alcohol research.

In terms of who can apply, eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based entities involved in public health, healthcare delivery, research, and community services. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other organizations that meet NIH eligibility rules. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), 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, and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, the announcement clearly excludes non-U.S. entities: foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components as defined by NIH policy are not permitted.

Key administrative details include an NIH original closing date listed as 2023-11-15 and an award ceiling of $225,000. The opportunity was created on 2020-11-16. While the source text does not specify the number of expected awards, the structure and R34 mechanism generally suggest competitive, project-based funding intended to produce actionable implementation knowledge and prepare teams for larger-scale follow-on studies.

Overall, this grant opportunity is best understood as NIH support for practical, multi-site implementation research that helps proven substance use prevention and treatment approaches move from "known to work" to "routinely delivered well," with sustained impact in the systems where people actually receive care and services.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Multi-Site Studies for System-Level Implementation of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services (R34 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.273, 93.279.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-11-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-11-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $225,000.00 in funding.
• 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 21 023

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