Helpful Tips for June 23rd Research Deadline

June 15, 2026

Reminder to Researchers: Submit your application for the R21 and U01 funding by June 23, 2026 @11:59 PM (local applicant time).

In 2026 the WTC Health Program adopted Simpler NOFOs under the Department of Health and Human Services SimplerNOFO initiative. To support applicants in their submissions, the Program has developed the tips below with the NIOSH Office of Extramural Coordination and Special Projects (OECSP).

Whether you are a returning applicant or submitting your first WTC Health Program research project proposal, we encourage you to review the tips below before applying.

Tips for Submitting Your Application

1. Submit early, where possible.
   Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications early to allow time to address any submission errors or system issues before the deadline.
2. Name your files using the conventions below, and ensure you’ve uploaded your documents to the correct sections.
   • Upload the following documents in the SF424(R&R) Other Project Information form, under the “Other Attachments” section:
     • Evaluation and Performance Measurement Plan
       Filename: “Project Evaluation Plan”
     • Translation Plan
       Filename: “Translation Plan”
     • Project Dissemination Plan*
       Filename: “Project Dissemination Plan”
     • WTC Health Program Funded Projects and Publications*
       Filename: “WTCHP Publications” (only if you previously received WTC Health Program research funding as a PD/PI or Co-PI)
       
       *While current NOFO instructions reference a different section for these documents, applicants should use the “Other Attachments” section as described above to facilitate application submission and review.
   • Upload a single PDF file in the PHS 398 Research Plan form, under the “Letters of Support” section, containing any applicable:
     • Letter(s) of Support
     • Documentation of Coordination and Collaboration
   • Upload the following document in the PHS 398 Research Plan form, under the “Other Plan(s)” section:
     • Data Management Plan
3. Describe the WTC population(s) included in your proposal, and, if applicable, describe and justify the inclusion of additional study populations.
   • Study Information may include a brief description of the study population(s) and the condition(s) being studied.
   • You may upload this information in the SF424(R&R) Other Project Information form, under the “Other Attachments” section.
     • Filename: “Study Information”
4. Ensure your proposed budget does not exceed the allowable limits.
   For the R21 funding opportunity (RFA-OH-26-015), applicants may request up to $365,000 in total costs in any single year and up to $500,000 in total costs across the two-year project period.
   
   For the U01 funding opportunity (RFA-OH-26-001), applicants may request up to $550,000 in total costs per 12-month budget period for a project period of up to three years, with a maximum of $1.65 million in total costs over three years.
5. Not required for application submission
   • Paperwork Reduction Act approval
   • CDC Risk Questionnaire

Have questions? Please contact James Yiin, PhD: jcy5@cdc.gov