Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 27 021
The Seed Instrumentation Support (SIS) Program (S10 Clinical Trial Not Allowed), funding opportunity PAR-27-021 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a discretionary grant program designed to help organizations establish new research capacity by purchasing a single, commercially available biomedical research instrument that the applicant institution does not currently have. The central idea is to use targeted instrumentation investments to jump-start or significantly strengthen a sustainable research program, particularly by enabling capabilities that were previously out of reach at the institution. Rather than supporting multiple pieces of equipment or a broader buildout, the program is narrowly focused on one instrument purchase that can meaningfully expand what researchers can do.
A key requirement is that the instrument must be a shared resource. NIH expects the funded instrument to be accessible to multiple users, supporting a community of investigators and projects rather than being dedicated to one lab. This shared-use expectation is tied to several program goals: creating new research opportunities across groups, improving reproducibility through standardized and well-supported data generation, encouraging collaboration and research training, and strengthening the institution's longer-term research infrastructure. In practice, applicants typically need to show there is a real user base, a plan for scheduling and access, and a reasonable approach to operations and maintenance so the instrument remains productive well beyond the award period.
Funding is provided as a grant and falls under NIH health-related activity areas (CFDA numbers 93.310, 93.351, 93.855, and 93.866). The minimum award amount is $50,000 and the maximum award is $400,000. While the NOFO notes there is no limit on the total cost of the instrument itself, NIH will not award more than $400,000 under this mechanism, meaning any amount above the cap would need to be covered through other sources if applicable. The opportunity listing shows an original closing date of 2028-07-01, indicating an extended window for submission across multiple cycles, though applicants should still verify the specific due dates and any submission windows described in the NOFO.
Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S.-based organization types, such as public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal governments and tribal organizations, independent school districts, special district governments, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, nonprofits (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) organizations), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and other eligible entities as described in the NOFO. However, the program is explicit about foreign restrictions: non-U.S. (foreign) organizations are not eligible to apply, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components (as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are not allowed. The NOFO is also marked "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," which means applications cannot propose activities that meet NIH's definition of a clinical trial under this funding mechanism.
Overall, SIS (S10) is best understood as an NIH instrumentation program meant to strategically equip an institution with one new, commercially available biomedical research instrument, with a strong emphasis on shared access, collaborative impact, and long-term sustainability of the research capability it enables.Apply for PAR 27 021
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Seed Instrumentation Support (SIS) Program (S10 Clinical Trial 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, 93.351, 93.855, 93.866.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-06-25.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2028-07-01.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $400,000.00 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Seed Instrumentation Support (SIS) Program (S10 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) - FAQs
1) What is the Seed Instrumentation Support (SIS) Program (PAR-27-021)?
The Seed Instrumentation Support (SIS) Program is an NIH discretionary grant opportunity (PAR-27-021) intended to help an eligible organization establish new research capacity by purchasing a single, commercially available biomedical research instrument that the applicant institution does not currently have.
2) What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The purpose is to make a targeted instrumentation investment that can jump-start or significantly strengthen a sustainable research program at the institution by enabling capabilities that were previously out of reach.
3) What does the program fund (in practical terms)?
The program supports the purchase of one instrument. It is narrowly focused on a single, commercially available biomedical research instrument rather than multiple pieces of equipment or a broader infrastructure buildout.
4) Does the institution need to already own the instrument to apply?
No. A core requirement is that the applicant institution does not currently have the instrument being requested. The program is designed to establish new capability by acquiring an instrument the institution lacks.
5) Is the funded instrument expected to be shared?
Yes. The instrument must be a shared resource. NIH expects it to be accessible to multiple users and to support a community of investigators and projects rather than being dedicated to a single lab.
6) Why is shared use so important in this program?
The shared-use expectation is tied to program goals such as creating new research opportunities across groups, improving reproducibility through standardized and well-supported data generation, encouraging collaboration and research training, and strengthening the institution's long-term research infrastructure.
7) What kinds of management expectations come with a shared resource instrument?
Applicants typically need to demonstrate a real user base, a plan for scheduling and access, and a reasonable approach to operations and maintenance so the instrument remains productive beyond the award period.
8) What is the minimum and maximum award amount?
The minimum award amount is $50,000 and the maximum award amount is $400,000.
9) Is there a limit on the total cost of the instrument?
The opportunity notes there is no limit on the total cost of the instrument itself, but NIH will not award more than $400,000 under this mechanism. If the instrument cost exceeds $400,000, the amount above the cap would need to be covered through other sources, if applicable.
10) What kind of funding mechanism is this?
Funding is provided as a grant through NIH.
11) Which NIH/health-related activity areas (CFDA numbers) are associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under NIH health-related activity areas with CFDA numbers 93.310, 93.351, 93.855, and 93.866.
12) Are clinical trials allowed under this funding opportunity?
No. The NOFO is marked "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning applications cannot propose activities that meet NIH's definition of a clinical trial under this funding mechanism.
13) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S.-based organization types, such as public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal governments and tribal organizations, independent school districts, special district governments, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, nonprofits (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) organizations), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and other eligible entities as described in the NOFO.
14) Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?
No. Non-U.S. (foreign) organizations are not eligible to apply.
15) Can a U.S. organization apply if the instrument will be located at a non-U.S. component?
No. Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible.
16) Are foreign components allowed in any form?
No. Foreign components (as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are not allowed under this opportunity.
17) What is the original closing date listed for this opportunity?
The opportunity listing shows an original closing date of 2028-07-01, indicating an extended window for submission across multiple cycles.
18) If there is an extended window, do applicants still need to confirm specific due dates?
Yes. Even with an extended window indicated by the closing date, applicants should verify the specific due dates and any submission windows described in the NOFO.
19) How should this program be understood at a high level?
SIS (S10) is best understood as an NIH instrumentation program designed to strategically equip an institution with one new, commercially available biomedical research instrument, with strong emphasis on shared access, collaborative impact, and long-term sustainability of the research capability it enables.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: Treatment and Recovery Services for Youth, Young Adults, and Families
Previous opportunity: INCLUDE Project: Clinical Trials Phased Awards for Down syndrome Research (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PAR 27 021
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 27 021) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Reducing the burden of parasitic infections in the United States through evidence-based prevention and control activities. Apply for CDC RFA CK 26 0221 Funding Number: CDC RFA CK 26 0221 Agency: Centers for Disease Control - NCEZID Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,250,000 |
| Increasing awareness and knowledge of Alpha-gal Syndrome in the United States Apply for CDC RFA CK 26 0193 Funding Number: CDC RFA CK 26 0193 Agency: Centers for Disease Control - NCEZID Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative - Treatment and Service Adaptation (TSA) Centers Apply for SM 26 003 Funding Number: SM 26 003 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| National Center for Child Traumatic Stress - Category 1 Apply for SM 26 002 Funding Number: SM 26 002 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $8,000,000 |
| GLS Campus Suicide Prevention Grant Program Apply for SM 26 009 Funding Number: SM 26 009 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) Apply for SM 26 005 Funding Number: SM 26 005 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative - Community Treatment and Service Centers (CTS) Apply for SM 26 004 Funding Number: SM 26 004 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Adult Suicide Prevention Apply for SM 26 007 Funding Number: SM 26 007 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Providers Clinical Support System - Universities Apply for TI 26 001 Funding Number: TI 26 001 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Cooperative Agreements for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Planning Grants Apply for SM 26 016 Funding Number: SM 26 016 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) Planning, Development, and Implementation Grant Apply for SM 26 014 Funding Number: SM 26 014 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Consumer and Consumer Support Technical Assistance Center Apply for SM 26 017 Funding Number: SM 26 017 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,782,291 |
| Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Improvement and Advancement Grant Apply for SM 26 015 Funding Number: SM 26 015 Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA RM 27 004 Funding Number: RFA RM 27 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Rural Health Network Advancement Program Apply for HRSA 26 082 Funding Number: HRSA 26 082 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (DP2 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA RM 27 002 Funding Number: RFA RM 27 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $475,000 |
| NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA RM 27 001 Funding Number: RFA RM 27 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Sickle Cell Disease Regional Care Excellence (SoRCE) Program Apply for HRSA 26 052 Funding Number: HRSA 26 052 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $950,000 |
| Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems SEED Project: Scaling Effective Early Childhood Systems Development (ECCS SEED) Apply for HRSA 26 057 Funding Number: HRSA 26 057 Agency: Health Resources and Services Administration Category: Health Funding Amount: $875,000 |
| Single Source Competition: Continuation of the Cardiovascular Repository for Type 1 Diabetes (CaRe-T1D) - Resource Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 27 109 Funding Number: RFA DK 27 109 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PAR 27 021", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.