RADx-UP CDCC Rapid Research Pilot Program

The CDCC is pleased to solicit applications for its Rapid Research Pilot Program. This RFA describes the first solicitation of the CDCC Rapid Research Pilot Program. This pilot program provides an expedited funding mechanism (CDCC subawards) to evaluate the feasibility of implementing emerging COVID-19 testing technologies in underserved communities.

The goal of the program is to improve access to and uptake of diagnostic COVID-19 testing in communities of underserved and vulnerable populations. The purpose of the overall program is to better understand factors that have led to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on these groups, and develop interventions to reduce those disparities. The RADx-UP program has multiple components, which are summarized at https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/radx.

For the purpose of this RFA, populations that are underserved as well as populations that are COVID-19 vulnerable due to medical, geographic, and social factors, are defined below:

• Underserved: NIH-designated health disparity populations known to experience barriers to accessing health coverage and basic health care services as well as disparities from COVID-19. A full description can be found at https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/about/overview/.
• COVID-19 medically and/or socially vulnerable populations: Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities; community-dwelling older adults; individuals with intellectual, developmental, sensory, or physical disabilities, cognitive impairment or dementia, or communication disorders; homeless populations; individuals involved with the criminal or juvenile justice systems (incarcerated or under community supervision); individuals with medical comorbidities known to increase risk of severe COVID-19, including heart failure and related cardiovascular conditions, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, moderate or severe obesity, HIV/AIDS; pregnant and post-partum women; children and adolescents; individuals living in congregate housing such as shelters or residential treatment facilities; individuals in overcrowded or public housing; individuals with substance use disorders or serious mental illness; migrant and immigrant communities; residents of tribal lands or reservations; communities exposed to high rates of air pollution or other toxic exposures; and rural and remote communities.

This Rapid Research Pilot Program is intended to provide an expedited mechanism to assess the feasibility of integrating novel or emerging technologies into RADx-UP in coordination with the NIH-supported RADx initiatives. Applicants should address a number of potential challenges including the following three (3) key areas:

1. Potential barriers to effective testing should be identified and addressed. Specific barriers may include:
• Requirement of self-collection and self-administered testing versus the availability of a health professional for collection
• Limited health literacy and ability to understand and interpret test methods, results, and follow up recommendations.
• Secured return of test results and a requirement of online or digital delivery of test results
• Test costs and reimbursement
2. Alignment of the testing to the target population, or: is the test method appropriate, accounting for the interests, needs, and beliefs of the underserved community?
3. Testing workflow and access. Are the tests administered in or outside the home? Are the tests scalable in terms of testing supplies shelf life, storage conditions, and vendor inventories? What are the requirements to report test results?

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)