Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Clinical Networks of Diagnostic Excellence

The Undiagnosed Diseases Network Clinical Networks of Diagnostic Excellence opportunity, numbered PAR-27-137, is a forecasted federal cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health. The assistance listing is 93.853, Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke intends to support multiple clinical Networks of Diagnostic Excellence, referred to as clinical NODEs, as part of the next phase of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network. The opportunity is categorized under Health. The forecast was published and last updated on September 10, 2026, to give potential applicants advance time to plan for the future competition. The purpose of the opportunity is to establish clinical NODEs that operate as geographically distributed regional clinical networks rather than as single-site centers. Each clinical NODE is expected to establish and lead a regional network using existing partnerships with academic medical centers, hospitals, clinics, federally qualified health centers, and other community-based clinical partners. These networks are intended to broaden access to specialized diagnostic expertise and extend the reach of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network. Clinical NODEs are expected to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary, participant-centered evaluations for individuals with highly challenging and difficult-to-diagnose conditions. Clinical NODE responsibilities are expected to include recruiting and enrolling participants in collaboration with the Network, reviewing medical records, making enrollment determinations, communicating review outcomes and recommendations to participants and referring providers, and coordinating clinical evaluations with local partner sites and referring providers as appropriate. NODEs will also participate in network collaborations to develop and test innovative diagnostic tools and strategies addressing genomic and non-genomic conditions, support systematic re-evaluation of unsolved Undiagnosed Diseases Network cases, and conduct research intended to optimize participant access and experience. They are additionally expected to participate in network governance and infrastructure, provide training for consistent implementation of Network processes and standards, incorporate participant and community input into workflows and engagement strategies, and monitor site performance. The forecast identifies a broad range of eligible applicant types. These include state, county, city or township, special district, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments; Native American tribal organizations; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; independent school districts; public and state controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education; small businesses; and for-profit organizations other than small businesses. Additional eligible applicants include Indian or Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized governments, eligible agencies of the federal government, U.S. territories or possessions, faith-based or community-based organizations, and regional organizations. No cost sharing or matching requirement is identified. Applications are not currently being solicited. Because the notice is a forecast rather than an open solicitation, detailed application forms, required uploads, application questions, submission procedures, review criteria, and final spending parameters are not provided in the available source. The forecast specifically states that it is being published so potential applicants can plan, establish collaborations, formalize regional partnerships, and prepare responsive projects. The estimated posting date is March 25, 2027, and the estimated application due date is May 25, 2027. No pre-application gating deadline such as a letter of intent, concept paper, or pre-proposal is stated in the forecast. The estimated award date is April 25, 2028, and the estimated project start date is also April 25, 2028, for fiscal year 2028. The forecast does not state an estimated total program funding amount, award ceiling, award floor, expected number of awards, performance period, or recurring application schedule. Although the narrative states that NINDS intends to support multiple clinical NODEs, it does not provide a quantifiable number of awards. Questions may be directed to UDN Program Staff by email at UDNProgramStaff@ninds.nih.gov. No individual grantor contact name or telephone number is provided.

Prepare for a geographically distributed regional clinical network rather than a single-site center; use the forecast period to establish collaborations and formalize regional partnerships; build on existing partnerships with academic medical centers, hospitals, clinics, federally qualified health centers, and other community-based clinical partners; plan for coordinated multidisciplinary participant-centered evaluation; incorporate participant and community input; support consistent Network processes and standards; and plan to participate in network governance, diagnostic research, re-evaluation of unsolved cases, and site performance monitoring.