Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DD 21 001
The Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) Follow up Studies funding opportunity (RFA DD 21 001) is a CDC cooperative agreement designed to deepen what is known about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from early childhood into adolescence and early adulthood. The core idea is to build on the large, multi-site SEED case-control study, which originally enrolled children identified at ages 2 to 5 with ASD, other developmental disabilities (DD), and children from the general population (POP). By using the rich data and biospecimens already collected, and by reconnecting with participants years later, the program aims to clarify ASD risk factors, describe how ASD and related needs change over time, and generate practical knowledge that can improve health, functioning, and services as individuals mature. Because this is a cooperative agreement, awardees should expect substantial collaboration with CDC, particularly around shared protocols, data access and use, and coordinated follow-up activities.
The work is organized into five separate components (A through E) that applicants can pursue, but Component A is the foundation for everything else. Component A focuses on enhanced epidemiologic research using existing SEED data and on implementing follow-up surveys of participants from SEED Phases 1, 2, and 3 (SEED 1-3). The intent is to address current research gaps by analyzing previously collected SEED information and by gathering new survey data from an established list of past participants, working in coordination with CDC. Expected outputs include publishable findings on ASD risk factors and on the characteristics, functioning, and needs of children and families affected by ASD. In practical terms, Component A supports both rigorous secondary analysis of an existing dataset and the operational work of recontacting participants and conducting standardized follow-up surveys.
Component B adds an in-person layer by supporting direct assessment of intellectual abilities in a subset of SEED participants. This component targets children and adolescents (described as aged 8 years and older) who were originally identified in SEED 1-3 as having ASD or another DD and who also completed the Component A follow-up surveys. The purpose is to strengthen the follow-up beyond self-report or parent-report measures by incorporating standardized, face-to-face assessment data that can better characterize cognitive functioning and developmental profiles over time. A key restriction is that Component B cannot stand alone: applicants must apply for and be funded under Component A in order to receive funding for Component B.
Component C is a laboratory-focused effort centered on maternal immune markers. It supports testing of stored maternal samples from SEED 1 and 2 to detect autoantibodies that react to proteins in the fetal brain, followed by analyses of how these autoantibodies may be associated with ASD. This component is meant to leverage the unique value of SEED biobanked specimens to investigate potential biological mechanisms and prenatal risk markers that cannot be studied well without well-characterized samples linked to detailed developmental outcomes. Like the other add-on components, eligibility depends on also applying for and being funded for Component A.
Component D concentrates on genetics and data integration across SEED phases. The goal is to identify analytic priorities for generating and analyzing SEED genetic data, and to develop and implement methods that combine existing genetic data from SEED 1 with newly generated genetic data from SEED 2 and 3. Beyond generating insights, this component emphasizes building usable, harmonized genetic resources for the broader SEED investigator community and preparing data for contribution to appropriate repositories. The scientific aim is to advance understanding of genetic risk factors for ASD and how genetic factors may interact with environmental exposures or other non-genetic risk factors captured in SEED. As with Components B and C, Component D funding is contingent on also being funded for Component A.
Component E covers biorepository responsibilities, focusing on maintaining the repository of biospecimens already collected from SEED 1-3 participants. This is the infrastructure piece that preserves long-term value: proper storage, tracking, and management of samples so they remain available for approved assays and future research. Keeping the biorepository functional and well-curated is essential to enabling Components C and D and other downstream studies that rely on high-quality biospecimens linked to participant data. Component E also requires that the applicant apply for and be funded under Component A.
From an application and submission standpoint, this opportunity is structured so that each component requires its own separate application, and applicants must clearly label which component is being requested. The component designation is expected to appear at the beginning of the application title (for example, "Component A" or "Component D"). Organizations eligible to apply are broad and include various levels of government, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), tribal governments and tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, for-profit entities (including small businesses), and other unrestricted categories as described in the eligibility clarification text. The award instrument is a cooperative agreement under CFDA 93.073, with an award ceiling listed at $1,560,000, an anticipated 11 awards, an original closing date of November 10, 2020, and an electronic submission deadline of 5:00 p.m. ET on the due date.
Overall, the grant opportunity is best understood as a coordinated, multi-part effort to extend SEED from an early-childhood case-control study into a longer-term developmental research platform. It supports a combination of epidemiologic analysis, participant follow-up, direct assessment, lab testing using stored specimens, genetic data generation and harmonization, and the long-term stewardship of biospecimens. The emphasis on longitudinal outcomes, service use and needs, and family impact signals that CDC is looking for findings that not only advance etiologic science but also help inform practical improvements in care, supports, and planning for people with ASD as they transition from childhood into adulthood.Apply for RFA DD 21 001
- The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) Follow up Studies" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.073.
- This funding opportunity was created on Sep 03, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 10, 2020 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 500 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (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 $1,560,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 11 candidate(s).
- 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 (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification), Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): SEED Follow-up Studies (RFA DD 21 001)
What is the SEED Follow-up Studies funding opportunity (RFA DD 21 001)?
This is a CDC cooperative agreement designed to extend the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) research beyond early childhood. It supports follow-up work that reconnects with people who participated in SEED when they were ages 2 to 5, so researchers can learn more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental outcomes into adolescence and early adulthood.
What is the main purpose of these follow-up studies?
The program aims to deepen understanding of ASD by (1) analyzing the rich SEED data and biospecimens already collected, (2) conducting coordinated follow-up with prior SEED participants, and (3) producing practical knowledge about how ASD characteristics, functioning, needs, and services change over time.
What is SEED, and who was included in the original study?
SEED is a large, multi-site case-control study that originally enrolled children identified at ages 2 to 5 in three groups: children with ASD, children with other developmental disabilities (DD), and children from the general population (POP).
Why does the opportunity emphasize using existing SEED data and biospecimens?
The follow-up studies are built to leverage the existing SEED dataset and stored biospecimens. This approach lets researchers address new and ongoing questions about ASD risk factors and development over time without starting from scratch, while still adding new follow-up information through surveys and other assessments.
What does it mean that this is a CDC cooperative agreement?
A cooperative agreement means awardees should expect substantial collaboration with CDC. The description highlights collaboration around shared protocols, data access and use, and coordinated follow-up activities across sites and components.
How is the work organized under this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is organized into five components (A through E). Applicants may pursue one or more components, but Component A is the foundation for the rest. Components B, C, D, and E are add-ons that require an applicant to also apply for and be funded under Component A.
What is Component A?
Component A focuses on enhanced epidemiologic research using existing SEED data and implementing follow-up surveys of participants from SEED Phases 1, 2, and 3 (SEED 1-3). It supports secondary analysis of existing SEED information and the operational work of recontacting prior participants to collect standardized follow-up survey data, coordinated with CDC.
What kinds of outcomes or deliverables are expected from Component A?
Component A is expected to produce publishable findings on ASD risk factors and on the characteristics, functioning, and needs of children and families affected by ASD. It is intended to address current research gaps using both prior SEED data and newly collected follow-up survey data.
What does the follow-up in Component A involve?
Component A includes conducting follow-up surveys with an established list of past SEED participants from SEED 1-3. The work includes recontacting participants and implementing standardized surveys in coordination with CDC.
What is Component B?
Component B adds in-person direct assessment of intellectual abilities in a subset of SEED participants. It targets children and adolescents described as age 8 years and older who were originally identified in SEED 1-3 as having ASD or another DD and who also completed the Component A follow-up surveys.
Can an applicant apply only for Component B?
No. Component B cannot stand alone. Applicants must apply for and be funded under Component A to receive funding for Component B.
Why does Component B require participants to have completed Component A surveys?
The description specifies that Component B assessments are for individuals who also completed Component A follow-up surveys, indicating that the in-person assessments are designed to build on and strengthen the survey-based follow-up with standardized face-to-face data.
What is Component C?
Component C is a laboratory-focused effort that tests stored maternal samples from SEED 1 and 2 for autoantibodies that react to proteins in the fetal brain, then analyzes how these autoantibodies may be associated with ASD.
What is the scientific focus of Component C?
Component C is intended to use SEED biobanked specimens to investigate potential biological mechanisms and prenatal risk markers. It focuses on maternal immune markers that cannot be studied well without stored, well-characterized samples linked to detailed developmental outcomes.
Can Component C be funded without Component A?
No. As described, Component C eligibility depends on also applying for and being funded for Component A.
What is Component D?
Component D concentrates on genetics and integrating genetic data across SEED phases. It supports identifying analytic priorities for generating and analyzing SEED genetic data and developing methods to combine existing SEED 1 genetic data with newly generated genetic data from SEED 2 and 3.
What is the intended outcome of Component D beyond research findings?
Component D emphasizes building usable, harmonized genetic resources for the broader SEED investigator community and preparing data for contribution to appropriate repositories.
Does Component D depend on Component A funding?
Yes. Component D funding is contingent on also being funded for Component A.
What is Component E?
Component E covers biorepository responsibilities, focusing on maintaining the biospecimen repository from SEED 1-3 participants. This includes proper storage, tracking, and management so samples remain available for approved assays and future research.
Why is Component E considered an infrastructure component?
Component E is described as preserving the long-term value of the SEED biospecimen collection. Keeping the repository functional and well-curated enables laboratory and genetics work (including Components C and D) and other downstream studies that rely on high-quality biospecimens linked to participant data.
Can Component E be funded without Component A?
No. Component E requires that the applicant apply for and be funded under Component A.
Do applicants submit one application for all components or separate applications?
Each component requires its own separate application. Applicants must clearly label which component is being requested.
How should the component be labeled in the application?
The component designation is expected to appear at the beginning of the application title (for example, "Component A" or "Component D").
Who is eligible to apply for this opportunity?
Eligibility is broad and includes various levels of government, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), tribal governments and tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, for-profit entities (including small businesses), and other unrestricted categories as described in the eligibility clarification text.
What is the CFDA number and award mechanism?
The award instrument is a CDC cooperative agreement under CFDA 93.073.
What is the funding ceiling?
The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $1,560,000.
How many awards were anticipated?
The opportunity anticipated 11 awards.
What was the application due date and time for electronic submission?
The original closing date listed is November 10, 2020, with an electronic submission deadline of 5:00 p.m. ET on the due date.
What kinds of research topics does this program aim to advance?
Based on the description, the program aims to clarify ASD risk factors, describe how ASD and related needs change over time, and generate knowledge that can improve health, functioning, and services as individuals move from childhood into adolescence and early adulthood. It also supports work on maternal immune markers, genetic risk factors, and integrating genetic and non-genetic data captured in SEED.
How does this opportunity connect research to real-world impact?
The emphasis on longitudinal outcomes, service use and needs, and family impact suggests CDC is looking for findings that inform practical improvements in care, supports, and planning for people with ASD, especially as they transition from childhood into adulthood.
Which SEED phases are referenced for follow-up activities?
Component A explicitly references follow-up surveys of participants from SEED Phases 1, 2, and 3 (SEED 1-3). Other components reference specific phases as well (for example, Component C uses stored maternal samples from SEED 1 and 2; Component D integrates genetic data across SEED 1, 2, and 3).
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