Welcome to the National Institutes of Health HBCU Portal for Acquisition and Grants
This tool assists participants in the Path to Excellence and Innovation Pilot Program in locating and pursuing NIH contract and grant opportunities.
About the Path to Excellence and Innovation
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest biomedical research organization in the world. In FY 2024, NIH's 27 Institutes and Centers (I/Cs) obligated approximately $7.9 billion via contract awards to support the NIH mission. However, less than 1% of NIH's contract awards are obligated to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
The NIH Small Business Program Office (SBPO) administers the Path to Excellence and Innovation (PEI) Initiative as a comprehensive vehicle to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs/MSIs to compete for, win, and manage contracts. The major goals of the PEI Initiative are to develop capabilities, pursue opportunities to procure NIH contracts, and improve collaboration among HBCUs/MSIs, the NIH, other Federal agencies, businesses, and organizations.
Administered in Accordance with Presidential Executive Order
Presidential Executive Order 14283:
White House Initiative To Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Federal prime or subcontracting past performance within the last five years;
-
Possession of capabilities relevant to the NIH's mission;
- Biomedical Research and Development
- Information Technology
- Business & Professional Support Services
- Public Health Outreach, Communications and Research
- Laboratory services/products
- Construction Services
- Willingness to commit one representative who will devote 10 hours monthly to PEI activities;
- Confirmed endorsement from the institution's senior leadership;
- Willingness to subcontract the first three to five opportunities pursued with a designated PEI business partner.
HBCU/MSIs: The Path to Excellence and Innovation Initiative & Database is a powerful resource designed for HBCUs and MSIs. It offers access to funding opportunities that align with NIH's mission and goals. This robust platform provides essential tools for business development, including detailed profiles, capability statements, debriefings, acquisition strategies, and training materials. Additionally, it enables institutions to submit requests for technical assistance, ensuring they are well-equipped to compete for and manage NIH contracts.
Small/Large Businesses: The Path to Excellence and Innovation Initiative & Database serves as a valuable resource hub for businesses. It grants access to funding opportunities that align with NIH's mission, along with business development resources such as profiles, capability statements, debriefings, acquisition strategies, and training materials. Furthermore, businesses with expertise in federal acquisition are encouraged to participate as mentors, guiding HBCUs and MSIs toward greater success in federal contracting.
Acquisition/Program Officials: The PEI database empowers acquisition and program officials to efficiently conduct market research, manage and post opportunities, coordinate outreach activities, and respond to inquiries related to promoted opportunities. This streamlined platform enhances their ability to connect with and support HBCUs, MSIs, and businesses in fulfilling NIH's mission.
June 30, 2026 - Jul 1, 2026
Strengthening Small Business and HBCU Collaborations to Advance Research Conference
- Conference Description: The conference aims to foster strategic partnerships that expand research capacity, strengthen acquisition pathways, and increase funding opportunities for HBCUs and small businesses. The conference will also feature panels and breakout sessions explicitly tailored to encourage innovation, exchange knowledge, and advance research in health-related fields. This event is designed to facilitate collaborations between NIH, small and large businesses, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Federal agencies, as well as private and philanthropic organizations.
- Conference Registration Link: https://cvent.me/Eq4GXD
