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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

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Eligibility requirements for the HBCU/MSIs and BPs

  • 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.

Stakeholder Content

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.

Event/Outreach Activities 2024-2025

September 12, 2024
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference (CBCFALC) 14th Annual Meet and Match Procurement Forum.

  • Conference Description: The Annual Legislative Conference is the leading public policy convening focused on issues impacting African Americans and the global Black community. The ALC is a unique platform where thought leaders, legislators, influencers, and concerned citizens converge to discuss and address critical issues, forge partnerships, and promote the political, economic, and social advancement of Black communities.
  • Conference Registration Link: https://na.eventscloud.com/website/71743/home/ 

September 15-19, 2024
2024 Annual National HBCU Week Conference

  • Conference Description: The Initiative will host the 2024 Annual National HBCU Week Conference, "Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet," September 15-19, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Aligning with the Department's "Raise the Bar: Lead the World" call to action, the Initiative will continue to identify and target tangible opportunities that would connect federal and private resources to the HBCU community. To that end, the conference will feature the sixth annual Career and Recruitment Fair, celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the HBCU Scholar Program, the always exciting Federal Agency Meet & Greet, and feature 50+ sessions and workshops.
  • Conference Registration Link: https://web.cvent.com/event/6ebd93cb-11bf-491f-bc4f-73afa69f28cf/summary?RefId=General%20Attendees%20(ALL)%20Summary%20Page
PEI Database Demo Video
For Acquisition and Program Officials
PEI Podcasts

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