Strengthening LMIC Institutional Capacity for Direct NIH Grant Administration through the East Africa Cancer Collaboration

This project aims to strengthen administrative infrastructure at low- and middle-income country (LMIC) partner sites within the East Africa Cancer Consortium (EACC), enabling them to independently manage NIH awards in alignment with the guidelines outlined in NOT-OD-25- 104. Partner institutions include Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Tanzania; Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenya; and University of Global Health Equity/Butaro Cancer Center, Rwanda. The initiative will support the transition of these sites from sub-awardees to direct recipients of NIH funding through targeted training, mentorship, and comprehensive readiness assessments. Activities are organized into three primary tasks: 1. Resource Implementation – Conduct site-level landscape assessments; adapt Duke's standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, and checklists for local use; and distribute customized NIH Grants Administration Toolkits by Month 6. 2. Capacity Building via Mentorship – Establish mentorships between LMIC administrators and Duke staff through biweekly virtual sessions; facilitate one in-person regional training or site exchange; and certify 8–10 local NIH grants trainers across all sites. 3. Readiness Assessment and Simulation – Utilize an adapted FOSAT tool to identify gaps in administrative and compliance capabilities; develop corrective action plans; and conduct a full NIH grant simulation, from FOA review to a mock RPPR submission. Project oversight will be provided by the EACC Steering Committee, with operational support from the Duke Office of Research Support and the Duke Global Health Institute's Research Design & Analysis Core. Monitoring will occur through monthly coordination meetings and quarterly reviews. Expected outcomes include:  Enhanced readiness of LMIC sites for direct NIH grant administration  Establishment of sustainable local training capacity  Standardized administrative systems aligned with NIH requirements  Strengthened regional leadership in global cancer research