This Request for Applications (RFA) is a rapid response proposal call. The purpose is to conduct the NIIMBL eXperience program in different areas of the country. We intend to do this by funding NIIMBL academic or non-profit Member organizations to serve as regional lead organizations that will plan, recruit students, and run a NIIMBL eXperience program in their region. Applicants to this RFA will apply to serve as a regional lead organization by proposing a program that provides exposure to the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry through hands-on training, mentoring, tours, and engagement with “hosts” from professional associations, industry, and academic partners. NIIMBL does not intend to be prescriptive regarding the exact program structure to allow for creativity and flexibility in design, but identified lead organizations must work directly with NIIMBL to achieve all program requirements and milestones.

Funding of teams who have run prior NIIMBL  eXperience programs will be considered.   

Proposed regional programs should meet the following requirements:

• Program Elements. In keeping with previous NIIMBL eXperience programs, regional programs must incorporate industry hosts, hands-on training, professional association involvement, and social media engagement as described in the RFA.
  
  
• Regional College Engagement. While students will be welcome to apply to any NIIMBL eXperience program regardless of proximity, NIIMBL strongly encourages regional lead organizations to form recruiting relationships with area colleges and universities. While NIIMBL will help market the program nationally, recruiting local students will 1) reduce travel costs and administrative burden to the regional lead organization as well as 2) provide direct benefit to the local community. 
  
  
• Cohort Size. The program design should accommodate a cohort size of 8-15 students.
  
  
• Student Costs. The program must be free for participating students. All logistics expenses (housing, travel, food, transportation, materials) will be arranged for and paid by the regional lead organization. Regional lead organizations will be responsible for arranging and coordinating transportation for all participating students.
  
  
• Student Stipend. Participating students will receive a $1000 stipend from the regional lead organization for participating.

The complete request for applications can be found here.