About the Path to Excellence and Innovation

The PEI Initiative is a tremendous opportunity for the National Institutes of Health to work more collaboratively with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The mission of the PEI Initiative is to empower HBCUs with the knowledge, resources, and skills they need to effectively and consistently compete for and win contracts from the National Institutes of Health and thereby diversify revenue streams and create more research opportunities for those academic institutions.

In 2016, Diane Frasier, Head of the NIH Contracting Activity and Director of the Office of Acquisition and Logistics Management, launched a PEI Pilot Program. The pilot was designed in accordance with Presidential Executive Order 13779 to address inequities in contract awards to HBCUs. It has since been superseded by EO 14041, “Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” This executive order directs agencies to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs to participate in Federal programs, access Federal resources, including grants and procurement opportunities, and partner with Federal agencies. 

On May 25, 2021, the NIH launched the PEI 2.0 Cohort.  The PEI 2.0 is the first expansion following the successful pilot, which included 6 HBCUs. The new Cohort more than tripled the number of participating HBCUs—2.0 on-boarded 21 HBCUs and includes 42 small business partners! At this time, the Initiative is receiving exceptional contract support from an 8(a) small business, Supreme Solutions Inc.

Although the Initiative has made much success since its integration, the PEI Initiative is not resting on its laurels. Currently, NIH awards less than 1% of contracting dollars to HBCUs. Through the PEI Initiative, the NIH will work to INCREASE HBCU AWARDS BY 2%.

If interested in learning more about the PEI Initiative, please contact us at PEI@nih.gov. 
 

PEI 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

PEI 2.0 Cohort

Historically Black Colleges and Universities:

Below is a listing of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Business Partners participating in the PEI 2.0 Initiative.

Business Partners: