Underlying NIDCR's financial management plan is the Institute's goal to provide stable levels of support for high quality scientific research. Non-competing SBIR, STTR, career development, curriculum development, fellowship, training, and conference awards will be funded at the level specified in the notice of grant award. For most other non-competing grants, NIDCR will issue awards at levels 1 to 2 percent below the previously committed level for FY 2008; future years will be adjusted accordingly. The February 28, 2008 Guide notice transmits NIH’s fiscal policy regarding non-competing as well as competing awards.
Payment of new and competing research project grants will be as close to peer review recommended levels as possible, given overall budgetary constraints. Regarding new and competing awards, a goal has been set to reach a success rate of 18 percent. In other words, by the end of the fiscal year, NIDCR plans to fund 18 percent of the research project grant applications assigned to the Institute and completing peer review. A number of factors affect this level, including the number of grant applications received, the rated scientific merit of submitted applications, and the funding available to support new and competing RPGs. Funding for new investigators is an Institute priority.
The NIDCR provides individual consideration to all applications. As the year progresses, the Institute may adjust its funding plans to accommodate changes in the projected number of applications, the scientific merit of applications as reflected in the scores assigned during peer review, projected award costs, new scientific opportunities, and other relevant factors.