NHLBI Policy on Foreign Grants mirrors NIH policy.  The Fogarty International Center (FIC) is the international component of the NIH.  FIC is involved in the foreign clearance process for grants from a foreign institution or for domestic grants that will utilize foreign sites for the conduct of the research.  The process for obtaining foreign clearance can take a considerable amount of time.  It is recommended that you begin discussions with your Program Director early in the process if your grant or contract has an international component.