Department of Health and Human Services
Participating Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (http://www.nih.gov)
Components of Participating
Organizations
National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (http://www.niaaa.nih.gov)
Title: Comprehensive Alcohol Research Centers (P60)
Announcement Type
This
is a modification of RFA-AA-07-003 which was previously released June 1, 2006
Request For Applications (RFA) Number: RFA-AA-08-006
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s)
93.891
Key Dates
Release Date: July 6,
2007
Letters of Intent
Receipt Date(s): November 14,
2007
Application
Receipt Date(s): December 14,
2007
Peer
Review Date(s): March-June,
2008
Council
Review Date(s): October 2008
Earliest
Anticipated Start Date(s): December 1, 2008
Additional
Information to Be Available Date (Url Activation Date): N/A
Expiration Date: December 15,
2007
Due Dates for E.O. 12372
Not
Applicable
Additional Overview
Content
Executive Summary
Table of Contents
Part I
Overview Information
Part II Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity
Description
1. Research Objectives
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism(s) of Support
2. Funds Available
Section III. Eligibility
Information
1. Eligible Applicants
A. Eligible Institutions
B. Eligible Individuals
2.Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other - Special Eligibility Criteria
Section IV. Application and
Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application
Information
2. Content and Form of Application
Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
A. Receipt and Review and
Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of
Intent
B. Sending an Application to
the NIH
C. Application Processing
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
6. Other Submission Requirements
Section V. Application Review
Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
A. Additional Review Criteria
B. Additional Review
Considerations
C. Sharing Research Data
D. Sharing Research Resources
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award
Dates
Section VI. Award Administration
Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy
Requirements
3. Reporting
Section VII. Agency Contact(s)
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s)
2. Peer Review Contact(s)
3. Financial/ Grants Management Contact(s)
Section VIII. Other Information
- Required Federal Citations
Part II
- Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Research Objectives
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) supports a broad based Alcohol Research Center program to foster and conduct interdisciplinary, collaborative research on alcoholism, alcohol abuse and the impact of alcohol and health and disease. The NIAAA Centers Program provides leadership in research, research methodology development and information dissemination on a wide variety of topics relevant to the Institute’s mission. These topics include, but are not limited to, investigations into the nature, etiology, genetics, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of alcohol use disorders and their biomedical, psychosocial, and economic consequences across the lifespan. Centers are also major contributors to the development of new research methods, technologies, and approaches that sustain innovative goal-directed research.
This RFA uses the NIH Comprehensive Research Center (P60) mechanism to support an integrated, broad-based multidisciplinary, multi-investigator, long-term program of research and research support activities planned around a specific major research theme. In addition, a Comprehensive Alcohol Research Center (P60) is required to develop an effective research translation or information dissemination component to help accelerate the use of research findings for the benefit of public health. Outreach activates could be pursued in collaboration with other Centers, thereby optimizing the impact. Comprehensive Alcohol Research Centers are also expected to function as a regional and National resource in their particular area of expertise; to facilitate research training; to develop research collaborations with outside investigators; and to provide a means to develop new ideas and encourage new investigators via pilot projects. The Alcohol Research Centers program is interrelated with, and complementary to, all other research support mechanisms and scientific activities that comprise NIAAA programs. Center grants help to provide a stable environment for investigators to engage in alcohol research in a coordinated, integrated and synergistic effort.
The Alcohol Research Center grant provides a mechanism for fostering interdisciplinary cooperation within a group of established investigators conducting high-quality alcohol research. Therefore, existence of a strong research capability is fundamental to the establishment of a new Center or the continuation of an existing Center. A Center should be an identifiable organizational unit within an institutional or organizational structure such as a university, medical center, or a consortium of affiliated cooperating institutions. In addition to providing support for shared resources, this type of Center supports a full range of basic, developmental, clinical, and/or applied research components; allows for growth and development through pilot projects; and is intended to provide state-of-the-art leadership in the alcohol field. Unique scientific opportunities including sharing of resources or expertise warrant collaboration with investigators from other centers or from other institutions domestic or foreign. The director of component(s) in which collaborative activity with a foreign organization is proposed should be affiliated with a domestic institution.
Research Translation / Information Dissemination Component (for P60 applications)
Comprehensive centers (P60) must include a component which supports activities designed to translate research findings into health care practice, public information dissemination, or education curricula or programs for students, health professionals and community agencies. For Centers new to the P60 mechanism, such activities may require a substantial portion of the first year for planning and development with actual implementation beginning near the second year and continuing in subsequent years. These projects shall in a meaningful way reflect the Center's research theme. The following examples are types of projects that may be undertaken but are not intended to be limiting.
Research Translation:
Dissemination of Scientific Information and Research Progress:
All translational and educational projects should have specific objectives and include a method for monitoring the effectiveness of the effort.
Multiple Principal Investigator leadership structure
In light of the increasing contributions of multidisciplinary “team science” NIH has instituted the opportunity for applicant institutions to use multiple-PIs (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-017.html).
The prospect of incorporating Multiple-PI leadership structures into Alcohol Research Centers complements NIAAA’s long-standing commitment to a Centers program specifically directed toward multidisciplinary, collaborative research. Examples include support for: clinical and basic research collaborations, translational research, cross-institutional transdisciplinary collaborations, the development of experimental models targeted to significant issues in alcohol research, the rapid adoption and application of new technology, and the addition of an educational or information dissemination component for Comprehensive Alcohol Research Centers (P60). In further support of these goals, the NIAAA for the first time invites Alcohol Research Center applicants to consider using the multiple-PI leadership format.
See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related to this announcement.
1. Mechanism(s) of Support
This
funding opportunity will use the NIH P60 Comprehensive Research Center grant
award mechanism.
As an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.
This
funding opportunity uses the just-in-time budget concepts. It also uses the
non-modular budget format described in the PHS 398 application instructions http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html). Specifically, a detailed
categorical budget for the "Initial Budget Period" and the
"Entire Proposed Period of Support" is to be submitted with the
application.
2. Funds Available
The NIAAA intends to commit
approximately 7-9 million dollars in FY 2009. NIAAA expects to fund 4-7 new and/or competing
continuation Center grants in response to this and the two related RFAs which
together employ four different mechanisms (P20, P30, P50 and P60). The expected annual
direct costs P60 awards will range from about $1,200,000 to
$1,500,000. An applicant may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for total costs
up to 2.0
million dollars per year under the NIAAA P60 mechanism.
The earliest anticipated funding date is December 1, 2008. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from
application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will
also vary. Although the financial plans of the NIAAA provide
support for this program, awards pursuant to this funding opportunity are
contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient
number of meritorious applications.
Section
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
1.A. Eligible Institutions
You may submit an
application if your organization has any of the following characteristics:
1.B. Eligible Individuals
Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
This
program does not require cost sharing as defined in the current NIH
Grants Policy Statement
3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria
Applicants may submit more than one Center application provided they are scientifically distinct. Applicants are encouraged to contact Program Officials for further guidance.
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Information
The PHS 398 application
instructions are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. Applicants must use the currently approved version of
the PHS 398. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone 301-435-0714,
Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.
Telecommunications for
the hearing impaired: TTY 301-451-0088.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applications must be
prepared using the most current PHS 398 research grant application instructions
and forms. Applications must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System
(DUNS) number as the universal identifier when applying for Federal grants or
cooperative agreements. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866)
705-5711 or through the web site at http://www.dnb.com/us/.
The D&B number should be entered on line 11 of the face page of the PHS 398
form.
The title and number of this funding opportunity must
be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box
must be checked.
The following paragraphs describe the Special Requirements for a Comprehensive Center application. For a complete description of required NIAAA Center grant application format and page limitations see http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ResearchInformation/ExtramuralResearch/RFAs/Supplemental_Instructions.htm.
Only applications that focus on alcohol related research will be considered responsive to this RFA.
The Comprehensive Center must have a minimum of four (4) components (an administrative core, and three research components). The maximum combined number of components is 10 including core components, research components, and a pilot project component. More than a total of 10 components are not acceptable even if some components are in operation for less than the 5-year period. At least three research components must be active at all times. The research plan for each component is limited to twenty five (25) pages. Pages not used for one component may not be used to extend the page limit of other components or cores. In addition to the overall Center budget, each component requires a separate detailed budget.
A Center must be an identifiable organizational unit with an administrative structure and clear lines of authority which will facilitate coordination among Center personnel to assure maximum accountability and efficiency in Center operations.
The Center Director will have responsibility for planning and coordination of the Center program, preparation of the budget and oversight of expenditures, staff appointments, space allocation, and other aspects of management and operation of the Center.
The applicant may also designate a Scientific Director who will be responsible to the Center Director and provide direct supervision of the scientific and operational aspects of the research program. Such a person should be an individual who has established scientific credentials and who is capable of providing the leadership essential to the success of the center program. The Scientific Director will be responsible for assuring interaction and collaboration among scientists conducting research within the Center to facilitate a concerted approach to the research goals of the Center. The Scientific Director also will be responsible for the direct monitoring of ongoing research and identifying (with the assistance of colleagues) research and educational activities to be expanded or decreased and needs for additional resources or reallocation of resources. If the Center Director also serves as the Scientific Director, his or her functions as Scientific Director should also be described.
A Program Advisory Committee shall be established and chaired by the Center Director. Its membership, selected by the Center Director from individuals outside the Center, should be composed of at least five members. These members should be persons of recognized scientific standing who are generally familiar with the Center's activities and represent a cross-section of disciplines that are relevant to the work of the proposed Center. It shall be the responsibility of this Committee to review and make recommendations to the Center Director on the conduct of all activities of the Center, including the management of pilot projects. If committees other than the Program Advisory Committee are included, specific plans regarding committee selection and function should be provided in the application.
Training
While the primary function of each Center is the conduct of high-quality interdisciplinary research, an important secondary function is the training of research and clinical personnel. The applicant institution must therefore demonstrate or give reasonable assurances that it has: a) the capacity to train pre-doctoral and/or postdoctoral students for careers in alcohol research; and b) the capacity to conduct programs of continuing education in the Center's designated research theme in the basic, behavioral, epidemiological, or health service fields.
While the Center need not necessarily have formal training programs of its own, there must be specific provision for coordination between the Center and the training programs of the applicant institution and/or affiliated institutions. Center grant funds may not be used to pay stipends or other trainee costs; however, Center staff may participate in the development of training programs, and Center resources may be made available for use by trainees.
The application must also present a detailed plan or timeline for the duration of the proposed Center program.
Multiple Principal Investigators (optional)
Applications using the Multiple-PI option must provide a rationale for choosing this structure and explain how multiple-PIs will enhance the Center’s strengths and promote its long-term viability. Each of the PIs must be identified on a continuation of the Face Page of the PHS 398 form (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/398_forms.doc) and descriptions of their roles should be integrated into all the appropriate components. In addition, there will be a specific Multiple-PI Leadership Plan (see below).
Center Components:
Administrative Core Component
The Administrative Core provides the organizational framework for the management, direction, and coordination of the Center. It must be managed by the Center Director or Scientific Director. This core should ensure that all proposed components and related activities will function in an optimal and synergistic manner. An important function of this core is also the administration of the budget. It may include funds for scientific enrichment activities such as lectures, symposia, seminars, and workshops for research faculty and staff. This core should be described in sufficient detail to assure that all proposed components and related activities will function optimally. In addition, day-to-day operations involving procurement, finances, personnel, planning, and budgeting should be detailed in the description of this core.
Scientific Core Component (s)
Core components are shared research resources that provide Center investigators with techniques, instrumentation, services, or resources that will enhance alcohol-related research to accomplish the common goals of the Center. A core component is a laboratory, facility, service, or other resource that provides support for scientific research projects of the Center. Cores should be used primarily to support projects which are part of the Center Grant award. Each core component is directed by an investigator with established expertise relevant to the support or service to be provided. Each shared scientific resource component should be clearly described in terms of the services and resources to be provided to investigators. The description should include a discussion of the core's contributions to the research objectives of the Center. Relevant aspects of cost effectiveness, timesaving, and increased efficiency attributable to the existence of the cores should also be addressed. A core component should support two or more of the Center’s scientific research components and may also support independently funded research project grants related to the Center's theme. Each separately funded research project associated with the Center and utilizing core facilities should have a brief description that includes its research objectives and how the Center's core facility will impact those objectives. The description of the organization and mode of operation of the shared resource core should include discussion of quality control for the service or resource, and the procedures for evaluating and selecting projects eligible to access the core facility. Training in complex techniques and methods should be described if they are functions of the proposed cores. Core components are intended to enhance opportunities for investigators at the Center to include new technologies that broaden their research initiatives. While, research per se is not an essential part of a scientific core, quality assurance activities that evaluate its operations and are directed at problem identification and improvement of core functioning are appropriate.
Research Components
Research components are individual scientific research projects, integrated with the overall Center program that contribute collectively to the goals of the Center program. The Research Component Director should be a qualified investigator and is responsible for the scientific direction and conduct of the individual research component. A Center Director or Scientific Director may also serve as a Component Director. Each proposed research component should provide a clear description of its major goals, objectives, and how it integrates with the other research components in relation to the overall Center program. The hypotheses to be tested should be focused and fully detailed. The design and procedures should describe the strategies proposed to accomplish the specific aims and innovative aspects of the approach should be highlighted. A description of the resources and working arrangements required to implement and conduct the proposed research should be fully elaborated with particular attention to a description of necessary resources, subjects, clinical populations, tissue resources, biological models, existing data sets, etc., which will be involved in proposed studies. If core facilities are utilized, information on their use should be provided.
Research Translation or Information Dissemination Component (specific for P60 applications)
For each project in the research translation / dissemination component, a clear description of its major goals, objectives, and integration with the research components in relation to the overall center program should be provided. While the specific number of education projects is at the discretion of the applicant, requested funding for education component activities may not exceed $100,000 or 10 percent (whichever is larger) of the direct cost budget proposed for any one year. A staffing plan and rationale for organization of this component should be presented. Methods, techniques, and technologies to be used for proposed activities should be defined as well as the targeted audience or participants. Issues of cultural sensitivity with regard to intended audience should be addressed. When appropriate, activities should be designed to effectively reach underserved populations and/or subgroups based on age or gender.
Pilot Project Component
The purpose of pilot projects is to provide the Center with a flexible means to develop and explore new research activities or directions, and unique scientific opportunities that could evolve into independently funded research projects. The pilot project component should include the planned pilot studies as well as procedures for selecting new projects. These pilot project funds are not intended to supplement ongoing research projects. The application must provide thorough and concise descriptions of the projects to be supported in the first two years. For years 03-05, the applicant must specify the number of pilots planned in each year and a brief description of the anticipated directions of these pilots. All proposed pilot projects need not be ongoing at any one time, but may be phased in at different points during the life of the proposed Center grant. It is recognized that the relative priority or need for specific pilot projects may change over the course of time. While the Center's framework for management of pilot funds and the mechanism for operating the program are left to the discretion of the Center, the application must provide sufficient information to enable adequate scientific evaluation by a peer review committee. The application should include, a full description of the management of the pilot project component, including a description of the process used to solicit and select pilot projects. This includes the selection of new projects to replace those proposed in the application should it become necessary. Each pilot study proposed in the first 2 years should be fully described, including its rationale, objectives, approach, investigators, and significance for the Center. Also a brief description (2 to 3 pages) and anticipated direction of pilot projects planned for the 03-05 years, and their potential significance to the Center should be included. The research description of any individual pilot project may not exceed five pages; the entire narrative for this Pilot Project Component may not exceed 25 pages irrespective of the number of pilot projects proposed. A budget should be submitted for the pilot project component as a whole for each year in which pilots are proposed and for each individual project. For years 01 and 02 the budget will reflect costs of pilots proposed in the application. Budget information provided for each project anticipated for the 03-05 years should reflect best estimate costs based on number and kind of pilot projects to be pursued. While the specific number of pilot projects to be proposed is at the discretion of the applicant, requested funding for pilot studies may not exceed $100,000 or 10 percent (whichever is larger) of the direct cost budget proposed for any one year.
Multiple Principal Investigators Leadership Plan
Applications using the Multiple-PI option must identify each of the PIs on the Face Page-continuation of the PHS 398 form, and include a new section titled Multiple PI Leadership Plan (PHS 398, Section I, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/398_forms.doc). The Leadership Plan must provide a rationale for choosing this structure and explain how multiple-PIs will enhance the Center’s strengths and promote its long-term viability. The roles and administrative, technical, and scientific responsibilities should be described for each of the PIs, in relationship to each other and other investigators and staff. If significant changes or contingencies in the PI roles are anticipated, these should be described. A table may be included to illustrate individual as well as shared responsibilities. Section I should be as concise as possible and avoid repeating other parts of the application.
The governance and organizational structure of the leadership team and the research project should be described, including communication plans, a process for making decisions on scientific direction, and procedures for resolving conflicts. If there is to be a distribution of budgetary resources related to the roles of individual PIs these must be included in the Leadership Plan. Clarify whether these distributions are, or are not, associated with budgets for Center components and indicate if this plan would require distributions to different organizational units of the applicant institution. In the event of an award, the requested allocations may be reflected in a footnote on the NOGA (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-017.html).
Leadership Plan should summarize the Multiple-PI plan and address the following administrative processes and PI responsibilities:
Additional information about Multiple-PI applications can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-017.html and associated links therein. Additional instructions for Section I are included in the PHS 398 Specific Instructions at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/PHS398/instructions2/phs398instructions.htm#p1_specific_instructions.htm. Applicants considering the multiple-PI option are strongly encouraged to contact the NIAAA program officials at the earliest possible date.
Other Requirements:
Facilities and Environment
Applicants must demonstrate the availability of adequate laboratory, clinical, office and other facilities needed to carry out the objectives of the proposed Alcohol Research Center program. To the extent possible it is desirable for Centers to have a commitment for sufficient contiguous space so that the Center has a high degree of cohesion and visibility. Internet access to scientific literature and other information must be readily available. Relevant support services, including for example adequate data processing facilities, must also be readily accessible and documented in the proposal.
Competing Renewal Applications
A comprehensive progress report is required for competing continuation (renewal) applications. A statement describing the progress made by the Center as a regional or national research resource should be included. Collaborative activities if any, with other NIAAA Alcohol Research Centers should be described along with a list of joint accomplishments. In addition, for each research component of the existing Center grant, a succinct account of its published and unpublished results must be provided, indicating progress toward achieving aims regardless of whether the component has been submitted for renewal. Ongoing or completed core activity that has enhanced or facilitated alcohol research should be described. Past performance and accomplishments of cores should be described, as should the effect of services provided by cores on investigators' productivity. For competing renewal applications, information should be provided on past experience in utilizing pilot funds to further Center goals. This should include an assessment of overall benefits derived from the availability of pilot resources.
Progress Report for Components being extended into the next funding period are to be included in the 25-page limit for each Component. Progess Reports for Components that have been terminated are limited to 5 pages.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be
received on or before the receipt date described below (Section
IV.3.A).
3.A. Receipt,
Review and Anticipated Start Dates
Letters of Intent
Receipt Date(s): November 14,
2007
Application
Receipt Date(s) : December 14,
2007
Peer Review Date(s): March-May 2008
Council Review
Date(s): October 2008
Earliest
Anticipated Start Date(s): December
1, 2008
3.A.1. Letter of Intent
Prospective applicants
are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information:
Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows NIAAA staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review.
The
letter of intent is to be sent by the date listed at the beginning of this
document.
The letter of intent
should be sent to:
Abraham
Bautista, Ph.D.
Chief, Extramural Project
Review Branch
National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Institutes of
Health, DHHS
5635 Fishers Lane, Room 3039
Bethesda, MD 20892-9304
Telephone: (301) 443-9737
FAX: 301-443-6077
Email bautista@mail.nih.gov
3.B. Sending an Application to the NIH
Applications must be prepared using the research grant applications found in the PHS 398 instructions for preparing a research grant application. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and three signed photocopies in one package to:
Center for Scientific Review
National Institutes of Health
ATTN:
RFA AA-07-003
6701 Rockledge Drive,
Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD 20892-7710
(U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for
express/courier service; non-USPS service)
Personal deliveries of
applications are no longer permitted (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-040.html).
At the time of
submission, two additional copies of the application and all copies of the
appendix material must be sent to:
Abraham Bautista, Ph.D.
Chief, Extramural Project
Review Branch
National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Institutes of
Health, DHHS
5635 Fishers Lane, Room 3039
Bethesda, MD 20892-9304
Telephone: (301) 443-9737
FAX: 301-443-6077
Email bautista@mail.nih.gov
Applications must be received by the application receipt date listed in the heading of this RFA. If an application is received after that date, the applicant will be notified and the application will not be reviewed.
Using the RFA Label: The RFA label available in
the PHS 398 application instructions must be affixed to the bottom of the face
page of the application. Type the RFA number on the label. Failure to use this
label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may
not reach the review committee in time for review. In addition, the RFA title
and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and
the YES box must be marked. The RFA label is also available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/labels.pdf.
3.C. Application
Processing
Applications must be received on or before the
application receipt date(s) described above (Section IV.3.A.).
If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the
applicant without review. Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for
completeness by the CSR and responsiveness by the NIAAA. Incomplete and non-responsive
applications will not be reviewed.
The NIH will not
accept any application in response to this funding opportunity that is
essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the
applicant withdraws the pending application. However, when a previously
unfunded application, originally submitted as an investigator-initiated
application, is to be submitted in response to a funding opportunity, it is to
be prepared as a NEW application. That is, the application for the funding
opportunity must not include an Introduction describing the changes and
improvements made, and the text must not be marked to indicate the changes from
the previous unfunded version of the application.
Information on the status of an application can be checked
by the PI in the eRA Commons at: https://commons.era.nih.gov/commons/.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This initiative is
not subject to intergovernmental
review.
5. Funding Restrictions
All NIH awards are
subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations
described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. The Grants Policy Statement can
be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm.
Pre-award costs are
allowable. A grantee may, at its own risk and without NIH prior approval, incur
obligations and expenditures to cover costs up to 90 days before the beginning
date of the initial budget period of a new or competing continuation award if
such costs: are necessary to conduct the project, and would be allowable under
the grant, if awarded, without NIH prior approval. If specific expenditures
would otherwise require prior approval, the grantee must obtain NIH approval
before incurring the cost. NIH prior approval is required for any costs to be incurred
more than 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a
new or competing continuation award.
The incurrence of pre-award costs in anticipation of a
competing or non-competing award imposes no obligation on NIH either to make
the award or to increase the amount of the approved budget if an award is made
for less than the amount anticipated and is inadequate to cover the pre-award
costs incurred. NIH expects the grantee to be fully aware that pre-award costs
result in borrowing against future support and that such borrowing must not
impair the grantee's ability to accomplish the project objectives in the
approved time frame or in any way adversely affect the conduct of the project.
See NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part6.htm.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Plan for Sharing Research
Data
The precise content
of the data-sharing plan will vary, depending on the data being collected and
how the investigator is planning to share the data. Applicants who are planning
to share data may wish to describe briefly the expected schedule for data
sharing, the format of the final dataset, the documentation to be provided,
whether or not any analytic tools also will be provided, whether or not a
data-sharing agreement will be required and, if so, a brief description of such
an agreement (including the criteria for deciding who can receive the data and
whether or not any conditions will be placed on their use), and the mode of
data sharing (e.g., under their own auspices by mailing a disk or posting data
on their institutional or personal website, through a data archive or enclave).
Investigators choosing to share under their own auspices may wish to enter into
a data-sharing agreement. References to data sharing may also be appropriate in
other sections of the application.
All applicants must
include a plan for sharing research data in their application. The data sharing
policy is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing.
All investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a
description of how final research data will be shared, or explain why data
sharing is not possible.
The reasonableness of
the data sharing plan or the rationale for not sharing research data will be
assessed by the reviewers. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed data
sharing plan into the determination of scientific merit or the priority score.
Sharing Research Resources
NIH policy expects
that grant recipients make unique research resources readily available for
research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community
after publication (NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part7.htm#_Toc54600131).
Investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a plan for sharing research resources addressing how unique research resources will be
shared or explain why sharing is not possible.
The adequacy of the resources sharing plan and any
related data sharing plans will be considered by Program staff of the funding
organization when making recommendations about funding applications. The
effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as part of the
administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm).
See Section VI.3. Reporting.
Section V. Application
Review Information
1. Criteria
Only the review criteria
described below will be considered in the review process.
The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
2. Review and Selection Process
Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by NIAAA in accordance with the stated review criteria.
As part of the initial merit review, all applications will:
The goals of NIH supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, to improve the control of disease, and to enhance health. In their written critiques, reviewers will be asked to comment on each of the following criteria in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. Note that an application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact and thus deserve a high priority score. For example, an investigator may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward.
Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? For applications designating multiple PDs/PIs, is the leadership approach, including the designated roles and responsibilities, governance, and organizational structure, consistent with and justified by the aims of the project and the expertise of each of the PDs/PIs?
Innovation: Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?
Investigators: Are the investigators appropriately trained and well
suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the
experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers? Does the
investigative team bring complementary and integrated expertise to the project
(if applicable)? Does the
PD/PI(s) and investigative team bring complementary and integrated expertise to
the project (if applicable)?
Environment: Does the scientific
environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of
success? Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific
environment, or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative
arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?
For the NIAAA Alcohol Research Centers the initial review for scientific
and technical merit of applications will emphasize two major aspects: (1) the
review of each component: the administrative and resource scientific core(s),
and the scientific research, and pilot project components, as applicable; and
(2) review of the Center as an integrated whole working together to focus on a
central theme, as well as its potential to contribute to research training and
serve as a regional and national resource. Review will also include an assessment
of the academic and physical environment and special considerations, e.g.
compliance with human subjects and animal welfare requirements, and compliance
with policies concerning inclusion of women, minorities and children in
clinical research study populations. Review criteria for Comprehensive Alcohol Research Center (P60) are:
The ADMINISTRATIVE CORE will be evaluated
with the following criteria:
Approach: Are the arrangements and organizational structure, adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the application describe how day-to-day management will be accomplished? Are the plans to facilitate and monitor attainment of Center objectives appropriate?
Investigators: Are the investigators appropriately trained and well suited to carry out the proposed organizational interactions?
The SCIENTIFIC CORE COMPONENT(S) will be evaluated with the following criteria:
Approach: Is the justification for the need of a core service or resource clearly stated? Is the scientific and technical merit of the proposed core explained? Are there appropriate plans for resource allocation? Are quality control procedures in place? Are the resources and environment adequate?
Investigators: Are the investigators appropriately trained and well suited for the core activities? What are the qualifications, experience, and commitment of the component director? Is there a sufficient time and effort commitment made by the core component director?
The RESEARCH COMPONENTS and the RESEARCH TRANSLATION / INFORMATION DISSEMINATION COMPONENT will be evaluated with the following criteria:
Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the proposed aims are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field?
Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well-integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the investigator acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?
Innovation: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or methodology? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies?
Investigators: Is the Research Component Director appropriately trained and well-suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the component director and other researchers involved?
Environment: Is the scientific environment sufficient for the needs of the project? Does the proposed research take advantage of unique features of the environment such as: access to at risk populations, community resources or mutually-beneficial collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?
The PILOT PROJECT COMPONENT will be evaluated with the following criteria:
Significance: Are the pilot research topics important? Does the pilot have the potential to develop into a full-scale independent project?
Approach: Is there an adequate selection process for new and replacement pilot projects? Are monitoring, oversight procedures and continuation decisions explained? Are the resources and environment for the projects adequate?
Investigators: Are the qualifications of the pilot project Component Director and the individual pilot project leaders appropriate for the proposed research?
The MULTIPLE-PI LEADERSHIP PLAN (optional Section I) will be evaluated with the following criteria:
Aspects of the Multiple-PI plan should be integrated throughout the application and therefore included in the criteria listed above. The criteria listed below refer to the Multiple-PI Leadership Plan as it appears in Section I and an overall assessment of the Multiple Principal Investigator Leadership Plan. Additional guidance for reviewers is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/multi_pi/multi_pi_guidance.doc.
Significance: Does the Multiple-PI Leadership Plan offer a clear and compelling advantage to a traditional single PI model? Will the Leadership Plan contribute to the overall scientific integration and productivity of the Center?
Approach: Is the leadership approach appropriate for the scientific goals and personnel of the Center? Do the identified roles and responsibilities for the PIs match their experience and areas of expertise? Is the proposed governance and organizational structure consistent with and justified by the aims of the project and the roles of the PIs?
Innovation: Does the Multiple-PI Leadership plan contribute to the Center’s originality or innovativeness? Does the Multiple-PI Leadership plan facilitate the development of novel concepts, approaches, or methodologies appropriate for the Center’s intended theme?
Investigators: Are the designated PIs appropriately trained and well suited to carry out their role as described in the application? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the PIs and other researchers? Do the PIs and the investigative team bring complementary and integrated expertise to the project?
Environment: Does the proposed administrative environment enhance the productivity of the PIs and thereby serve the ultimate goals of the project. Specifically:
CENTER AS AN INTEGRATED WHOLE will be
evaluated with the following criteria:
Significance: Do the
Center’s research goals address an important problem? If the aims
of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical
practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts,
methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that
drive this field?
Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?
Innovation: Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?
Investigators: Are the investigators appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers?
Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?
Coordination and Cohesiveness: Is the coordination among the administrative and scientific cores and the research components adequately explained? Is the usefulness of the scientific core components magnified by their inclusion in a Center? Is there synergistic potential among Center’s research components?
2.A.
Additional Review Criteria:
In
addition to the above criteria, the following items will continue to be
considered in the determination of scientific merit and the priority score:
Protection
of Human Subjects from Research Risk: The involvement of human subjects and protections from
research risk relating to their participation in the proposed research will be
assessed (see the Research Plan, Section E on Human Subjects in the PHS Form
398).
Inclusion
of Women, Minorities and Children in Research: The adequacy of plans to
include subjects from both genders, all racial and ethnic groups (and
subgroups), and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the
research will be assessed. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects
will also be evaluated (see the Research Plan, Section E on Human Subjects in
the PHS Form 398).
Care and
Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research: If vertebrate animals are to
be used in the project, the five items described under Section F of the PHS Form
398 research grant application instructions will be assessed.
Biohazards: If materials or procedures
are proposed that are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the
environment, determine if the proposed protection is adequate.
2.B. Additional Review
Considerations
Budget: The reasonableness of the
proposed budget and the requested period of support in relation to the proposed
research. The priority score should not be affected by the evaluation of the
budget.
2.C. Sharing Research Data
Data Sharing Plan: The reasonableness of the
data sharing plan or the rationale for not sharing research data will be
assessed by the reviewers. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed data
sharing plan into the determination of scientific merit or the priority score.
The presence of a data sharing plan will be part of the terms and conditions of
the award. The funding organization will be responsible for monitoring the data
sharing policy. Program staff will be
responsible for the administrative review of the research data sharing plan.
2.D. Sharing Research
Resources
NIH policy expects that
grant recipients make unique research resources readily available for research
purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community after
publication (See the NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/part_ii_5.htm#availofrr and http://www.ott.nih.gov/policy/rt_guide_final.html).
Investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a sharing
research resources plan addressing how unique research resources will be shared
or explain why sharing is not possible.
The adequacy of the
resources sharing plan will be considered by Program staff of the NIAAA when
making recommendations about funding applications. Program staff may negotiate
modifications of the data and resource sharing plans with the awardee before
recommending funding of an application. The final version of the data and
resource sharing plans negotiated by both will become a condition of the award
of the grant. The effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as
part of the administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report
(PHS 2590). See Section VI.3. Reporting.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
N/A
Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
After the peer review of
the application is completed, the PD/PI will be able to access his or her
Summary Statement (written critique) via the eRA Commons.
If the application is under consideration for funding,
NIH will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant. For
details, applicants may refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms
and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part4.htm).
A formal notification in the form of a Notice
of Award (NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization. The NoA
signed by the grants management officer is the authorizing document. Once all
administrative and programmatic issues have been resolved, the NoA will be
generated via email notification from the awarding component to the grantee
business official (designated in item 12 on the Application Face Page). If a
grantee is not email enabled, a hard copy of the NoA will be mailed to the
business official.
Selection of an application for award is not an
authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt of the
NoA are at the recipient's risk. These costs may be reimbursed only to the
extent considered allowable pre-award costs. See Also Section
IV.5. Funding Restrictions.
2. Administrative and National
Policy Requirements
All NIH grant and
cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of
the NoA. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II:
Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part4.htm)
and Part II Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and
Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part9.htm).
3. Reporting
Awardees will be
required to submit the PHS Non-Competing Grant Progress Report, Form 2590
annually (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm)
and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Centers will be required to submit detailed annual progress reports including substantive information about research results to date, status of ongoing research, research plans for the next year, and any modifications in long-term research plans. Also required are reporting of inventions, reports of expenditures, final reports, and other reports in accordance with NIH policy.
In view of the special significance of this program, close coordination and communication between the NIAAA staff and staff of the Alcohol Research Centers is intended. The NIAAA program official will have responsibility for maintaining liaison with appropriate Center leadership, serving as resource consultant to the Center program, and keeping NIAAA staff informed on progress and accomplishments of the Centers. In addition, the program official with other NIAAA staff and consultants will, from time to time, make on-site visits for purposes of program coordination and exchange of information.
We
encourage your inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the
opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall
into three areas: scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants
management issues:
1. Scientific/Research Contacts:
R. Thomas
Gentry, Ph.D
Division of Metabolism and
Health Effects
National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
5635 Fishers Lane, Room 2025
Bethesda, MD 20892-9304
Telephone: 301-443-6009
FAX: 301-594-0673
Email: tgentry@niaaa.nih.gov
Michael Hilton, Ph.D
Division of Epidemiology
and Prevention Research
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
5635 Fishers Lane, Room 2083
Bethesda, MD 20892-9304
Telephone: 301-402-9402
FAX: 301-443-8614
Email: mhilton@mail.nih.gov
Roger G. Sorensen, Ph.D, M.P.A.
Division of Neuroscience
and Behavior
National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
5635 Fishers Lane, Room 2053
Bethesda, MD 20892-9304
Telephone: 301-443-2678
FAX:
301-443-1650
Email: rsorense@mail.nih.gov
Peter J. Delany, D.S.W.
Division of Treatment and Recovery Research
National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
5635 Fishers Lane, Room 2039
Bethesda, MD 20892-9304
Telephone: 301-443-0788
FAX: 301-443-8774
Email delanyp@mail.nih.gov
2. Peer Review Contacts:
Abraham Bautista, Ph.D.
Chief, Extramural Project Review Branch
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
5635 Fishers Lane, Room 3039
Bethesda, MD 20892-9304
Telephone: (301) 443-9737
FAX: 301-443-6077
Email bautista@mail.nih.gov
3. Financial or Grants Management Contacts:
Judy
Fox
Grants Management Branch
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
5635 Fishers Lane MSC 9304 Room 3023
Bethesda, MD 20892-9304
[For express mail use: Rockville, MD 20852-1705]
Telephone: 301-443-4704
FAX: 301-443-3891
Email: jfox@mail.nih.gov
Section VIII. Other Information
Required Federal Citations
Use of Animals in Research:
Recipients of PHS
support for activities involving live, vertebrate animals must comply with PHS
Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/PHSPolicyLabAnimals.pdf)
as mandated by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/hrea1985.htm),
and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm)
as applicable.
Human Subjects
Protection:
Federal regulations
(45CFR46) require that applications and proposals involving human subjects must
be evaluated with reference to the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of
protection against these risks, the potential benefits of the research to the
subjects and others, and the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained
(http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm).
Data and Safety
Monitoring Plan:
Data and safety
monitoring is required for all types of clinical trials, including physiologic
toxicity and dose-finding studies (phase I); efficacy studies (Phase II);
efficacy, effectiveness and comparative trials (Phase III). Monitoring should
be commensurate with risk. The establishment of data and safety monitoring
boards (DSMBs) is required for multi-site clinical trials involving
interventions that entail potential risks to the participants (NIH Policy for
Data and Safety Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).
Sharing Research
Data:
Investigators submitting
an NIH application seeking $500,000 or more in direct costs in any single year
are expected to include a plan for data sharing or state why this is not
possible (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing).
Investigators should seek guidance from their
institutions, on issues related to institutional policies and local IRB rules,
as well as local, State and Federal laws and regulations, including the Privacy
Rule. Reviewers will consider the data sharing plan but will not factor the
plan into the determination of the scientific merit or the priority score.
Access to Research
Data through the Freedom of Information Act:
The Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide access to research
data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances.
Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is supported in whole or in
part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal
agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a
regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. It is important for applicants to
understand the basic scope of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm.
Applicants may wish to place data collected under this funding opportunity in a
public archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the
distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the application should
include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include
information about this in the budget justification section of the application.
In addition, applicants should think about how to structure informed consent
statements and other human subjects procedures given the potential for wider
use of data collected under this award.
Sharing of Model
Organisms:
NIH is committed to
support efforts that encourage sharing of important research resources
including the sharing of model organisms for biomedical research (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/model_organism/index.htm).
At the same time the NIH recognizes the rights of grantees and contractors to
elect and retain title to subject inventions developed with Federal funding
pursuant to the Bayh Dole Act (see the NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm).
All investigators submitting an NIH application or contract proposal, beginning
with the October 1, 2004 receipt date, are expected to include in the
application/proposal a description of a specific plan for sharing and
distributing unique model organism research resources generated using NIH
funding or state why such sharing is restricted or not possible. This will
permit other researchers to benefit from the resources developed with public
funding. The inclusion of a model organism sharing plan is not subject to a
cost threshold in any year and is expected to be included in all applications
where the development of model organisms is anticipated.
Inclusion of Women
And Minorities in Clinical Research:
It is the policy of the
NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations must be
included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a clear and
compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate
with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This
policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public
Law 103-43). All investigators proposing clinical research should read the
"NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in
Clinical Research (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html);
a complete copy of the updated Guidelines is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm.
The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical
research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB
standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical
trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398; and updated roles and
responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy
continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials that: a) all
applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of plans
to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender
and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and b)
investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting analyses,
as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences.
Inclusion of Children
as Participants in Clinical Research:
The NIH maintains a policy
that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all
clinical research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are
scientific and ethical reasons not to include them.
All investigators proposing research involving human
subjects should read the "NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion
of children as participants in research involving human subjects (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm).
Required Education on
the Protection of Human Subject Participants:
NIH policy requires
education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators
submitting NIH applications for research involving human subjects and
individuals designated as key personnel. The policy is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.
Human Embryonic Stem
Cells (hESC):
Criteria for federal
funding of research on hESCs can be found at http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp and at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html.
Only research using hESC lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic
Stem Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding (http://escr.nih.gov). It is the responsibility
of the applicant to provide in the project description and elsewhere in the
application as appropriate, the official NIH identifier(s) for the hESC
line(s)to be used in the proposed research. Applications that do not provide
this information will be returned without review.
NIH Public Access
Policy:
NIH-funded investigators
are requested to submit to the NIH manuscript submission (NIHMS) system (http://www.nihms.nih.gov) at PubMed Central
(PMC) an electronic version of the author's final manuscript upon acceptance
for publication, resulting from research supported in whole or in part with
direct costs from NIH. The author's final manuscript is defined as the final
version accepted for journal publication, and includes all modifications from
the publishing peer review process.
NIH is requesting that
authors submit manuscripts resulting from 1) currently funded NIH research
projects or 2) previously supported NIH research projects if they are accepted
for publication on or after May 2, 2005. The NIH Public Access Policy applies
to all research grant and career development award mechanisms, cooperative
agreements, contracts, Institutional and Individual Ruth L. Kirschstein
National Research Service Awards, as well as NIH intramural research studies.
The Policy applies to peer-reviewed, original research publications that have
been supported in whole or in part with direct costs from NIH, but it does not
apply to book chapters, editorials, reviews, or conference proceedings.
Publications resulting from non-NIH-supported research projects should not be
submitted.
For more information
about the Policy or the submission process please visit the NIH Public Access
Policy Web site at http://publicaccess.nih.gov/ and
view the Policy or other Resources and Tools including the Authors' Manual (http://publicaccess.nih.gov/publicaccess_Manual.htm).
Standards for Privacy
of Individually Identifiable Health Information:
The Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS) issued final modification to the "Standards for
Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information", the
"Privacy Rule", on August 14, 2002 . The Privacy Rule is a federal
regulation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA) of 1996 that governs the protection of individually identifiable health
information, and is administered and enforced by the DHHS Office for Civil
Rights (OCR).
Decisions about applicability and implementation of
the Privacy Rule reside with the researcher and his/her institution. The OCR
website (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/)
provides information on the Privacy Rule, including a complete Regulation Text
and a set of decision tools on "Am I a covered entity?" Information
on the impact of the HIPAA Privacy Rule on NIH processes involving the review,
funding, and progress monitoring of grants, cooperative agreements, and
research contracts can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-025.html.
URLs in NIH Grant
Applications or Appendices:
All applications and
proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page
limitations. For publications listed in the appendix and/or Progress report,
internet addresses (URLs) must be used for publicly accessible
on-line journal articles. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide
any other information necessary for the review because reviewers are
under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Furthermore, we caution
reviewers that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an
Internet site.
Healthy People 2010:
The Public Health
Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease
prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national
activity for setting priority areas. This RFA is related to one or more of the
priority areas. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People
2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
Authority and
Regulations: This program is described in the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, No.93.891 and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive
Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. Awards are made under the
authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as
amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR
Parts 74 and 92. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost
principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. The NIH Grants Policy Statement can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm.
The PHS strongly
encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and
discourage the use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227,
the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some
cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education,
library, day care, health care, or early childhood development services are
provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and
advance the physical and mental health of the American people.
Loan Repayment
Programs:
NIH encourages
applications for educational loan repayment from qualified health professionals
who have made a commitment to pursue a research career involving clinical,
pediatric, contraception, infertility, and health disparities related areas.
The LRP is an important component of NIH's efforts to recruit and retain the
next generation of researchers by providing the means for developing a research
career unfettered by the burden of student loan debt. Note that an NIH grant is
not required for eligibility and concurrent career award and LRP applications
are encouraged. The periods of career award and LRP award may overlap providing
the LRP recipient with the required commitment of time and effort, as LRP
awardees must commit at least 50% of their time (at least 20 hours per week
based on a 40 hour week) for two years to the research. For further
information, please see: http://www.lrp.nih.gov.
Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
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