Special Instructions For NLM Resource Grant Applications

Special Instructions for NLM Knowledge Management & Applied Informatics Grant Applications

The specific SF424 (R&R) Application forms package to be used for submitting an application to this program is linked from the funding opportunity announcement (FOA). Please do not use any other forms package.

The instructions on this web page are to be followed in conjunction with the instructions as set out in the "Grants.gov Application Guide SF424 (R&R) - Version 2" and in the FOA. In cases where the instructions on this page differ from instructions in the Application Guide, the instructions on this page supersede all other instructions.

Only sections from the Application Guide that requires clarification are addressed below.

4.6 Selecting the Appropriate Budget Component (page I-71 of Application Guide)
A detailed (non-modular) categorical budget is required for this grant program. Please complete the R&R (Research & Related) Budget Component to submit your detailed categorical budget, following the instructions in section 4.7 on page I-71. Please disregard the Modular Budget Guidelines.

Please leave the Indirect Costs sections blank as this program does not cover indirect costs (facilities and administrative costs), as stated in the FOA.

5.5 Research Plan Component (page I-102 of Application Guide)
Please follow the instructions as set out in the Application Guide, with the following clarifications.

Page limits as set out in the FOA are: Do not exceed 15 pages for Items 2 - 5 of the Research Plan. Do not exceed 1 page for Item 1 (Introduction to Application, to be used only for Resubmissions/Revised applications).

A project plan may be submitted in place of a Research plan if this is more appropriate for the project. However, the section headers as set out below and in the Application Guide must be followed. The project plan should describe the aims of the project, what will be done, the people who will carry out the work, the people who will be affected, and how the project will be managed. The following sections outline the kind of information that should be in the project plan. Do not exceed the 15-page limit for the project plan/research plan.

1. Introduction to Application

Use only for a resubmission (revised application)

2. Specific Aims

Clearly state the project's aims. Why does the applicant want to do this and what benefit is it expected to bring to the organizations and communities involved? Relate them to the stated goals of the grant program as published in the program announcement.

3. Background and Significance

Describe the applicant organization(s) and performance sites. Who are the primary clients to be served by the proposed project? Describe how the proposed project meets their needs. Summarize the potential impact in terms of types and numbers of users who will benefit.

4. Preliminary Studies/Progress Report

Report accomplishments to date in preparing for the project, especially the preliminary supporting evidence gathered from identifying user needs or bringing a planning committee together or testing prototypes.

5. Research Design and Methods

For each objective or specific aim, explain how it will be achieved. Provide a timeline that shows the milestones and duration and sequence of the steps for reaching them.

Training and Evaluation
Describe how the intended users will be trained to use the system or resource. How will your project be evaluated? If funds are requested for project staff to receive technical training, describe the nature of the training and provide a rationale for it. An evaluation section should provide an evaluation approach for each specific aim and, if appropriate, outcome measures or other more general evaluation plans.

Personnel & Project Management
Describe the roles of the key personnel - who is responsible for doing the work and for making certain that work is completed correctly and on time? If consultants are to be used, describe their roles and qualifications. Describe the techniques and kinds of information that will be used to monitor progress and judge the success of the project. Where objectives are amenable to quantification, the evaluation can be a straightforward analysis of pre-grant and post-grant data. In more complex projects, it may be important to involve study design experts. What kinds of information will be gathered to assess the impact that the project has on the organization's ability to meet its goals?

Dissemination
Describe how you will disseminate findings - the outcomes of your work, the lessons learned, etc. to the broader community. If software or unique resources are being developed, describe what is to be made available to the broader community for use by others.

Future Support
How will financial and technical support be provided after the grant ends? Will arrangements be made to provide users with additional training and/or resources and services?

Other Sections (not part of the 15-page project plan)

Human Subjects Sections: If the project involves gathering health-related information from identifiable individuals, or access to personal health information, assurance of adequate protection for human subjects must be provided. These sections should follow SF424 (R&R) Application Guide instructions (see Application Guide page I-107).

Publication List: As appropriate, include references to the published literature that support the project goals, following the instructions on page I-106 of the Application Guide.

Letters of Support: If a consultant is to be used, attach a letter describing the consultant's role on the project. If collaborating organizations are named, it is wise to include letters that confirm their intention to participate. This is unnecessary if the collaborating organization is participating through a subcontract. Refer to the Application Guide, page I-110.

Appendix - Applicants may attach selected materials relevant to the project, including cost estimates, letters of support, memoranda of understanding, and the like. Appendices should not contain such information as budget, timelines and milestones; that information belongs in the application itself. All appendix materials must conform to the Appendix instructions on pages I-111 to I-112 of the Application Guide.

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