DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL RESOURCES

RELEASE DATE:  March 18, 2003

PA NUMBER:  PAR-03-077 (Reissued as PAR-07-342)

EXPIRATION DATE:  June 1, 2006, unless reissued

National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
 (http://www.ncrr.nih.gov)

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER:  93.389

THIS PA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

o Purpose of the PA
o Research Objectives
o Mechanism of Support 
o Eligible Institutions
o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators
o Special Requirements
o Where to Send Inquiries
o Submitting an Application
o Peer Review Process
o Review Criteria
o Award Criteria
o Design Schedule Requirements
o Required Federal Citations

PURPOSE OF THIS PA  

The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) encourages the submission 
of individual animal resource improvement grant applications from biomedical 
research institutions.  The major objective of this program is to upgrade 
animal facilities to support the conduct of Public Health Service (PHS) 
supported biomedical and behavioral research.  A related objective is to 
assist institutions in complying with the USDA Animal Welfare Act and DHHS 
policies related to the care and use of laboratory animals.  Support is 
limited to alterations and renovations (A&R) to improve laboratory animal 
facilities, and the purchase of major equipment items for animal resources, 
diagnostic laboratories, transgenic animal resources, or similar associated 
activities.  This program announcement (PA) replaces PAR-00-124.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Animal resource improvement grants are awarded to assist biomedical research 
institutions in upgrading animal facilities and developing administratively 
centralized and uniformly effective programs of research animal care in 
support of PHS-funded research.  Another major objective is to assist 
institutions in complying, and maintaining compliance, with provisions of the 
USDA Animal Welfare Act and DHHS policies related to the care and use of 
laboratory animals.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT 

This PA will use the NIH G20 award mechanism.  As an applicant, you will be 
solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed 
project.  

The mechanism available for the support of these improvement projects is the 
Grant for Repair, Renovation, and Modernization of Existing Research 
Facilities.  The total budget request for the improvement grant application 
and award is limited to $700,000 (direct costs).  The $700,000 request may be 
used (a) entirely for movable equipment (e.g., cages, static racks); (b) for 
renovation, repair or modernizing the facility and for fixed equipment; and 
(c) in any combination of option (a) and (b) to reach the $700,000 maximum 
request limit of the award.  Facilities and administrative costs are not 
allowed.  The matching requirement for all applicants has been eliminated.  
This is a change from past announcements.  

Since the nature and scope of the projects proposed in response to this PA 
might vary, it is anticipated that the size of an award will vary also.

ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS

o Non-profit organizations 
o Domestic public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, 
hospitals, and laboratories 
o Units of State and local governments
o Eligible agencies of the Federal government

Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.

Any domestic public or private institution, organization, or association is 
eligible to apply for this grant if the institution has one or more research 
projects currently supported by the PHS that involve the use of laboratory 
animals.  Institutions and commercial firms providing only services or 
products and without a clearly defined animal related research component are 
not eligible to apply.  Also, this program will not support requests for 
equipment used for teaching purposes and for housing non-research animals.  
Applications from other Federal agencies or institutions (e.g., Department of 
Veterans Affairs) are limited to requests for equipment only.  Institutions 
may submit one application for developing and improving institutional animal 
resources (G20) in the same Federal fiscal year. 

An institution may submit two applications from two different "stand alone" 
components that are uniquely identified subordinate organizational elements 
of the institution (for example, a medical school and a dental school within 
a university).  If this is done, documentation from an appropriate 
institutional official stating that the applications are part of a 
coordinated, campus-wide plan to improve the animal facilities, must be 
provided as part of the applications.  However, the applicant institution is 
strongly encouraged to develop a single application for a campus-wide program 
with a single, centralized animal care program whenever possible or feasible.

Applications to this PA does not prohibit the submission of an application to 
expand, remodel, renovate, or alter existing animal facilities or construct 
new animal facilities through the Extramural Research Facilities Improvement 
Program Projects (C06).

INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

The Principal Investigator must be an established biomedical or behavioral 
research scientist or a board certified Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He/she 
should be supervising an active research laboratory that is supported by 
relevant, peer-reviewed, research grants (NIH, NSF or other peer-reviewed 
research awards).  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 programs.   

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

ALLOWABLE COSTS:  Items that may be requested under this grant mechanism 
include:

o  A&R to improve existing laboratory animal facilities, and allowable fees 
associated with the A&R project.
o  Major resource fixed equipment related to the improvement project, such as 
animal cage systems and cage washers.
o  Equipment items, or an aggregate of identical equipment items, that have a 
total cost of $5,000 (or lower, depending on the institution's definition for 
equipment).  Items that are part of a system and require the purchase of 
small component parts (e.g., a rack and cages or microisolator units) may be 
requested and priced as a single item.  A description of the individual 
components of such systems must be provided.
o  General-purpose equipment items for centralized surgeries, diagnostic 
laboratories, transgenic animal facilities, and other similar associated 
activities when they are an integral part of the animal facility and 
available to all investigators. 
o  Basic equipment such as microscopes necessary for operation of the 
facility.
o  Environmental monitoring systems.  However, if such a system has multiple 
uses (e.g., the monitoring of research data), only those costs related to 
monitoring or providing for animal care (e.g., environmental monitoring or 
security) are allowable.

Improvement grants are not intended to provide support for:

o  General operational support for the resource (e.g., funding for personnel 
or consumable supplies for routine animal care).
o  Specialized research equipment or facilities for use by only a few 
investigators.
o  New construction, including the completion of shell space.
o  Equipment intended for teaching or non-research purposes.
o  Office and research equipment, computers or data processing items.

DESIGN SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: The NIH extramural Developing and Improving 
Institutional Animal Resources grant (G20) requires all funds to be obligated 
within five years.  Following the receipt of a Notice of Grant award, the 
institution must sign and return the Terms and Conditions of the award to the 
Office of Grants Management, NCRR, in order to begin the design phase of the 
award.  Because the award has a five-year time limit for completion of the 
construction project, the grantee is required to begin the design phase 
immediately following the return of the signed Terms and Conditions.  The 
grantee must development the design document within the first two years of 
the award (completion of the designs in less than two years is acceptable).  
Grantees should allow four to six weeks for the NIH review of each design 
submission.  All submitted design documents must be approved by the NCRR/NIH 
and the grantees must adhere to the following design document approval 
schedule:

o  Design document (100% complete):  6 to 24 months

The design documents must be completed with the first 24 months of initial 
award budget period.

WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES

Inquiries concerning this PA are encouraged and the opportunity to answer 
questions from potential applicants is welcomed.  Inquiries may fall into 
three areas: programmatic/technical, peer review, and financial or grants 
management issues:

o Direct inquiries about programmatic issues to:

Dr. Willie D. McCullough
Division of Research Infrastructure
National Center for Research Resources
6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 6132 - MSC 7965
Bethesda, MD  20892-7965
Telephone:  (301) 435-0766
FAX:  (301) 480-3770
Email:  mcculloughw@ncrr.nih.gov

o Direct inquiries about technical programmatic issues (engineering and 
architectural) to:

Mr. Esmail Torkashvan, P.E. 
Division of Research Infrastructure
National Center for Research Resources
6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 6136 - MSC 7965
Bethesda, MD  20892-7965
Telephone:  (301) 435-0766
FAX:  (301) 480-3770
Email:  torkashvane@ncrr.nih.gov

o Direct inquiries about peer review issues to: 

Dr. D.G. Patel
Office of Review
National Center for Research Resources
6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 6018 - MSC 7965
Bethesda, MD 20892-7965
Bethesda, MD 20817 (express/courier)
Telephone:  (301) 435-0824
Email:  dgpatel@ncrr.nih.gov

o Direct inquiries about financial or grants management matters to:

Mr. Paul Karadbil
Office of Grants Management
National Center for Research Resources
6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 6086, MSC 7965
Bethesda, MD  20892-7965
Telephone:  (301) 435-0844
Email:  paulk@ncrr.nih.gov

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application 
instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001). The PHS 398 is available at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive 
format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 435-0714, 
Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the NIH Grants Policy 
Statement (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2001/part_iib_2.htm) 
sections dealing with alterations and renovations and equipment prior to 
completing the PHS 398 form.

Applications must follow the instructions provided in the form PHS 398 kit, 
except for the following:

Form Page 1:

Item 2 - Check the box marked "YES" and type in the number and title of this 
program announcement.

Item 5 - Check the box marked "No"; Item 5a and 5b are not applicable.

Item 6 - The initial budget is for one year.

Form Page 2:

Personnel - Only key personnel, investigators who will use the proposed 
facilities, the principal investigator and the program director should be 
listed here although salary support may not be requested.  This must include 
the chief or consulting veterinarian.

Justify the budget and include vendor quotes if available.

Biographical Sketch Page - Provide a biographical sketch (4-pages including 
research support) for key personnel who will use the proposed facilities, the 
principal investigator and the program director.  

Specific Instructions - Research Plan

Follow the PHS 398 instructions for this section of the application including 
appropriate font size and margin requirements.  Revised applications must 
include an introduction addressing criticisms and must highlight changes in 
the application as described in the instructions for PHS 398.  The Research 
Plan section of the application (Items A-D) must strictly adhere to a limit 
of 25 pages. The outline suggested below should be followed in describing the 
program.  All information critical to the review must be in the Research 
Plan, not in an appendix.  

Limit appendices to only additional information relevant to the information 
outlined in the application for the construction of the proposed facility for 
which NCRR-support is sought.  Do not submit general institutional reports 
and strategic plans not directly related to the facility described in the 
application.  Examples of information to be included in the appendices, if 
applicable, are:
o  Environmental Analysis Form
o  Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care 
(AAALAC) Report 
o  Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Report  
o  Equipment specifications
o  Occupational Health Program

A.  Specific Aims - Clearly present the aims of the animal resource 
improvement project and relate them to the short- and long-term goals of the 
institution's animal resource program, and the research needs of the 
institution.

B.  Background and Significance - This section should address the overall 
animal care and use program and the need for improvements to meet current and 
future laboratory animal needs for biomedical research.

Background

Provide an overall description of the institution's animal care and use 
program. Give relevant background information and describe the current status 
of the institution's animal resource facilities and program as they relate to 
biomedical research and research training. Describe the institution's overall 
involvement in animal-related research.  This section should include a 
description of the following aspects of the animal resource:

1.  Administrative arrangements and structure of the animal resource – The 
lines of authority and responsibility for administering the institution's 
animal care and use program should be clearly presented. The role and 
composition of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and 
how compliance with relevant laws, policies, and guidelines is achieved 
should be included.

2.  Animal care procedures and the animal health program - This section 
should describe housing, caging, feeding, record keeping, sanitation, and 
other animal care practices; animal health program which includes clinical 
services, laboratory support, preventive medicine programs, and any relevant 
specialized procedures; veterinary oversight; vendor surveillance; 
conditioning programs; colony and environmental monitoring; and diagnostic 
capabilities in anatomic pathology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and 
microbiology. Data should be provided to characterize the extent of these 
activities, such as numbers of laboratory procedures for monitoring animal 
health, veterinary inspections for animal health, etc.  If specialized 
equipment items are requested, the husbandry program to utilize this 
equipment should be outlined.

3.  Staffing - Outline the total staff and organization of the animal 
resource, both currently in place and as planned following the requested 
improvements.  Briefly describe the qualifications of the animal care staff 
and the training opportunities available to them.

4.  Animal Program Data - Indicate the number of animals (by species) used or 
produced per year and the average daily census (by species) for each 
facility.  Provide a brief description of all on-campus and off-campus animal 
facilities, including sites where experimental surgery is performed.  
Indicate who manages each facility.  Indicate whether the institution is 
accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal 
Care (AAALAC). If equipment is requested for surgical or diagnostic 
facilities, the caseload, species, types and numbers of surgeries or 
diagnostic tests must be documented.

5.  Animal Program Funding - Provide, for the most recently completed Federal 
fiscal year information on:  (1) Investigators currently using the facility, 
including types of animals involved and level of usage; (2) the institution's 
total number and total direct costs of research projects using laboratory 
animals, indicating separately the number and costs of those funded from PHS 
and non-PHS sources; (3) for facilities for which improvement support is 
requested, list by facility name the number of research projects and total 
direct costs of the projects relevant to each.

List all current financial support for the animal resource, including sources 
and amounts (e.g., recharge, core funding from the institution, etc.) and the 
annual operating budget (listed by major categories).  Provide a copy of per 
diem and service charge schedules and indicate their method of determination 
(this information may be included in an Appendix).

6.  Previous and Future Improvements - Expenditures for capital improvements 
(facilities and equipment) during the past five years and future plans for 
meeting such needs should be described.  Any previous support for improvement 
of the institution's animal facilities from the NCRR, NIH should be noted.  
The use of this support and its impact on the animal care program should be 
briefly described.

7.  Program Needs - List deficiencies in the animal care program that have 
been cited by the AAALAC, the IACUC facility review reports, and the 
institution's PHS Animal Welfare Assurance Statement.  Any problems in 
meeting the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act should also be addressed.

8.  Funding – Provide a table listing current and pending research grants 
(from the NIH and other sources) that will be affected by this project.  Give 
details such as the title, principal investigator, grant number, source and 
annual amount of funding, and start and end dates.  List only those projects, 
which will be active from the start date on the application face page. 

Significance

Describe the significance of the proposed resource improvement project to the 
institution's overall biomedical research programs, as well as to specific 
research projects that will be affected.  If appropriate, the application 
should demonstrate both the need for the requested items and a sound plan for 
obtaining or maintaining the entire animal resource at required standards.

C.  Progress Report/Preliminary Studies - Not applicable.

D.  Research Design and Methods

Clearly show how the proposed improvements will expand, improve or maintain 
existing research and research support activities.  Brief descriptions of 
major research projects using the resource should be provided including 
source, time period, and amount of funding and level of animal usage.  Future 
scientific needs to be addressed as part of the improvement should also be 
described. It is important to describe how the requested improvements will 
correct the deficiencies and problems described in the Background section.

Demonstrate how the proposed facility improvement program fits into the 
institution's overall plan to meet or maintain PHS standards for animal care 
and use.  If the project is part of an overall (larger) facility improvement 
plan, the application should describe the larger plan and how the project 
fits into that plan.

Describe and provide detailed justifications for the requested equipment 
items.  The manufacturer, model number, size, capacity, or design criteria, 
total unit cost and facility where it will be used should be included.  
Requests for surgical equipment must be justified by listing the number of 
investigators and PHS grant support received (can be provided in tabular 
form), the caseload, and the types of surgical procedures performed.  Failure 
to adequately justify each requested item will likely result in its deletion 
from the recommended budget.  For any proposed A&R, a narrative summary (as 
outlined below), line drawings, and cost estimates must be provided.  The 
following sample format is suggested:

Narrative Summary

(1) Relate the proposed renovations to the projected animal populations (by 
species) and research projects that will use the facility.
(2) List the functional components, including the size (dimensions) and 
square footage of each component (room, alcove, cubicle) that will be 
directly affected by the renovation project.
(3) List engineering criteria applicable to each component (mechanical, 
electrical, and utilities).  Include information such as the number of air 
changes per hour, electrical power, light levels, hot and cold water, steam.
(4) List appropriate architectural criteria (such as width of corridors and 
doors, surface finishes).
(5) List and justify all fixed equipment items requested for the renovated 
area.
(6) List and justify all movable equipment items requested for the renovated 
area.

Line Drawings

(1) Submit line drawings on 8-1/2" x 11" paper only. (DO NOT SUBMIT 
BLUEPRINTS) These drawings will not be counted against the 25-page limit.  
All floor plans must be legible, with the scale clearly indicated.
(2) The line drawings of the proposed renovation must be at a scale adequate 
to explain the project.  The drawings should indicate size (dimensions), 
function, and net and gross square feet of space for each room.  The total 
net and gross square feet of space to be renovated should also be given.
(3) The plan should indicate the location of the proposed renovation area in 
the building.
(4) Include the as-built drawings of the proposed renovation area and 
indicate any areas which will be demolished.
(5) Changes or additions to existing mechanical and electrical systems should 
be clearly described in notes made directly on the plan or attached to the 
plan.
(6) Indicate the type(s) of new finishes to be applied to room surfaces.

Cost Estimates

Detailed cost estimates must be included.  Provide vendor quotes when 
available.

APPLICATION RECEIPT DATES:  June 1, annually

SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: 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
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD  20892-7710
Bethesda, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application (with all 
copies of appendix materials) must be sent under separate cover to: 

Dr. D.G. Patel
Office of Review
National Center for Research Resources
6705 Rockledge Drive, Room 6018 - MSC 7965
Bethesda, MD 20892-7965
Bethesda, MD 20817 (express/courier)
Telephone: (301) 435-0824
Email: dgpatel@ncrr.nih.gov

APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be mailed on or before the receipt 
dates described at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm.  The CSR will 
not accept any application in response to this PA that is essentially the 
same as one currently pending initial review unless the applicant withdraws 
the pending application.  The CSR will not accept any application that is 
essentially the same as one already reviewed.  This does not preclude the 
submission of a substantial revision of an application already reviewed, but 
such application must include an Introduction addressing the previous 
critique.  

Although there is no immediate acknowledgement of the receipt of an 
application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding 
assignment within 8 weeks.

PEER REVIEW PROCESS: Applications submitted for this PA will be assigned on 
the basis of established PHS referral guidelines.  An appropriate scientific 
review group convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review 
procedures (http://www.csr.nih.gov/refrev.htm) will evaluate applications for 
scientific and technical merit.  

As part of the initial merit review, all applications will:

o Receive a written critique

o Receive a second level review by the National Advisory Research Resources 
Council

REVIEW CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Center for Scientific 
Review as well as the Office of Review, NCRR.  Those applications judged to 
be incomplete or ineligible will be returned to the applicant.  Applications 
that are complete will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by the 
Scientific and Technical Review Board on biomedical and Behavioral Research 
Facilities established for this purpose by the NCRR.  As part of the initial 
merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and receive a 
second level review by the National Advisory Research Resources Council.
 
Factors considered in the appraisal of an animal resource improvement project 
include:

A.  The Improvement Request

1.  Research to be supported - The overall scope of the ongoing PHS-supported 
biomedical and behavioral research involving laboratory animals, which will 
be affected by the proposed improvements, will be considered.  The specific 
impact of the proposed construction on existing and future PHS-supported 
biomedical and behavioral research, research training and/or research support 
activities related to only the NCRR-supported construction project described 
in the application for the proposed facility.   In addition, the resulting 
expanded or proposed future biomedical and behavioral research activities 
will be considered.

2.  Need - The application should show how the grant support will meet 
current and future laboratory animal research needs, particularly for smaller 
or developing institutions, and how this will help the institution meet or 
maintain standards of the Animal Welfare Act and PHS policies concerning the 
care and use of laboratory animals.

3.  Design Considerations - The proposed project will be judged for technical 
soundness, appropriateness and suitability of the proposed renovation project 
for addressing current and future needs of the institution.

4.  Budget - the budget will be evaluated in relationship to the 
application's responsiveness to these guidelines, justification provided for 
each of the requested items, cost effectiveness, and the institution's 
perceived commitment to the animal care program.

B.  The Animal Care Program

The scope of the animal care and use program to be enhanced by this facility 
improvement request should be carefully defined.  For the purpose of this 
application, the animal care program should cover the entire applicant 
institution.

1.  Animal Care - The quality of the animal husbandry program at the 
applicant institution will be assessed.  The extent to which the project will 
enhance the welfare of animals maintained in the facility will be evaluated, 
including advances in the humane treatment of the animals due to husbandry 
changes allowed by the improvements.

2.  Personnel - The technical and professional staff will be evaluated. The 
institution should have a sufficient number of professional staff with 
appropriate qualifications and experience to operate the animal resource in a 
competent manner.  The facility should also have qualified non-professional 
staff and supporting services.

3.  Administrative Arrangements - An evaluation will be made of the 
administrative arrangements for routine management of the animal resource.  
The institutional plan to assure a comprehensive and acceptable animal care 
and use program will be evaluated.  The institution should have a record of 
commitment and a sound plan for financial support of the resource, through a 
recharge system, per diem charges, institutional support, etc.

4.  Resources and environment - The suitability of the institutional setting 
for achieving the goals of the program will be considered.  This will include 
an appraisal of the academic environment and the support for the animal 
resource by the administration and faculty.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications will compete with all others in the G20 category for available 
funds.  An institution must have current PHS funding for research involving 
laboratory animals to be eligible for an award. The following will also be 
considered when making funding decisions:

o  Merit of the proposed project as determined by peer review.
o  Availability of funds.
o  Facility requirements of the institution.

Evidence of continued PHS research funding will be verified prior to award.

Award Conditions

Following the award, funds for A&R will not be released until final 
architectural drawings, specifications, and updated cost estimates are 
approved by NCRR. The grantee will begin a process of design approval with 
the Division of Engineering Services (DES) immediately upon receipt of the 
Notice of Grant Award.  No requests to initiate the bidding process for 
alterations or renovations will be entertained prior to receipt of the grant 
award from NIH and subsequent approval of working drawings and specifications 
by NIH staff. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of 
the proposed project will be solely that of the applicant. The total project 
period for an application submitted in response to this PA may not exceed 
five years and no indirect costs or continuation costs will be awarded.  The 
initial budget period is for one year.  All funds must be obligated within 5 
years from the date of award.

REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS

PUBLIC 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 public 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 PA 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.

URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES: All applications and proposals 
for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. 
Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) 
should not be used to provide information necessary to 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.

URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES: All applications and proposals 
for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. 
Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) 
should not be used to provide information necessary to 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 PA 
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. 93-389.  Awards will be made under the 
authority of the Public Health Service Act, Title III, Section 301 (Public 
Law 78.410, as amended; 42 USC 241) and administered under NIH grant policies 
and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74 or 92. This program 
is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive 
Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.  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 and contract recipients to provide a 
smoke-free workplace and promote the non-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 routing 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.

Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices

	Office of Extramural Research (OER)			National Institutes of Health (NIH) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892			Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
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