EA Research Development Award (EARDA) Grants
PAR-05-053

Purpose

The EARDA Award is the core of the EA Program and is designed to augment the EA residency experience in promoting the entry and participation of individuals from underrepresented minority and women's institutions into biomedical and behavioral research. The EA Program is viewed as an investment that will yield multiple benefits to participating individuals and institutions, to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and ultimately, to the vitality of health-related research in the nation. The objectives of the EA Program also coincide with the NIH's goals of increasing the pool of minority and women research scientists and of supporting research to address disorders that disproportionately affect these populations.

Support Options
The EARDA offers:

Among the immediate benefits of the Program is that it offers the opportunity for NIH staff and EAs to work together. More importantly, EAs have the opportunity to obtain on-site information about federal health-related programs and related grant and contract activities, so they will be prepared to initiate or expand an Office of Research Development or similar administrative unit, whose function is to foster an increase in health-related research and obtain outside funding for related projects.

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Eligibility

Domestic colleges or universities* offering programs in the life sciences may nominate only one person to respond to each program announcement (PA) announced by the EA Program. The nominating institution must have a significant proportion of its student enrollment composed of underrepresented minorities (African American, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American) or women, or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to the assistance and encouragement of these groups. A Native American Indian tribe with a recognized governing body that performs substantial governmental functions, or an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 e.seq.) may also be eligible for participation in the EA Program.

*The institution must be located in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Canal Zone, Guam, American Samoa, or the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific.

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Curriculum

EAs attend an initial series of orientation sessions that familiarizes them with NIH policies and procedures. The curriculum is designed around the institutional plan submitted with the EARDA application, and hence, addresses the specific needs of each EAs university.

This specificity allows the EA to place particular focus on certain areas that will be beneficial to the research program developed upon his or her return to the university.

To achieve these results, the Program addresses the following content areas:

• National health policy and the functions and interactions of relevant federal agencies; policy-making processes at the NIH and elsewhere;
• Operations of the congress and the Executive Branch of the federal government, particularly as related to biomedical issues;
• Federally supported minority and women's programs;
• Funding opportunities at the NIH and elsewhere, including major program support mechanisms, such as individual research project grants, fellowships, special research awards, research resources, and research and development contracts;
• Information resources available to potential applicants;
• The peer-review processes used by the NIH and by other federal agencies for the evaluation of scientific and technical merit;
• Policies and procedures relevant to the awarding and administration of grants and contracts;
• The principles and practices of organizational leadership and development;
• An introduction to the latest technology for information and data retrieval and dissemination; and
• Institutional capability assessment.

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Accomplishments
Upon completion of the residency program, the EA will have:

• A comprehensive working knowledge of the range of federal support of biomedical and behavioral research;
• Skills in preparation of research grant and contract proposals;
• A plan to establish or expand the sponsoring institution's Office of Research Development or similar unit;
• A network of contacts within the NIH and with other federal agencies, who may serve as liaisons for faculty and students to access NIH opportunities, as well as those within other federal and private agencies;
• The embryonic stage of a meaningful partnership with a research-intensive institution; and
• Links to past EAs for experience sharing.

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Evaluation

Exposure to the NIH through the EA Program has been quite beneficial, enabling participating institutions to aggressively pursue their research goals. Many participants can cite improved institutional services in support of proposal preparation, as well as increases in grant support and equipment acquisition.

Feedback from EAs is requested throughout their tenure at the NIH and subsequently, through biennial update conferences. Such advice and critiques are essential to the NIH in its assessment of the EA Program's effectiveness. The institution is also expected to collect data relevant to its own stated EA Program goals and to report back measures of progress to the NIH EA Program according to the annual reporting requirements for federal grants. Like other NIH grantees, EAs are required to submit annual progress reports on appropriate forms ( Form 2590). Also, planned and unplanned program visits to the EARDA-recipient institutions provide an additional mechanism for evaluation.

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Administrative Process
Nominations

The application must be responsive to the current EARDA PA. Among those to be considered for nominations may be, for instance, an assistant dean of an undergraduate college, department chairperson, a particularly effective faculty member, or an individual who qualifies for and is about to advance to one of these or to a similar position. Nominees with a background in the biomedical/behavioral sciences are preferred, but other scientists and academic science administrators will be considered.

DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED: Under provisions of applicable public laws enacted by congress since 1964, no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, handicap, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity (or, on the basis of sex, with respect to any education program or activity) receiving federal financial assistance. In addition, Executive Order 11141 prohibits discrimination on the basis of age by contractors and subcontractors in t he performance of federal contracts, and Executive Order 11246 states that no federally funded contractor may discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Therefore, the EA Program must be operated in compliance with these laws and Executive Orders.

Intergovernmental Personnel Act Agreement

Associates are brought to the NIH on a special assignment authorized by the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). The IPA offers an excellent opportunity to disseminate needed knowledge by authorizing, for purposes of mutual concern and benefit, temporary appointments of employees between federal executive agencies and state and local governments, institutions of higher education, and Indian tribal governments.

Cost Sharing

During the EA's participation in the residency program, the institution is reimbursed by the federal government for salary, travel to and from the NIH, and related expenses to the limit allowed under the IPA agreement.

IPA assignments are to be mutually beneficial to the participating institutions and to the NIH. Experience shows that the EA is more likely to have a meaningful residency assignment when the institution and the NIH have a financial stake in the relationship. Cost sharing is, therefore, a requirement for participation in the Program; and the degree of cost sharing should reflect the mutual benefit.

IPA Appointment

Applicants will be appointed to the EA Program under the provisions of the IPA, and with the general understanding that the position is a temporary detail. Within limits set by the IPA, the reimbursed salary will be comparable to that received by the nominee at the time of selection, and may include an increase if that increase is the result of an institution-wide action and covers the period of the nominee's stay in the Program. While at the NIH, EAs are subject to Federal Standards of Conduct policies as outlined by the federal government. Likewise, while at the NIH, EAs receive many of the same benefits, as do permanent federal employees.

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Application Process
Application Content

In addition to the standard information required (i.e., face page, abstract, table of contents, biographical sketch, budget, and current support), the application consists of four parts, which are detailed below.

Part I. Nominee

Part I pertains to the nominee's background and potential as an EA. It should be prepared by the nominee and must include:

1. Experience and accomplishments in training, teaching, and research presented in a curriculum vitae detailing the following:
   • Academic and/or professional degrees
   • Position and academic rank
   • Research involvement
   • Publications, awards, etc.
   • Membership on academic and/or administrative committees, on editorial boards and on review committees for federal agencies
     
     
2. A statement substantiating leadership and administrative ability and/or potential (including positions in professional organizations and in administrative and departmental committees)
   
   
3. A statement providing specific evidence of ability to foster or stimulate research in the parent institution, as shown by:
   • Influence and rapport with faculty and students
   • Ability to motivate and advise others
   • Commitment to parent institution
     
     
4. A letter of intent in which the nominee describes:
   • Commitment to strengthening and increasing health-related research and training related to the advancement of minorities and women at the institution
   • Interest in and commitment to the objectives of the EA Program
   • Benefits the institution will gain from the nominee's participation in the Program
   • Nominee's availability to participate in the five-month or 10-week class
     
     
5. Names, titles, and addresses of three colleagues who have consented to submit letters of reference to the NIH concerning the personal qualifications and potential effectiveness of the nominee. One of these letters must be from the sponsoring institution's chancellor or president. In addition, a letter from the Office of Research Development or similar administrative unit, stating that it will work cooperatively with the EA for maximum benefit to the university, should also be included.

Persons providing references should send, under separate cover, two copies of their letters of recommendation to the Extramural Associates Program, 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 1A01, Bethesda, MD, 20892-7910. The letters must be received at the NIH no later than the date indicated in the PA. These reference letters are in addition to the ones that accompany the EARDA application.

Part II. Institution

Part II pertains to the institution's intent to enhance its research capabilities related to minorities and women. It should be prepared by institutional officials and include the following:

1. A letter of recommendation by the president of the eligible institution addressing:
   • Endorsement of the candidate's qualifications
   • A clearly defined role/position for the nominee upon return to the institution
   • A commitment to the nominee, including resources to be made available
   • Plans for the candidate to coordinate efforts with or build upon the efforts of a previous EA, if applicable
     
     
2. A statement describing the school's intent and plans to improve its health-related research capabilities
   
   
3. A statement regarding demonstrated and potential contributions made by the institution to the advancement of minorities and/or women
   
   
4. A description of the existing academic environment
   • Accreditation
   • Profile of student population, including a breakdown of the enrollment of minorities and women, and the percentage majoring in science
     
     
5. A statement of the existing or potential quality of the research environment
   • Science faculty
   • Current science student population and follow-up data (e.g., graduate and postgraduate career profiles)
   • Facilities for scientific research and training
     
     
6. A description of ongoing or potential cooperation and/or collaboration with other institutions or organizations

Part III. Institutional Plan

Part III pertains to the development of the institutional plan for utilizing the candidate upon returning from the residency training program. It should be developed with the participation of administrators and faculty and should include:

1. Implementation plans
   • EA implementation goals (immediate and long-term)
   • Statement of nominee's role, authority, and institution-wide accessibility upon return to the institution
   • Description of resources which will be made available to nominee
   • Statement of intent to establish or expand Office of Sponsored Research Research or comparable unit, and a description of office components
     
     
2. Advisory Committee roster of key institutional officials, who were involved in the development of the EARDA application, and who will assist the EA in follow-up activities
   
   
3. Collaboration plans, such as those to:
   • Initiate or expand local or regional cooperation/collaboration in research activities
   • Address deficiencies (e.g., in facilities, expertise, etc.)
     
     
4. Evaluation/data, including plans to collect data to assess effectiveness of overall institutional plan

Part IV. Catalog

Two copies of the institution's current catalog are required.

For more guidance in the preparation of applications, applicants should refer to the section on evaluating criteria, and also are urged to contact the EA Program director at (301) 435-2736.

Submission of Application

A signed original and three exact copies of the application should be submitted to the address below, either via the U.S. Postal Service or express mail:
Center for Scientific Review (CSR)
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
MSC-7710 Bethesda, MD 20892-7710

EARDA applications for the 10-week residency will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by a specially constituted initial review committee convened by the Division of Scientific Review (DSR) of the NICHD. Applications will undergo a second level of review by the National Advisory Child Health and Human Development (NACHHD) Council.

Evaluation Criteria
In evaluating applications, the review committee will take into consideration the following evaluation criteria:

1. Nominee
   • Strength of personal qualifications indicated by past training and experience
   • Evidence of capability to make a significant impact on his/her institution (i.e., enhancing the institution's effectiveness in preparing minorities or women for health-related science careers)
   • Demonstrated interest and resourcefulness indicating that the nominee will gain from and contribute to the EA Program
   • Evidence that the nominee holds a position of wide influence and accessibility at the institution
     
     
2. Institution
   • Quality of research and research training and/or potential in the health-related sciences, such as biological and behavioral science, medicine, public health, nursing, pharmacy, and selected physical sciences
   • Evidence of a commitment to the track record or potential for preparing minorities or women for careers in science
   • Adequacy of research facilities
   • Strength and quality of faculty in health-related departments
   • Strength of or potential for conducting collaborative and sponsored research programs
     
     
3. Institutional Plan
   • Evidence of a strong institutional commitment to implementing the institutional plan, including strength and specificity of indications that the nominee will be provided sufficient resources and authority to carry out the EA Program purposes upon return to the institution
   • Coherence of the plan and evidence of adequate coordination in its development among key faculty and administrators (composition of Advisory Committee)
   • Quality and specificity of elements related to enhancing the institution's research environment
   • Viability of evaluation strategy

Selection

The selection of candidates will be made following consideration and recommendations of the NACHHD Council, subsequent to an evaluation by an initial review group convened by the DSR of the NICHD, and with consideration by the EA Advisory Board. Funding preference will be given to those EA-eligible institutions lacking a research infrastructure. Applications will be rated for their responsiveness to the aims of the RFA and the goals of the EA Program. Awards will be made based on the availability of funds.

Additional Information
For more information contact:
Director, Extramural Associates Program
National Institutes of Health
6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 5E03
Bethesda, MD 20892-7910
Telephone: (301) 435-2736
Fax: (301) 480-0393
E-mail: rjames@mail.nih.gov

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Helpful Hints for Preparing EARDA Applications

Please bear in mind that these hints are not intended to supplant the review criteria contained in the RFA. However, these guidelines provide basic recommended steps in following the EARDA application process.

• Complete the face page properly.
• Include an abstract that clearly indicates:
  • Whether you are applying for the five-month (SRIP) or the 10-week (FRESP) program;
  • The name of the applicant, current title, and a couple of statements about tenure at the institution, research committee and teaching activities, and respect and influence among other science faculty;
  • A brief statement of the history and profile of the institution; and
  • A brief description of the institutional plan.
• Provide a detailed budget for first year of the request, and summary budgets for years two through five.
• Provide an adequate narrative budget justification.
• Define a timetable of realistic accomplishments expected of the EA upon his or her return to the institution.
• Include plans (financial and technical) for continuing the developmental research activity after the EARDA grant expires.
• Explain if and how the applicant plans to utilize outside consultants, including their identification, if known, and a brief, signed statement of commitment.
• Provide a brief statement of the pilot studies, which the applicant plans to engage in, with names of involved faculty, and how students will be involved.
• Explain how the EARDA grant will augment any existing sponsored research activity at the institution.
• Include required reference letters from appropriate institutional staff members.
• Provide a letter of intent, by the due date defined in the RFA, which gives the name and a brief biographical sketch of the potential applicant (optional).

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