Administrative Supplements for CTSA Consortium Projects

Receipt Date

This is a one-time announcement. Applications must be received on or before 5:00 p.m. (ET) June 30, 2008.

Eligibility

Any currently funded UL1 CTSA grant recipient may apply and the Principal Investigator must be the PI named on the UL1 award. However, the application must address a CTSA Consortium project and not a project that has only local benefits. Funding will be restricted to the proposed project. A CTSA-wide consortium may endorse up to two applications. However, there is no limit on the number of applications from a single CTSA UL1 awardee institution.

Overview

The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) solicits requests for administrative supplements to UL1 CTSA grants to support CTSA Consortium projects. The administrative supplements are to support projects of national scope for established CTSA-wide consortia—defined as CTSA Steering Committees, Work Groups, or Task Forces. Proposed projects must contribute to national efforts and relate to the mission of CTSA-wide consortia. To assure alignment with the mission of a consortium, a CTSA Steering Committee, Work Group, or Task Force must endorse the project and provide a supporting letter indicating that group's commitment to the project.

The goal of this solicitation is to support projects within the focus areas of the CTSA-wide consortia that facilitate the transformation of 1) performance or 2) training in clinical and translational science on a national level. These administrative supplements are not intended to support new scientific projects. Additionally, projects are expected to collaboratively engage multiple CTSAs.

A variety of different types of projects are likely to be considered responsive to this solicitation; however, projects must be well thought out with achievable timelines and deliverables, specified personnel, and a justified budget. For example, projects could focus on development or sharing of best practices, technology, or expertise. High priority will be given to highly focused projects that are innovative, creative, and transformative—even if they are risky. It is expected that a project will be developed and carried out by individuals from multiple CTSA institutions; however, a single CTSA UL1 awardee institution will submit the application for funds for the entire project proposed. Subcontracts are allowed.

Funding

Budgets of $50,000 to a maximum of $200,000 total costs can be requested for one year dependent on the justified needs of the project. Contingent on the receipt of meritorious proposals and availability of funds, a maximum of around $1,000,000 may be provided for this solicitation. All awards are expected to be made by September, 2008.

How to Apply

The preferred transmission method of the applications is an electronic e-mail attachment in PDF format. Paper hard-copy applications will also be accepted. Regardless of the transmission method, the application must be signed by the Institutional Business Official.

Do NOT send the application to the Center for Scientific Review, NIH. Send the application to:

Dr. Renée Joskow
National Center for Research Resources
National Institutes of Health
6701 Democracy Blvd, MSC 4874
Bethesda, MD 20892-4874 (use 20817 for express shipments)
Phone: 301-435-0961
E-mail: joskowr@mail.nih.gov

Content and Form of Application

The application should contain the following:

1. From the standard PHS 398 Form (http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html)

   1. Face page ("Form Page 1").

   1. Line 1 should contain the title of the parent grant.

   2. Line 2 should state: "Administrative supplement for CTSA Consortium Project"

   3. The Principal Investigator (PI) of the supplement request should be the same as the PI of the parent grant.

   4. All other items on the face page should be filled out, as appropriate.

   5. An institution business official signature is required (line 13).

   2. Description ("Form Page 2"). The project summary should be for the proposed supplement, not the parent grant. All other information should be provided.

   3. Budget

   1. A detailed budget for the one-year term of the supplement must be included; separate budgets for any sub-contracts must be included.

   2. The total budget may not exceed $200,000 total costs and can be less than that amount.

   4. A budget justification, as per PHS 398 instructions, must be included. Provide a justification for all personnel and their role in this project.

   5. A Checklist ("Checklist Form Page") must be included.

2. Research Plan. The research plan must not exceed ten pages of text.

The research plan should include the following:

1. The goal/objective of the proposed project and its relationship to the mission of the endorsing CTSA consortium. The request should explicitly state how the proposed project will enhance clinical and translational research nationally or across CTSAs. The significance and potential transformative impact of the project should be articulated clearly.

2. A description of the project, including a defined timeline with specified deliverables and milestones over the one-year project period. Personnel must be specified with a clear description of their roles and tasks.

3. Alternative approaches should be presented to address potential barriers.

4. A plan for dissemination and sharing of the results of the project.

3. Appendices will not be accepted; a letter of endorsement and commitment signed by the Chair or Co-Chairs of the appropriate CTSA Steering Committee, Work Group, or Task Force and the CTSA PI Liaison to that CTSA consortium must be included. After submission, additional materials will not be accepted.

Review Criteria

The applications will be reviewed by NIH staff with expertise relevant to the proposal but who have no conflict of interest with the proposal. Awards will be determined on the basis of the merit of the proposal, the potential to transform clinical and translational research across CTSAs, the relevance to the aims of the CTSA program, and the availability of funds. Applicants will be notified regarding the review outcome.

Terms of Award

Prior to award, applicants will be informed of the applicable terms and conditions of award for the supplement.

Inquiries

Address inquiries to Dr. Renée Joskow, whose address is shown above.