Technology Innovation Award
Call for applications is now closed.
Announcement
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM), Middle Atlantic Region (MAR), is accepting applications from NN/LM MAR members for Technology Innovation Awards for the purchase, installation, and/or upgrading of information technologies that provide access to health information or the use of existing technologies in a creative manner to reach underserved or difficult to reach populations. Projects must involve training or demonstrating the use of the technology to the target population. Projects may target: seniors, Hispanic populations, faith-based organizations, low income/literacy populations; unaffiliated health professionals, especially, nursing/long term care professionals, private practice physicians, nurse practitioners, public health departments, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (health clinics for the underserved).
Up to 4 awards at a maximum of $15,000 each is available for costs associated with purchasing, installing and/or upgrading technology. Deadline for submission is April 15, 2008. Applications not funded may be resubmitted in subsequent years. Award Recipients will be notified by mid-July 2008.
Applicant Submission Instructions/Requirements
Full members of the MAR network are eligible to apply.
The applicant must submit the completed Technology Innovation Award Application along with any supporting materials. The application along with any attachments, such as resumes, letters of support and equipment quotes may be sent by fax to 212-263-4258 or attached to an email to rml@library.med.nyu.edu in PDF format. Please use the title of your project as the subject line of the email. The MAR staff will acknowledge your application when received.
Cost Instructions
Total cost must not exceed $15,000
Library collections and indirect costs are not allowable.
For IT/Computer Hardware, please include the following as part of your cost proposal:
- For IT/Computer Hardware under $3,000, submit catalog pricing.
- For IT/Computer Hardware of $3,000 or more, submit three (3) vendor quotes (preferably valid for 60 days). Quotes may include General Service Administration (GSA) price lists. Vendor quotes are necessary to determine price reasonableness for purchases. If item is over $3,000 and not competed, then a sole source justification letter is required to indicate why it is the most advantageous purchase.
Please provide the above information via PDF file emailed to rml@library.med.nyu.edu or fax to 212-263-4258.
Suggested Projects
Example projects are:
- Purchase and install health information software on PDAs and use with a population that is not well-connected to the library or information resources;
- Expand outreach to consumers by utilizing a portable projector and portable printer to provide training sessions on using MedlinePlus in public libraries, community health centers, etc.;
- Provide training in remote areas where traditional Internet access is not available by purchasing a wireless wide area network network Internet service;
- Build a mobile traveling lab, including wireless-enabled portable computers, a portable wifi access point, and projector for training small groups in remote locations.
Application Review Process
Proposals are reviewed by the MAR Technology Committee. Questions and comments from these review bodies may be sent to the applicant for clarification and revision of the proposal. The merits of each proposal will be carefully evaluated, based on responsiveness to the criteria and the thoroughness and feasibility of the technical approach proposed. Applicants must submit information sufficient to evaluate their proposals based on the criteria listed below. Applicants will be notified about the awards by July 30, 2008.
All projects must be completed within 12 months of the award date.
Evaluation Criteria
IDENTIFICATION OF NEED
Proposal describes why the technology is needed and how it will improve access to health information for health professionals and/or consumers.
50 points
METHODOLOGY and TECHNICAL APPROACH
Methods are logical and demonstrate an innovative approach to the use of technology in reaching the target population. Strategies for evaluation of the project are included.
40 points
EXPERIENCE OF RESPONDENT AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Adequate evidence is provided about the qualifications of the personnel and organizational resources available to assure successful completion of the project. Documentation includes resumes, letters of support and equipment quotes.
10 points
Total Possible Points: 100
Reporting Requirements
A final report, including a blog/newsletter article, must be submitted using the appropriate form within 90 days of completion of the project. Award recipients are encouraged to take photographs for inclusion in the report and article. Reports must be submitted to the MAR within three (3) months of completion of the project.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Public Access Policy Requirement
In accordance with the NIH Public Access Policy investigators must submit or have submitted for them their final, peer-reviewed manuscripts that arise from NIH funds and are accepted for publication as of April 7, 2008 to PubMed Central, to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after publication. As of May 27, 2008, investigators must include the PubMed Central reference number when citing an article in NIH applications, proposals, and progress reports that fall under the policy, and was authored or co-authored by the investigator or arose from the investigator’s NIH award. For more information, see the Public Access web page.
Contact for Questions
If you have questions or require assistance contact Gregg Headrick at MAR at 1-800-338-7657 or email Headrick@library.med.nyu.edu. Awards will be announced on the MAR Listserv and on the MARquee.
