Part I Overview Information


Department of Health and Human Services

Participating Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (http://www.nih.gov)

Components of Participating Organizations
National Cancer Institute (NCI) (http://www.cancer.gov)

Title: National Cancer Institute Program Project (P01) Applications

Announcement Type
New

Looking ahead: As part of the Department of Health and Human Services' implementation of e-Government the NIH will gradually transition each research grant mechanism to electronic submission through Grants.gov and the use of the SF 424 Research and Related (R&R) forms. For more information and an initial timeline, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-06-035.html. NIH will announce each grant mechanism change in the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/index.html).

Program Announcement (PA) Number: PAR-09-025

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s)
93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.399

Key Dates
Release/Posted Date: November 12, 2008
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): December 28, 2008; April 28, 2009; August 29, 2009; December 28, 2009; April 28, 2010; August 28, 2010; December 28, 2010; April 30, 2011; August 28, 2011.
Application Due Date(s): January 28, 2009; May 28, 2009; September 29, 2009; January 28, 2010; May 28, 2010; September 28, 2010; January 28, 2011; May 27, 2011; September 28, 2011.
AIDS Application Due Date(s): May 4, 2009; September 2, 2009; January 5, 2010; May 4, 2010; September 1, 2010; January 5, 2011; May 3, 2011; September 1, 2011; January 4, 2012.
Peer Review Date(s): June/July 2009; October/November 2009; February/March 2010; June/July 2010; October/November 2010; February/March 2011; June/July 2011; October/November 2011; February/March 2012.
Council Review Date(s): October 2009; January 2010; May 2010; October 2010; January 2011; May 2011; October 2011; January 2012; May 2012.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date(s): December 2009; April 2010; July 2010; December 2010; April 2011; July 2011; December 2011; April 2012; July 2012.
Additional Information To Be Available Date (Activation Date): Not Applicable.
Expiration Date:  January 5, 2012.

Due Dates for E.O. 12372

Not Applicable.

Additional Overview Content

Executive Summary

Table of Contents


Part I Overview Information

Part II Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Research Objectives

Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism of Support
2. Funds Available

Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
A. Eligible Institutions
B. Eligible Individuals
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other - Special Eligibility Criteria

Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
    A. Receipt and Review and Anticipated Start Dates
         1. Letter of Intent
    B. Sending an Application to the NIH
    C. Application Processing   
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
6. Other Submission Requirements and Information

Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
    A. Additional Review Criteria
    B. Additional Review Considerations
    C. Resource Sharing Plan(s)
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
3. Reporting

Section VII. Agency Contact(s)
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s)
2. Peer Review Contact(s)
3. Financial/ Grants Management Contact(s)

Section VIII. Other Information - Required Federal Citations

Part II - Full Text of Announcement


Section I. Funding Opportunity Description


1. Research Objectives

Purpose

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), invites grant applications for investigator-initiated Program Projects (P01) in any area of cancer research. P01 grants support integrated, multiproject research programs involving a number of independent investigators who share knowledge and common resources while working towards a unifying overall scientific goal.  Therefore, every P01 program project proposed should have a well-defined unifying research theme.

Each Program Project application must include at least three component projects.  The individual projects may represent several disciplines and/or address several discrete research aspects pertinent to one or more disciplines.  However, all of the projects must be relevant to the common unifying central theme, focus, and the overall objective of the entire program project.  Each individual project should reflect a self-standing scientifically meritorious research effort.  In addition, however, the individual projects should be clearly interrelated and synergistic so that the research ideas, efforts, and outcomes of the program as a whole will offer a distinct advantage over pursuing the individual projects separately.

Specific Research Objectives

This FOA invites multidisciplinary coordinated research programs in any of the broad areas of cancer research, including but not limited to studies of cancer biology, cancer treatment, cancer diagnosis, cancer prevention, and cancer control.  Basic, translational, clinical, and/or population-based studies in all of these research areas are appropriate.

Minimum Number of Research Projects (Required): Each P01 application submitted in response to this FOA must include at least three related research projects. The projects must share a common central theme, focus, and/or overall objective.

Shared Resource Core(s) (optional):  In addition to individual research projects, applicants may propose one or more Shared Resource Cores if needed for the proposed research.  Both administrative and research support cores are allowed.  Each Shared Resource Core must provide support and enhance the productivity, cost-effectiveness, and/or research outcome of at least two of the proposed research projects.  New cores may be proposed and/or existing cores may be augmented to support the proposed research.

Multiple Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs): The NCI encourages P01 program project applicants to take advantage of the multiple PDs/PIs option.  The use of this option allows, for example, the designation of any (or all) of the leaders of the individual projects or cores as a PD/PI of the overall application.  If this option is used, it is expected that one of the PDs/PIs will be identified as the “lead PD/PI” who will be responsible for coordinating the entire program project.

See the NCI P01 Guidelines at http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/awards/P01.htm for more details about NCI P01 applications.

See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related to this announcement.

Section II. Award Information


1. Mechanism of Support

This FOA will use the NIH Program Project Grant (P01) grant award mechanism.  The applicant will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project. 

This FOA uses “Just-in-Time” information concepts.  It also uses non-modular budget formats described in the PHS 398 application instructions (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html). 

2. Funds Available

Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary.  Although the financial plans of the NCI provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this funding opportunity are contingent upon the availability of funds.

Note: Budgetary requests for renewal P01 applications are subject to the NCI “cap” policy (see NOT-CA-08-026) that limits the permissible increase in direct costs in the renewal applications.

NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.

Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs requested by consortium participants are not included in the direct cost limitation.  See NOT-OD-05-004.

Section III. Eligibility Information


1. Eligible Applicants

1.A. Eligible Institutions

The following organizations/institutions are eligible to apply:

Although foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, they may be involved in Program Projects proposed by eligible Domestic institutions under subcontractual arrangements, if appropriate.

1.B. Eligible Individuals

Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research is invited to work with his/her 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 support.

More than one PD/PI, or multiple PDs/PIs, may be designated on the application for programs that require a “team science” approach and therefore clearly do not fit the single-PD/PI model.  Additional information on the implementation plans, policies and procedures to formally allow more than one PD/PI on individual R01 research projects is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/multi_pi.  All PDs/PIs must be registered in the NIH eRA Commons prior to the submission of the application (see http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/preparing.htm for instructions).

The decision of whether to apply for an NCI P01 grant with a single PD/PI or multiple PDs/PIs is the responsibility of the investigators and applicant organizations and should be determined by the scientific goals of the program.  Applications for grants with multiple PDs/PIs will require additional information, as outlined in the instructions below.  The NIH review criteria for approach, investigators, and environment have been modified to accommodate applications involving either a single PD/PI or multiple PDs/PIs.  When considering multiple PDs/PIs, please be aware that the structure and governance of the PD/PI leadership team as well as the knowledge, skills, and experience of the individual PDs/PIs will be factored into the assessment of the overall scientific merit of the application.  Multiple PDs/PIs on a program share the authority and responsibility for leading and directing the program, intellectually and logistically.  Each PD/PI is responsible and accountable to the grantee organization, or, as appropriate, to a collaborating organization, for the proper conduct of the program, including the submission of required reports.  For further information on multiple PDs/PIs, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/multi_pi.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

This program does not require cost sharing as defined in the current NIH Grants Policy Statement.

3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria

Applicants may submit a resubmission application, but such application must include an Introduction addressing issues raised in the previous critique (Summary Statement).

Applicants may submit a renewal application.

Applicants may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct.

Applicants may submit a revision (formerly competing supplement) application. See the NCI P01 Guidelines (http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/awards/P01.htm) for further information about revision applications.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information


1.   Address to Request Application Information

The PHS 398 application instructions are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. Applicants must use the currently approved version of the PHS 398.  For further assistance, contact GrantsInfo --  Telephone: (301) 435-0714; Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.

Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY 301-451-5936.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applications must be prepared using the most current PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms.  Applications must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as the universal identifier when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements.  The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-5711 or through the web site at http://www.dnb.com/us/.  The D&B number should be entered on line 11 of the face page of the PHS 398 form.

The title and number of this funding opportunity must be typed in item (box) 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be checked.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Applications with Multiple PDs/PIs 

When multiple PD/PIs are proposed, use the Face Page-Continued page to provide Items 3a – 3h for all PD/PIs.  NIH requires one PD/PI be designated as the “contact PD/PI” for all communications between the PD/PIs and the agency.  The contact PD/PI must meet all eligibility requirements for PD/PI status in the same way as other PD/PIs, but has no special roles or responsibilities within the project team beyond those mentioned above.  The contact PD/PI may be changed during the project period.  The contact PD/PI should be listed in block 3 of Form Page 1 (the Face Page), with all additional PD/PIs listed on Form Page 1-Continued.  When inserting the name of the PD/PI in the header of each application page, use the name of the “Contact PD/PI, et. al.” The contact PD/PI must be from the applicant organization if the PDs/PIs are from more than one institution.

All individuals designated as PD/PI must be registered in the eRA Commons and must be assigned the PD/PI role in that system (other roles such as SO or IAR will not give the PD/PI the appropriate access to the application records).  Each PD/PI must include their respective eRA Commons ID in the eRA Commons User Name field.

All projects proposing Multiple PDs/PIs will be required to include a new section describing the leadership plan approach for the proposed project.

Supplemental Instructions for the Preparation of Multi-Proiect Applications.

For all P01 applications submitted in response to this FOA, the standard PHS 398 instructions are modified as summarized below, and as described in more detail in the  Guidelines for NCI P01s (go to http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/awards/P01.htm for “SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS for PREPARATION of PROGRAM PROJECT APPLICATIONS“). These additional instructions are required because the PHS Form 398 is designed primarily for individual freestanding research project grant applications, and does not have specific instructions for multi-project applications.

Form Page 1 - Face Page: Include the number and title of this FOA in item/line 2 of the PHS 398 application face page. 

Form Page 2 - Description, Performance Sites, and Key Personnel: Under “Description,” state the proposed program’s broad, long-term objectives, specific aims, and the significance to the field of cancer research. Define the relevance of each proposed project and shared resource core to the overall theme and goals of the program. List all performance sites and all Key Personnel and Other Significant Contributors for the entire P01, beginning with the PI/PD(s) and then listing all other Key Personnel alphabetically. Include all project and core leaders, co-leaders, co-investigators, and consultants and consortium collaborators (if applicable and if these individuals will devote measurable effort to the project).

Form Page 3 - Table of Contents: Modify the PHS 398 Form Page 3 to enable reviewers to find each component of the application easily. A sample Table of Contents is included as Appendix A in the Guidelines for NCI P01s as an example of the format for the Table of Contents and how the application should be organized (see http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/awards/P01.htm).

Form Pages 4 and 5 – Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period; Budget for Entire Proposed Period of Support: Prepare a detailed composite budget for all requested support categories for the first years using Form Page 4 and a summary budget for the entire proposed period of support using Form Page 5 of the PHS 398 application. If applicable, provide additional budget pages pertaining to Consortium/Contractual arrangements (following the standard PHS 398 instructions).

Biographical Sketches: Compile all biographical sketches after the Overall Budget, starting with the PD(s)/PI(s) followed by all other investigators in alphabetical order. Do not repeat biographical sketches in the individual research projects or shared resources cores.

Program Overview:  Summarize the overall goals and significance, the overall theme and integration, the overall research strategies, preliminary studies and progress (for competing renewal applications), the overall institutional resources and environment, and the overall organization and administrative structure for the P01 as a whole. Additional details on the content of Program Overview section are provided in the Guidelines for NCI P01s (http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/awards/P01.htm).  This section is limited to 15 pages excluding references.

Multiple PI Leadership Plan (if applicable). If the multiple PDs/PIs option is used, the new required section describing the Multiple PI Leadership Plan (see SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS below) should be inserted in the application after the Program Overview. There is no page limit for this section, but applicants should be specific and concise.

Individual Research Projects: Each P01 program project application must include at least three individual (albeit connected) research projects each of which is pertinent to the central theme of the program. Each research project should be prepared according to the standard PHS 398 instructions as modified in the Guidelines for NCI P01s (http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/awards/P01.htm:  Instead of the standard PHS 398 face page for each project, create a title page that lists the project number, the name of the project, and the name of the project leader. Do not repeat biographical sketches included at the beginning of the application. Do not exceed 25 pages for Sections 2-5 of the research plan. Each Project must have a single designated Project Leader. 

Shared Resource Cores: Applicants may propose one or more (as needed) appropriate shared technical or administrative resources, or cores. These cores must not duplicate analogous resources already established in the applicant institutions (although supplemental funding to such existing resources may be requested). Each shared resource core should be prepared according to the standard PHS 398 instructions as modified in the Guidelines for NCI P01s (http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/awards/P01.htm: Instead of the standard PHS 398 face page for each core, create a title page that lists the core number, the name of the core and the name of the core director. Do not repeat biographical sketches included at the beginning of the application. Do not exceed 10 pages for items 2-5 of each core. Each shared resource core must have a single designated Core Director. 

Appendix materials: Follow standard PHS 398 instructions for preparation of Appendix materials.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Multiple PD/PI Leadership Plan: For applications designating multiple PDs/PIs, a new section of the research plan (item 14 in the November 2007 release of PHS 398 Table of Contents), entitled “Multiple PD/PI Leadership Plan” must be included.  A rationale for choosing a multiple PD/PI approach should be described.  The governance and organizational structure of the leadership team and the research project should be described, and should include communication plans, process for making decisions on scientific direction, and procedures for resolving conflicts.  The roles and administrative, technical, and scientific responsibilities for the project or program should be delineated for the PDs/PIs and other collaborators. 

If budget allocation is planned, the distribution of resources to specific components of the project or the individual PDs/PIs should be delineated in the Leadership Plan.  In the event of an award, the requested allocations may be reflected in a footnote on the Notice of Award.

Additional information is available in the PHS 398 grant application instructions.

The Multiple PD/PI leadership plan should be placed immediately following the Program Overview as indicated above and in the Guidelines for NCI P01s. 

3. Submission Dates and Times

See Section IV.3.A. for details.

3.A. Submission, Review, and Anticipated Start Dates
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): December 28, 2008; April 28, 2009; August 29, 2009; December 28, 2009; April 28, 2010; August 28, 2010; December 28, 2010; April 30, 2011; August 28, 2011.
Application Due Date(s): January 28, 2009; May 28, 2009; September 29, 2009; January 28, 2010; May 28, 2010; September 28, 2010; January 28, 2011; May 27, 2011; September 28, 2011.
AIDS Application Due Date(s): May 4, 2009; September 2, 2009; January 5, 2010; May 4, 2010; September 1, 2010; January 5, 2011; May 3, 2011; September 1, 2011; January 4, 2012.
Peer Review Date(s): June/July 2009; October/November 2009; February/March 2010; June/July 2010; October/November 2010; February/March 2011; June/July 2011; October/November 2011; February/March 2012.
Council Review Date(s): October 2009; January 2010; May 2010; October 2010; January 2011; May 2011; October 2011; January 2012; May 2012.
Earliest Anticipated Start Date(s): December 2009; April 2010; July 2010; December 2010; April 2011; July 2011; December 2011; April 2012; July 2012.
Additional Information To Be Available Date (Activation Date): Not Applicable.

3.A.1. Letter of Intent

Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information:

Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows NCI staff members to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review.

The letter of intent is to be sent by the date listed in Section IV.3.A.

The letter of intent should be sent to:

Referral Officer
Program Coordination and Referral Branch
Office of Referral, Review, and Program Coordination
Division of Extramural Activities
National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Boulevard, Room 8040, MSC 8329
Bethesda, MD 20892-8329 (for U.S. Postal Service express or regular mail)
Rockville, MD 20852 (for non-USPS delivery)
Telephone: 301-496-3428
Fax: 301-402-0275
Email: ncirefof@dea.nci.nih.gov

3.B. Sending an Application to the NIH

Applications must be prepared using the research grant application forms found in the PHS 398 instructions for preparing a research grant application.  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 (for U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for non-USPS delivery)

Personal deliveries of applications are no longer permitted (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-040.html).

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application must be sent to must be sent to:

Referral Officer
Program Coordination and Referral Branch
Office of Referral, Review, and Program Coordination
Division of Extramural Activities
National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Boulevard, Room 8040, MSC 8329
Bethesda, MD 20892-8329 (for U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Rockville, MD 20852 (for non-USPS delivery)
Telephone: 301-496-3428
Fax: 301-402-0275
Email: ncirefof@dea.nci.nih.gov

In addition, the applicants are encouraged to submit a CD with a PDF file of the application complete with color figures at the time of submission. 

Do not submit appendix materials with the application. The Scientific Review Officer for the review will give applicants a specific deadline for submitting appendix materials and late-breaking information.

3.C. Application Processing

Applications must be submitted on or before the application receipt/submission dates described above (Section IV.3.A.) and at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm.

Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by CSR.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The NIH will not accept any application in response to this funding opportunity that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial merit review unless the applicant withdraws the pending application.  The NIH will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed.  However, the NIH will accept a resubmission application, but such application must include an Introduction addressing the critique from the previous review.

Information on the status of an application should be checked by the lead PD/PI in the eRA Commons at https://commons.era.nih.gov/commons/.

4. Intergovernmental Review

This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.

5. Funding Restrictions

All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

Pre-award costs are allowable. A grantee may, at its own risk and without NIH prior approval, incur obligations and expenditures to cover costs up to 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new or renewal award if such costs: 1) are necessary to conduct the project; and 2) would be allowable under the grant, if awarded, without NIH prior approval.  If specific expenditures would otherwise require prior approval, the grantee must obtain NIH approval before incurring the cost.  NIH prior approval is required for any costs to be incurred more than 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new or renewal award.

The incurrence of pre-award costs in anticipation of a competing or non-competing award imposes no obligation on NIH either to make the award or to increase the amount of the approved budget if an award is made for less than the amount anticipated and is inadequate to cover the pre-award costs incurred.  NIH expects the grantee to be fully aware that pre-award costs result in borrowing against future support and that such borrowing must not impair the grantee's ability to accomplish the project objectives in the approved time frame or in any way adversely affect the conduct of the project (see the NIH Grants Policy Statement at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part6.htm).

6. Other Submission Requirements and Information

Specific Instructions for Applications Requesting $500,000 (direct costs) or More per Year

Applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs for any year (excluding consortium F&A costs) must carry out the following steps:

1) Contact the NCI Referral Office at least 6 weeks before submitting the application, i.e., as plans are being developed for the study;

2) Obtain agreement from the NCI staff that the NCI will accept the application for consideration for award; and

3) Include a cover letter with the application that identifies the NCI staff member who agreed to accept assignment of the application.

This policy applies to all new, renewal, revision, and resubmission applications.  See NOT-OD-02-004, October 16, 2001.

Appendix Materials

All paper PHS 398 applications submitted must provide appendix material on CDs only. (See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-031.html.) Do not submit appendix materials with the application. The Scientific Review Officer for the review will give applicants a specific deadline for submitting appendix materials and late-breaking information

Do not use the Appendix to circumvent the page limitations of the Research Plan component. An application that does not observe the required page limitations may be delayed in the review process.

Resource Sharing Plan(s)

NIH considers the sharing of unique research resources developed through NIH-sponsored research an important means to enhance the value of, and advance, research.  When resources have been developed with NIH funds and the associated research findings published or provided to NIH, it is important that they be made readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community.  If the final data/resources are not amenable to sharing, this must be explained in Resource Sharing section of the application (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing/data_sharing_faqs.htm).

(a) Data Sharing Plan: Regardless of the amount requested, investigators are expected to include a brief 1-paragraph description of how final research data will be shared, or explain why data-sharing is not possible. Applicants are encouraged to discuss data-sharing plans with their NIH program contact (see Data-Sharing Policy or http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-032.html).

 (b) Sharing Model Organisms: Regardless of the amount requested, all applications where the development of model organisms is anticipated are expected to include a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organisms and related resources, or state appropriate reasons why such sharing is restricted or not possible.  See Sharing Model Organisms Policy and NIH Guide NOT-OD-04-042.

(c) Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): Regardless of the amount requested, applicants seeking funding for a genome-wide association study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the repository is not possible.  A genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight) or the presence or absence of a disease or condition.  For further information see Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Guide NOT-OD-07-088, and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.

Section V. Application Review Information


1. Criteria (Update: Enhanced review criteria have been issued for the evaluation of research applications received for potential FY2010 funding and thereafter - see NOT-OD-09-025).

Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.

2. Review and Selection Process

Applications that are complete will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by (an) appropriate scientific review group convened by the National Cancer Institute and in accordance with NIH peer review procedures (http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/peer/) using the review criteria stated below.

As part of the scientific peer review, all applications will:

Applications submitted in response to this funding opportunity will compete for available funds with all other recommended applicationsThe following will be considered in making funding decisions:

The goals of NIH supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, to improve the control of disease, and to enhance health.  In their written critiques, reviewers will be asked to comment on each of the following criteria in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals.  Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in assigning the overall score, and weighted as appropriate for each application.  Note that an application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact and thus deserve a meritorious priority score.  For example, an investigator may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward.

Significance: Does this study address an important problem?  If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?  

Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project?  Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?  For applications designating multiple PDs/PIs, is the leadership approach, including the designated roles and responsibilities, governance, and organizational structure, consistent with and justified by the aims of the project and the expertise of each of the PDs/PIs?

Innovation: Is the project original and innovative?  For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field?  Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?   

Investigators: Are the PD/PI(s) and other key personnel appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work?  Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers?  Do the PD/PI(s) and investigative team bring complementary and integrated expertise to the project (if applicable)?

Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success?  Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements?  Is there evidence of institutional support?

In addition to the standard NIH-wide criteria, the following criteria will be used to evaluate specific aspects/components of the P01 applicationThe overall application will be evaluated as an integrated research effort focused on a central theme.  Individual research projects, supporting cores (if proposed), and Program as an Integrated Effort are collectively considered.   The relationship and contributions of each research project and core to the overall theme of the program project will be discussed and evaluated.  Although projects not recommended for inclusion in the program are not considered in scoring the overall program project, such projects may reflect on the leadership capabilities of the PD(s)/PI(s).

A.  Review Criteria for the Overall Program as a Whole

B. Review Criteria for Individual Research Projects: 

C. Criteria for Shared Resource Core(s) (IF APPLICABLE): Each Shared Resource Core must provide essential functions or services for at least two projects.  The merit of each core will be assessed based on the following criteria:

D. Progress (for competing continuation [type 2] projects only). 

2.A. Additional Review Criteria

In addition to the above criteria, the following items will continue to be considered in the determination of scientific merit and the rating:

Resubmission Applications (formerly “revised/amended” applications): Are the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group adequate? Are the improvements in the resubmission application appropriate?

Protection of Human Subjects from Research Risk: The involvement of human subjects and protections from research risk relating to their participation in the proposed research will be assessed (see the Research Plan section on Human Subjects in the PHS 398 instructions).

Inclusion of Women, Minorities and Children in Research: The adequacy of plans to include subjects from both genders, all racial and ethnic groups (and subgroups), and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research will be assessed. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated (see the Research Plan section on Human Subjects in the PHS 398 instructions).

Care and Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research: If vertebrate animals are to be used in the project, the five points described in the Vertebrate Animals section of the Research Plan will be assessed.

Biohazards: If materials or procedures are proposed that are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, determine if the proposed protection is adequate.

2.B. Additional Review Considerations

Budget: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period of support in relation to the proposed research. The priority score should not be affected by the evaluation of the budget.

2.C. Resource Sharing Plan(s)   

When relevant, reviewers will be instructed to comment on the reasonableness of the following Resource Sharing Plans, or the rationale for not sharing the following types of resources.  However, reviewers will not factor the proposed resource sharing plan(s) into the determination of scientific merit or priority score, unless noted otherwise in the FOA.  Program staff within the NCI will be responsible for monitoring the resource sharing.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Not Applicable.

Section VI. Award Administration Information


1. Award Notices

After the peer review of the application is completed, the PD/PI will be able to access his or her Summary Statement (written critique) via the eRA Commons.

If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant.  For details, applicants may refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General.

Selection of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance.  Any costs incurred before receipt of the NOA are at the recipient's risk.  These costs may be reimbursed only to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs.  See also Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions.

A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization.  The NoA signed by the grants management officer is the authorizing document.  Once all administrative and programmatic issues have been resolved, the NoA will be generated via email notification from the awarding component to the grantee business official (designated in item 12 on the Application Face Page).  If a grantee is not email enabled, a hard copy of the NoA will be mailed to the business official.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the NoA.  For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part4.htm) and Part II Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part9.htm).

3. Reporting

When multiple years are involved, awardees will be required to submit the Non-Competing Continuation Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590) annually and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

A final progress report, invention statement, and Financial Status Report are required when an award is relinquished when a recipient changes institutions or when an award is terminated.

Section VII. Agency Contacts


We encourage your inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants.  Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/research; peer review; and financial or grants management issues.

1. Scientific/Research Contacts:

Referral Officer
Program Coordination and Referral Branch
Office of Referral, Review, and Program Coordination
Division of Extramural Activities
National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Boulevard, Room 8040, MSC 8329
Bethesda, MD 20892-8329 (for U.S. Postal Service express or regular mail)
Rockville, MD 20852 (for non-USPS delivery)
Telephone: 301-496-3428
Fax: 301-402-0275
Email: ncirefof@dea.nci.nih.gov

2. Peer Review Contacts:

Referral Officer
Program Coordination and Referral Branch
Office of Referral, Review, and Program Coordination
Division of Extramural Activities
National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Boulevard, Room 8040, MSC 8329
Bethesda, MD 20892-8329 (for U.S. Postal Service express or regular mail)
Rockville, MD 20852 (for non-USPS delivery)
Telephone: 301-496-3428
Fax: 301-402-0275
Email: ncirefof@dea.nci.nih.gov

3. Financial or Grants Management Contacts:

Rebecca A. Brightful
Grants Management Specialist
National Cancer Institute
Fairview Center Building, Suite 300
1003 West 7th Street
Frederick, MD 21701-4106
Telephone: (301) 846-6703
Fax: (301) 451-5391    
E-mail: rb377p@nih.gov

Section VIII. Other Information


Required Federal Citations

Use of Animals in Research:
Recipients of PHS support for activities involving live, vertebrate animals must comply with PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/PHSPolicyLabAnimals.pdf) as mandated by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/hrea1985.htm), and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm) as applicable.

Human Subjects Protection:
Federal regulations (45CFR46) require that applications and proposals involving human subjects must be evaluated with reference to the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of protection against these risks, the potential benefits of the research to the subjects and others, and the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained (http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm).

Data and Safety Monitoring Plan:
Data and safety monitoring is required for all types of clinical trials, including physiologic toxicity and dose-finding studies (phase I); efficacy studies (Phase II); efficacy, effectiveness, and comparative trials (Phase III). Monitoring should be commensurate with risk. The establishment of data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) is required for multi-site clinical trials involving interventions that entail potential risks to the participants (NIH Policy for Data and Safety Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).

Sharing Research Data:
Investigators submitting an NIH application seeking $500,000 or more in direct costs in any single year are expected to include a plan for data sharing or state why this is not possible (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing).

Investigators should seek guidance from their institutions, on issues related to institutional policies and local IRB rules, as well as local, State and Federal laws and regulations, including the Privacy Rule. Reviewers will consider the data sharing plan but will not factor the plan into the determination of the scientific merit or the priority score.

Policy for Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS):
NIH is interested in advancing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify common genetic factors that influence health and disease through a centralized GWAS data repository. For the purposes of this policy, a genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire human genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight), or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. All applications, regardless of the amount requested, proposing a genome-wide association study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the repository is not possible. Data repository management (submission and access) is governed by the Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Guide NOT-OD-07-088. For additional information, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.
Sharing of Model Organisms:
NIH is committed to support efforts that encourage sharing of important research resources including the sharing of model organisms for biomedical research (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/model_organism/index.htm). At the same time the NIH recognizes the rights of grantees and contractors to elect and retain title to subject inventions developed with Federal funding pursuant to the Bayh Dole Act (see the NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm). All investigators submitting an NIH application or contract proposal, beginning with the October 1, 2004 receipt date, are expected to include in the application/proposal a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organism research resources generated using NIH funding or state why such sharing is restricted or not possible. This will permit other researchers to benefit from the resources developed with public funding. The inclusion of a model organism sharing plan is not subject to a cost threshold in any year and is expected to be included in all applications where the development of model organisms is anticipated.

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 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 funding opportunity 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.

Inclusion of Women And Minorities in Clinical Research:
It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations must be included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a clear and compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43). All investigators proposing clinical research should read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm. The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398; and updated roles and responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials that: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences.

Inclusion of Children as Participants in Clinical Research:
The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all clinical research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion of children as participants in research involving human subjects (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm).

Required Education on the Protection of Human Subject Participants:
NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH applications for research involving human subjects and individuals designated as key personnel. The policy is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.

Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC):
Criteria for federal funding of research on hESCs can be found at http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp and at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html. Only research using hESC lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding (http://escr.nih.gov/). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide in the project description and elsewhere in the application as appropriate, the official NIH identifier(s) for the hESC line(s) to be used in the proposed research. Applications that do not provide this information will be returned without review.

NIH Public Access Policy Requirement:
In accordance with the NIH Public Access Policy (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-033.html), 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 (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/), 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 webpage at http://publicaccess.nih.gov/.

Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued final modification to the "Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information", the "Privacy Rule", on August 14, 2002. The Privacy Rule is a federal regulation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 that governs the protection of individually identifiable health information, and is administered and enforced by the DHHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Decisions about applicability and implementation of the Privacy Rule reside with the researcher and his/her institution. The OCR website (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/) provides information on the Privacy Rule, including a complete Regulation Text and a set of decision tools on "Am I a covered entity?" Information on the impact of the HIPAA Privacy Rule on NIH processes involving the review, funding, and progress monitoring of grants, cooperative agreements, and research contracts can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-025.html.

URLs in NIH Grant Applications or Appendices:
All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. For publications listed in the appendix and/or Progress report, internet addresses (URLs) must be used for publicly accessible on-line journal articles. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide any other information necessary for 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 FOA 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 at http://www.cfda.gov/ and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372. Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. 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 recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and discourage the 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 routine 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.

Loan Repayment Programs:
NIH encourages applications for educational loan repayment from qualified health professionals who have made a commitment to pursue a research career involving clinical, pediatric, contraception, infertility, and health disparities related areas. The LRP is an important component of NIH's efforts to recruit and retain the next generation of researchers by providing the means for developing a research career unfettered by the burden of student loan debt. Note that an NIH grant is not required for eligibility and concurrent career award and LRP applications are encouraged. The periods of career award and LRP award may overlap providing the LRP recipient with the required commitment of time and effort, as LRP awardees must commit at least 50% of their time (at least 20 hours per week based on a 40 hour week) for two years to the research. For further information, please see: http://www.lrp.nih.gov/.


Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices


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