Notice of Modifications to Eligibility for PAR-16-415 "Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence Program (COBRE)(P20)"

Notice Number: NOT-GM-17-005

Key Dates
Release Date: April 24, 2017

Related Announcements
PAR-16-415

Issued by
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

Purpose

The purpose of this Notice is to clarify the eligibility criteria for the Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) of the COBRE program and the required institutional letter of support.

The following is detailed information about the modifications.

Part 2. Full Text of Announcement

Section III. Eligibility Information

Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Investigator)

Current Language:
The PD(s)/PI(s) of a previous COBRE center that completed the 3 consecutive phases may not lead a new COBRE phase 1 application without compelling justification. PD(s)/PI(s) may not simultaneously lead two or more IDeA program awards.

Modified Language:
The PD(s)/PI(s) of a previous COBRE center that completed the 3 consecutive phases may not lead a new COBRE phase 1 application without compelling justification including but not limited to the following:

  • The new COBRE phase 1 application proposes a distinct and completely different scientific theme from the previous COBRE center;
  • A letter of justification from a senior institutional official (see detailed requirement below).

PD(s)/PI(s) may not simultaneously lead two or more IDeA program awards.

Potential applicants considering a previous COBRE PD/PI as the lead on a new COBRE are encouraged to contact the Scientific/Research Contact named in the FOA prior to the preparation of the application.

Part 2. Full Text of Announcement

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Overall Component

PHS 398 Research Plan (Overall)

Letters of Support:

Current Language:
A letter of support from a senior institutional official (e.g., President or Dean) must be included, outlining the institutional commitment of resources and facilities to sustain and support the COBRE throughout the period of funding and to maintain these resources beyond the period of grant support. The level of institutional commitment will differ among applicant institutions because of the variability of resources available among institutions.

Modified Language:
A letter of support from a senior institutional official (e.g., President or Dean) must be included, outlining the institutional commitment of resources and facilities to sustain and support the COBRE throughout the period of funding and to maintain these resources beyond the period of grant support. The level of institutional commitment will differ among applicant institutions because of the variability of resources available among institutions.

If a previous COBRE PD/PI is proposed to lead a new COBRE phase 1 application, the application must include a letter from a senior institutional official indicating that the previous PD/PI is the sole established investigator in the institute/organization with the appropriate scientific expertise and able to lead the new application.

All other aspects of this FOA remain unchanged.

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Yanping Liu, M.D., Ph.D.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Telephone: 301-594-3900
Email: liuyanp@mail.nih.gov