Request for Information (RFI): Strategically Critical Resources or Infrastructures Recommended for NHLBI Support Using the R24/U24 Grant Mechanisms

Notice Number: NOT-HL-17-571

Key Dates
Release Date: January 22, 2018

Related Announcements
None

Issued by
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Purpose

The purpose of this time-sensitive Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit input on areas in which there is a substantial need for NHLBI to provide a resource or infrastructure to further scientific research related to the NHLBI mission. Of particular interest are resources that would address a critical need at a national level, would be utilized by many different investigators, and could potentially be supported using the R24/U24 grant mechanisms. Information from this RFI will be used to identify strategically critical areas in which a national resource program would accelerate research leading to the prevention or treatment of heart, lung, or blood diseases and sleep disorders.

Background

In November 2013, NHLBI decided to no longer accept investigator-initiated R24 applications upon the expiration of the NHLBI Investigator-Initiated Resource-Related Research Projects (R24) Funding Opportunity Announcement (PAR-13-335). Subsequently, NHLBI has completed an extensive process to solicit input from the research community and other interested parties and to articulate a Strategic Vision for future research. The NHLBI Strategic Vision includes as a major goal to ensure that the "biomedical workforce [is] equipped with essential research resources to pursue emerging opportunities in science." This RFI contributes to implementation of the Strategic Vision by soliciting more specific information from the research community and other stakeholders regarding which resources would be most beneficial for enabling research. The responses to this RFI will be considered by NHLBI in its efforts to identify high priority areas for the development and support of research resources.

Definition

For the purposes of this RFI, resources or infrastructure refers to programs that could provide access to biospecimens, disease models (cell lines or model organisms), production capabilities, information or data, or standardization of data/tools of relevance to the research mission of the NHLBI.

Information Requested

Members of the health and scientific community at large, state and local government officials, patient advocates, public interest organizations, community-based organizations, industry stakeholders, and the general public are invited to respond to any or all of the items listed below.

1. A description of the proposed resource or infrastructure, together with background information regarding the need for the resource, the required capabilities, and the history of the resource if it is the extension of an existing resource.

2. An estimate of the potential impact of the resource on scientific discovery, research productivity, and public health.

3. A prediction of the characteristics, geographical distribution, and numbers of users of the resource/infrastructure.

4. An explanation of why the need cannot or should not be met at the institutional level or through other available mechanisms.

5. Other comments, suggestions, or considerations relevant to this RFI, for example, the duration of the support and whether the resource may reach self-sustainability.

Submitting a Response

Comments in response to this notice may be submitted by email no later than March 19, 2018 to: NHLBIR24RFI@mail.nih.gov. Please mark your responses with this RFI identifier NOT-HL-17-571 in the subject line of the email. Reponses are expected to be less than 1,000 words.

Respondents will receive an automated email confirmation acknowledging receipt of their response, but will not receive individualized feedback.

Confidentiality

Responses to this RFI are voluntary and may be anonymous. Any identifiers (e.g., names, institutions, e-mail addresses, etc.) will be removed when responses are compiled. Only the processed, anonymized results will be shared internally with scientific working groups convened by the NIH, as appropriate. Proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should not be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Federal Government, or the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH does not intend to award a grant or contract to pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the NIH’s use of such information. Respondents will not be notified of the NIH evaluation of the information received. No basis for claims against the NIH shall arise as a result of a response to this request for information or the NIH’s use of such information as either part of our evaluation process or in developing specifications for any subsequent announcement. Responses will be held confidential. Proprietary information should not be sent.

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Weiniu Gan, Ph.D.
Division of Lung Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Telephone: 301-435-0202
Email: ganw2@mail.nih.gov

Albert Lee, Ph.D.
Division of Cardiovascular Sciences
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Telephone: 301-435-0567
Email: alee@mail.nih.gov