NOTE: Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply

Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed occupational safety and health training and research training program is invited to work with their 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 NIOSH programs. An applicant institution may submit only one application under this announcement.

Application materials may be obtained from http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html. In addition, supplemental instructions are provided on the NIOSH web site at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/training.html. Applicants must follow the instructions provided or the application will be returned as non-responsive.

Table of Contents

Part I Overview Information

Part II Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
  1. Program Objectives

Section II. Award Information
  1. Mechanism(s) 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

Section V. Application Review Information
  1. Criteria
  2. Review and Selection Process
    A. Additional Review Criteria
    B. Additional Review Considerations
    C. Sharing Research Data
    D. Sharing Research Resources
  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

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 PA 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.

1. Program Objectives

The purpose of this program is to continue existing, and/or establish new Education and Research Centers (ERC) that are focused on occupational safety and health training and research training. NIOSH is mandated to provide an adequate supply of qualified personnel to carry out the purposes of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the ERCs are one of the principal means for meeting this mandate. ERCs are academic institutions that provide interdisciplinary graduate training and continuing education in the core disciplines of Industrial Hygiene (IH), Occupational Health Nursing (OHN), Occupational Medicine Residency (OMR), Occupational Safety (OS), and other fields closely related to occupational safety and health (OSH). Research and research training are integral components of the ERC concept. Thus, ERC scientists should conduct peer reviewed, investigator-initiated research on issues related to the mission of NIOSH. The NIOSH homepage provides a full description of occupational safety and health program areas, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html.

The ERCs are multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary awards that address OSH training and research training in a cross cutting and integrated manner, and should result in cross-fertilization among the various disciplines and impact safety and health practice and research. The ERCs are the major part of a network of training grants that help ensure there is an adequate supply of qualified professional occupational safety and health practitioners and researchers. These training programs are intended to provide multi-level practitioner and research training.

The ERCs have a significant role in the research to practice (r2p) initiative of the institute. Thus, ERCs are expected to undertake projects that have a focus on the translation of occupational safety and health research products into the practitioner environment. Through their continuing education, outreach, training and research training activities, ERCs are expected to significantly impact the practitioner environment in a measurable way. The ERCs also serve as regional and national resource centers on OSH issues for industry, labor, government, and the public.

In reviewing ERC applications, and in order to encourage new applications, consideration will be given to the training program requirements specified below, as well as the developing nature of proposed programs and the applicants stated ability to produce program graduates who will meet demonstrated occupational safety and health workforce needs. New ERCs may only request three years of support under this announcement.

Training Programs

This program may support Masters, Doctoral and Post-Doctoral training.

Certain training areas are considered “core disciplines”. The core disciplines are: OMR, OHN, IH, and OS. In addition to these core disciplines, in order to take full advantage of the unique strengths and capabilities of institutions, consideration will be given to the development of new and innovative academic component programs in allied disciplines that are relevant to the occupational safety and health field, e.g., ergonomics, industrial toxicology, occupational injury prevention, occupational epidemiology, occupational health psychology, health services research, and agricultural safety and health. IInnovative technological approaches to training and education are encouraged. In addition, an ERC may offer Hazardous Substance Academic Training (HSAT). The HSAT program supports trainees at the Masters level only.

In addition to the core and allied academic programs described above, a new pilot program for collaboration with other closely related academic programs within the institution is included in this announcement. This program is described in further detail as an option within the description of Center-Wide Activities, NORA Research.

Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), http://www.acgme.org/acWebsite/home/home.asp, is required for OMR programs. In addition, an ERC is encouraged to have accreditation of the Masters level training programs by applicable recognized accrediting organizations.

ERCs must document that the core or allied disciplines will fill a gap in the selected occupational safety and health disciplines and as appropriate, state how a the selected disciplines meet a specific regional workforce need.

Students and faculty in the core discipline programs and component programs in allied disciplines are expected to be fully engaged in the interdisciplinary activities of the ERC.

Each core area program curriculum should include courses that fully prepare trainees to move into and/or advance in the OSH work community. Appropriate clinical rotations and field experiences with occupational safety and health agencies or other appropriate groups and with labor-management health and safety groups are encouraged.

Core programs can offer masters and doctoral degrees. Pre-doctoral training must lead to the Masters degree and/or the Ph.D. degree or a comparable research doctoral degree. Pre-doctoral research training should emphasize fundamental training in areas of occupational safety and health sciences. Undergraduate degrees and training are not authorized under this program. If an HSAT program is proposed, the HSAT program must ensure the successful completion by trainees of a 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations training course to meet the requirements of 29CFR1910.120 either during or prior to enrollment.

Post Doctoral Training (optional)

Postdoctoral training is considered an important role of the ERCs, and the applicant is allowed to request support for this type of training. The trainees must meet the NIH guidelines for support under the National Research Service Award (T32) program (http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-109.html).

It is not appropriate to provide support for postdoctoral trainees in mentor (investigator) laboratories that do not have peer reviewed support. In addition, the work of the postdoctoral mentor must be specific to the NIOSH mission. Postdoctoral research training is for individuals who have received a Ph.D., D.V.M, D.D.S., M.D., or a comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic institution. Research training at the postdoctoral level must emphasize specialized training to meet national research priorities in the occupational safety and health sciences.

Training Program Guidelines

An ERC is encouraged to provide Masters, Doctoral and Postdoctoral trainees instruction in the following areas:

1. Responsible conduct of research (required for Masters [research], Doctoral, Postdoctoral trainees)

2. How to write research grant proposals (optional)

3. How to manage research laboratories (optional)

An ERC may provide training in as many core or allied program OSH areas as resources allow; however, the ERC application must have the components that are marked below as required. If one of the required components is not proposed, the application will be considered non-responsive and it will be returned to the applicant without a review:

• Two Core Programs in OHN, IH, OMR or OS. (REQUIRED)

There must be a minimum of five (5) full time trainees in each program, with the exception of OMR, where there must be at least four (4) full time trainees. For new applications, consideration will be given to the developing nature of academic programs and the ability to meet these requirements.

• One additional program in the core disciplines of OHN, IH, OMR, OS or other allied OSH discipline (for example Occupational Epidemiology, Ergonomics, Occupational Injury Prevention, Occupational Health Services. (REQUIRED)

• Additional allied OSH and HSAT Training Programs. (OPTIONAL)

There must be at least three (3) full time trainees in any additional allied OSH or HSAT programs. However, as in the past, HSAT programs do not qualify as one of the three required programs for an ERC.

• Post Doctoral Training may be proposed (OPTIONAL).

The trainees must meet the NIH guidelines for support under the National Research Service Award (T32) program (http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-109.html).

• Continuing Education for OSH (REQUIRED)

An ERC must include a continuing education program for OSH that provides training courses for physicians, nurses, industrial hygienists, safety professionals and other occupational safety and health professionals, paraprofessionals and technicians, including personnel from labor-management health and safety committees, in the geographical region in which the ERC is located. The ERC continuing education course offerings should be based on the regional and national needs and the applicant should provide a rationale for the courses that are offered.

As a goal, an ERC is expected to provide continuing education training to a minimum of 400 trainees per year representing all of the above categories of personnel. ERCs should describe plans to target occupational safety and health training to physicians, industrial hygienists, occupational health nurses, and safety professionals. All ERC academic programs are expected to actively participate and contribute to the ERC continuing education program.

A priority for this program is to establish/continue new and innovative training technologies, including distance learning programs and short-term programs designed to prepare a cadre of skilled practitioners in occupational safety and health.

Where appropriate, Continuing Education Units (as approved providers) should be awarded. Also, the courses should be structured so that higher educational institutions, public health and safety agencies, professional societies or other appropriate agencies can utilize them to provide training at a local level to occupational health and safety personnel in the workplace.

NIOSH recognizes the significant development time and costs for establishing continuing education programs. Thus, consideration will be given to new applicants for their potential to develop and deliver continuing education courses.

• Continuing Education for Hazardous Substance Training (HST) may be proposed (OPTIONAL).

This program must be structured the same as the OSH continuing education program. The program must include public sector student participation.

• Occupational Health Physics (Optional)

This is an allied occupational safety and health academic program that is a new area of interest to NIOSH. Occupational health physicists establish radiation protection measures and radiation exposure characteristics for individual and classes of workers in various occupational environments where radioactive materials are used. Occupational Health Physics academic and research training programs are needed that provide masters and doctoral level training in health physics, radiation protection measures, exposure pathway analysis, and radiation dose estimation and reconstruction. These are critical areas of instruction and essential components of occupational health radiation protection programs.

Center-Wide Activities

This aspect of the project is made up of multiple program activities. It is noted on the list below whether the activities are required or optional:

• Administrative Core (REQUIRED)

The ERC will have an administrative structure and management plan that supports the operation of the ERC. The Administrative Core will provide a supportive structure to ensure accomplishment of 1) coordination and integration of Center components and activities; 2) assessment of productivity, effectiveness, and appropriateness of Center activities; 3) organization of Center activities, such as retreats, invitation of consultants, meetings, and focus groups; 4 organization of the Internal and External Advisory Committees; 5) record keeping of meeting minutes and measures of success, including training outcomes for the various Core Programs, the Pilot Project Program, and Outreach activities; and 6) Interactions with other ERCs, the NIOSH, and other appropriate individuals, groups, or organizations.

• Center Director’s Meeting (REQUIRED)

The Center Director must attend an annual Center Director’s meeting that will rotate between ERC sites. For planning purposes, the applicant should budget for the meeting to be in Washington, DC.

• Board of Advisors and Executive Committee (REQUIRED)

The ERC should also establish a Board of Advisors that represents the users and affected populations and may include representatives of labor, industry, government agencies, academic institutions and professional associations. It is expected that this advisory board would meet annually and provide critical advice to the ERC Director. The ERC should also have an executive committee that assists the ERC Director in the management of the program. It is recommended that this committee be composed of the ERC Director, Deputy Director, Academic Program Directors, Continuing Education Program Director, and others whom the ERC Director may determine are needed for the management of the ERC.

• Outreach to Occupational Health Community/ Research to Practice (REQUIRED)

An essential component of an ERC is the outreach and research to practice activities with other institutions, businesses, community groups or agencies located within the region. Programs should address serving area needs and implement innovative strategies for meeting those needs with a focus on impacting the practitioner environment. Partnerships and collaborative relationships are encouraged between ERCs and NIOSH-funded Training Project Grantees. Examples of outreach activities might include: interaction other universities or other educational institutions in the ERC region to integrate occupational safety and health principles and concepts within existing curricula (e.g., Colleges of Business Administration, Engineering, Architecture, Law, and Arts and Sciences); providing curriculum materials and consultation for curriculum/course development in other institutions; use of a visiting faculty program to involve labor and management leaders; cooperative and collaborative arrangements with professional societies and scientific associations; and presentation of awareness seminars to undergraduate and secondary educational institutions (e.g., high school science fairs and career days) as well as to labor, management and community associations. A priority for outreach is for activities that will have a measurable impact on the practitioner environment. Thus, outreach activities that facilitate the translation of research and training products into the practitioner environment are the highest priority.

• Diversity Recruitment Plan (REQUIRED)

ERCs are encouraged to recruit and train minority students to help address the under-representation among the occupational safety and health professional workforce. A detailed plan to address the under-representation of minorities among occupational safety and health professionals and for the recruitment of underrepresented minorities to the core programs must be a part of the application. The initial review group will review this plan as part of the overall rating of the application. Specific efforts to conduct outreach activities to develop collaborative training programs with academic institutions serving minority and other special populations, such as Tribal Colleges and Universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions are encouraged.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination. (REQUIRED)

The applicant should describe a plan for ensuring the interdisciplinary coordination and interaction of the trainees in all academic training programs. For each core program (OMR, IH, OHN, OS), the applicant may request up to 5% effort for the program director for interdisciplinary coordination/integration of the ERC training programs.

• Pilot/Small Projects Research Training Program (OPTIONAL)

Support for projects relevant to the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) of NIOSH is considered fundamental to sustaining the quality, breadth, and dynamics of the ERC program. These projects are intended for the exploration and development of new and creative exploratory, prevention/intervention and translation projects, and are considered an important and integral part of the support provided to the ERC. These pilot/small projects should provide support for short-term projects (maximum duration of 24 months). This program will enable investigators to collect sufficient data to pursue subsequent support through other funding mechanisms. Examples of pilot/small projects may include, but are not limited to:

1. Provide initial support to develop innovative approaches/lines of investigation in the program areas.

2. Allow exploration of possible innovative new directions in OSH sciences.

3. Stimulate investigators from other fields to apply their expertise to OSH issues.

4. Develop new mechanisms for external or multi-ERC collaborative partnerships to address emerging safety and health concerns.

5. Provide initial support for a translational/research to practice project.

6. Support for trainee capstone projects.

While the administrative framework for management of the ERCs Pilot/Small Project Program is left to the Center Director's discretion, certain minimal requirements must be met. Management of the program must include provisions for:

1. A mechanism that ensures preparation and appropriate announcement of the availability of pilot/small project funding.

2. A mechanism for merit review of pilot/small project proposals and documentation that projects address a NORA topic. Copies of all proposals, with documentation of their reviews, relative ranking, and final action must be retained by the Center. These records must be available to reviewers in the event of a site visit. These records should include a categorization of the projects funded by NORA area.

3. A mechanism to maintain a record of subsequent results of each pilot/small project (abstract, RO1/R21 submission/award, dissertation, etc.) recipient. This record must be available to reviewers in the event of a site visit for competing renewals. Input by both the Internal Executive Committee and the External Advisory Committee into the management of the Pilot/Small Projects Program is strongly recommended.

• NORA Research (OPTIONAL)

The ERCs represent a variety of strengths and approaches that are required in order to promote high quality research in occupational safety and health, and are a major vehicle for the development of future leaders in occupational safety and health research. They are structured to foster development of interdisciplinary research skills that are needed to effectively address the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) priority areas and are a critical link to practicing occupational safety and health professionals and others to translate research findings into interventions that prevent illness and injury in the workplace. These projects are also intended to provide practical training opportunities and thus must include trainee(s) participation in the projects.

Examples of relevant projects that would be responsive include:

1. Research Projects. Research projects may be supported that address a specific NORA topic and include the training of professional students (masters, doctoral, post-doctoral).

2. Post Doctoral Training. The trainees must meet the NIH guidelines for support under the National Research Service Award (T32) program .support of post doctoral trainees. The work of the postdoctoral mentor must be specific to a NORA topic, and be supported by external peer reviewed funding. Postdoctoral research training is for individuals who have received a Ph.D., D.V.M, D.D.S., Dr.PH, ScD, M.D., or a comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic institution that provides doctoral training in OSH fields. Research training at the postdoctoral level must emphasize specialized training to meet NORA priorities in the occupational safety and health sciences.

3. Research Training and Research to Practice.

a. Collaborative Research Training Programs. These are programs that train occupational safety and health professionals from other disciplines but who enroll in appropriate OSH courses and participate in ERC interdisciplinary activities. Pilot Programs to attract MS/PhD or doctoral students from closely related occupational safety and health disciplines and conduct NORA-related dissertation research may be supported. For some closely related occupational safety and health disciplines it may be too costly to establish independent research training programs and collaborative arrangements with other training programs may be a more cost effective approach. The pilot effort for this announcement is intended to encourage ERC applicants, where appropriate, to partner with such existing research training programs. Support may include NORA-related dissertation research, occupational safety and health coursework, and stipend and other support for trainees enrolled in the program. Applications should include sample curricula that demonstrate how supported students will obtain an understanding of the technical, professional, regulatory, and interdisciplinary components of occupational safety and health as it relates to their discipline Proposed programs should be developed similar to the NIH Institutional NRSA T32 program. Supported trainees are expected to fully participate in the ERC interdisciplinary interaction activities.

b. Research to Practice (R2P) Programs. R2P is an underlying principle for NIOSH research programs and are an integral component of the NIOSH research philosophy. Projects that advance research findings into the workplace may be supported. Translational, intervention, and dissemination projects that focus on the delivery of NORA-related research findings to partners who can effect change and prevent worker illness and injury are strongly encouraged. Such projects must include evaluation plans that will enable the assessment of their impact on worker illness and injury. Mechanisms that may be utilized include outreach, continuing education, and visiting scholars programs.

c. Interdisciplinary Research Training Programs. Programs to provide interdisciplinary predoctoral research training in NORA-related projects may be supported. The research training must emphasize specialized skills to assist in addressing NORA priorities in occupational safety and health. Supported trainees must be enrolled in approved ERC academic core or allied training programs.

Section II. Award Information

1. Mechanism(s) of Support

This funding opportunity will use the NIOSH T42 award mechanism(s). As an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.

Competing supplement grant applications from current T42 grantees are also permitted. Applicants should follow the PHS 398 application instructions for competing supplement applications. (See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html). Separate competing supplement grant applications should be submitted for each new or amended Academic Training Component or NORA Project.

This funding opportunity uses the just-in-time budget concepts. It also uses the non-modular budget format described in the PHS 398 application instructions (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html). A detailed categorical budget for the "Initial Budget Period" and the "Entire Proposed Period of Support" is to be submitted with the application.

This program is an ongoing program. The announcement is open for applications for three years, and NIOSH intends to re-announce the program upon expiration of this announcement. An Applicant may request a project period of up to five years.

2. Funds Available

The total amount of funds awarded under this program is approximately $20 million dollars per year for new competing applications, competing renewal applications, and continuing awards. The number of awards for this program is between 12 and 20 depending on the quality of the applications and funds available. Each year the number of new competing and competing renewal awards will vary between one and ten depending on the number of five year awards that have ended. The anticipated start date for these awards is July 1 of the year following application submission and the maximum performance period that may be requested is five years.

Applicants may request awards up to $1,800,000 per year in total costs.

Although the financial plans of NIOSH provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this funding opportunity are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

1.A. Eligible Institutions

You may submit an application if your organization has any of the following characteristics:

NOTE: Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply

1.B. Eligible Individuals

Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed occupational safety and health training program is invited to work with their 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 NIOSH programs.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required.

3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria

Post-doctoral trainees must meet the NIH guidelines for support under the National Research Service Award (T32) program. See the following web site for further information on the NIH guidelines: http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-109.html

An applicant institution may only submit one comprehensive center grant application under this announcement. However, current T42 grantees can submit one or multiple competing supplement grant applications according to the PHS 398 Instructions (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html). Separate competing supplement grant applications should be submitted for each new or amended Academic Training Component or NORA Project.

Note: Title 2 of the United States Code Section 1611 states that an organization described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to receive Federal funds constituting an award, grant, or loan.

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 301-451-0088.

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 on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be checked.

The application for this program uses both the detailed budget page (form page 4) and the substitute form page 4 (“NRSA Substitute Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period Direct Costs”) of the 398 application. Applicants that do not submit the budget in the required format will have their applications returned as non-responsive. Limits on funding levels for each component are listed below in section IV.6, “Other Submission Requirements.”

SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS

All training activities should be consistent with the goals of the ERC program and should be based on well documented occupational safety and health needs. In order to assist applicants in the preparation of an application that can be reviewed, a number of supplemental instructions are provided. The applicant should follow the special instructions for institutional training grants contained within the PHS 398 and the supplemental instructions for preparing an ERC application, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/training.html . The applicant should follow the page limits specified in the outline below, and ensure that each activity is clearly described and identified. The application should be organized as indicated below:

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR AN EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CENTER APPLICATION

In order to facilitate the preparation and review of the ERC application, the following Table of Contents should be used. It is a minor modification of the PHS 398 Table of Contents.

o PHS 398 Face Page

o PHS 398 Form Page 2: ERC Description, Performance Sites, and Personnel (use additional continuation pages as needed for the key personnel)

o Table of Contents

o Detailed Budget for the Initial Budget Period Direct Costs for the entire ERC (Form page 4)

o Budget for the Entire Proposed Period of Support for the entire ERC (Form page 5)

o Detailed Budget for each ERC Area for the Initial Budget Period organized by program area (center- wide activities and each proposed training program). Label each budget page in top left margin with the name of the program area. An applicant must use budget form page 4 for each program area. Academic training programs must also use substitute budget form page 4 (Substitute Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period Direct Costs) in order to display and justify trainee expenses. Budget form page 4 and substitute budget form page 4 for each academic program should be cross-referenced and have the same total direct costs.

o Budget for the Entire Proposed Period for each ERC area (Form page 5). Form page 5 is completed for each program area proposed. For the academic training programs, also use the substitute budget form page 5 (Substitute Budget for Entire Proposed Period of Support Direct Costs).

Label each form page 5 using the top left margin with the name of the program area.

o Biographical Sketch-Principal Investigator/Program Director

o Other Biographical Sketches

o Other Support

o Overall Description of the ERC (2 page maximum)

o Past Performance/Accomplishments in Last Project Period (existing ERCs- 5 page maximum excluding tables on graduates)

o Past Performance/Accomplishments Relevant to ERC goals (new applicants- 5 page maximum excluding tables on graduates)

o Resources Statement on the Institutional/Other Commitments to the ERC (1 page maximum, see page 57-58 of 398 instructions)

o Human Subjects summary table that lists all the projects and human subjects information (title, performance sites, FWAs, IRB approval date/status, if applicable)

o Cover Sheet: labeled Center Wide Activities Section

o PHS 398 Form Page 2: Center Wide Activities Description, Performance Sites, and Personnel

o Cover Sheet labeled Administrative Core; include name of individual responsible for Admin Core (usually the Center Director)

o Administrative and Planning Core Description (should not exceed three pages)

o Cover Sheet: labeled Outreach Plan

o Outreach plan (should not exceed five pages)

o Cover Sheet: labeled Diversity Recruitment Plan

o Diversity Recruitment Plan (should not exceed two pages)

o Cover Sheet: labeled Interdisciplinary Coordination Plan

o Interdisciplinary Coordination Plan. This plan should not exceed two (2) pages.

o Cover Sheet: labeled Pilot/Small Projects Program

o Pilot/Small Projects Program Plan (should not exceed ten pages)

o Cover Sheet: NORA Research

o PHS 398 Form Page 2: NORA Research Plan(s) Description(s), Performance Sites, and Personnel. This Form should be provided for each NORA Project.

o NORA Research Project Plan(s) (follow the research Program Plan outline in 398 instructions). It

should not exceed 15 pages.

o NORA Research Training and Research to Practice Project Plan(s) should not exceed 15 pages.

o Cover Sheet labeled Training Programs Section

o Cover Sheet: Academic Training Component A (replace A with name of training component such as IH, OHN, OMR, etc); include name of program director responsible for this component.

o PHS 398 form page 2 for Academic Training Component A (replace A with name of training component such as IH, OHN, OMR, etc)

o Program Plan: Academic Training Component A (follow Program Plan outline on website at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/training.html). It should not exceed 15 pages excluding tables. Occupational safety and health course content outlines must be included within an appendix.

o Cover Sheet: Academic Training Area B (replace B with the name of the academic training component such as IH, OHN, OS, etc); include name of program director responsible for this component.

o PHS form 398 page 2: Training Component B (replace B with name of academic training component such as IH, OHN, OS, etc)

o Program Plan: Academic Training Component B (follow Program Plan outline on website at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/training.html). It should not exceed 15 pages excluding tables.

o Continue with as many sections as there are academic training components.

o Cover Sheet: Post Doctoral Training; include name of project investigator responsible for this component.

PHS 398 Form page 2: Post Doctoral Training Plan

o Post Doctoral Training Plan (follow Program Plan outline on website at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/training.html). It should not exceed 15 pages excluding tables.

o Cover Sheet: Continuing Education in Occupational Safety and Health

PHS 398 Form page 2: Continuing Education in Occupational Safety and Health

o Program Plan: Continuing Education for Occupational Safety and Health (follow Program Plan outline on website at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/training.html). It should not exceed 15 pages excluding tables.

o Cover Sheet: Continuing Education for Hazardous Substance Training (if applicable)

PHS 398 Form page 2: Continuing Education for Hazardous Substance Training

o Program Plan: Continuing Education for Hazardous Substance (follow Program Plan outline on website at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/training.html). It should not exceed 15 pages excluding tables.

o Human Subjects including summary table that lists all the projects and human subjects information (title, performance sites, FWAs, IRB approval date/status, if applicable)

o Vertebrate Animals

o Literature Cited

o Consortium/Contractual Arrangements

o Consultants and Collaborators, including NIOSH/CDC

Suggested tables for an ERC application are listed in the supplemental instructions at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/training.html).

Note: In the top left margin of the detailed and summary budget pages, the Center Director should identify the project title. For example, Academic Training Program: Industrial Hygiene. Type density and size throughout the entire application must conform to the limits provided on page 14 in the PHS 398 instructions.

The format and content of competing supplement grant applications should conform to the PHS 398 Instructions (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html). Separate competing supplement grant applications should be submitted for each new or amended Academic Training Component or NORA Project.

An appendix is permitted but should include only those materials appropriate for the proposed components. Appendices are commonly provided with ERC applications and are encouraged, especially course descriptions, sample curricula, and course brochures. Syllabi for academic disciplinary areas and publications and manuscripts that are related to research projects may also be included. Appendix materials should be supplied in the form of a PDF file contained on a CD ROM disk. Please follow the guidelines for creating PDF files provided by the eRA Commons (see http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/pdf_guidelines.htm). Paper copies of appendix materials will not be accepted. Otherwise, the preparation of appendices should conform to the guidelines described by the PHS 398 Instructions (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html).

3. Submission Dates and Times

Applications must be received on or before the receipt date described below (Section IV.3.A). Submission times N/A.

3.A. Receipt, Review and Anticipated Start Dates

Application Receipt Date(s): September 13, 2006
Peer Review Date(s): February/March, 2007
Council Review Date(s): May/June, 2007
Earliest Anticipated Start Date(s): July 1, 2007

3.A.1. Letter of Intent

A letter of intent is not required for this funding opportunity.

3.B. Sending an Application to the NIOSH

Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms as described above. 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 (U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service; non-USPS service)

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application and five CD ROM disks containing appendix materials (if any) must be sent to:

Charles N. Rafferty, Ph.D.
Assistant Director for Review and Policy
Office of Extramural Programs
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road, N.E, MS E-74
Atlanta, GA 30333
Telephone: (404) 498-2582
FAX: (404) 498-2571
Email: cor9@cdc.gov

3.C. Application Processing

Applications must be received on or before the application receipt date(s) described above (Section IV.3.A.). If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by CSR and responsiveness by NIOSH.

NIOSH will not accept any application in response to this funding opportunity that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. NIOSH will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of a substantial revision of an application already reviewed, but such application must include an Introduction addressing the previous critique.

Although there is no immediate acknowledgement of the receipt of an application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding assignment within eight (8) weeks.

4. Intergovernmental Review

This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.

5. Funding Restrictions

All CDC awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the PHS Grants Policy Statement. (see also Section VI.3. Award Criteria). Additional guidance can be found at NIH Grants Policy Statement.

The ERC Center funding mechanism should not be used as a substitute for individual research grant support. It is expected that research investigators participating in the ERC Centers will have a history of independent project support in addition to the special support available to ERC members.

Generally, funds for renovation of existing facilities or to purchase substantial amounts of equipment will not be allowed. If such requests are made, they must be justified in terms of the critical nature of the equipment/renovations for the success of the overall objectives of the ERC award.

Indirect costs are limited to 8% of total direct costs exclusive of tuition and fees, and equipment.

6. Other Submission Requirements

Applications for this announcement will use the budget form page 4 and 5 and NRSA substitute form page 4 and 5 to display the budgets. The facilities and administrative costs for this program are limited to 8% of the total direct costs, exclusive of tuition and fees, and equipment. The NIOSH web site provides an example of tables for this program. The web address is http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/training.html.

Individuals may receive up to five years of support at the predoctoral level and three years of support at the postdoctoral level. Stipends, tuition, and fees may only be paid for two years for full time masters trainees and for four years for doctoral trainees from this award. Stipends are not allowed for part-time trainees.

Funding may be requested up to the levels described below. Unless an applicant receives written permission from the NIOSH program director named below, any requests for funding above these levels will cause the application to be determined non-responsive, and the application will not be reviewed.

Trainee Stipends

Stipends are provided as a subsistence allowance to help trainees defray living expenses during the training experience. It is not provided as a condition of employment with either the Federal Government or the awardee institution. Stipends may be paid to eligible trainees. Stipend budgets must be based on the levels established for the current fiscal year of the grant. For appointments of less than a full year, the stipend will be based on a monthly or daily pro-ration. The monthly stipend amount is calculated by dividing the current annual stipend by 12. The daily stipend is calculated by dividing the current annual stipend by 365.

Tuition and Fees

The institution may request tuition and fees (including appropriate health insurance) only to the extent that the same resident or nonresident tuition and fees are charged to regular non-Federally supported students. Tuition at the postdoctoral level is limited to that required for specified courses.

Other Trainee Costs

Trainee travel, including attendance at scientific meetings that the institution determines to be necessary to the individual's training, is an allowable trainee expense.

Additional support for travel to a training experience away from the institution may be permitted. Training experiences away from the parent institution must be justified considering the type of opportunities for training available, the manner in which these opportunities differ from and compliment those offered at the parent institution, and the relationship of the proposed experience to the trainee's career stage and goals. This type of training requires prior approval from NIOSH. Letters requesting such training may be submitted to NIOSH at any time during the award period. For OMR training, applicant may request funds for other necessary costs required for the residency training such as malpractice insurance, hospital parking and other required expenses for all residents at the institution.

Trainee Related Expenses

Funds may be requested to defray the cost of other training related expenses such as staff salaries, consultant costs, equipment, supplies, and travel expense for the training faculty. Because there are core costs that are fixed, the following scale should be used to determine the training related expenses. For the core academic programs (IH,OS, OHN), training related expenses are $12,000 per full time trainee supported by the ERC award for the first five (5) trainees, and $3,000 per each additional full time/full time equivalent trainee supported by the ERC award. For the allied OSH and HSAT programs, training related expenses are $12,000 per full time trainee supported by the ERC award for the first three (3) trainees, and $3,000 per each additional full time/full time equivalent trainee supported by the ERC award. For the core academic OMR program training related expenses are $20,000 per full time trainee supported by the award for the first four (4) trainees, and $5,000 per each additional full time/full time equivalent trainee supported by the ERC award. However, training related expenses cannot exceed 35% of the program budget for all academic programs. The training programs use substitute form page 4, and in the training related expense section, the name of the students and academic status (full time (f/t), half time(1/2) , one third time (1/3) are listed. Because many programs provide support for trainees from other sources, it is appropriate to list all trainees in the program. Students that are to be supported should be identified. If needed, use a continuation page to list the names of the trainees. For programs that have vacant positions that will be filled during the year, enter TBN for each position requested.

Administrative Core Funds:

The administrative core will support the management, academic and research development, and other center activities not supported by other categories. Up to one half of a full-time equivalent effort between the center director and deputy director may be requested. Up to 100% of a full-time equivalent for administrative support for the Center may be requested. Funds may also be requested to support the external advisory committee. These funds should be requested on a budget form page 4 labeled administrative core.

Center Director’s Fund

An applicant may request up to $50,000 per year in direct costs for a Center Director’s fund as part of the administrative core budget. These funds are intended to provide ERC Directors discretionary funds to meet unplanned expenses and take advantage of unexpected opportunities. These funds may also be used for travel to the Center Director’s meeting and other necessary travel for the Center personnel estimated to be $5,000. Although the specific uses of these funds may vary each year, the applicant should provide a best estimated description of how these funds would be used.

Continuing Education for OSH (REQUIRED)

Up to $100,000 per year in direct costs may be requested.

Continuing Education for Hazardous Substance Training (OPTIONAL)

Up to $75,000 per year in direct costs may be requested. This budget must include a minimum of $10,000 for public sector student participation assistance.

Outreach to Occupational Community/ Research to Practice (REQUIRED)

Up to $35,000 in direct costs may be requested per year. A detailed budget for this activity is required; in the budget justification, the Center Director should describe the use of these funds.

Pilot/Small Projects Program (OPTIONAL)

Up to $100,000 in direct costs may be requested per year. There is a maximum of $20,000 allowed per project per year, and a maximum duration of 24 months. The Center Director is solely responsible for these funds. A detailed budget for this activity is required; in the budget justification, the center director should describe the use of these funds. These projects must be on a NORA topic and may not be renewed.

Interdisciplinary Coordination. (REQUIRED)

For each core program (OMR, IH, OHN, OS), the applicant may request up to 5% effort for the academic program directors for interdisciplinary coordination/integration of the ERC academic training programs.

Diversity Recruitment Plan (REQUIRED)

Up to $5,000 in direct costs may be requested per year. Include in the overall budget page under “Other Expenses”, and label it Diversity A detailed budget for this activity is not required, however in the budget justification; the center director should describe the use of these funds.

NORA Research (OPTIONAL)

Up to $300,000 per year for support of National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) projects. Each project must have a cover sheet, a PHS 398 form page 2 description, a detailed and summary budget, and a project plan not to exceed 15 pages. Each research training and research to practice project must include a detailed budget and justification and the project plans should not exceed 15 pages. Projects that are solely for the support of trainees through collaborative partnerships should follow the guidance for training program budgets.

Appendix material must be supplied as a PDF file on a CD ROM disk. Please follow the guidelines for creating PDF files provided by the eRA Commons (see http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/pdf_guidelines.htm). Paper copies of appendix materials will not be accepted. Otherwise, the preparation of appendices should conform to the guidelines described by the PHS 398 Instructions (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html).

Plan for Sharing Research Data

Not applicable.

Sharing Research Resources

Not applicable.

Section V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

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

2. Review and Selection Process

Applications submitted for this funding opportunity will be assigned to NIOSH.

Appropriate scientific review groups convened by NIOSH in accordance with the standard NIOSH peer review procedures (http://www.csr.nih.gov/refrev.htm) will evaluate applications for scientific and technical merit.

As part of the initial merit review, all applications will:

• Receive a written critique consisting of
• A separate evaluation of each of the component ERC training programs
• A separate evaluation of each of the individual NORA projects
• An evaluation of the Center-Wide Activity Program
• A summary evaluation of the overall ERC program
• Receive a second level of review by the NIOSH Secondary Review Committee.

Applications are selected for funding primarily on the basis of scientific and educational merit, but other factors are considered. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:

• Scientific and educational merit of the proposed project as determined by peer review
• Availability of funds
• Relevance to program priorities
• Balance among the academic disciplines for all training programs
• Institutional support for the program
• Amount of peer reviewed support of faculty that is related to OSH

The NIOSH objectives include the support of education programs that train personnel to address occupational safety and health issues, and provide continuing education programs for personnel engaged in occupational safety and health work. In the written comments, reviewers will be asked to discuss the following aspects of the application in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed training and research training will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these objectives. The scientific review group will address and consider each of these criteria in assigning the application's overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application.

SITE VISITS

A site visit to the applicant institutions may be made (but such site visits are not assured) to evaluate the overall merit of the application. The site visit team includes members of the Special Emphasis Panel who have expertise in major academic training, continuing education, facilities, outreach, and other activities of the proposed Center, the NIOSH Scientific Review Administrator, and NIOSH staff observer(s).

A site visit is not a prerequisite and is not assured for consideration of an application by NIOSH. Therefore, the application is considered a complete document for review purposes. Furthermore, the applicant should not use the site visit as an occasion for adding programs, research projects, or personnel, for making major changes, or for delivering another exposition of the application. Rather, it should be used by the center director and associates to elaborate on the Center and it’s programs, cost effectiveness and quality control features of the programs, and on other Center activities for which funding is requested, as well as to answer reviewers' questions. The site visit team will not consider any area that is presented for evaluation at the site visit which has not been included in the application. Budgetary changes also will not be considered at the time of a site visit. The findings of the site visit team are reported and discussed by the members of the SEP, which makes the final peer review recommendations and assigns the priority score.

REVIEW CRITERIA FOR OVERALL ERC (INCLUSIVE OF ALL CENTER WIDE ACTIVITIES, ACADEMIC TRAINING PROGRAMS, CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS, AND NORA PROJECTS)

REVIEW CRITERIA FOR CENTER WIDE ACTIVITIES

REVIEW CRITERIA FOR ACADEMIC TRAINING PROGRAMS

Core, other allied OSH Academic Training Programs, and HSAT Program