and Human Services (HHS)
EXPIRED
Department of Health and Human Services
Participating
Organizations
National Institutes of Health
(NIH), (http://www.nih.gov)
Components of
Participating Organizations
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), ( http://www.nhlbi.nih..gov/)
Title: NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22)
Announcement Type
This Funding
Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is a reissue of PAR-07-317.
Program Announcement (PA) Number: PAR-09-102
NOTICE: Applications submitted in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Federal assistance must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) using the SF424 Research and Related (R&R) forms and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED IN PAPER FORMAT.
This FOA must be read in conjunction with the application guidelines included with this announcement in Grants.gov/Apply for Grants (hereafter called Grants.gov/Apply).
A registration process is necessary before submission and applicants are highly encouraged to start the process at least four (4) weeks prior to the grant submission date. See Section IV.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s)
93.233, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839
Key Dates
Release/Posted Date: February 13, 2009
Opening Date: May 12, 2009 (Earliest
date an application may be submitted to Grants.gov)
Letters of Intent Receipt
Date(s): Not Applicable
NOTE:
On-time submission requires that applications be successfully submitted to
Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. local time (of the applicant institution/organization).
Application Due Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
AIDS Application Due Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#AIDS.
Peer Review
Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Council Review
Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Earliest
Anticipated Start Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Additional
Information To Be Available Date (URL Activation Date): Not Applicable.
Expiration Date:
May 8, 2012
Due Dates for E.O. 12372
Not Applicable
Additional
Overview Content
Executive Summary
The overall goal of NIH-supported career development programs is to help ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained scientists is available in adequate numbers and in appropriate research areas to address the Nation's biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs.
Table of Contents
Part I Overview
Information
Part II Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity
Description
1. Research Career 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. Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
A. Submission, Review, and
Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Submitting an Application
Electronically 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
4. Transition to Extramural Phase
Section VII. Agency Contacts
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 Career Objectives
The overall goal of the NIH Research Career
Development Award program is to prepare qualified individuals for careers that
have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation.
The objective of the NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) program is to enable outstanding individuals to obtain a research training experience in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research and to facilitate their successful transition to an extramural environment as independent researchers.
To achieve these objectives, the NHLBI Career Transition Award will support two phases of research. The award will provide up to two years of support for research training in an NHLBI intramural laboratory followed by three years of support for an independent research project in an extramural institution. It is anticipated that awardees will subsequently obtain research project grants such as the R01 to support the continuation of their work.
Transition from the intramural phase of support to the extramural phase is not automatic. Approval of the transition will be based on the success of the awardees research program as determined by an NHLBI progress review, which include an evaluation of a research plan to be carried out at the extramural institution.
The extramural institution must demonstrate a commitment to the candidate by providing protected research time and space needed to perform the proposed research. Matching funds from the extramural institution for equipment and supplies (and if necessary, salary) are encouraged.
Awardees approved to proceed with the second phase of support will receive notification of approval in writing from the NHLBI. An application from the extramural institution on behalf of the candidate will be required for the NHLBI to process the second phase of the K22.
NHLBI DIVISION OF INTRAMURAL RESEARCH
The Division of Intramural Research conducts clinical research on the normal and pathophysiologic functioning of the cardiac, pulmonary, blood, and endocrine systems and basic research on normal and abnormal cellular behavior at the molecular level. The research activities of the laboratories and branches range from structural organic chemistry to cardiology.
Major areas of interest include:
Mechanisms of gene regulation, viral-mediated gene transfer and gene therapy, the molecular basis of lipoprotein dysfunctions and the atherogenic process, the molecular basis of diseases of the alveolar structures of the lung and the design of new therapeutic modalities, the cellular and molecular events underlying ischemic heart disease and myocardial hypertrophy, biochemical events associated with aging and certain pathologic processes, molecular, structural, and developmental aspects of muscle and nonmuscle contractile systems, cell and organelle movement, molecular and cellular processes for the conversion of metabolic energy into useful work, mechanisms of cardiac development, the molecular basis of transmembrane signaling, the pathophysiology of renal function at the cellular and molecular levels, the biochemistry of trace nutrients, enzyme kinetics, metabolic regulation, and protein chemistry, the cellular and molecular basis of toxicities induced by drugs and other foreign compounds, molecular immunology and cytokines, hematopoietic stem cell biology and bone marrow transplantation, pathophysiology of vascular diseases with emphasis on molecular genetic interventions, cardiac imaging through ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as some aspects of cardiovascular devices, computational biophysics, and mass and optical spectroscopy. Animal medicine and surgery support is provided to both clinical and basic science by full-time NHLBI staff. Potential candidates are urged to visit the web site for the Division of Intramural Research at NIH: http://dir.nhlbi.nih.gov/.
See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal
Citations, for policies related to this
announcement.
Section
II. Award Information
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will utilize the NIH Career Transition Award (K22) mechanism. The Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) (also referred to as the Applicant or Candidate) and his/her mentor will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.
NHLBI will provide up to a maximum of six years combined K12 plus K22 support.
This FOA uses Just-in-Time information concepts (see SF424 (R&R) Application Guide). It also uses non-modular budget format.
The candidate should follow the instructions for budget information described in Section IV (6.F) as well as in PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental form Section 7.4.6 of the R&R 424 instructions, and budget justification information.
2. Funds Available
Because the nature and scope of the proposed K22 award program 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 NHLBI 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.
2.A. Allowable Costs
The salary requested for the candidate must be consistent with both the established salary structure for 12-month, full-time staff appointments and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the applicable department.
NIH policy allows NIH mentored career development award recipients in the final two years of their award to receive salary support from both their K award and an NIH research grant or subproject (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-04-007.html). The K-award recipient must be the named Principal Investigator on a competing NIH research project grant (R01, R03, R15, R21, R34, etc.) or be the subproject director on a competing multi-component research or center grant or cooperative agreement (P01, P50, U01, etc.). See the Notice for full details.
Salary and Professional Effort: The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month staff appointment requiring candidates to devote a minimum of 75% effort of full-time professional effort to conducting health-related research with the remaining effort being devoted to activities related to the development of a successful research career. For information regarding NIH policy on determining full-time professional effort for career awards, see NOT-OD-04-056. Candidates who have U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) appointments may not consider part of the VA effort toward satisfying the full-time requirement at the applicant institution. Candidates with VA appointments should contact the NHLBI staff (Section VII) prior to preparing an application to discuss their eligibility, qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. If full-time, 12-month salaries are not currently paid to comparable staff members, the salary proposed must be related appropriately to the existing salary structure. Confirmation of salary is required prior to the issuance of an award. Fringe benefits based on the sponsoring institutions rate and the percent of effort are provided in addition to salary.
Salary Supplementation: The sponsoring institution may supplement the NIH salary contribution up to a level that is consistent with the institution's salary scale. However, supplementation may not be from Federal funds unless specifically authorized by the Federal program from which such funds are derived. In no case may additional PHS funds be used for salary supplementation. Institutional supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose of the K22 award. Under expanded authorities, however, institutions may re-budget funds within the total costs awarded to cover salaries consistent with the institution's salary scale. The total salary, however, may not exceed the legislatively mandated salary cap.
Research-Related Expenses: These include (1) research expenses, such as supplies, equipment, and technical personnel, (2) travel to research meetings or training, and (3) statistical services, including personnel and computer time. The research development support costs must be justified and be consistent with the stage of development of the candidate and the proportion of time to be spent in research or career development activities.
Ancillary Personnel Support: Salary for mentors, secretarial and administrative assistance, etc., is not allowed.
Indirect Costs: These costs also know as Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs, will be reimbursed at eight percent (8%) of modified total direct costs only for the extramural phase of the award.
NIH Grants Policy: 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.
Section III. Eligibility Information
1.
Eligible Applicants
1.A. Eligible Institutions
The following
organizations/institutions are eligible to apply:
NIH intramural laboratories are eligible to apply for the mentored phase of the K22 mechanism on behalf of intramural candidates; however, NIH intramural laboratories are not eligible to sponsor those who apply for the extramural phase. Agencies of the Federal Government are also not eligible to apply for extramural phase of the K22 award.
Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.
Phase I: Only candidates to be supported by the NHLBIs laboratory or branch are eligible for the mentored phase of the program. Applicants must contact the NHLBI program staff (Section VII.) for guidance and additional information.
1.B. Eligible Individuals
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the PD/PI is invited to work with his/her organization 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.
Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI): Also referred to as the Applicant or Candidate, any eligible individual with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter into the mentored training experience is invited to work with the Division of Intramural Research at NHLBI to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
Citizenship and Residency: Only U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals, or an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence who possesses an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551), or some other verification of legal admission as a permanent resident, are eligible for this award. Non-citizen nationals, although not U.S. citizens, owe permanent allegiance to the U.S. They are usually born in lands that are not states, but are under U.S. sovereignty, jurisdiction, or administration. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
Degree and Research: Applicants must have earned a terminal clinical or research doctorate (including Ph.D., M.D., D.O. D.C., N.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., Sc.D., D.N.S., Pharm.D.), or equivalent doctoral degree, or a combined clinical and research doctoral degree. The candidate must have postdoctoral research experience, during which the potential for highly productive basic or clinical research was demonstrated.
Level of Effort: Candidates must be able to commit a minimum of nine calendar months (75% of full-time professional effort) conducting research career development activities associated with this award. The remaining three months (25% effort) can be divided among other research, clinical, and teaching activities only if these activities are consistent with the goals of the K22 award. For information regarding NIH policy on determining full-time professional effort for career awards, see NOT-OD-04-056. During the intramural phase of the award, the candidate will spend full time on research. The required research experience must be completed in an intramural NIH laboratory. To obtain support for the extramural phase, candidates must have a formal tenure- track (or equivalent) offer in an extramural institution.
At the time of award, the candidate must have a full-time appointment at the academic institution that is the applicant institution. Candidates who have VA appointments may not consider part of the VA effort toward satisfying the full time requirement at the applicant institution. Candidates with VA appointments should contact the NHLBI staff prior to preparing an application to discuss their eligibility.
Individuals are NOT eligible if they:
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
3.A. Special Requirements
K22 award recipients are expected to apply for NIH or other independent research grant support during the extramural phase of the award. Recipients may hold concurrent research support and under certain circumstances salary support from the final two years of their K22 award and a competing NIH research project grant when recognized as the PD/PI or subproject Director of the research project grant. See NOT-OD-08-065.
Each K22 career development program must be tailored to meet the individual needs of the candidate. The candidate and mentor are responsible jointly for the preparation of the plan for the career development and research program. The sponsoring institution for the extramural phase must provide an appropriate scientific environment for the candidate and demonstrate a commitment to the development of the candidate as a productive, independent investigator.
Acceptance into the NHLBI Career Transition Award Program does not convey any commitment or intent of the NHLBI to consider the awardee for a tenure track position within the NHLBI. The NHLBI Career Transition Award is specifically intended to help develop scientists who will pursue their careers in the extramural biomedical research community. However, the NHLBI K22 awardees are not explicitly precluded from applying for available tenure track positions at the NIH. If an awardee obtains an NIH position, the NHLBI Career Transition Award will be terminated.
Once a K22 award is made, the awardee is expected to remain with the NHLBI Intramural Program for at least 18 months. Exceptions may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS.
Phase 1
Mentor(s): The candidate must name a primary sponsor/mentor who, together with the applicant, is responsible for the planning, direction, and execution of the program. The mentor must be an investigator at the NHLBI who is recognized as an accomplished investigator in the proposed research area and have a track record of success in training research scientists. Candidates may also nominate co-mentors as appropriate to the goals of the program. Co-mentors may be NIH investigators or may be full-time faculty at an extramural institution.
Phase 2
Sponsoring Extramural Institution: To obtain support for Phase 2, the Phase 1 awardee must have a formal tenure-track (or equivalent) offer at the extramural institution. The institution must demonstrate a commitment to the individual by providing protected research time and space needed to conduct the proposed research.
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
To
download a SF424 (R&R) Application Package and SF424 (R&R) Application
Guide for completing the SF424 (R&R) forms for this FOA, use the Apply for
Grant Electronically button in this FOA or link to http://www.grants.gov/Apply/ and follow
the directions provided on that Web site.
A one-time registration is required for institutions/organizations at both:
The PD/PI should work with their institutions/organizations to make sure they are registered in the NIH eRA Commons.
Several additional separate actions are required before an applicant can submit an electronic application, as follows:
1. Organizational/Institutional Registration in Grants.gov/Get Registered
2. Organizational/Institutional Registration in the eRA Commons
3. Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) Registration in the NIH eRA Commons: Refer to the NIH eRA Commons System (COM) Users Guide.
The PD/PI and AOR/SO need separate accounts in the NIH eRA Commons since both are authorized to view the application image.
Several of the steps of the registration process could take four weeks or more. Therefore, the applicant should immediately check with his/her business official to determine whether their organization/institution is already registered in both Grants.gov and the Commons. The NIH will accept electronic applications only from organizations that have completed all necessary registrations.
1. Request Application Information
Applicants must
download the SF424 (R&R) application forms and the SF424 (R&R)
Application Guide for this FOA through Grants.gov/Apply.
Note:
Only the forms package directly attached to a specific FOA can be used. You
will not be able to use any other SF424 (R&R) forms (e.g., sample forms,
forms from another FOA), although some of the "Attachment" files may
be useable for more than one FOA.
For further assistance, contact GrantsInfo --
Telephone 301-710-0267, Email: [email protected].
Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY
301-451-5936.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Prepare all applications using the SF424 (R&R) application forms and in accordance with the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for this FOA through Grants.gov/Apply.
The SF424 (R&R) Application Guide is critical to submitting a complete and accurate application to NIH. Some fields within the SF424 (R&R) application components, although not marked as mandatory, are required by NIH (e.g., the Credential log-in field of the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile component must contain the PD/PIs assigned eRA Commons User ID). Agency-specific instructions for such fields are clearly identified in the Application Guide. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
The SF424 (R&R) application has several components. Some components are required, others are optional. The forms package associated with this FOA in Grants.gov/APPLY includes all applicable components, required and optional. A completed application in response to this FOA includes the data in the following components:
Required Components:
SF424 (R&R) (Cover
component)
Research & Related
Project/Performance Site Locations
Research & Related Other Project Information
Research & Related Senior/Key Person
SF424 (R&R) Detailed Budget
PHS398 Cover Letter
PHS398 Career Development
Award Supplemental Form
PHS398 Checklist
3. Submission Dates and Times
See Section IV.3.A. for details.
3.A. Submission, Review, and
Anticipated Start Dates
Opening
Date: May 12, 2009(Earliest date an application may be submitted to
Grants.gov)
Letter of Intent Receipt Date(s): Not Applicable.
Application Due Date(s):
Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
AIDS Application Due Date(s): Standard dates apply,
please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#AIDS
Peer Review
Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Council Review
Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Earliest
Anticipated Start Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
3.A.1. Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is not required for the funding opportunity.
3.B.
Submitting an Application Electronically to the NIH
To submit an application in response to this
FOA, applicants should access this FOA via http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp and follow Steps 1-4. Note: Applications must only be submitted
electronically. PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Please visit http://era.nih.gov/electronicReceipt/app_help.htm for detailed information on what to do if Grants.gov or eRA system issues threaten your ability to submit on time.
Submission to Grants.gov is not the last step - applicants must follow their application through to the eRA Commons to check for errors and warnings and view their assembled application!
3.C.2 Two Day Window to Correct eRA Identified Errors/Warnings
IMPORTANT NOTE! NIH has eliminated the error correction window for due dates of January 25, 2011 and beyond. As of January 25, all corrections must be complete by the due date for an application to be considered on-time. See NOT-OD-10-123.
Once an application package has been successfully submitted through Grants.gov NIH provides applicants a two day error correction window to correct any eRA identified errors or warnings before a final assembled application is created in the eRA Commons. The standard error correction window is two (2) business days, beginning the day after the submission deadline and excluding weekends and standard federal holidays. All errors must be corrected to successfully complete the submission process. Warnings will not prevent the application from completing the submission process.
Note that the following caveats apply:
3.C.3 Viewing an Application in the eRA Commons
Once any eRA identified errors have been addressed and the assembled application has been created in the eRA Commons, the PD/PI and the Authorized Organization Representative/Signing Official (AOR/SO) have two weekdays (Monday Friday, excluding Federal holidays) to view the assembled application before it automatically moves forward to NIH for further processing.
Upon
receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by the Center for
Scientific Review, NIH. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
There will
be an acknowledgement of receipt of applications from Grants.gov and the Commons. The submitting AOR/SO
receives the Grants.gov acknowledgments. The AOR/SO and the PD/PI receive Commons acknowledgments. Information related to the assignment of an application to a Scientific
Review Group is also in the Commons.
Note: Since email can be unreliable, it is the responsibility of the applicant to check periodically on their application status in the Commons.
The NIH will not accept any application in response to this FOA 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 (1 page maximum) addressing the critique from the previous review.
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.
Citizenship: Applicants must meet the citizenship requirements as described in the Eligibility section of this announcement (see Section III) at the time of award.
Concurrent Awards: Applicants must be aware of the NIH policies associated with other federally sponsored support (see NOT-OD-08-065).
Pre-Award
Costs: 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 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.
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 NIH Grants
Policy Statement.
6. Other Submission Requirements and Information
PD/PI Credential (e.g., Agency Login): The NIH requires the PD/PI to fill in his/her Commons User ID in the PROFILE Project Director/Principal Investigator section, Credential log-in field of the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile component.
Organizational DUNS: The applicant organization must include its DUNS number in its Organization Profile in the eRA Commons. This DUNS number must match the DUNS number provided at CCR registration with Grants.gov. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
Other Project Information Component (Section 4.4): For Project Summary/Abstract briefly describe your current research AND the research you propose to continue in the independent phase.
Senior/Key Person Profile (Section 4.5): Following the standard instructions for this section, delineate under separate headings entitled mentored phase and independent phase, the key personnel you plan to request for the mentored phase and the projected types of key personnel you plan to request in the independent phase of the Award. Please note that a mentor is required only for the mentored phase.
The following information must be included in the application in accordance with the Supplementary Instructions for Research Career Awards in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide (See Part I.7.5).
PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental Form Component Sections:(Candidate's Background, Career Goals and Objectives, Career Development/Training Activities During Award Period, and Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research) and (Research Strategy) are limited to a combined total of 12 pages. While each section of the Candidate Information and Research Plan components needs to be uploaded separately as a PDF attachment, applicants are encouraged to construct the Candidate Information component and the Research Plan component as single documents, separating sections into distinct PDF attachments just before uploading the files. This approach will enable applicants to better monitor formatting requirements such as page limits. All attachments must be provided to NIH in PDF format, filenames must be included with no spaces or special characters, and a .pdf extension must be used.
All application instructions outlined in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide are to be followed, incorporating "Just-in-Time" information concepts, and with the following additional requirements:
Appendix Materials:
Applicants must follow the specific instructions on Appendix materials as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide (See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/index.htm).
Do not use the Appendix to circumvent the page limitations. An application that does not comply with the required page limitations may be delayed in the review process.
6.A. Candidate Information and Career Development Plan
Candidates Background:
Career Goals and Objectives:
Career Development/Training Activities:
Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research:
The background, rationale and more detail about instruction in the
responsible conduct of research can be found in
NOT-OD-10-019.
6.B. Research Plan
6.C. Statement of Support
Statement by Mentor, Co-Mentors, Consultants, Contributors (All statements/letters should be appended to each other and uploaded as a single pdf document):
6.D. Environment and Institutional Commitment to the Candidate
Description of Institutional Environment:
Institutional Commitment to Candidates Research Career Development:
The NHLBI Scientific Directors statement should also:
6.E. Letters of Reference
[ January 20, 2011 - Please see NOT-OD-11-036 informing applicants that the Letters of Reference are due by the application receipt deadline date. ]
Electronic submission of reference letters is a separate process from submitting an application electronically. Reference letters are submitted directly through the eRA Commons and do not use Grants.gov. Therefore, candidates must follow the Supplemental Instructions in the SF424 R&R Application Guide for Research Career Awards (Instructions, Part 7.3) (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/index.htm).
Letters of reference are an important component of the application for the K22 award. Applicants must arrange to have at least three (but no more than five) letters of reference submitted on their behalf to the NIH eRA Commons Web site at https://public.era.nih.gov/commons/public/reference/submitReferenceLetter.do?mode=new. The letters should be from well-established scientists (referees) addressing the qualities of the candidate as well as their potential for becoming an independent investigator. These letters should be from individuals not directly involved in the application, but who are familiar with the candidates qualifications, training, and interests. A letter of reference may be submitted by an individual not directly involved in the proposed research project; e.g., Advisory Committee members (if applicable).
The mentor/co-mentor(s) may also submit letters of reference, but these letters will be considered independently of the three required reference letters. Revised applications must include new letters of reference.
Applications that are missing the required letters of reference may be delayed in the review process or not accepted.
6.F. Budget for the Entire Proposed Period of Support
Completing the SF 424 Research and Related (R&R) Forms
Complete ALL sections with the following modifications:
ALLOWABLE COSTS
Intramural Support Phase:
Support
during the intramural phase will include a fellowship stipend, be based on the
candidates years of postdoctoral experience, commensurate with the NHLBI
intramural salary structure. Research expenses including personnel,
consultants, equipment, supplies, and travel will be negotiated with the
laboratory chief and will depend on the nature and scope of the research
approved by peer review.
Extramural Support Phase:
The total cost for the extramural phase may not exceed $249,000 per year. This amount includes salary, fringe benefits, research support allowance and applicable indirect costs. Indirect costs will be reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs.. Indirect costs requested by consortium participants are included in the total cost limitation.
1. Salary: The salary requested should be based on the person-months effort to be devoted to the research project, as is the case for other research grant awards. The candidate is required to devote a total of 75% of full-time, 12-month professional effort to research (i.e., full-time, 9 person-months). It must be consistent both with the established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. The institution may supplement the NHLBI contribution up to a level that is consistent with the institution's salary scale, however, supplementation may not be from Federal funds unless specifically authorized by the Federal program from which such funds are derived. Institutional supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose of the K22.
2. Research Support: Allowable research expenses include (1) research expenses, such as supplies, equipment, and technical personnel; (2) travel to research meetings or training; and (3) statistical services, including personnel and computer time.
Cover Component (Section 4.2): For Proposed Project (Start and Ending Date) indicate the total period of support being requested including the mentored phase and the extramural phase.
Use the SF424 (R&R) Detailed Budget component and review the instructions found in Part I.4.7(R&R Budget Component) of the Application Guide. However for K applications only limited budget information is required; therefore, candidates will also need to follow the special instructions in Part I.7.4 of the SF 424 (R&R) [Supplemental Instructions for Career Development Awards], noting the special instructions that modify Section 4.7. In budget section A (Senior/Key Persons) include base salary, person months and requested salary and fringe benefit information for only the candidate. Base salary, and requested salary and fringe benefits should reflect actual levels. Any adjustments based on IC policy limits will be made at the time of the award. Sections B-E should be left blank. If a dollar amount is required, enter 0 (zero) in the appropriate box. The total Research Development Support amount requested for each year will be entered in Section F, Materials and Supplies. In Section H enter Modified Total Direct Costs under Indirect Cost Type. The Indirect Cost rate is 8% of modified total direct cost. The Indirect Cost amount should be entered under Funds Requested. Totals for Sections F, G, and H will be calculated automatically for each year as well as for the Cumulative Budget. Within the direct cost limitation for research development support, provide a detailed description with justification for all equipment, supplies and personnel that will be used to help achieve the career development and research objectives of this award.
6.G. Resource Sharing Plan(s)
NIH considers the sharing of unique research resources developed through NIH-sponsored research an important means to enhance the value and further the advancement of the 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 the Resource Sharing section of the application (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing/data_sharing_faqs.htm).
(a) Data Sharing Plan: Not Applicable.
(b) Sharing Model Organisms: Regardless of the amount requested, all applications in which 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 (e.g., 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 (NOT-OD-07-088) and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.
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 that are complete will be
evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate scientific
review group convened by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute 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 applications. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
Review Criteria
The overall goal of NIH-supported career development programs is to help ensure that diverse pools of highly trained scientists are available in adequate numbers and in appropriate research areas to address the Nations biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. 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.
Overall Impact. Reviewers will provide an overall impact/priority score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the candidate to maintain a strong research program, in consideration of the following five core review criteria, and additional review criteria. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to have a major impact.
Core Review Criteria. Reviewers will consider each of the five review criteria below in the determination of scientific and technical merit, and give a separate score for each.
The goal of the NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) program is to enable outstanding individuals to obtain a research training experience in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research and to facilitate their successful transition to an extramural environment as independent researchers. 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 and career development plans will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals:
Candidate:
INTRAMURAL SUPPORT PHASE
Career Development Plan:
Research Plan:
Mentor(s), Consultant(s), Collaborator(s):
Environment and Institutional Commitment to the Candidate (Extramural Phase):
2.A. Additional Review
Criteria
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will consider the following additional items in the determination of scientific and technical merit, but will not give separate scores for these items.
Protections for Human Subjects. For research that involves human subjects but does not involve one of the six categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate the justification for involvement of human subjects and the proposed protections from research risk relating to their participation according to the following five review criteria: 1) risk to subjects, 2) adequacy of protection against risks, 3) potential benefits to the subjects and others, 4) importance of the knowledge to be gained, and 5) data and safety monitoring for clinical trials.
For research that involves human subjects and meets the criteria for one or more of the six categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate: 1) the justification for the exemption, 2) human subjects involvement and characteristics, and 3) sources of materials.
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children. When the proposed project involves clinical research, the committee will evaluate the proposed plans for inclusion of minorities and members of both genders, as well as the inclusion of children.
Vertebrate Animals. The committee will evaluate the involvement of live vertebrate animals as part of the scientific assessment according to the following five points: 1) proposed use of the animals, and species, strains, ages, sex, and numbers to be used; 2) justifications for the use of animals and for the appropriateness of the species and numbers proposed; 3) adequacy of veterinary care; 4) procedures for limiting discomfort, distress, pain and injury to that which is unavoidable in the conduct of scientifically sound research including the use of analgesic, anesthetic, and tranquilizing drugs and/or comfortable restraining devices; and 5) methods of euthanasia and reason for selection if not consistent with the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia.
Resubmission Applications. When reviewing a Resubmission application (formerly called an amended application), the committee will evaluate the application as now presented, taking into consideration the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group and changes made to the project.
Renewal Applications. When reviewing a Renewal application (formerly called a competing continuation application), the committee will consider the progress made in the last funding period.
Revision Applications. When reviewing a Revision application (formerly called a competing supplement application), the committee will consider the appropriateness of the proposed expansion of the scope of the project. If the Revision application relates to a specific line of investigation presented in the original application that was not recommended for approval by the committee, then the committee will consider whether the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group are adequate and whether substantial changes are clearly evident.
Biohazards. Reviewers will assess whether materials or procedures proposed are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, and if needed, determine whether adequate protection is proposed.
2.B. Additional Review Considerations
Additional Review Considerations. As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will address each of the following items, but will not give scores for these items and should not consider them in providing an overall impact/priority score.
Training in the Responsible
Conduct of Research: Does the application include
appropriate and adequate documentation in prior instruction, or plans for
training in the responsible conduct of research? Reviewers will evaluate plans for
instruction in responsible conduct of research as well as the past record of
instruction in responsible conduct of research, where applicable.
Reviewers will specifically address the five Instructional Components (Format,
Subject Matter, and Frequency of instruction as detailed in
NOT-OD-10-019. The review of this consideration will be guided by the
principles set forth in
NOT-OD-10-019. Plans and past record will be rated as ACCEPTABLE or
UNACCEPTABLE.
Budget and Period of Support: Is the proposed budget and period of support appropriate in relation to the proposed research and the career development needs of the applicant? The impact/priority score should not be affected by the evaluation of the budget.
2.C. Resource Sharing Plans
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 impact/priority score, unless noted otherwise in the FOA. Program staff within the IC will be responsible for monitoring the resource sharing. The effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as part of the administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590). See Section VI.3. Award Criteria.
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 NIH eRA Commons.
If
the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request "just-in-time"
(JIT) information from the applicant. JIT includes, but is not limited to,
updated salary information and confirmation, current Other Support as well as
Human Subjects and Animal certifications. Activation of the JIT link in the
eRA Commons is not an indication of a request for JIT information. The
applicant organization will be contacted by NIH grants administration staff if
this information is required. For details, applicants may refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and
Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General.
A formal Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided as
part of the extramural mentored phase of the K22 award conducted at a domestic,
sponsoring extramural institution/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.
There will not be a formal NoA associated with the mentored phase of the K22 award conducted in the NIH intramural program. The awarding Institute will transmit to the successful applicant an approval letter which will include the terms and conditions of the NIH intramural K22 award, as well as expectations for the transition to the extramural phase of the award.
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 Section IV.5 Funding
Restrictions.
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 and Part
II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions
for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities.
The following related administrative policies apply to NIH Research Career Award (K) programs:
A. Evaluation: In carrying out its stewardship of human resource-related programs, the NIH may request information essential to an assessment of the effectiveness of this program. Accordingly, recipients are hereby notified that they may be contacted after the completion of this award for periodic updates on various aspects of their employment history, publications, support from research grants or contracts, honors and awards, professional activities, and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program.
B. Other Income: Awardees may retain royalties and fees for activities such as scholarly writing, service on advisory groups, honoraria from other institutions for lectures or seminars, fees resulting from clinical practice, professional consultation or other comparable activities, provided these activities remain incidental, are not required by the research and research-related activities of this award, and provided that the retention of such pay is consistent with the policies and practices of the grantee institution.
All other income and fees, not included in the preceding paragraph as retainable, may not be retained by the career award recipient. Such fees must be assigned to the grantee institution for disposition by any of the following methods:
Usually, funds budgeted in an NIH-supported research grant for the salaries or fringe benefits of individuals, but freed as a result of a career award, may not be rebudgeted. The awarding component will give consideration to approval for the use of released funds only under unusual circumstances. Any proposed retention of funds released as a result of a career award must receive prior written approval of the NIH awarding component.
C. Leave Policies: See Also NOT-OD-09-036: NIH Policy Concerning Career Development (K) Awards: Leave, Temporary Adjustments to Percent Effort, and Part-Time Institutional Appointments.
Leave to another institution, including a foreign laboratory, may be permitted if the proposed experience is directly related to the purpose of the award. Only local institutional approval is required if such leave does not exceed three months. For longer periods, prior written approval of the NIH funding component is required. Details on the process for submission of prior approval requests can be founds in the NIHGPS (rev. 12/03), Requests for Prior Approval, at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part7.htm#_Toc54600130.
A copy of a letter or other evidence from the institution where the leave is to be taken must be submitted to assure that satisfactory arrangements have been made. Support from the career award will continue during such leave.
Leave without award support may not exceed 12 months. Such leave requires the prior written approval of the NIH component Institute or Center and will be granted only in unusual situations.
Support from other sources is permissible during the period of leave without award support. Such leave does not reduce the total number of months of program support for which an individual is eligible.
Under certain circumstances, an awardee may submit a written request to the awarding component requesting a reduction in professional effort below 75%. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis during the award period. In no case will it be permissible to work at less than 50% effort. The nature of the circumstances requiring reduced effort might include medical conditions, disability, or pressing personal or family situations such as child or elder care. Permission to reduce the level of effort will not be approved to accommodate job opportunities, clinical practice, or clinical training. In each situation, the grantee institution must submit documentation supporting the need for reduced effort along with assurance of a continuing commitment to the scientific development of the awardee. In addition, the awardee must submit assurance of his/her intention to return to at least 75% effort as soon as possible. During the period of reduced effort, the salary and other costs supported by the award will be reduced accordingly.
D. Changes in Research or Career Development Program: Consultation with the NHLBI Program staff is strongly encouraged when a change in the approved career development program and/or research plan is being considered.
Individual awards are made for career development at a specific institution in a specific research program. A change in the specified scientific area of the research component of the career development program requires prior approval of the awarding NIH Institute or Center. A scientific rationale must be provided for any proposed changes in the aims of the original peer-reviewed research plan. The new research plan will be evaluated by the NHLBI staff to ensure that the plan remains within the scope of the original peer-reviewed research program. If the new plan does not satisfy this requirement, staff could recommend that the award be terminated.
E. Change of Institution or Termination: Consultation with the NHLBI Program and/or Grants Management staff is strongly encouraged when either termination or a change of institution is being considered.
A change of grantee institution normally will be permitted only when all of the benefits attributable to the original grant can be transferred, including equipment purchased in whole or in part with grant funds. In reviewing a request to transfer a grant, NIH will consider whether there is a continued need for the grant-supported project or activity and the impact of any proposed changes in the scope of the project. A change may be made without peer review, provided the PD/PI plans no significant change in research and career development objectives and the facilities and resources at the new organization will allow for successful performance of the project. If these conditions or other programmatic or administrative requirements are not met, the NIH awarding office may require peer review or may disapprove the request and, if appropriate, terminate the award.
If the K awardee is moving to another eligible institution, career award support may be continued provided:
When a grantee institution plans to terminate an award, the Grants Management Specialist listed on the Notice of Award (NoA) must be notified in writing at the earliest possible time so that appropriate instructions can be given for termination. The Director of the NIH awarding component may terminate an award upon determination that the purpose or terms of the award are not being fulfilled. In the event an award is terminated, NIH shall notify the grantee institution in writing of this determination, the reasons, the effective date, and the right to appeal the decision.
Intramural Support Phase:
Each awardee will be evaluated for progress on an annual basis by the mentor, Laboratory Chief, and Scientific Director.
Awardees will be required to submit the Non-Competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590) annually and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. (Note that the instructions for Research Career Development applications must be followed for this program.)
The Progress Report must include Sections (A) through (F) as described in Section 2.2.6 (Progress Report Summary) in the general PHS form 2590 instructions, as well as sections G through J as described in Section 5 of the 2590 instructions. Evaluation of the awardees progress will encompass the following (see below: Transition to the Extramural Phase):
4. Transition to the Extramural Phase
Transition to the extramural phase is not automatic. Approval of the transition will be based on the success of the awardees research program as determined by an NHLBI progress review, which will include an evaluation of a research plan to be carried out at the extramural institution. Additionally, the extramural institution must demonstrate a commitment to the candidate by providing a minimum of 75% protected research time, space and resources needed to conduct the proposed research project. A plan for career development that will lead to research independence and the ability to successfully compete for research support is essential.
Candidates must provide a progress report using form PHS 2590, available at http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm. The report should detail progress achieved on the specific aims of the research plan and on the pursuit of identified career and career development goals. Future goals for the research project and for further career development should also be indicated. The mentor must provide a separate narrative of the research and career development of the candidate.
The extramural phase institution will submit an application on behalf of the candidate for the K22 award using the SF-424. These materials should be sent directly to the NHLBI. The original application plus one copy (preferably in a PDF format) are to be mailed to the Financial/Grants Management contact person of the NHLBI listed in this FOA. The SF-424 application must include the following:
a. List the name, role on project and percent effort for all project personnel (salaried and unsalaried) and provide a narrative justification for each person.
b. Identify all consultants by name and organization affiliation and describe the services to be performed.
c. Provide a narrative justification for any major budget items, other than personnel, that are requested for the conduct of the project.
d. Describe specific resources committed by the sponsoring institution to support the Candidates research.
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.
After the completion of this award, periodic updates on various aspects of employment history, publications, support from research grants or contracts, honors and awards, professional activities, and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program may be solicited from awardees.
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 (program), peer review, and financial or grants management issues:
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s):
Direct your questions about intramural programmatic issues to:
Herbert M. Geller, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Education
Division of Intramural Research
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
10 Center Drive, Room 2N242, MSC 1754
Bethesda, MD 20892-1754
Telephone: (301) 451-9440
FAX: (301) 594-8133
Email: [email protected]
Direct your questions about extramural programmatic issues to:
Chitra
Krishnamurti, Ph.D.
Deputy Director, Office of Research Training and Minority Health
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 9182, MSC 7913
Bethesda, MD 20892-7913
Telephone: 301-451-5081
Fax: 301-480-0862
E.mail: [email protected]
2. Peer Review Contact(s):
Chief, Review Branch
Division of Extramural Research Activities
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7214, MSC 7924
Bethesda, MD 20892-7924
Telephone: (301) 435-0270
FAX: (301) 480-0730
Email: [email protected]
3. Financial/Grants Management Contact(s):
Mr.
Howard Moore
Grants Management Specialist
Division of Extramural Research Activities
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7165, MSC 7926
Bethesda, MD 20892-7926
Telephone: (301) 435-5081
FAX: (301) 480-3310
Email: [email protected]
Section VIII. Other Information
Required Federal Citations
Vertebrate Animals: 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 (45 CFR 46) 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 institutional review board (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 impact/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. Beginning October 1, 2004, all investigators submitting an NIH application or contract proposal 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, Minorities, and Children: 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 SF424 (R&R) application; 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: (1) 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 (2) 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-09-116.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, investigators funded by the NIH must submit or have submitted for them to the National Library of Medicines PubMed Central (see http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/), an electronic version of their final, peer-reviewed manuscripts upon acceptance for publication, to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after the official date of publication. The NIH Public Access Policy is available at (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-033.html). 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 (HHS) 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 HHS 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) or PubMed Central (PMC) submission identification numbers must be used for publicly accessible online journal articles. Publicly accessible on-line journal articles or PMC articles/manuscripts accepted for publication that are directly relevant to the project may be included only as URLs or PMC submission identification numbers accompanying the full reference in either the Bibliography & References Cited section, the Progress Report Publication List section, or the Biographical Sketch section of the NIH grant application. A URL or PMC submission identification number citation may be repeated in each of these sections as appropriate. There is no limit to the number of URLs or PMC submission identification numbers that can be cited.
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 Part 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 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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