Department of Health and Human Services

Part 1. Overview Information
Participating Organization(s)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Components of Participating Organizations

Fogarty International Center (FIC)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Funding Opportunity Title

Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D43)

Activity Code

D43 International Research Training Grants

Announcement Type

Reissue of PAR-10-260

Related Notices
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number

PAR-14-193

Companion Funding Opportunity

PAR-15-160, D71 International Research Training Planning Grant
PAR-14-194, D71 International Research Training Planning Grant

Number of Applications

See Section III. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s)

93.989, 93.855, 93.856

Funding Opportunity Purpose

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages applications for the Global Infectious Disease (GID) Research Training Program from U.S. and low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions. The application should propose a collaborative research training program that will strengthen the capacity of an LMIC institution to conduct infectious disease (excluding HIV/AIDS and select agents). FIC will support research-training programs that focus on major endemic or life-threatening emerging infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases, infections that frequently occur as co-infections in HIV infected individuals or infections associated with non-communicable disease conditions of public health importance in LMICs.

FIC will also support revisions to existing GID research training grants to support training for LMIC advanced post-doctoral researchers to conduct research on the relationship of infectious disease to chronic disease conditions of public health importance.

Key Dates
Posted Date

April 25, 2014

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date)

June 29, 2014

Letter of Intent Due Date(s)

30 days prior to the application due date

Application Due Date(s)

July 29, 2014, July 29, 2015, July 29, 2016, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

AIDS Application Due Date(s)

July 29, 2014, July 29, 2015, July 29, 2016, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

Scientific Merit Review

October/November 2014, October/November 2015, October/November 2016

Advisory Council Review

January 2015, January 2016, January 2017

Earliest Start Date

March 2015, March 2016, March 2017

Expiration Date

July 30, 2016

Due Dates for E.O. 12372

Not Applicable

Required Application Instructions

It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in theSF424 (R&R) Application Guideincludingthe Supplemental Instructions to the SF424 (R&R) for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Application, except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts). Conformance toall requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.

Table of Contents

Part 1.Overview Information
Part 2. Full Text of the Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
Section II. Award Information
Section III. Eligibility Information
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
Section V. Application Review Information
Section VI. Award Administration Information
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information

Part 2. Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages applications for the Global Infectious Disease Research Training program from U.S. and LMIC research institutions. The application should propose an innovative, collaborative research training program that will strengthen the capacity of a LMIC institution to conduct infectious disease (excluding HIV/AIDS and select agents) research that focuses on major endemic or life-threatening emerging infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases, infections that frequently occur as co-infections in HIV infected individuals or infections associated with non-communicable disease conditions of public health importance in LMICs. Another funding opportunity (PAR-14-194, Planning Grant for Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D71)) provides one year of support for eligible LMIC applicants to develop full research training program applications for this funding opportunity. Applicants interested in HIV research training should apply to the Fogarty HIV Research Training Program funding opportunities (see http://www.fic.nih.gov/Programs/Pages/hiv-aids-research-training.aspx)

Infectious diseases continue to impose a tremendous health burden in resource-poor countries throughout the world, claiming millions of lives annually and inflicting severe morbidity that results in significant losses in economic productivity and social progress. Attempts to control infectious diseases endemic to developing countries suffer due to an incomplete understanding of the pathogens, disease manifestations and transmission mechanisms, inadequate preventive measures and interventions, and inadequate health services and disease control efforts. A major barrier to improved research, treatment, and control of infectious diseases is the scarcity of scientists and health professionals in LMICs with relevant infectious disease research knowledge and expertise. Therefore, the overall intent of this funding opportunity is to engender scientific knowledge and skills that will enhance prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases causing major morbidity and mortality in LMICs, especially in countries with little research capacity.

FIC will support innovative research training programs that are designed to build sustainable infectious disease research capacity at an institution in an endemic LMIC. Sustainable research capacity requires a critical mass of scientists and health research professionals with in-depth scientific expertise and complementary skills that enable the institution to conduct independent, internationally-recognized infectious disease research relevant to the health priorities of their country.

FIC will also support revision applications to train LMIC advanced post-doctoral researchers to conduct research on the relationship of infectious disease to chronic disease conditions of public health importance to increase scientific leadership to address the increasing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases in LMICs.

The objectives of the Global Infectious Disease Research Training program are:

- To develop research training and career development programs for multiple LMIC scientists and health research professionals to strengthen the capacity to conduct independent, sustainable infectious disease research at a LMIC institutions.

- To provide mentored training-related research experience that is directly relevant to the health priorities of the LMIC.

- To strengthen the capabilities of trainees at LMIC institutions to lead, manage and train students in research.

Section II. Award Information
Funding Instrument

Grant: support mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity.

Application Types Allowed

New
Renewal
Resubmission
Revision

The OER Glossaryand the SF424 (R&R) Application Guideprovide details on these application types.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards

The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

Award Budget

Applications budgets are limited to $200,000 per year for new awards and $250,000 per year for renewal awards (total direct costs).

Revision application budgets are limited to $75,000 per year (total direct costs).

Award Project Period

The maximum project period is up to 5 years for new and renewal awards.

Revision applications may request multiple years of funding up to the number of years remaining in the project period of the parent grant; however, parent grants in the first or last year of the project period at the time of award are not eligible for supplemental funds.

Other Award Budget Information
Stipends, Tuition, and Fees

Awards provide stipends as a subsistence allowance to help defray living expenses during the research training experience and contribute to the combined cost of tuition and fees at U.S. or foreign institutions. Trainees may be paid a stipend comparable to their professional experience.

Individuals designing, directing, and implementing the program may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the person months devoted to the program. Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions and may not exceed the U.S. Congressionally mandated cap.

Faculty mentors and other collaborating key personnel may receive appropriate compensation for their significant activities on the program, such as recruitment and selection activities, as well as other program-related roles. The administrative, training or teaching responsibilities and time commitment for personnel receiving salary should be thoroughly described. The salary and fringe benefits requested for faculty and staff should not exceed 25 percent of total costs. If mentoring interactions and other activities with trainees are considered a regular part of an individual's academic duties, then mentoring and other interactions with scholars are non-reimbursable from grant funds.

Limited program-related administrative and clerical salary costs associated distinctly with the program that are not normally provided by the applicant organization may be direct charges to the grant only when they are in accordance with applicable cost principles. For institutions covered by OMB Circular A-21, this type of training program may qualify as a major project where administrative salaries are allowable as a direct cost. When specifically identified and justified, these expenses must be itemized in Sections A and B, as appropriate, of the R&R Budget.

Trainee Travel

Trainee travel to attend scientific meetings and workshops that the program determines to be necessary for the individual’s research training experience is an allowable trainee expense.

Training Related Expenses

NIH will provide funds to help defray other research training expenses, such as health insurance, staff salaries, consultant costs, small equipment, research supplies, and faculty/staff travel directly related to the research training program.

One-time advanced in-country research training support of up to $20,000 direct costs for mentored research to be undertaken by a long-term trainee in his/her country may be included.

Faculty Travel: Funds may be requested for round-trip economy airfare on U.S. carriers (to the maximum extent possible) and lodging and per diem for the Principal Investigator to attend the annual program network meeting, normally in the U.S. Funds for one trip per year may be requested for faculty to conduct well justified training activities.

These expenses must be justified as specifically required by the proposed program and must not duplicate items generally available at the applicant institution.

Indirect Costs

Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs (exclusive of tuition and fees, consortium costs in excess of $25,000, and expenditures for equipment), rather than on the basis of a negotiated rate agreement.

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

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Organizations

Higher Education Institutions

The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:

Other

The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program.

The applicant institution should have robust and high-quality research ongoing in the area(s) proposed under this FOA and must have the requisite faculty, staff, students and post-doctorates (as applicable), and facilities on site to conduct the proposed institutional program. It is anticipated that program faculty will have active, funded research projects in which participating trainees gain relevant experiences consistent with their research interests and goals.

Applications may be submitted by an eligible foreign institution in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) and by an eligible domestic (U.S.) institution that demonstrate collaborations with an LMIC institution named in the application by documented joint publications, grants or previous research training activities. Applicants are encouraged to contact the FIC Scientific/Research Contact if more than one U.S. and one LMIC institution will be proposed as training sites.

Foreign Institutions

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are eligible to apply.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.
Foreign components, as definedin the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

Required Registrations

Applicant Organizations

Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as possible. The NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications states that failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a late submission.

Grants.gov Applicants must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the Grants.gov registrationInternational applicants may obtain more information on the registrations required for grants.gov and eRA Commons at:

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/ElectronicReceipt/files/Tips_for_International_Applicants.pdf.
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/ElectronicReceipt/files/international_support.pdf
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/ElectronicReceipt/files/international_qa.pdf
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/ElectronicReceipt/preparing_grantsgov_reg.htm

Guidance for International Applicants Blocked from Registration Websites: NOT-OD-11-090. An NIH supported webinar on Electronic Submission of Grant Applications for Foreign Institutions can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/webinar_docs/webinar_20120927.htm.

Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s))

All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account. PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons. If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.

Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Investigator)

Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research training program as the Training Program Director/Principal Investigator (Training 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.

For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide.

The Training PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area on which the application is focused and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The Training PD/PI will be responsible for the selection and appointment of trainees to the approved research training program, and for the overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the program. The Training PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required.

The PD/PI should have research and research training experience in the LMIC country which is the focus of the application.

Parent Research Grant: Each PD/PI must be designated as the PD/PI of at least one research award that is directly relevant to the scientific focus of the research training proposed and with at least 18 months of support remaining at the time of submission of the application.

Collaboration: U.S. applicants must identify at least one LMIC scientist with expertise in the focus area of the proposed research training program from the proposed collaborating LMIC institution as the main foreign collaborator for coordinating training program activities at that site. Applicants are encouraged to designate the main LMIC collaborator who meets the parent grant eligibility requirement as a Multiple PD/PI.

2. Cost Sharing

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

3. Additional Information on Eligibility

Number of Applications

Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is programmatically distinct.

NIH will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed within the past thirty-seven months (as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement), except for submission:

Preceptors/Mentors

Program faculty should have strong records as researchers, including recent publications and successful competition for research support in the area of the proposed research training program. Program faculty should also have a record of research training, including successful, former trainees who have established productive careers.

U.S. faculty mentors should have research and research training experience in the LMIC country which is the focus of the application.

Trainees

Only individuals who are citizens of LMICs (defined by the World Bank classification system- also refer to NOT-TW-12-011"Notice of Change in Country Eligibility for Fogarty International Training Grants", for additional information) are eligible for pre-doctoral or post-doctoral training support or other training activities.

Research training may be offered to a wide range of scientists, including laboratory scientists, clinicians, social scientists, and other health professionals, as well as technical and administrative staff in order to meet the needs for research capacity gaps at the LMIC institution.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Requesting an Application Package

Applicants must download the SF424 (R&R) application package associated with this funding opportunity using the Apply for Grant Electronically button in this FOA or following the directions provided at Grants.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.

For information on Application Submission and Receipt, visit Frequently Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.

Letter of Intent

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

By the date listed in Part 1. Overview Information, prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information:

The letter of intent should be sent to:

Barbara Sina Ph.D.
Telephone: 301-402-9467
Fax: 301-402-0779
Email: sinab@mail.nih.gov

Page Limitations

All page limitations described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.

Required and Optional Components

The forms package associated with this FOA includes all applicable components, required and optional. Please note that some components marked optional in the application package are required for submission of applications for this FOA. Follow the instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide to ensure you complete all appropriate optional components.

Instructions for Application Submission

The following section supplements the instructions found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and should be used for preparing an application to this FOA.

SF424(R&R) Cover

Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA).

SF424(R&R) Project/Performance Site Locations

Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA).

Include the applicant institution and all of the collaborating institutions, both U.S. and foreign, as performance sites.

SF424 (R&R) Other Project Information

Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA),with the following additional modifications:

Foreign Award or With Foreign Component. Check YES and list the foreign countries in 6a for all performance sites listed in SF 424 (R&R) Project/Performance Site Locations Component.

Project Summary/Abstract. Provide an abstract of the entire application. Include the objectives, rationale and design of the research training program, as well as key activities in the training plan. Indicate the planned duration of training, the projected number of trainees including their levels (i.e., predoctoral, post-doctoral, faculty), and intended trainee outcomes. Include the name of the LMIC institution and infectious disease focus of the proposed research training. Describe the public health relevance of the proposed infectious disease focus of the research training to the named LMIC in Project Narrative.

Facilities and Other Resources. Include descriptions of facilities and other resources to be used for research training at all U.S. and foreign performance sites.

Training Program

Scientific Focus

Applications must identify an infectious disease scientific focus directly relevant to the LMIC health priorities for which research capacity is limited at the LMIC institution. Applications should document the existing research capacity in the chosen scientific focus and define measurable increased research capacity parameters expected as a result of the proposed research training activities at the end of the grant period. FIC will support research training programs that focus on:

The training can be in basic biomedical or clinical sciences; behavioral or social sciences; prevention research; health services, operations and implementation research. Applicants are encouraged to design multidisciplinary research training programs.

Applicants should explain in detail how the relevant research grant support and activities of the PD(s)/PI(s) and proposed mentors are related to the proposed research training plan.

Institutions with existing programs must explain what distinguishes this program from the others, how their programs will synergize with one another, if applicable, and demonstrate that the pool of faculty, potential trainees, and resources are robust enough to support additional programs.

Types of Training

The research training proposed should instill in-depth scientific expertise and research leadership capabilities. The program application should incorporate an appropriate mix of training opportunities to address the infectious disease-related research training capacity needs identified at the LMIC institution.

Advanced degree or non-degree research training may be supported at a U.S. or foreign institution. Research trainees who are also training as clinicians must devote their time to the proposed research training and must confine clinical duties to those that are an integral part of the research training experience. Trainees may not accept support for clinical training that is part of residency training leading to clinical certification in a specialty or subspecialty.

Trainee research support from this award may not be used to conduct clinical trials (see "Applicable clinical trial), however, trainees may be supported to participate in conducting research or analyses associated with clinical trials supported by other research grants.

Applicants are also encouraged to include plans for strengthening associated skills and knowledge necessary for long-term research career sustainability, such as scientific writing and presentation, grant writing, and expertise in bioinformatics, bioethics, good clinical practice, good laboratory practice, biosafety, research administration and the management of intellectual property.

English as a second language training may be supported, if needed.

Short term training may be proposed in addition to long term training to meet the objectives of the proposed program. Short-term training should provide selected trainees a thorough exposure to the principles and skills of specific research methods or research related competencies to enable immediate incorporation into current trainee research or career development activities. Mentorship should be provided to ensure short term training meets this expectation. Evaluation plans (see section below) should include specific assessments of the effectiveness of the short term training activities proposed. Short term training support is limited to:

A. Training specific research skills or methods directly applicable to trainee research projects.

B. Research leadership, management or career development skills such as expertise in research ethics and compliance issues, grant management and administration, grant and scientific manuscripts writing, information technology and data management, technology transfer and intellectual property.

Research training may be delivered by interactive distance learning technology, if appropriate and sustainable for the LMIC participants and institutions involved. Applicants are encouraged to maximize training in the use of information technology to facilitate trainee data management, access to online scientific information and collaborative interaction.

Trainee Research

Proposed research training can take place in the U.S. or a foreign country, but training-related research should be carried out mainly in the LMIC.

All training-related research projects must be independently peer-reviewed through scientific review procedures established by the applicant institution. Documentation of education in the protection of human subjects, compliance with the required federal regulations, and approval from an institutional (or ethical) review board or committee at the applicant institution and, if different, at the LMIC institution in which the research is being conducted is required.

Training Advisory Committee: A plan must be provided for the appointment of a Training Advisory Committee to monitor progress that includes a majority of members not affiliated with the program and representation from participant U.S. and LMIC institutions. LMIC members should constitute a minimum of 50% of the committee. Composition, responsibilities, frequency of meetings, and other relevant information should be included. Describe the composition of the Training Advisory Committee, identifying the role and the desired expertise of members. A plan for Training Advisory Committee approval in the selection of participants should be included. Describe how the Training Advisory Committee will function in providing oversight of the development, implementation, and evaluation of recruitment strategies, the recruitment and retention of candidates, and the evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the program. Please name your file Training_Advisory_Committee.pdf".

The filename provided for each Other Attachment will be the name used for the bookmark in the electronic application in eRA Commons.

SF424(R&R) Senior/Key Person Profile Expanded

Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA).

PHS398 Cover Page Supplement

Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA).

Training and Research & Related (R&R) Budget

Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide with the following additional modifications:

PHS 398 Research Training Program Plan

All Supplemental Instructions to the SF424 (R&R) for Preparing Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Application must be followed, with the following additional instructions:

Research Training Program Justification

The rationale for the scientific focus and specific research capacity needs of the LMIC institution as well as the research training strategies proposed to address these needs should be presented. The rationale should include a description of the expected impact of the program on the specified endemic infectious disease in the LMIC'. Applicants should describe the current level of research and expertise at the LMIC institution on the proposed scientific focus and justify the need for more research training. The proposed specific aims for training should define measurable increased research capacity that will result at the end of the proposed funding period. Applicants are encouraged to submit a time line that includes proposed training activities.

Training Data Tables

Particular attention must be given to the required Training Data Tables. All applications must complete Data Tables 2 and 4. Data Tables 5a and 5b should be submitted with data for only pre-doctoral and post-doctoral trainees from the LMIC that is the focus of this application.

Renewal applications must submit Data Tables 12A and 12B for previous trainees supported by the grant. Training Data Tables 1, 3, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a 9b, 10 and 11 are not required.

Program Plan

Program Administration. Describe the acknowledged strengths, leadership and administrative skills, training experience, scientific expertise, and active research of the PD/PI. Relate these strengths to the proposed management of the training program. Describe the planned strategy and administrative structure to be used to oversee and monitor the program. If there are multiple PDs/PIs, then the plan for Program Administration is expected to synergize with the Multiple PD/PI Leadership Plan section of the application.

Institutions with existing research training programs at the LMIC institution must explain what distinguishes this program from the others, how their programs will complement or synergize and not overlap with one another, if applicable, and document that the pool of faculty, potential scholars, and resources are robust enough to support additional programs.

Program Faculty. The application must include information about the program faculty who will be available to serve as preceptors/mentors and provide guidance and expertise appropriate to the level of trainees proposed in the application. Describe the complementary expertise and experiences of the proposed Program Faculty, including active research and other scholarly activities in which the faculties are engaged, as well as experience mentoring and training individuals at the proposed career stage(s),in particular, those from the LMIC focus of the application. Describe the criteria used to appoint and remove faculty as Program Faculty and to evaluate their participation. Mentors should commit to involvement throughout the total period of the trainee's participation in the proposed program. Applications must include the biosketches of the proposed U.S. and LMIC mentor(s) with specific expertise in the scientific focus of the proposed training. Applicants should explain in detail how proposed U.S. and LMIC faculty mentor research grant support and activities are related to the proposed research training plan.

Proposed Training. Provide an overview of the proposed program. Outline the objectives of the program and the program activities that will be used to meet these objectives. Describe for whom the training program is intended, including the training level(s) of the participants, the academic and research background needed to pursue the proposed training, and, as appropriate, plans to accommodate differences in preparation among trainees. Include information about planned courses, mentored research experiences, and any activities designed to develop specific technical skills or other skills essential for the proposed research training. Describe how trainees will be educated in the human health- and disease-related aspects of their research training.

Describe how the proposed programs will provide all trainees with additional professional development skills and career guidance including instruction and training in scientific writing and presentation in order to apply successfully for future fellowships and independent research support. All post-doctoral trainees should also be provided with instruction in laboratory and project management.

Applications that propose short term training activities in addition to long term training should describe:

1. The specific research principles, skills and methods taught that will be directly applicable to trainee research projects; or

2. The specific research leadership, management or research career development skills that will be immediately used by the trainees involved.

Applicants must explain the trainee selection and mentorship process name the faculty involved and describe plans to evaluate the effectiveness of the short term training proposed.

Applicants are encouraged to include a timeline which includes all proposed training activities.

Plans should describe a process for matching trainees with faculty mentors from the U.S. and LMIC institutions with appropriate research expertise and LMIC research experience. Applicants are strongly encouraged to design an individual career development planning process for trainees and their mentors.

Revision Applications. PDs/PIs of existing GID Research Training Program awards may apply for supplemental funds to support the training of a LMIC advanced post-doctoral researcher to conduct research on the relationship of infectious disease focus of the program to chronic non-communicable disease conditions of public health important to the LMIC focus of the program. Applicants should propose detailed research training and career development plans for a LMIC post-doctoral scientist to become an independent researcher capable of developing a research team at a LMIC institution with a new focus on this scientific area at the conclusion of the proposed training. The research training proposed must be related to the infectious disease focus of the current GID Research Training program grant. The research training plan should include the specific aims and time line for proposed activities, the LMIC public health need and rationale for the scientific focus of the proposed research training, description of the proposed trainee and mentor(s), career development and research training activities including a detailed mentored research proposal.

Sustainability Plans

Applications must contain a plan for trainees to develop and sustain research activities at an LMIC institution. Mentored research projects should be designed to meet LMIC trainee career sustainability goals. Applicants are also encouraged to propose innovative approaches for continuing research education, grant and scientific manuscript writing and networking for LMIC trainees to further enhance their research capabilities. Applications may include support for trainees to travel to research conferences to present their work or cover the costs of technical workshops, manuscript publication, laptop computers and internet connectivity to enhance their research career.

Program Evaluation

Describe a plan to review and determine the quality and effectiveness of the training program. Applications must include a plan for evaluating the proposed training and mentorship activities supported by the award as well as the overall success in building research capacity at the LMIC institution. This plan should include the metrics to be evaluated (including program activities completed, degree completion (if applicable), publications, fellowships/honors, and subsequent positions) as well as plans to obtain feedback from current and former trainees to help identify weaknesses and to provide suggestions for program improvements. Specified evaluation metrics should be tied to the goals of the program.

Trainee Candidates

Describe, in general terms, the size and qualifications of the pool of trainee candidates including information about the types of prior clinical and research training and career level required for the program. Do not name prospective Trainees. Describe specific plans to recruit candidates and explain how these plans will be implemented Describe the selection process to be used to select candidates who would be offered admission to the program and criteria for trainees inclusion in each proposed training activity proposed for the program. Describe plans to ensure maximum level of the candidate’s effort will be devoted directly to the research described in the application, with the remaining percent effort being devoted to an appropriate balance of research, teaching, administrative, and clinical responsibilities

Institutional Environment and Commitment to the Program

The sponsoring and collaborating institutions must assure support for the proposed program including assurance that sufficient time will be allowed for the PDs/PIs and other Program Faculty to contribute to the proposed program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program. This commitment may also include features such as PD/PI salary, stipend or tuition support for individuals involved in the proposed training program, or other commitments essential to a successful training program. Institutions with ongoing research training, student development, or career development programs that receive external funding should explain what distinguishes the proposed program from existing ones at the same trainee level, how the programs will synergize, if applicable, whether trainees are expected to transition from one support program to another, and how the training faculty, pool of potential trainees, and resources are sufficiently robust to support the proposed program in addition to existing ones.

Recruitment and Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity

This section is not required for this FOA.

Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research

Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research as provided in Chapter 8 of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to develop courses in the responsible conduct of research adapted to the locally relevant scientific context at the LMIC institution that include LMIC faculty.

Progress Report

Applicants should include progress reports with detailed information about trainee and activities supported during the previous grant period (comprehensive list of all trainees and scientific career achievements after involvement in the program - including type and length of education provided and description of research projects; current country of residence and institution; and current position and responsibilities, publications and research grants) as well as plans to revise the training program approach based on results of evaluation of previous program activities, effectiveness in building research capacity and LMIC institutional needs. Applicants should summarize the major contributions to infectious disease research capacity at the LMIC institution made by the research training program in the previous grant period.

For renewal applications, highlight how the training program has evolved in response to changes in relevant scientific and technical knowledge, educational practices, and to evaluation of the training program.

Appendix

Do not use the Appendix to circumvent page limits. Follow all instructions for the Appendix as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Part I. Overview Information contains information about Key Dates. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the due date to ensure they have time to make any application corrections that might be necessary for successful submission.

Organizations must submit applications to Grants.gov(the online portal to find and apply for grants across all Federal agencies). Applicants must then complete the submission process by tracking the status of the application in the eRA Commons, NIH’s electronic system for grants administration.

Applicants are responsible for viewing their application before the due date in the eRA Commons to ensure accurate and successful submission.

Information on the submission process and a definition of on-time submission are provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

4. Intergovernmental Review (E.O. 12372)

This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.

5. Funding Restrictions

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

Pre-award costs are allowable only as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

6. Other Submission Requirements and Information

Applications must be submitted electronically following the instructions described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date.SectionIII. Eligibility Information contains information about registration.

For assistance with your electronic application or for more information on the electronic submission process, visit Applying Electronically.

Important reminders:

All PD(s)/PI(s) must include their eRA Commons ID in the Credential field of the Senior/Key Person Profile Component of the SF424(R&R) Application Package. Failure to register in the Commons and to include a valid PD/PI Commons ID in the credential field will prevent the successful submission of an electronic application to NIH.

The applicant organization must ensure that the DUNS number it provides on the application is the same number used in the organization’s profile in the eRA Commons and for the System for Award Management (SAM). Additional information may be found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

See more tips for avoiding common errors.

Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completenessby the Center for Scientific Review, NIH. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed.

Post Submission Materials

Applicants are required to follow the instructions for post-submission materials, as described in NOT-OD-13-030.

Section V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process. As part of the NIH mission, all applications submitted to the NIH in support of biomedical and behavioral research training are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system.

Overall Impact

Reviewers will provide an overall impact/priority score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood that the proposed training program will prepare individuals for successful, productive scientific research careers and thereby exert a sustained influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following review criteria and additional review criteria (as applicable for the project proposed).

Scored Review Criteria

Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of the merit of the training program, and give a separate score for each. When applicable, the reviewers will consider relevant questions in the context of proposed short-term training. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact.

Training Program and Environment

Training Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s))

Preceptors/Mentors

Trainees

Training Record

Additional Review Criteria

As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will evaluate the following additional items while determining scientific and technical merit, and in providing an overall impact score, but will not give separate scores for these items.

Protections for Human Subjects

Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.

Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children

Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.

Vertebrate Animals

Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.

Biohazards

Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.

Resubmissions

For Resubmissions, 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.

Renewals

For Renewals, the committee will consider the progress made in the last funding period and the success of the program in attracting and retaining individuals and achieved its training objectives? Does the application describe the program’s accomplishments over the past funding period(s)? Are changes proposed that would improve or strengthen the training experience based on the results of program evaluation? Does the program continue to evolve and reflect changes in the research area in which the training occurs?

Revisions

For Revisions, 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.

Training Program and Environment

Trainees

Additional Review Considerations

As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will consider each of the following items, but will not give scores for these items, and should not consider them in providing an overall impact score.

Recruitment & Retention Plan to Enhance Diversity

This section is not required for this FOA..

Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research

All applications for support under this FOA must include a plan to fulfill NIH requirements for instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). Taking into account the specific characteristics of the training program, the level of LMIC trainee experience, and the particular circumstances of the trainees, the reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the proposed RCR training in relation to the following five required components: 1) Format - Does the plan satisfactorily address the format of instruction, e.g. lectures, coursework and/or real-time discussion groups, including face-to-face interaction? (A plan involving only on-line instruction is not acceptable.); 2) Subject Matter Does the plan include a sufficiently broad selection of subject matter, such as conflict of interest, authorship, data management, human subjects and animal use, laboratory safety, research misconduct, research ethics? 3) Faculty Participation - Does the plan adequately describe how U.S. and LMIC faculty will participate in the instruction? For renewal applications, are all training faculty who served as course directors, speakers, lecturers, and/or discussion leaders during the past project period named in the application? 4) Duration of Instruction - Does the plan meet the minimum requirements for RCR, i.e., at least eight contact hours of instruction every four years? 5) Frequency of Instruction Does the plan meet the minimum requirements for RCR, i.e., at least once during each career stage (predoctoral, post-doctoral, and faculty levels) and at a frequency of no less than once every four years?

For renewal applications, does the progress report document acceptable RCR instruction in the five components described above? Does the plan describe how participation in RCR instruction is being monitored? Are appropriate changes in the plan for RCR instruction proposed in response to feedback and in response to evolving issues related to responsible conduct of research?

Plans and past record will be rated as ACCEPTABLE or UNACCEPTABLE, and the summary statement will provide the consensus of the review committee.

Budget and Period of Support

Reviewers will consider whether the budget and the requested period of support are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed research.

2. Review and Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by(an) appropriate Scientific Review Group(s),convened by the Center for Scientific Review (CSR)in accordance with NIH peer review policy andprocedures, using the stated review criteria. Assignment to a Scientific Review Group will be shown in the eRA Commons.

As part of the scientific peer review, all applications:

Applications will be assigned to the appropriate NIH Institute or Center. Applications will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications submitted in response to this FOA. Following initial peer review, recommended applications will receive a second level of review by the FIC Advisory Board. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

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

Information regarding the disposition of applications is available in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

Section VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization for successful applications. The NoA signed by the grants management officer is the authorizing document and will be sent via email to the grantee’s business official.

Awardees must comply with any funding restrictions described in Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions.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.

Any application awarded in response to this FOA will be subject to the DUNS, SAM Registration, and Transparency Act requirements as noted on the Award Conditions and Information for NIH Grants website.

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. More information is provided at Award Conditions and Information for NIH Grants.

Inventions and Copyrights

Awards made primarily for educational purposes are exempted from the PHS invention requirements and thus invention reporting is not required, as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award

Not Applicable

3. Reporting

The Non-Competing Continuation Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590 or RPPR) and financial statements as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement are required annually. Continuation support will not be provided until the required forms are submitted and accepted. Chapter 8 of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, Additional Instructions for Preparing a Progress Report for an Institutional Research Training Grant, Including Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards, must be followed.

Failure by the grantee institution to submit required forms in a timely, complete, and accurate manner may result in an expenditure disallowance or a delay in any continuation funding for the award.

The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Transparency Act), includes a requirement for awardees of Federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards issued in FY2011 or later. All awardees of applicable NIH grants and cooperative agreements are required to report to the Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at www.fsrs.govon all subawards over $25,000. See the NIH Grants Policy Statement for additional information on this reporting requirement.

Other Reporting Requirements

Recipients are requested to annually update and maintain data regarding their trainees in FIC CareerTrac, (https://careertrac.fic.nih.gov/Welcome.vm).

Trainees are encouraged to submit reports of their findings for publication to the journals of their choice. For each journal publication that results from a trainee’s research, NIH support should be acknowledged in language similar to the following: This investigation was supported by the Fogarty International Center, (add NIH co-sponsoring institutes, centers or offices for the grant) of the National Institutes of Health under the Global Infectious Disease Research Training program (grant number). In addition, news releases and other documents about the project must acknowledge federal funding as provided in Public Policy Requirements and Objectives-Availability of Information-Acknowledgment of Federal Funding.

Peer-reviewed trainee publications that arise from support of the training grant must be submitted to PubMed Central in accord with the Public Access Policy, and the PubMed Central reference number (PMCID) or NIH Manuscript Submission reference number (NIHMS ID) provided.

A final Progress Report and the expenditure data portion of the Federal Financial Report are required for closeout of an award as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. Evaluation results should be included as part of the final Progress Report.

4. 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 from databases and from participants themselves. Participants 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.

Section VII. Agency Contacts

We encourage inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants.

Application Submission Contacts

eRA Service Desk (Questions regarding ASSIST, eRA Commons registration, submitting and tracking an application, documenting system problems that threaten submission by the due date, post submission issues)
Telephone: 301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552 (Toll Free)
Finding Help Online: http://grants.nih.gov/support/index.html
TTY: 301-451-5939
Email: commons@od.nih.gov

Grants.gov Customer Support (Questions regarding Grants.gov registration and submission, downloading forms and application packages)
Contact Center Telephone: 800-518-4726
Web ticketing system: https://grants-portal.psc.gov/ContactUs.aspx
Email: support@grants.gov

Grants Info (Questions regarding application instructions and process, finding NIH grant resources)
Telephone: 301-710-0267
TTY 301-451-5936
Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov

Scientific/Research Contact(s)

Barbara Sina Ph.D.
Fogarty International Center (FIC)
Telephone: 301-402-9467
Email: sinab@mail.nih.gov

Dr. Polly Sager
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Telephone: 301-496-1884
Email: psager@niaid.nih.govl

Peer Review Contact(s)

Hilary D. Sigmon, Ph.D., R.N.
Center for Scientific Review (CSR)
Telephone: 301-357-9236
Email: hilary.sigmon@nih.gov

Financial/Grants Management Contact(s)

Satabdi Raychowdhury
Fogarty International Center (FIC)
Telephone: 301-496-9750
Email: raychowdhurys@mail.nih.gov

John A. Villella
Grants Management Office
Telephone: (240) 669-2969
Email: villellaja@mail.nih.gov

Section VIII. Other Information

Recently issued trans-NIH policy notices may affect your application submission. A full list of policy notices published by NIH is provided in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

Authority and Regulations

Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 287b) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 63a.


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