Department of Health and Human Services
Part 1. Overview Information
Participating Organization(s)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Components of Participating Organizations

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Funding Opportunity Title

Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging (P30)

Activity Code

P30 Center Core Grants

Announcement Type

Reissue of RFA-AG-10-009

Related Notices
  • July 10, 2019 - Requirement for ORCID iDs for Individuals Supported by Research Training, Fellowship, Research Education, and Career Development Awards Beginning in FY 2020. See Notice NOT-OD-19-109.
  • June 28, 2019 - This RFA has been reissued as RFA-AG-20-020.
  • August 20, 2014 - See Notice NOT-AG-14-023. Correction to Part 2, Section I of this funding opportunity.
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number

RFA-AG-15-005

Companion Funding Opportunity

None

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

93.866

Funding Opportunity Purpose

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to provide support for the Centers known as Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging (NSC). These Center grants will provide funding for leadership, training and research activities that will increase the dissemination of scientific knowledge in the research areas supported by the Division of Aging Biology of the NIA (http://www.nia.nih.gov/research/dab).

Key Dates
Posted Date

August 8, 2014

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date)

September 28, 2014

Letter of Intent Due Date(s)

September 28, 2014

Application Due Date(s)

October 28, 2014, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. All types of non-AIDS applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on this date.

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)

Not Applicable

Scientific Merit Review

February-March 2015

Advisory Council Review

May 2015

Earliest Start Date

July 2015

Expiration Date

October 29, 2014

Due Dates for E.O. 12372

Not Applicable

** ELECTRONIC APPLICATION SUBMISSION REQUIRED**

NIH’s new Application Submission System & Interface for Submission Tracking (ASSIST) is available for the electronic preparation and submission of multi-project applications through Grants.gov to NIH. Applications to this FOA must be submitted electronically; paper applications will not be accepted. ASSIST replaces the Grants.gov downloadable forms currently used with most NIH opportunities and provides many features to enable electronic multi-project application submission and improve data quality, including: pre-population of organization and PD/PI data, pre-submission validation of many agency business rules and the generation of data summaries in the application image used for review.

Required Application Instructions

It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts) and where instructions in the Application Guide are directly related to the Grants.gov downloadable forms currently used with most NIH opportunities. Conformance to all 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) invites applications for Centers, known as Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging (NSC). These Center grants will provide funding for leadership, training, and research activities that will increase the dissemination of scientific knowledge in the research areas supported by the NIA's Division of Aging Biology, which include but are not limited to genetics, cell biology of aging, and physiology of aging (http://www.nia.nih.gov/research/dab). NSC awards are intended for institutions that can demonstrate a substantial investment in and commitment to ongoing and future high-impact research on the basic biology of aging. NIA expects that NSC awardees will:

  • Provide intellectual leadership and innovation;
  • Develop and/or support innovative cores that are uniquely focused on the needs of the field;
  • Provide research career development for future leaders in basic aging research;
  • Collaborate substantially with other NSCs, including conferences and outreach activities;
  • Serve as a source of advice and collaboration to other investigators locally and on a large-scale regarding technology, methodology, analysis, or other expertise; and
  • Leverage institutional resources, including other NIH-supported programs and centers, to maximize efficiency in achieving the NSC's aims.

These grants are not intended to directly support the independent research of the Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) or the Core Directors, and are not intended to support clinical research/clinical trials, or research on neurobiology of aging.

Research Objectives

The goal of this program is to enhance the ability of institutions with well-developed programs in basic research on aging biology to further advance knowledge in the field. Applicants may propose to achieve this goal using aging biology as a general term, or they can select a well-defined and focused area within the field. Appropriate areas specifically encouraged are those that have been defined as major pillars of aging research such as inflammation, response to stress, handling of macromolecular damage, stem cells, proteostasis, energetics and epigenetics of aging. Most importantly, successful applicants will be expected to provide national and international leadership in the field of aging biology, through intellectual and conceptual engagement that will clarify ideas, advance areas of focus and provide general expert opinion through publications, workshops and other venues.

To achieve these goals, each NSC should promote a sustained research and communications program through which the center will accomplish the functions of innovation, leadership, collaboration, and research career development described above. If a focused research area is selected, selection of Core activities (see below) should be consistent with that selection.

Centers are expected to provide visible leadership in the area of aging biology research. In addition to other activities normally carried on by leaders in any field, NSC Directors will be asked to actively participate in at least two joint conferences, tentatively planned for years 2 and 4 of the awards. These will be plenary workshops with wide attendance, focused on areas of cutting edge science in the field and/or areas of large controversies where some leadership might be needed. These conferences will be organized jointly by the Directors of all NSC, with further advice from NIA as needed. Publication of the proceedings will be expected. In addition, Center Directors will be regularly consulted and asked for advice on other leadership activities initiated by NIA staff.

Applications in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement should include: 1) A quantifiable and verifiable plan for supporting collaborative projects with new investigators; 2) Development of innovative cores that are uniquely needed for the field of aging biology; 3) A verifiable plan to effectively publicize or advertise the activities of the Center to the larger community, so as to encourage collaborations; 4) Involvement in conceptual leadership in terms of a plan to identify and promote promising areas of research and address controversial subjects; 5) Agreement to coordinate a joint conference every 2 years among all Centers, likely in conjunction with NIA staff.

Each application should include at least: 1) a core to support administrative functions, including an advisory committee (not to be named in the application). This core will manage outreach activities including courses, lectures and symposia if such activities are proposed as well as the joint conferences to be held tentatively on years 2 and 4 of the award. This core should also be in charge of advertising the activities of the NSC, through development of a functional web site, and participation in a common Data Coordination Center (see below); 2) a research development core in charge of supporting pilot/feasibility projects, and providing temporary support for investigators just entering the field of biology of aging research, to a point where they can compete for independent support, and 3) at least two research core activities uniquely focused on issues of interest to the biology of aging.

Section II. Award Information
Funding Instrument

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

Application Types Allowed

New

Renewal

The OER Glossary and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on these application types.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards

NIA intends to fund an estimate of 5-6 awards, corresponding to a total of $4 million dollars, for fiscal year 2015. Future year amounts will depend on annual appropriations.

Award Budget

Application budgets are limited to no more than $600,000 per year in Direct Costs, but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project.

Award Project Period

Awards are expected to be made for 5 years.

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
Eligible Organizations

Higher Education Institutions

  • Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
  • Private Institutions of Higher Education

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

  • Hispanic-serving Institutions
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
  • Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
  • Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)

Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education

  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)

For-Profit Organizations

  • Small Businesses
  • For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)

Governments

  • State Governments
  • County Governments
  • City or Township Governments
  • Special District Governments
  • Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
  • Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized)
  • U.S. Territory or Possession

Other

  • Independent School Districts
  • Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities
  • Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
  • Faith-based or Community-based Organizations
  • Regional Organizations
Foreign Institutions

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply.
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.
Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not 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.

  • Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) - All registrations require that applicants be issued a DUNS number. After obtaining a DUNS number, applicants can begin both SAM and eRA Commons registrations. The same DUNS number must be used for all registrations, as well as on the grant application.
  • System for Award Management (SAM) (formerly CCR) Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, which requires renewal at least annually. The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code.
  • eRA Commons - Applicants must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the eRA Commons registration. Organizations can register with the eRA Commons as they are working through their SAM or Grants.gov registration. eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application.
  • Grants.gov Applicants must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the Grants.gov registration.

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 as the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) 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 SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

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 scientifically distinct.

The NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time. This means that the NIH will not accept:

  • A new (A0) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of an overlapping new (A0) or resubmission (A1) application.
  • A resubmission (A1) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of the previous new (A0) application.
  • An application that has substantial overlap with another application pending appeal of initial peer review (see NOT-OD-11-10).

In addition, the NIH will not accept a resubmission (A1) application that is submitted later than 37 months after submission of the new (A0) application that it follows. The NIH will accept submission:

  • To an RFA of an application that was submitted previously as an investigator-initiated application but not paid;
  • Of an investigator-initiated application that was originally submitted to an RFA but not paid; or
  • Of an application with a changed grant activity code.
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Requesting an Application Package

Applicants can access 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.

Most applicants will use NIH’s ASSIST system to prepare and submit applications through Grants.gov to NIH. Applications prepared and submitted using applicant systems capable of submitting electronic multi-project applications to Grants.gov will also be accepted.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, including Supplemental Grant Application Instructions except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise and where instructions in the Application Guide are directly related to the Grants.gov downloadable forms currently used with most NIH opportunities. 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

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

  • Descriptive title of proposed activity
  • Name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of the PD(s)/PI(s)
  • Names of other key personnel
  • Participating institution(s)
  • Number and title of this funding opportunity

The letter of intent should be sent to:

Felipe Sierra, Ph.D.
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2C231
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: 301-451-4515
Email: sierraf@nia.nih.gov

Page Limitations

Component Types Available in ASSIST

Research Strategy/Program Plan Page Limits

Overall

12

Admin Core

6

Core (use for Research Development Core and Research Resources Core )

6

Additional page limits described in the SF424 Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.

Instructions for the Submission of Multi-Component Applications

The following section supplements the instructions found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, and should be used for preparing a multi-component application.

The application should consist of the following components:

  • Overall: required, one
  • Administrative Core: required, one
  • Research Development Core: required, one
  • Research Resources Core: required, 2 minimum, 4 maximum
Overall Component

When preparing your application in ASSIST, use Component Type Overall .

All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions, as noted.

SF424 (R&R) Cover (Overall)

Complete entire form.

PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement (Overall)

Note: Human Embryonic Stem Cell lines from other components should be repeated in cell line table in Overall component.

Research & Related Other Project Information (Overall)

Follow standard instructions.

Facilities and Other Resources: Describe how the NSC fits within the institution(s) and how will the environment contributes to the success of the NSC, including and interactions with other centers already in place or planned. Shared resources across cores and with other institutional facilities should be described in this attachment.

Project/Performance Site Location(s) (Overall)

Enter primary site only.

A summary of Project/Performance Sites in the Overall section of the assembled application image in eRA Commons compiled from data collected in the other components will be generated upon submission.

Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Overall)

Include only the Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) and any multi-PDs/PIs (if applicable to this FOA) for the entire application. The PD/PI should be a scientific leader experienced in the field of aging biology research and must be able to coordinate, integrate, and provide guidance in the establishment of programs in aging biology.

A summary of Senior/Key Persons followed by their Biographical Sketches in the Overall section of the assembled application image in eRA Commons will be generated upon submission.

Budget (Overall)

The only budget information included in the Overall component is the Estimated Project Funding section of the SF424 (R&R) Cover.

A budget summary in the Overall section of the assembled application image in eRA Commons compiled from detailed budget data collected in the other components will be generated upon submission.

PHS 398 Research Plan (Overall)

Specific Aims: Describe the aims of the overall center and outline how the different cores will contribute to these aims.

Research Strategy:

Significance: Focusing on the center as a whole, address how the center will:

  • Enhance the performance of innovative research on areas of aging biology currently considered as important and likely to advance the field
  • Contribute conceptual leadership within the area of aging biology
  • Provide an environment and resources to enhance cutting edge research by bringing together investigators from various fields to study the biology of aging
  • Foster the development of new lines of research
  • Provide a rich mentoring environment for junior investigators

Renewal Applications: Describe any changes in research emphasis. Provide an overall summary that addresses the major scientific achievements, including research utilizing Center resources, during the last funding period. Identify the most significant findings that were facilitated or supported directly through Center resources. Include summaries of progress in achieving the major aims of the Center and highlight major publications. Provide examples of how the presence of the NSC has brought new investigators into the field and has stimulated non-NSC funded research in the last funding period. Explain the Center’s role in generating new funding from grants, both Federal and others. Discuss the interrelationship of the center to other activities in the applicant's institution (e.g., other relevant Centers) and the extent of institutional, departmental, and interdepartmental cooperation (charts and tables may be included).

In lieu of an overall summary, new applications will be evaluated based on preliminary organizational work, experience with aging biology research, potential for developing new and exciting research, and specific plans for implementation of the new program.

Innovation: Considering the Center as a whole, show how the proposed activities seek to shift current research on the biology of aging through the use of novel approaches, methodologies, or models.

Approach: Show how the approaches of the cores complement each other on a focus on aging biology and how do they achieve a whole that is greater than the individual parts. Describe the mechanisms that will maintain the coherence of the center and allow collaboration with the other NSCs and the aging biology community at large.

Letters of Support: Include any letters of support for the proposed Center by appropriate institutional officials. Letters should address the commitment of the parent organization, or any of its partners, to the Nathan Shock Center and its goals. The parent institution is expected to recognize the Nathan Shock Center as a formal organization and provide documented evidence of space dedicated to the needs of the Center, protected time to devote to Center activities, staff recruitment, dedicated equipment, or other financial support for the proposed Center. The parent institution should provide assurance of its commitment to continuing support of the Nathan Shock Center in the event of a change in directorship and a well-defined plan for this eventuality should be in place. In addition, it is expected that the Institution will support the goal of providing to Center members priority access to Institution’s and Center’s facilities and services at minimal or reduced cost. Both the institution and pertinent departments must show a strong commitment to supporting the Center.

Resource Sharing Plan: Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans (Data Sharing Plan, Sharing Model Organisms, and Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS)) as provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, with the following modification:

All applications, regardless of the amount of direct costs requested for any one year, should address a Data Sharing Plan.

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.

Administrative Core

When preparing your application in ASSIST, use Component Type Admin Core.

All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions, as noted.

SF424 (R&R) Cover (Administrative/Program Enrichment Core)

Complete only the following fields:

  • Applicant Information
  • Type of Applicant (optional)
  • Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project
  • Proposed Project Start/Ending Dates

PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement (Administrative Core)

Enter Human Embryonic Stem Cells in each relevant component.

Research & Related Other Project Information (Administrative Core)

Human Subjects: Answer only the Are Human Subjects Involved? and 'Is the Project Exempt from Federal regulations? questions.

Vertebrate Animals: Answer only the Are Vertebrate Animals Used? question.

Project Narrative: Do not complete. Note: ASSIST screens will show an asterisk for this attachment indicating it is required. However, eRA systems only enforce this requirement in the Overall component and applications will not receive an error if omitted in other components.

Application guide states that Project Narrative is required. However it is only required for the Overall component.

Project /Performance Site Location(s) (Administrative Core)

List all performance sites that apply to the specific component.

Note: The Project Performance Site form allows up to 300 sites, prior to using additional attachment for additional entries.

Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Administrative Core)

The biographical sketch of the key personnel in this core should show evidence of the individual's stature within the biology of aging field (relevant publications) and describe the role of the individual particularly on this core.

  • In the Project Director/Principal Investigator section of the form, use Project Role of Other with Category of Core Lead and provide a valid eRA Commons ID in the Credential field.
  • In the additional Senior/Key Profiles section, list Senior/Key persons that are working in the component.
  • Include a single Biographical Sketch for each Senior/Key person listed in the application regardless of the number of components in which they participate. When a Senior/Key person is listed in multiple components, the Biographical Sketch can be included in any one component.
  • If more than 100 Senior/Key persons are included in a component, the Additional Senior Key Person attachments should be used.

Budget (Administrative Core)

Funds should be requested to permit travel by the Center Director and one other senior staff to the annual meeting of Nathan Shock Center Directors and NIA staff. Currently, these meetings are held as part of the Annual American Aging Association (AGE) meeting. At least one representative from the Center should register so they can make a presentation at the NSC Symposium, held within the AGE Annual meeting.

Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.

PHS 398 Research Plan (Administrative Core)

Specific Aims: This core is required for the administrative management of the overall Center, as well as support for the required external advisory panel. Applicants should briefly describe how the Administrative Core will organize courses, lectures and symposia to enhance the visibility of the Center and advance the research goals of the program.

Research Strategy:

Significance: The significance in this section should be interpreted as the significance of the core to the center as a whole. The focus should be on promoting coordination and integration among the other cores to reflect a cohesive program. If other institutional resources are available the core should be the pivot in the center to leverage these resources for use of the Center as a whole.

Renewal applications should describe any changes to core activities that derive from the experience of the last cycle.

Approach: The core should present a plan to oversee all activities of the Center, addressing issues such as optimizing resources, providing quality control, fiscal management and compliance with institutional, DHHS, NIH and NIA policies. Without identifying or contacting the experts (until funding decisions are made), the core should describe the composition of an advisory panel in terms of balance of expertise. The core should show how often the panel is expected to convene and how the panel's advice will be integrated into the Center's activities. The plan should also include at least one meeting of the panel in the fourth year of the award to prepare a report on the Center for the benefit of the Center and to share with NIA program staff.

Resource Sharing Plan: Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans (Data Sharing Plan, Sharing Model Organisms, and Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS)) as provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, with the following exception. All applications, regardless of the amount of direct costs requested for any one year, should address a Data Sharing Plan.

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.

Planned Enrollment Report (Administrative Core)

Not Applicable

PHS 398 Cumulative Inclusion Enrollment Report (Administrative Core)

Not Applicable

Research Development Core

When preparing your application in ASSIST, use Component Type Core.

All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions, as noted.

SF424 (R&R) Cover (Research Development Core)

Complete only the following fields:

  • Applicant Information
  • Type of Applicant (optional)
  • Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project
  • Proposed Project Start/Ending Dates

PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement (Research Development Core)

Enter Human Embryonic Stem Cells in each relevant component.

Research & Related Other Project Information (Research Development Core)

Human Subjects: Answer only the Are Human Subjects Involved? and 'Is the Project Exempt from Federal regulations? questions.

Vertebrate Animals: Answer only the Are Vertebrate Animals Used? question.

Project Narrative: Do not complete. Note: ASSIST screens will show an asterisk for this attachment indicating it is required. However, eRA systems only enforce this requirement in the Overall component and applications will not receive an error if omitted in other components.

Application guide states that Project Narrative is required. However it is only required for the Overall component.

Project /Performance Site Location(s) (Research Development Core)

List all performance sites that apply to the specific component.

Note: The Project Performance Site form allows up to 300 sites, prior to using additional attachment for additional entries.

Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Research Development Core)

  • In the Project Director/Principal Investigator section of the form, use Project Role of Other with Category of Core Lead and provide a valid eRA Commons ID in the Credential field.
  • In the additional Senior/Key Profiles section, list Senior/Key persons that are working in the component.
  • Include a single Biographical Sketch for each Senior/Key person listed in the application regardless of the number of components in which they participate. When a Senior/Key person is listed in multiple components, the Biographical Sketch can be included in any one component.
  • If more than 100 Senior/Key persons are included in a component, the Additional Senior Key Person attachments should be used.

Budget (Research Development Core)

The budget for each pilot project, including salary for the investigator, may not exceed $50,000 per year (direct cost), and the total budget for pilot projects under this core is expected to not exceed $100,000 per year (direct cost). Funds may also be requested for salary support for the director of the Research Development Core, who will be responsible for coordinating all activities within the core. Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.

Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.

PHS 398 Research Plan (Research Development Core)

Specific Aims: Plans in the Section should include a description of how the Research Development Core will provide support, in the form of pilot projects, for career development of junior faculty wanting to enter the field of basic aging biology, or other investigators who wish to change career direction towards basic aging research. The plan may also include activities intended to be used to encourage the career development of faculty or students through subsidies for the use of research core resources, either those provided by the NSC, or other core facilities available elsewhere in or out of the grantee institution. Description of interdisciplinary activities that draw on resources from a variety of fields to understand biological processes of aging are specifically encouraged.

Research Strategy:

Significance: The core should describe the focused area or general strategy for selecting pilot projects within the biology of aging and identify the goals of the pilot program in advancing the early career development of the recipients. Note that individual pilot projects require approval from the Division of Aging Biology staff before funds are allocated. Where the center has unique resources or expertise the core should describe how use of these resources will be maximized through opening competition for support particularly to investigators from other Shock centers.

Renewal applications should report on the career progression of investigators supported by pilot awards in the last cycle, the extent to which the research has been well-received, and any consequent changes to the program planned for this cycle.

Innovation: This component does not need to address 'Innovation'. Innovation will be addressed at the overall level of the Center.

Approach: The request for Research Development Core support should contain 1) a plan for the selection of faculty/students/postdocs to be supported, including a plan for review and selection of pilot projects. Part of this plan should address increasing the ethnic, racial and gender diversity of the investigators in the field; and 2) a list of senior faculty who will participate as mentors in research career development (The core should be able to demonstrate adequate resources for the support of the research efforts of proposed junior investigators, and a plan for monitoring their progress and development toward independence.

Resource Sharing Plan: Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans (Data Sharing Plan, Sharing Model Organisms, and Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS)) as provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

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.

Planned Enrollment Report (Core or Project Name)

Not Applicable

PHS 398 Cumulative Inclusion Enrollment Report (Core or Project Name)

Not Applicable

Research Resource Cores

When preparing your application in ASSIST, use Component Type Core.

All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions, as noted.

SF424 (R&R) Cover (Research Resource Cores)

Complete only the following fields:

  • Applicant Information
  • Type of Applicant (optional)
  • Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project
  • Proposed Project Start/Ending Dates

PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement (Research Resource Cores)

Enter Human Embryonic Stem Cells in each relevant component.

Research & Related Other Project Information (Research Resource Cores)

Human Subjects: Answer only the Are Human Subjects Involved? and 'Is the Project Exempt from Federal regulations? questions.

Vertebrate Animals: Answer only the Are Vertebrate Animals Used? question.

Project Narrative: Do not complete. Note: ASSIST screens will show an asterisk for this attachment indicating it is required. However, eRA systems only enforce this requirement in the Overall component and applications will not receive an error if omitted in other components.

Project /Performance Site Location(s) (Research Resource Cores)

List all performance sites that apply to the specific component.

Note: The Project Performance Site form allows up to 300 sites, prior to using additional attachment for additional entries.

Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Research Resource Cores)

  • In the Project Director/Principal Investigator section of the form, use Project Role of Other with Category of Core Lead and provide a valid eRA Commons ID in the Credential field.
  • In the additional Senior/Key Profiles section, list Senior/Key persons that are working in the component.
  • Include a single Biographical Sketch for each Senior/Key person listed in the application regardless of the number of components in which they participate. When a Senior/Key person is listed in multiple components, the Biographical Sketch can be included in any one component.
  • If more than 100 Senior/Key persons are included in a component, the Additional Senior Key Person attachments should be used.

Budget (Research Resource Cores)

Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.

PHS 398 Research Plan (Research Resource Cores)

Specific Aims: The Research Plan for these cores should explain how the cores will provide support for personnel, equipment and supplies needed to develop resources that are specifically suited to aging biology research. A description of how each Research Resource Core supports at least 3 independent (i.e., from distinct PDs/PIs) ongoing basic research projects. Projects at institutions other than the grantee institution are particularly encouraged.

Research Strategy:

Significance: Research resource cores should be focused on state-of-the-art aging biology research and should add specific and integrative value to the Center. Research resource cores might be innovative and unique, but innovation is not a requirement, since some cores could provide services that are essential to advance the field, yet not be innovative. If an important area of focus has been selected for the entire NSC, then the cores must support that area and be capable of promoting a sustained effort in the research area chosen. Because a supply of appropriate animal models that are free of disease is essential for many areas of research on biological aging, support may be requested for the development and maintenance of animal resources (both established and new animal models) to meet this need, including the needs of comparative biology of aging. While it is recognized that gaining insight into the mechanisms of intrinsic biology of aging requires a variety of molecular/cellular biology capabilities, much of that work can be done through basic facilities available either commercially or at most institutions. Therefore the NSC will not directly support independent cores on areas such as transgenic/KO mouse production, various omics technologies, bioinformatics and imaging, cell sorting, etc. However, the NSC might request funds to subsidize usage of such facilities for research involving aging biology. In contrast, this FOA encourages the development of novel core facilities that can provide services in areas that are uniquely (or at least preferentially) used by researchers in aging biology. The determination of which cores are acceptable under these guidelines is necessarily ambiguous. Justify the cores in terms of how they advance the broader aims of the individual Center and of the broader NSC program.

Innovation: This component does not need to address 'Innovation'. Innovation will be addressed at the overall level of the Center.

Approach: The approach should offer a plan consistent with the particular resources offered and describe the procedure established to monitor their pattern of use, with flexibility built in to match demand where possible. It is advantageous to offer the resources to a broader community than the individual Center (including but not limited to other Shock Centers). Nevertheless a plan that will balance demand with availability is essential. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Aged animals, comprising genetically modified rodents and species of high interest for aging research, including comparative biology (e.g., naked mole rats, N. furzeri, etc.);
  • Tissue banks from animal models listed above;
  • Specialized techniques generally recognized as being of high impact in aging research (e.g., heterochronic parabiosis, single cell genomics, etc.);
  • Comprehensive assessment of major pillars of aging research (e.g., proteostasis, inflammation, stress response, etc.);
  • Also acceptable are plans to implement, within established cores available at the institution, aging-specific techniques or capabilities.

Centers are encouraged to develop resources that will also be available for collaborative research projects with investigators from other institutions, including but not limited to other Shock Centers. A plan must be presented to describe how such access to Center resources will be managed, so as not to overwhelm the personnel and resources of the Center.

Renewal applications should describe how resources have been used in the last cycle and what changes are being introduced consequent upon the patterns of use observed and emerging needs. In addition, addition of new cores or deletion of existing ones should be documented as being consistent with the goals of the Center.

Resource Sharing Plan: Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans (Data Sharing Plan, Sharing Model Organisms, and Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS)) as provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

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.

Planned Enrollment Report

Not Applicable

PHS 398 Cumulative Inclusion Enrollment Report

Not Applicable

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) using ASSIST or other electronic submission systems. 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.

For information on how your application will be automatically assembled for review and funding consideration after submission go to: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/ElectronicReceipt/files/Electronic_Multi-project_Application_Image_Assembly.pdf.

Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date. Section III. 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) and component Project Leads 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 completeness by the Center for Scientific Review and responsiveness by NIA, NIH. Applications that are incomplete and/or nonresponsive will not be reviewed.

In order to expedite review, applicants are requested to notify the NIA Referral Office, Dr. Ramesh Vemuri by email at Vemuri@nia.nih.gov when the application has been submitted. Please include the FOA number and title, PD/PI name, and title of the application.

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 are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system.

Overall Impact - Overall

Reviewers will provide an overall impact score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the Center to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following review criteria and additional review criteria (as applicable for the Center proposed).

Scored Review Criteria - Overall

Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of scientific merit, and give a separate score for each. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact. For example, a Center that by its nature is not innovative may be essential to advance a field.

Significance

Does the Center address an important problem or a critical barrier to progress in the field? If the aims of the Center are achieved, how will scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or clinical practice be improved? How will successful completion of the aims change the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field? The following questions are also considered in evaluating the overall significance of the proposed NSC: How likely is it that the NSC will accomplish the innovation, leadership, collaborative, and research career development functions sought?

If a specific focus is chosen, how important is that area in regard to potential advances in understanding aging biology? Will the NSC have a significant effect on the concepts or methods used to understand aging biology? To what extent will the NSC Cores facilitate other ongoing research to advance aging research? Does the proposed NSC demonstrate evidence of leadership and collaboration on a large scale? Additionally: How well does the Center contribute conceptual leadership to the field of aging biology? How well does it provide an environment to foster sustained collaborative work by investigators from different fields? To what extent does it foster new lines of research and provide a rich mentoring environment for junior investigators? Does the integrated center function as a coherent whole that is greater than the sum of its parts?

Investigator(s)

Are the PD(s)/PI(s), collaborators, and other researchers well suited to the Center? If Early Stage Investigators or New Investigators, or in the early stages of independent careers, do they have appropriate experience and training? If established, have they demonstrated an ongoing record of accomplishments that have advanced their field(s)? If the project is collaborative or multi-PD/PI , do the investigators have complementary and integrated expertise; are their leadership approach, governance and organizational structure appropriate for the project? The following questions are also considered in evaluating the investigators of the overall proposed NSC:

Is the PD/PI an established investigator in a major area of focus in aging research? To what extent does the PD/PI have the leadership qualities to establish mechanisms for quality control of the science receiving core funds, and to move the NSC into new innovative research areas as appropriate? Does the team of investigators have the experience and time commitment to serve the Center well?

Innovation

Does the application challenge and seek to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms by utilizing novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions? Are the concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions novel to one field of research or novel in a broad sense? Is a refinement, improvement, or new application of theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions proposed? How well will the integrated activities of the center succeed in shifting research on the biology of aging? Are the research cores state-of-the-art in aging biology research?

Approach

Are the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the Center? Are potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success presented? If the project is in the early stages of development, will the strategy establish feasibility and will particularly risky aspects be managed?

If the Center involves human subjects and/or NIH-defined clinical research, are the plans to address 1) the protection of human subjects from research risks, and 2) inclusion (or exclusion) of individuals on the basis of sex/gender, race, and ethnicity, as well as the inclusion or exclusion of children, justified in terms of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed? Considered as a whole, how well will the approaches proposed advance the biology of aging and take it in new directions? Is the Center able to provide adequate infrastructure to support novel approaches to research and has it anticipated current and future needs of the research community? Are the arrangements for internal quality control of ongoing research, allocation of funds, day-to-day management, contractual agreements, internal communication, and cooperation among the investigators in the program well delineated and appropriate? Is the administrative and organizational structure conducive to attaining the objectives of the proposed program? Are there coordination and integration across the proposed cores that reflect a cohesive research support program? Is there value added by having the proposed cores comprise a unique Center? Will the cores allow the Center to leverage additional resources that would not have been possible without an integrated P30 structure?

Environment

Will the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Are the institutional support, equipment and other physical resources available to the investigators adequate for the project proposed? Will the project benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, subject populations, or collaborative arrangements? Is the academic and physical environment as it bears on research subjects, space, and equipment, and on the potential for interaction with scientists from other departments and institutions sufficient and conducive for the project?

Additional Review Criteria - Overall

As applicable for the Center 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

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. For additional information on review of the Human Subjects section, please refer to the Guidelines for the Review of Human Subjects.

Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children

When the proposed project involves human subjects and/or NIH-defined clinical research, the committee will evaluate the proposed plans for the inclusion (or exclusion) of individuals on the basis of sex/gender, race, and ethnicity, as well as the inclusion (or exclusion) of children to determine if it is justified in terms of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed. For additional information on review of the Inclusion section, please refer to the Guidelines for the Review of Inclusion in Clinical Research.

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. For additional information on review of the Vertebrate Animals section, please refer to the Worksheet for Review of the Vertebrate Animal Section.

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.

Resubmissions

Not Applicable

Renewals

For Renewals, the committee will consider the progress made in the last funding period. Reviewers will consider whether prior work shows accomplishment or capacity sufficient to expect high productivity and significant accomplishment with this award. Have collaborations with other NSCs and other NIA- or NIH-supported programs and centers yielded significant outcomes? If new cores are proposed, are they consistent with the goals of the Center, the program, and the current status of the field? Is there adequate justification for adding or deleting current activities or cores? How well did the approach in the last cycle facilitate the center aims particularly in advancing the biology of aging?

Revisions

Not Applicable

Additional Review Considerations - Overall

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.

Applications from Foreign Organizations

Not Applicable

Select Agent Research

Reviewers will assess the information provided in this section of the application, including 1) the Select Agent(s) to be used in the proposed research, 2) the registration status of all entities where Select Agent(s) will be used, 3) the procedures that will be used to monitor possession use and transfer of Select Agent(s), and 4) plans for appropriate biosafety, biocontainment, and security of the Select Agent(s).

Resource Sharing Plans

Reviewers will comment on whether the following Resource Sharing Plans, or the rationale for not sharing the following types of resources, are reasonable: 1) Data Sharing Plan; 2) Sharing Model Organisms; and 3) Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS).

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.

Scored Review Criteria - Cores

Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of scientific merit, and give a separate score for each. A core does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact.

Significance

Does the core address an important issue in the field? If the aims of the core are achieved, how will scientific knowledge and/or technical capability be improved? How will successful completion of the aims change the concepts, methods or technologies that drive this field? If an important topic has been selected as an area of research focus for the entire NSC, do the cores support that particular area of research? Are the cores suitable for a focus on state-of-the-art aging biology research?

Investigator(s)

Are the core directors, collaborators, and other researchers well suited to the core? If the core leadership is collaborative, do the investigators have complementary and integrated expertise; are their leadership approach, governance and organizational structure appropriate to achieve the goals of the NSC?

Approach

Are the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the core? Are potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success presented?

Environment

Will the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Are the institutional support, equipment and other physical resources available to the investigators adequate for the project proposed? Will the project benefit from unique features of the scientific environment or collaborative arrangements?

Additional Review Criteria - Cores

As applicable for the core proposed, reviewers will evaluate the following additional items while determining scientific and technical merit, and in providing the Core's overall impact score, 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. For additional information on review of the Human Subjects section, please refer to the Guidelines for the Review of Human Subjects.

Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children

When the proposed Center involves human subjects and/or NIH-defined clinical research, the committee will evaluate the proposed plans for the inclusion (or exclusion) of individuals on the basis of sex/gender, race, and ethnicity, as well as the inclusion (or exclusion) of children to determine if it is justified in terms of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed. For additional information on review of the Inclusion section, please refer to the Guidelines for the Review of Inclusion in Clinical Research.

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. For additional information on review of the Vertebrate Animals section, please refer to the Worksheet for Review of the Vertebrate Animal Section.

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.

Resubmissions

Not Applicable

Renewals

For Renewals, the committee will consider the progress made in the last funding period..

Revisions

Not Applicable

Additional Review Considerations -Cores

As applicable for the Core 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.

Applications from Foreign Organizations

Not Applicable

Select Agent Research

Reviewers will assess the information provided in this section of the application, including 1) the Select Agent(s) to be used in the proposed research, 2) the registration status of all entities where Select Agent(s) will be used, 3) the procedures that will be used to monitor possession use and transfer of Select Agent(s), and 4) plans for appropriate biosafety, biocontainment, and security of the Select Agent(s).

Resource Sharing Plans

Reviewers will comment on whether the following Resource Sharing Plans, or the rationale for not sharing the following types of resources, are reasonable: 1) Data Sharing Plan; 2) Sharing Model Organisms; and 3) Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS).

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 NIA in accordance with NIH peer review policy and procedures, 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:

  • May undergo a selection process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific and technical merit (generally the top half of applications under review) will be discussed and assigned an overall impact score.
  • Will receive a written critique.

Appeals of initial peer review will not be accepted for applications submitted in response to this FOA.

Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines 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 the NIA National Advisory Council. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:

  • Scientific and technical merit of the proposed project as determined by scientific peer review.
  • Availability of funds.
  • Relevance of the proposed project to program priorities.
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 terms and conditions found on the Award Conditions and Information for NIH Grants website. This includes any recent legislation and policy applicable to awards that is highlighted on this website.

Prior Approval of Pilot Projects

All awardee-selected projects will require prior approval by NIH prior to initiation.

  • In order to ensure that pilot projects are within the scope of research supported by the Division of Aging Biology of the NIA, the goals and specific aims of proposals for pilot projects will be reviewed by NIA staff prior to review by Center-appointed reviewers.
  • Once reviewed by Center-appointed reviewers, further approval by NIA staff will be required before funds are disbursed.
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.

Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award

Not Applicable

3. Reporting

When multiple years are involved, awardees will be required to submit the Non-Competing Continuation Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590 or RPPR) annually and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

As part of the normal progress report each year, the Center should provide brief reports on the progress of pilot projects supported during that year.

A final progress report, invention statement, 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.

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.gov on all subawards over $25,000. See the NIH Grants Policy Statement for additional information on this reporting requirement.

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 Commons Help Desk (Questions regarding 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
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

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

Scientific/Research Contact(s)

Felipe Sierra, Ph. D
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Telephone: 301-451-4515
Email: sierraf@nia.nih.gov

Peer Review Contact(s)

Ramesh Vemuri, Ph. D.
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Telephone: 301-402-0066
Email: Vemuri@nia.nih.gov).

Financial/Grants Management Contact(s)

Pamela Thompson
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Telephone: 301-496-1472
Email: pamela.thompson@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 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.

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