Leadership for HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks
RFA Number: RFA-AI-05-001
Part I Overview InformationDepartment of Health and Human Services
Participating Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH), (http://www.nih.gov)
Components of Participating Organizations
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), (http://www.niaid.nih.gov)
National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), (http://www.niaaa.nih.gov)
National Cancer Institute (NCI), (http://www.nci.nih.gov)
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), (http://www.nichd.nih.gov)
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), (http://www.nidcr.nih.gov)
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), (http://www.nida.nih.gov)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), (http://www.nimh.nih.gov)
John E. Fogarty International Center (FIC), (http://www.fic.nih.gov)
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), (http://ninr.nih.gov)
Announcement Type
New
Updates: The following updates relating to this announcement have been issued:
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s)
93.855, 93.856, 93.395, 93.865, 93.121, 93.279, 93.242, 93.989, 93.273, 93.361 Nursing Research
Key Dates
Release Date: November 19, 2004
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): April 11, 2005
Application Receipt Date(s): May 11, 2005
Peer Review Date(s): October, 2005
Council Review Date(s) : January, 2006
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: March, 2006
Additional Information To Be Available Date (Url Activation Date):
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/daids/rfa/network06
Expiration Date: May 12, 2005
Due Dates for E.O. 12372
Not Applicable
Executive Summary
The objective of this RFA is to establish the Leadership of three to six HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks to carry out the NIAID research agenda in the following areas: (1) Vaccine Research and Development; (2) Translational Research/Drug Development; (3) Optimization of Clinical Management, Including Co-Morbidities; (4) Microbicides; (5) Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV; and (6) Prevention of HIV Infection.
Each Network Leadership will consist of three components: (1) a Coordinating and Operations Center (CORE) to provide scientific and administrative leadership, central operations, and communications; (2) a Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC) to provide biostatistical leadership and central data management; and (3) a Network Laboratory Structure to provide the laboratory services necessary to conduct the clinical research. These Network Leadership components may be combined in a single application or in separate, but linked applications. Resulting Networks may be funded through one to three Cooperative Agreements (U01). Clinical Trial Units will be solicited in a subsequent, linked RFA titled “ Units for HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks ”. The resulting combination of a Network Leadership and affiliated Clinical Trial Units will constitute an HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network. Each Network will give high priority to collaborations with other NIH HIV/AIDS clinical research programs, the other Networks funded through this RFA and other HIV research entities in order to effectively develop and implement a clinically relevant, interdisciplinary and cost-efficient research program.
Eligible organizations include public or private institutions and organizations, for-profit or non-profit, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of the U.S. Federal government. Applicants may submit multiple applications under this announcement. Institutions and investigators with laboratory, statistical, data management, or administrative or operational expertise may collaborate with more than one Network.
Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the awardee institution. Foreign institutions are eligible to participate as collaborators within any of the three Network Leadership components.
NIAID and collaborating ICs anticipate awarding $150 million in FY2006 to fund the Leadership of approximately three to six HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks. Networks are expected to vary substantially in size and scope of activities. For this reason, the amount of first-year awards is expected to vary; however, the range of awards is anticipated to be from $10 million to $20 million direct costs for the three Network Leadership components combined.
The PHS 398 application instructions are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html. Additional information and further instructions for preparation of application materials are available at the Division of AIDS application web site: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/daids/rfa/network06.
Public Briefing:
An informational session for investigators representing groups considering submission of applications in response to this RFA will be held. Details of the meeting will be announced on the NIAID web site (http://www.niaid.nih.gov) and in the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts. Representatives from DAIDS and from the NIAID Division of Extramural Activities will provide information and answer questions pertinent to preparing applications in response to this RFA.
Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY 301 451-0088
Table of Contents
Part II Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Research Objectives
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism(s) of Support
2. Funds Available
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
A. Eligible Institutions
B. Eligible Individuals
2.Cost Sharing
3. Other - Special Eligibility Criteria
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates
A. Receipt and Review and Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Sending an Application to the NIH
C. Application Processing
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
6. Other Submission Requirements
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
3. Merit Review Criteria
A. Additional Review Criteria
B. Additional Review Considerations
C. Sharing Research Data
D. Sharing Research Resources
Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative Requirements
A. Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award
1. Principal Investigator Rights and Responsibilities
2. NIH Responsibilities
3. Collaborative Responsibilities
4. Arbitration Process
3. Award Criteria
4. Reporting
Section VII. Agency Contact(s)
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s)
2. Peer Review Contact(s)
3. Financial/ Grants Management Contact(s)
Section VIII. Other Information - Required Federal Citations
Part II - Full Text of AnnouncementThe National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and collaborating ICs solicit applications from domestic institutions to serve as the Leadership for HIV/AIDS Clinical Trial Networks focused on therapeutics, vaccines and prevention. Through this RFA, the Leadership of three to six HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks will be established to carry out the NIAID research agenda in the following areas: (1) Vaccine Research and Development; (2) Translational Research/Drug Development; (3) Optimization of Clinical Management, Including Co-Morbidities; (4) Microbicides; (5) Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV; and (6) Prevention of HIV Infection. Each Network Leadership will consist of three components: (1) a Coordinating and Operations Center (CORE) to provide scientific and administrative leadership, central operations, and communications; (2) a Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC) to provide biostatistical leadership and central data management; and (3) a Network Laboratory Structure to provide the laboratory services necessary to conduct the clinical research. Clinical Trial Units will be solicited in a subsequent, linked RFA titled ‘ Units for HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks '. The resulting combination of a Network Leadership and affiliated Clinical Trial Units will constitute an HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network.
Each resulting HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network will work cooperatively with the Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (DAIDS), NIAID and collaborating ICs to implement a research agenda focused on the most important clinical research questions defined by DAIDS. Each Network also will be expected to give high priority to collaborations with the other DAIDS-sponsored Networks funded through this RFA, other NIH HIV/AIDS clinical research programs, and other HIV research entities in order to effectively develop and implement a clinically relevant, interdisciplinary and cost-efficient research program. To foster these interdisciplinary collaborations, this RFA also identifies the HIV/AIDS scientific research priorities of other NIH Institutes and Centers and opportunities to collaborate with other HIV/AIDS clinical trials groups or conduct interdisciplinary collaborative research.
1. Research Objectives
I. Current HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks and Accomplishments to Date
Since its inception in 1987, the Division of AIDS, NIAID has designed, developed and sponsored extramural Clinical Trials Networks to develop and optimize therapies, vaccines and prevention modalities for HIV/AIDS. These Clinical Trials Networks have played a vital role in HIV and AIDS research, providing the critical mass and infrastructure for both quality and continuity in collaborative, protocol-driven clinical research. The contributions and progress made by these Networks and their antecedents, the Adult and Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Groups (ACTG), the AIDS Vaccine Evaluation Group (AVEG), and the HIV Network for Prevention Trials (HIVNET), have been unparalleled and have advanced HIV clinical science around the world. The current NIAID-sponsored HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks and the accomplishments of each are described below:
The Acute Infection/Early Disease Research Program (AIEDRP), http://www.aiedrp.org, established in 1997, performs innovative, integrated, pathogenesis and clinical research on acute and early HIV infection. The program consists of 5 main units and conducts independent and collaborative virologic and immunologic evaluations into the pathogenesis of acute and early HIV infection and studies the potential effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
The AIEDRP has focused on the development of close links between clinical and basic research, resulting in studies showing the relationship between pathogenesis and treatment, including implications for vaccine research. The AIEDRP has conducted key studies of the pathogenesis of HIV infection, especially CD4+ cell dysfunction and HIV viral resistance and this group has established the AIEDRP Cohort in order to obtain long-term clinical and laboratory data on people with acute HIV-1 infection.
The Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG), http://aactg.s-3.com, established in 1987 as the AIDS Clinical Trials Group, investigates the pathogenesis of HIV and its complications, therapeutic interventions for the treatment of HIV disease, the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS-related co-infections and disorders, and complications of therapy.
Studies conducted by the AACTG have produced dramatic improvements in the clinical care, quality of life, and survival of persons with HIV/AIDS. The AACTG conceived, developed, conducted, and published the majority of the ground-breaking randomized clinical trials that are the basis of the current national and international antiretroviral therapy (ART) and opportunistic infection (OI) treatment and prevention guidelines for the management of HIV-1-infected adults. The AACTG has completed over 360 clinical trials and generated more than 1000 publications with over 300 of these appearing in first-line, peer-reviewed journals.
The AACTG established and supports the largest Network of expert clinical and translational investigators and therapeutic clinical trials units in the world, now including sites in resource-limited countries. These Investigators and units serve as the major resource for HIV/AIDS research, treatment, care, and training/education in their communities. The AACTG has been responsible for the education and training of a large proportion of the current and future HIV/AIDS translational laboratory and clinical Investigators in the U.S.
Evaluation of Subcutaneous Proleukin in a Randomized International Trial (ESPRIT), http://www.espritstudy.org is a randomized, international study of interleukin-2 (IL-2) in people with HIV infection and a CD4+ cell count of at least 300/mm3. The goal of the study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of IL-2 plus ART versus ART alone on the number and severity of AIDS-related illnesses and deaths. This unique immune-based therapy has the potential to circumvent the limitation of resistance emerging to conventional therapy.
ESPRIT is being conducted in 25 countries. An international management structure coordinates this large study of over 4000 participants at more than 250 diverse settings. Many of these sites overcame unique problems in pharmacy, laboratory, ethics, standards of care, data and safety management and communication.
The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN), http://www.hptn.org/index.htm, is a worldwide collaborative Clinical Trials Network that develops and tests the safety and efficacy of primarily non-vaccine interventions designed to prevent the transmission of HIV. Established in 1999, the HPTN carries out its mission through a strong Network of expert scientists and investigators from more than two dozen international sites.
Two significant prevention studies were initiated by the HIVNET and concluded by the HPTN. HIVNET 012 is a landmark study that proved the safety and efficacy of a simple drug regimen for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1. This successful regimen has already been implemented in many locations worldwide as the basis of effective public health efforts to reduce HIV infections in newborns. HIVNET 015, A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Efficacy of a Behavioral Intervention to Prevent Acquisition of HIV among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), demonstrated the feasibility of delivering intensive, targeted interventions to reduce HIV risk behaviors and was the first randomized, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the impact of a behavioral intervention on HIV acquisition.
HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), http://www.scharp.org/hvtn, is an international collaboration formed in 1999 to conduct vaccine clinical trials in humans worldwide. The HVTN provides data on the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of candidate vaccines designed to reduce HIV acquisition, transmission and progression. The HVTN has demonstrated notable leadership in the advancement of novel candidate vaccines into human trials and the validation of key immunological assays for the comparative assessment of those candidates.
The HVTN (and formerly HIVNET) has successfully completed over 50 trials in the U.S, and abroad, ascertaining the safety and immunogenicity of multiple vaccine designs and products. This body of work has narrowed the number of approaches that effectively induce antibodies and identified vaccines that induce cell-mediated immunity.
The Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group (PACTG), http://pactg.s-3.com, established in 1987 as part of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group, addresses critical questions that include: determining the best ways of interrupting mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV; treating HIV infection and its complications in pregnant women, infants, children and youth; and assessing long-term anti-HIV drug safety and HIV disease progression and pathogenesis in this unique population. The PACTG is a joint effort of the NIAID and the NICHD.
The PACTG defined treatments that have reduced MTCT of HIV in the U.S. from 25% to 1.5% and has developed many of the MTCT regimens used in resource-limited nations. The PACTG also defined the unique treatment of HIV-infected pregnant women. Virtually all of the data on the safety of ART regimens during pregnancy have been generated by the PACTG and have contributed significantly to the PHS Perinatal Treatment Guidelines.
In addition, PACTG investigators have been leaders in the development of guidelines for the care and treatment of HIV-infected children in the U.S. and the PACTG provided pivotal data for approximately two-thirds of the anti-HIV drugs approved by the FDA for use in children. PACTG studies continue to evaluate additional anti-HIV drugs for pediatric use. PACTG investigators have trained a generation of laboratory and clinical pediatric HIV investigators. This Network also has contributed extensively to the understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV in the pediatric population, including the unique nature of neonatal HIV infection, co-receptor usage in children and pediatric-specific HIV disease markers that are now used in assessing the effectiveness of ARTs in children.
Information about the current DAIDS-supported HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks, their organizational components and clinical trial sites, and ongoing and planned clinical trials is located at DAIDS application web site: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/daids/rfa/network06 . DAIDS also supports contracts with several organizations to provide clinical research support to sites conducting DAIDS-sponsored research. Activities conducted by these contractors include clinical site monitoring, drug distribution, laboratory quality assurance, specimen storage, training, and regulatory assistance. Additional information about the current and planned contracts can be found at the DAIDS application web site: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/daids/rfa/network06.
DAIDS supports a contract to develop and implement the DAIDS Enterprise System (DAIDS-ES). DAIDS-ES is a comprehensive data management system to support the business functions, management and oversight responsibilities of the Division of AIDS. The current and planned components of the DAIDS-ES include: DAIDS Training Calendar, DAIDS Master Contact System, DAIDS Expedited Adverse Event Reporting System (DAERS), and DAIDS Protocol Management System. Successful applicants will be required to interface, integrate or adapt their information system(s) to interact with these and future components of the DAIDS-ES as necessary. Additional information about these components and timelines for availability is available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/daids/rfa/network06.
II. Other NIH HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Programs In addition to the above Networks, the NIH sponsors other HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Programs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include proposed collaborations with these Programs in their applications. These NIH sponsored Programs include:
III. The Changing HIV Epidemic and the NIAID Scientific Agenda DAIDS supports research that will help lead to the end of the AIDS epidemic. Current estimates are that 38 million people were living with HIV infection at the end of 2003 and that the epidemic continues to expand in almost all regions of the world, with approximately 4.8 million new infections in 2003 (UNAIDS 2004 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic). The burden of disease in this pandemic is disproportionately high among women and those who live in poverty. The proportion of infected persons who are women has increased steadily during the epidemic so that now more than 50% of those living with HIV are female. Adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years account for half of all new infections worldwide: girls and young women are particularly vulnerable. In Sub-Saharan Africa, women account for 57% of infected adults and 75% of the infections in young adults.
Though a large proportion of HIV-infected adults in the U.S. are men, women now account for 25% of all HIV infections in North America. Some minority groups within the U.S. also are disproportionately affected. For example, approximately 50% of those living with HIV/AIDS are black and 10% are Hispanic (HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report 2002). The geographic distribution of people living with AIDS also has changed as the epidemic has become more generalized. By the end of 2002, 39% of persons living with AIDS in the U.S. resided in the South, 29% in the Northeast, 19% in the West, 10% in the Midwest, and 3% in the U.S. territories.
Women, adolescent and young adults, and minorities continue to be under-represented in clinical research because of social, cultural, and geographic barriers. This lack of involvement in research diminishes access to quality health care, hampers widespread adoption of available preventive approaches, limits safe and effective management of HIV treatment and associated complications, and jeopardizes the ability of researchers to generalize findings to those most in need. The scientific research plans of the DAIDS Networks must reflect current realities in capitalized and resource-limited settings and develop innovative approaches for the prevention and treatment of HIV infection that recognize the role of family, household and community as participants in a successful clinical research process. These approaches also should have worldwide applicability.
Achieving the mission of ending the HIV epidemic requires a carefully coordinated clinical research plan aimed at preventing new infections and reducing HIV morbidity and mortality in those already infected in the U.S. and internationally. Though substantial progress in the development of strategies to prevent and manage HIV infection has occurred, less than 20% of individuals who need prevention services have access to them and only 7% of HIV-infected persons in low and middle-income countries can access antiretroviral medications (UNAIDS 2004 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic). Development of safe and effective vaccines, microbicides and other protection methods, improvement of regimens to safely prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to child, and continued development of new therapeutic agents are essential to halting the spread of HIV and optimally treating those already infected. Significant questions remain, especially in resource-limited settings, regarding the most effective ways to use currently available anti-HIV agents to attain long-term health maintenance, prevent the development of resistance, preserve immune function, manage co-infections and complications of HIV and HIV therapy, and prevent the spread of HIV. Though these areas of inquiry have been advanced significantly through the existing Clinical Trial Networks supported by DAIDS (e.g. vaccine development, prevention sciences, therapeutics), avenues of future research must cut across the traditional Network boundaries to ensure the most efficient and effective use of available resources and to achieve the mission of DAIDS.
IV. Objectives and Scope
The NIAID HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks must be configured with sufficient flexibility and linkages to enable efficient response to new scientific opportunities and outreach to communities in which key questions around HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment research must be addressed to safeguard the public health. By competing these Networks under a single RFA, DAIDS aims to: 1) develop a consortium of linked Clinical Trials Networks; 2) establish priorities across a broad range of clinical research activities; 3) coordinate activities across Networks to ensure high caliber science; 4) increase efficiency through resource sharing; 5) flexibly allocate and distribute resources in response to priority research opportunities, and; 6) leverage complementary strengths and resources within and outside the Networks. The research activities of the funded Networks will be closely coordinated with other complementary programs within DAIDS (e.g. Comprehensive International Programs for Research on AIDS (CIPRA), the Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR), the NIAID (e.g. programs in the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and NIAID's intramural research program), as well as ongoing and planned HIV/AIDS research programs ongoing/planned in other NIH Institutes and Centers, other Federal agencies (e.g. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Resources and Services Administration , the U.S. Agency for International Development), and other sponsors (e.g. other governments, institutes, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, charitable organizations, pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, etc.).
A. The NIAID Research Agenda for HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention Clinical Research
1. Vaccine Research and Development
Vaccine research and development remains the number one priority of DAIDS, with the ultimate objective of identifying a safe vaccine that will protect all persons against infection and/or disease progression, and will also protect the public against further transmission throughout the world and against all clades of HIV and routes of transmission. NIAID expects to be supporting two to three Phase I/II vaccine trials by 2006. There also will be a number of additional candidate vaccines in Phase I/II trials, including several that are multi-clade or seek to induce strong cellular immune responses and that have shown promise in non-human primate models. During the period 2006-2013, this vaccine development effort will need a clinical research mechanism that can pursue a number of priorities. These include the following:
NIMH research priorities include the investigation of factors that affect understanding about product efficacy, its impact on acceptance and use of HIV vaccines, and the impact that vaccine availability might have on adherence to risk reduction guidelines.
Vaccine testing in adolescents and collaboration with the NICHD Adolescent Trials Network for vaccine testing are research priorities for NICHD.
The Partnership for AIDS Vaccine Development (PAVE), http://www.pave.org, a collaboration between the NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Defense (DoD), and the recently announced “Global Vaccine Enterprise,” are alliances of multiple independent entities to develop and execute an integrated global vaccine evaluation plan. DAIDS will continue to play a key role in these groups. Network collaborations with these other HIV vaccine groups may be of great importance in addressing critical challenges in vaccine research and development, such as identifying, recruiting, and retaining the highest risk populations, implementing advanced product development and manufacturing, developing the necessary facilities and infrastructure for clinical trials, and training a larger cadre of scientists to conduct research. Development of prevention messages are also an important component of vaccine protocols because they can anticipate and address potential increases in risk behavior after vaccine rollout. In addition, some individuals will become infected during a vaccine trial, and there may be a scientific and ethical need to follow these cases for many years, if not for the life of the participant, at considerable cost.
2. Translational Research/Drug Development
A long-term goal of DAIDS is to develop therapeutics that prevent progression and death from HIV disease, prevent and manage the complications related to HIV disease and its therapies, prevent the emergence of HIV drug-resistant variants, block the transmission of HIV, and ultimately “cure” HIV infection by eradicating the virus and eliminating reservoirs. DAIDS will need to address the highest public health priorities and collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to assure rapid development of the most promising agents. In addition, this clinical research must be conducted in all appropriate populations in order to facilitate licensure (such as pharmacokinetic and safety studies in children, adolescents, and pregnant women) and to optimize use. During the next decade, it is anticipated that drugs will be developed against at least two new HIV targets, fixed-dose combinations will become the standard of care, and noticeable progress will be made in integrating therapies to enhance immunity. This will be accomplished by conducting studies to:
Research efforts in this area should complement and expand research performed by industry and will require close collaboration with other NIH institutes. NICHD supports an extensive research agenda relevant to the treatment of HIV and its complications in infants, children, adolescents, pregnant and non-pregnant women, domestically and internationally. NICHD anticipates continued collaboration and integrated research efforts between NIAID sponsored clinical trials networks and the NICHD Pediatric/Perinatal Network and additional collaborations with the NICHD ATN.
NCI supports an extensive research agenda relevant to cancer treatment in HIV-positive persons of all ages. It is anticipated that NCI and NIAID-sponsored networks will collaboratively develop and implement studies in areas of mutual scientific interest, including HPV and hepatitis.
3. Optimization of Clinical Management, Including Co-Morbidities
Optimization of clinical management to reduce disease progression and minimize co-morbidities is a high priority treatment research area for DAIDS. The reduction of peak viremia and long-term viral load suppression, reconstitution of the immune system, and mitigation of ART toxicities are essential in achieving these objectives. This will be accomplished by the following:
NIDCR has identified the following research priorities (additional review criteria apply - see Section V.2.IV):
Participation of other NIH institutes, as well as other Federal agencies and international partners (e.g., DoD, European Union, World Health Organization, CDC, World Bank and others) is essential to be able to carry out DAIDS scientific agenda in this area. Other NIH Institutes have indicated their interest in participating in the following research areas:
4. Microbicides
The objectives of DAIDS microbicides research are to identify a microbicide that is safe and at least partially effective in preventing HIV acquisition and transmission, determine the correlates of short- and long-term safety, and evaluate and optimize product acceptability and adherence to its appropriate use. By 2006, DAIDS expects to have launched an efficacy trial of two candidate topical microbicides. Additional candidates are in earlier stages of the developmental pipeline with a significant number expeditiously advancing toward clinical evaluation. In collaboration with NIAID's Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and other partners, DAIDS envisions a Clinical Trials Network capable of conducting all stages of clinical research and collaborating closely with entities involved in clinical research and development. DAIDS' focus is on products that are safe enough for daily use and that incorporate multiple mechanisms of attack. Behavioral research will be a key component, as will exploration of candidates that may permit delivery to be dissociated from sexual activity. This research agenda will be accomplished by the following:
The NIDCR has identified the following research priority (additional review criteria apply - see Section V.2.IV):
NICHD supports studies related to microbicides and genital mucosal immunity. The NICHD's Contraceptive and Reproductive Health Branch supports the Contraceptive Clinical Trials Network (CCTN), which conducts clinical trials on oral, injectable, implantable, or topical contraceptive drugs/devices and microbicides, as well as on genital mucosal immunity. The Demographic and Behavioral Sciences Branch at NICHD conducts studies related to behavioral aspects of microbicide use, including determinants of sexual behavior and of microbicide acceptability by individuals and communities.
The research area of microbides will require extensive coordination with the NIAID Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, the NICHD, microbicide developers, and other research organizations to: (i) ensure the most efficient and effective use of available resources; (ii) pursue the highest priority candidate microbicides; and (iii) help ensure that the global clinical research agenda is maximally comprehensive and minimally duplicative. NIAID and NICHD sponsor the Integrated Preclinical/Clinical Program for HIV Topical Microbicides and NICHD supports the Microbicide Quality Assurance contract; collaborations with these researchers and others who are advancing microbicide candidates through preclinical development or conducting pharmacological or other relevant research are essential.
5. Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV
The research objectives for preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV are to: (i) identify safe, practical and more effective approaches to further reduce MTCT, especially in resource-limited settings; (ii) define treatment options for pregnant and breastfeeding women and their newborns, both separately and as a unit; and (iii) develop knowledge to ensure the prolonged success of MTCT programs without compromising future treatment options for women. One of the success stories in MTCT is the effectiveness of nevirapine (NVP) in preventing transmission, and several trials are currently underway to evaluate the use of NVP to prevent transmission from breast milk and to optimize combination ART in NVP-exposed mothers and infants. In addition, several new candidate HIV vaccines will soon be ready for testing in HIV-exposed infants. Priorities for MTCT research in the years 2006-2013 will be to optimize treatment regimens both for mothers who are not yet on ART drugs, and for mothers who are already taking ART for their own care. In both cases, the goals will be to simplify delivery of care while improving the health of HIV-infected pregnant women, minimizing toxicity and drug resistance, and decreasing the risk of HIV transmission to their infants. Another priority will be to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of new drugs, combinations and vaccines in women, including those who are pregnant, and in HIV-exposed infants. This will be accomplished by conducting studies to:
Participation of other NIH institutes, particularly the NICHD, as well as other Federal agencies (e.g. CDC and DoD) and other international partners (e.g. Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (http://www.pedaids.org) and the MTCT-Plus Initiative (http://www.mtctplus.org) is essential to be able to carry out the NIAID scientific agenda. NICHD supports an extensive research agenda relevant to the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission focused on pregnant women, postpartum and breastfeeding women, and infants, domestically and internationally, that can be accessed at (http://www.niaid.nih.gov/daids/rfa/network06/default.htm). NICHD anticipates continued collaboration and integrated research efforts between NIAID-sponsored clinical trials networks and the NICHD Pediatric/Perinatal Network and additional collaborations with the NICHD ATN.
6. Prevention of HIV Infection
The DAIDS objectives in the area of prevention research are to: (1) identify practical, safe and effective approaches to halt the spread of HIV, especially in domestic and international populations at greatest risk; (2) develop integrated behavioral and biomedical prevention models that are efficacious, cost-effective, locally-appropriate, and sustainable; and (3) demonstrate the generalizability of integrated prevention programs to different cultural contexts and the feasibility of scaling up. Clinical trials are already underway to evaluate several drug-based prevention strategies, the protective value of adult circumcision, community-based voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) programs, and a community-based social diffusion prevention program to prevent epidemic spread. However, because incident HIV infections are driven by individuals with acute early HIV infection, greater availability and use of antiretroviral therapies, VCT, and behavioral prevention strategies targeted at seropositive individuals may lower transmission risks to uninfected persons, particularly those in resource-limited settings. Thus, the priority of prevention research will be to target newly-infected individuals and their partners and to test culturally-appropriate prevention science that integrates biomedical and technological advances, behavioral prevention strategies and interventions, sexually transmitted disease treatment, and provision of antiretroviral therapy. This will be accomplished by conducting studies to:
This research area will require extensive collaboration with NIH Institutes that conduct and sponsor prevention research (e.g. NICHD, NIDA, NIMH) and with researchers that they support. The NICHD supports an extensive research agenda relevant to the prevention of HIV through investigations related to women's health, and social and behavioral studies of the acceptability of various interventions and delivery methods for prevention of HIV in men, women and youth, domestically and internationally. NICHD anticipates continued co-sponsorship with NIAID of clinical trials networks focused on HIV prevention and encourages additional collaborations with the NICHD ATN. NINR has identified the development of prevention interventions based on biobehavioral and sociocultural dynamics in diverse populations such as adolescents, women and minorities as high priority research areas. Coordination with other research organizations and sponsors is required to help ensure that the global clinical research agenda is maximally comprehensive and minimally duplicative.
B. Options for the Scope of Applications
Through this solicitation and a forthcoming solicitation for Units for HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks , NIAID and collaborating ICs intend to fund between three and six HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks.
The Leadership of each Clinical Trials Network for HIV/AIDS must identify one or more of the six DAIDS high priority research areas (1) Vaccine Research and Development; (2) Translational Research/Drug Development; (3) Optimization of Clinical Management, Including Co-Morbidities; (4) Microbicides; (5) Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV; and (6) Prevention of HIV Infection) in which it will work cooperatively with DAIDS and collaborating ICs, and propose a focused research plan that addresses the most significant issues in that research area. NIAID may fund more than one Network Leadership in any of these six high priority research areas in order to ensure the representative inclusion of at risk and/or affected populations and when there is strong evidence of cross-Network coordination and collaboration.
C. Network Structure
Each HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network must include Network Leadership, Clinical Trial Units, and several committees as described below. The Network Leadership is responsible for ensuring that the Network's major structural components are capable of carrying out their respective responsibilities and operate in a well coordinated fashion. The Network bylaws, policies and operating procedures for all aspects of Network activities must be submitted to DAIDS for review within 120 days after award and must be in concert with NIH, NIAID, and DAIDS policies. DAIDS approval of Network bylaws, policies and operating procedures is required prior to initiating enrollment in any new protocol. This requirement for DAIDS review and approval of all Network bylaws, policies and procedures prior to initiating new protocols will be incorporated in the Terms of Award in the Notice of Grant Award.
1. Network Leadership
The Network Leadership must have the following three components:
2. Clinical Trial Units (CTU)
CTUs contribute to the Network clinical research plan by conducting clinical research, providing scientific expertise, and expanding the capability of the Network(s). CTUs are responsible for developing and maintaining effective community relationships; enabling community participation in clinical research sites, CTU, and Network activities; and ensuring that all clinical research is conducted in compliance with Network bylaws, policies and procedures, DAIDS policy and procedures, Federal regulations, and any applicable local requirements.
Each Clinical Trial Unit within a Network must have the following components:
Identification of CTUs and clinical research sites by Network Leadership successful applicants in response to this RFA does not imply CTU or clinical research site funding. NIAID and collaborating ICs will issue a separate solicitation to request applications for CTUs to affiliate with one or more Clinical Trials Networks. Priority will be placed on reaching under-represented populations severely impacted by the epidemic, including women, adolescents, and minorities in the U.S. as well as populations in resource-limited settings worldwide.
3. Committees
The Network must include, at a minimum, the following committees:
4. Collaborations with DAIDS and other HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks
The Network Leadership will be expected to give high priority to collaborating with the other DAIDS- and NIH-sponsored HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks. Such collaborations are essential for the development and implementation of a cross-cutting, interdisciplinary research agenda. Sharing expertise, resources, and procedures is expected in key areas including: development of international sites in resource-limited settings; harmonization of laboratory resources and specimen management; common data elements and data entry interfaces; the development, training and support of Community Advisory Boards; and site staff training.
These collaborations will be facilitated by the following cross-Network activities:
Managing Partners. A group known as Managing Partners will be established to promote optimal joint research activities among the Networks Leadership and the multiple Network components. Responsibilities of the Managing Partners will include coordinating common Network operational activities, maximizing use of clinical trial infrastructure and resources, ensuring exchange of current information on study protocols and future plans, developing and implementing a uniform approach to Network self-evaluation processes, and making recommendations concerning Network sites or infrastructure assets. Working groups, composed of Network members with the appropriate expertise to address specific areas, are anticipated. The Managing Partners will not set Network-specific priorities. At a minimum, each Network CORE PI or designee will be a voting member of the Managing Partners, as will representatives of DAIDS (DAIDS Program Directors and the Director, Office of Policy and Clinical Research Operations) and the Community Partners. Ad hoc members may be appointed by the Director of DAIDS as necessary to ensure effective representation and communication. Logistic support for the Managing Partners will be provided by a DAIDS support contract.
The Managing Partners will be required to convene in the Bethesda, Maryland area for the purpose of establishing immediate goals, meeting schedules, and operating procedures within 60 days of the final Leadership awards. They will submit to DAIDS a comprehensive plan for cross-Network coordination, enhancement of cross-Network leadership, accountability, and scientific coordination to DAIDS within 120 days after Network Leadership awards are made. These requirements for convening the Managing Partners and submission of comprehensive plans will be incorporated into the Terms of Award in the Notice of Grant Award.
5. Flexible Resource Allocation
Rapid responses to unanticipated high priority research opportunities require timely reordering of priorities accompanied by reallocation of resources to accommodate the changing priorities. A system of ongoing performance evaluation that ensures maximal efficiency and effectiveness of all Network components, coupled with the allocation of reserve funds by DAIDS and of Protocol Implementation Funds by the Network Leadership, will be adopted to meet this challenge. In addition, in order to ensure that the available funds are used for the highest priority clinical research, annual unobligated balances for the grants awarded under this RFA will be allocated at the discretion of the NIAID.
Detailed information on the requirements for the Network Leadership are specified in Section VI.2.A the “Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award”.
Section II. Award Information1. Mechanism(s) of Support
This funding opportunity will use the U01 award mechanism(s). As an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.
This funding opportunity uses just-in-time concepts and non-modular budget formats.
The NIH (U 01 ) is a cooperative agreement award mechanism. In the cooperative agreement mechanism, the Principal Investigator retains the primary responsibility and dominant role for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project, with NIH staff being substantially involved as a partner with the Principal Investigator, as described under the Section VI. 2. Administrative Requirements, "Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award".
2. Funds Available
The participating ICs intend to commit approximately $150 million dollars in FY 2006 to fund three to six new and/or competitive continuation grants in response to this RFA. An applicant may request a project period of up to seven years. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size of each award will also vary. The first-year awards are expected to range between $10 million and $20 million in direct costs. Although the financial plans of the ICs provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this funding opportunity are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Facilities and administrative costs are not included in the direct cost limitation, see NOT-OD-04-040.
The NIDCR has identified research priorities related to oral health and oral complications of HIV and intends to commit approximately $2 million in the first year to support meritorious clinical research conducted within the HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks that addresses its mission and priorities. NIDCR reserves the right to include additional Terms and Conditions of Award to ensure ongoing participation of interdisciplinary scientists in the research, appropriate representation on scientific committees, and NIDCR review and approval prior to initiation.
The intent of NIDA, NIMH, and NICHD is to provide continued support at their current level of funding for HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks for clinical research activities that are meritorious and address the mission and priorities of the ICs.
NINR and NIAAA have identified areas of scientific interest and expressed interest in providing funding for clinical research activities that are meritorious and address the mission and priorities of the ICs, though the amount of funding available has not yet been determined.
Section III. Eligibility Information1. Eligible Applicants
1.A. Eligible Institutions
You may submit (an) application(s) if your organization has any of the following characteristics:
Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the awardee institution for any component. Foreign institutions are eligible to submit (an) application(s) as collaborators in Network activities including Operations, Statistical and Data Management, or the Network Laboratory structure.
1.B. Eligible Individuals
Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH programs.
2. Cost Sharing
This program does not require cost sharing as defined in the current NIH Grants Policy Statement at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part2.htm.
3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria
Applicants may submit multiple applications under this announcement. Institutions and Investigators with laboratory, statistical, data management, or administrative or operational expertise may collaborate with more than one Network.
Section IV. Application and Submission Information1. Address to Request Application Information
The PHS 398 application instructions are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 435-0714, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.
Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY 301-451-0088.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms. Applications must have a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as the universal identifier when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-5711 or through the web site at http://www.dnb.com. The D&B number should be entered on line 11 of the face page of the PHS 398 form.
The title and number of this funding opportunity must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be checked.
See Section VI.2 Administrative Requirements for additional information.
3. Submission Dates
Applications must be mailed on or before the receipt date described below (Section IV.3.A).
3.A. Receipt, Review and Anticipated Start Dates
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): April 11, 2005
Application Receipt Date(s): May 11, 2005
Peer Review Date(s): October, 2005
Council Review Date(s) : January, 2006
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: March, 2006
3.A.1. Letter of Intent
Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information:
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.
The letter of intent is to be sent by the date listed at the beginning of this document.
The letter of intent should be sent to:
Dr. Peter Jackson
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Room 3140, MSC-7616
6700-B Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-7616 (U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service; non-USPS service)
Telephone: 301-496-8426
FAX: 301-480-2310
Email: pj8v@nih.gov
3.B. Sending an Application to the NIH
Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms as described above. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and three signed photocopies in one package to:
Center for Scientific Review
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD 20892-7710 (U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service; non-USPS service)
At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application and all copies of the appendix material must be sent to:
Dr. Peter Jackson
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Room 3140, MSC-7616
6700-B Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-7616 (U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service; non-USPS service)
Telephone: 301-496 8426
FAX: 301-480-2310
Email: pj8v@nih.gov
Using the RFA Label: The RFA label available in the PHS 398 application instructions must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application. Type the RFA number on the label. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. The RFA label is also available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/labels.pdf.
3.C. Application Processing
Applications must be received on or before the application receipt date listed in the heading of this funding opportunity. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. Applications will be evaluated for completeness by CSR.
The NIH will not accept any application in response to this funding opportunity that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. However, when a previously unfunded application, originally submitted as an investigator-initiated application, is to be submitted in response to a funding opportunity, it is to be prepared as a NEW application. That is, the application for the funding opportunity must not include an Introduction describing the changes and improvements made, and the text must not be marked to indicate the changes from the previous unfunded version of the application.
Although there is no immediate acknowledgement of the receipt of an application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding assignment within eight (8) weeks.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.
5. Funding Restrictions
All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. The Grants Policy Statement can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm (See also Section VI.3. Award Criteria).
6. Other Submission Requirements
I. Web Site for Application Information
NIAID has established a web site http://www.niaid.nih.gov/daids/rfa/network06/default.htm containing suggested forms and templates for use in preparing applications in response to this RFA.
II. Principal Investigator
A Principal Investigator who proposes to form a Network and assume the role of CORE PI is responsible for coordinating the preparation of a set of 1 to 3 complementary applications that cover the following Network Leadership components:
One (1) Coordinating and Research Operations Center (CORE)
One (1) Network Laboratories (NL)
One (1) Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC)
III. Submission and Award Options
Applicants may apply for up to 3 separate U01s to create the Network Leadership structure: 1 U01 for the Coordinating and Research Operations Center (CORE), 1 U01 for the Network Laboratories (NL), and 1 U01 for the Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC). Alternatively, applicants may choose to combine one or more of these components into a single application under a single PI. For example, the CORE application may include the SDMC or the NL or both. Irrespective of the choice made, applicants should follow the instructions below regarding organization of the application(s) and page limits. Awards will follow the pattern of applications submitted for each successful Network Leadership, but will require three viable components, however submitted.
IV. Participation in Multiple Networks
Institutions and investigators with laboratory, statistical, data management, or administrative or operational expertise are encouraged to collaborate with more than one Network. Any anticipated achievements in efficiency and effectiveness through sharing of central resources should be explicitly stated in each application.
V. Instructions for Assembly of Applications
Regardless of how the components are proposed (as 1, 2 or 3 separate applications), each individual application must contain a section ‘Overview of Entire Network Leadership Application' describing the Network Leadership applications as a whole, to provide full context for reviewers. These sections may be identical in all individual applications submitted. Further information about this section is located below in B. Specific instructions for the CORE, Laboratories, Statistical and Data Management Center are located below in C, D, and E, respectively.
Each application (whether 1, 2 or 3 separate applications for a Network) should be assembled in the order that follows. If more than one component is included in a single application, the components should be arranged and addressed in the following order: (1) CORE, (2) Laboratories, (3) Statistical and Data Management Center.
1. PHS 398 Face Page applicable only for the components included within this application (1, 2, or 3).
2. PHS 398 Form Page 2 describing all components (whether 1, 2, or 3) included within the application.
3. List of all participating institutions and key investigators/personnel at each of the included components, noting component with which they are affiliated.
4. Table of Contents for Individual Application. If two or more components are included, do not use form page 3 of the PHS 398; a more comprehensive table of contents is needed. Since the application will be peer-reviewed component by component, prepare a detailed table of contents that will enable reviewers to locate information pertinent to each included component, as well as to the overall Network Leadership. Identify each included component by title and component leader (if different from the CORE PI), and provide a page reference for each component's budget.
5. Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period – for included components only. Provide a Composite Budget covering all included components, matching the individual budgets provided elsewhere in the application. All budget items should be identifiable with the research priorities targeted in the CORE component/application.
6. Applicants proposing research plans in more than one of the six high priority research areas must identify the percentage of overall expenditures for each high priority research area in the budget justification. See Section C below for additional instruction regarding the CORE budgets.7. Budget for Entire Proposed Period of Support – for included components only. Provide a composite budget in matrix form showing the annual totals of each included component, the annual totals of all included components, and the all-years totals for each component and all components.
Applicants proposing research plans in more than one of the six high priority research areas must identify the percentage of overall expenditures for each high priority research area in the budget justification.
8. Overview of Entire Network Leadership Application. See B below.
9. CORE (if applicable)
Cover page PHS 398 Form Page 2 describing the CORE.
Resources for theCORE.
Research Plan. Specific instructions for completing
Sections a. – d. are located below in C. Sections e. – i. As described in PHS 398 instructions. Sections on human subjects research and related issues, vertebrate animals, literature resources, consultants, etc., may be included here and do not count against page limits for the component.
10. Network Laboratory (NL) Structure (if applicable) Cover page PHS 398 Form Page 2 describing the NL. Resources for the NL. Research Plan. Specific instructions for the NL are located below in D. Sections e. – i. As described in PHS 398 instructions. Sections on human subjects research and related issues, vertebrate animals, literature resources, consultants, etc. may be included here and do not count against page limits for the component.
11. Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC) (if applicable)
Cover page
PHS 398 Form Page 2 describing the SDMC.
Resources for statistical and data management.
Research Plan. Specific instructions for SDMC are located below in E.
Sections e. – i. As described in PHS 398 instructions. Sections on human subjects research and related issues, vertebrate animals, literature resources, consultants, etc., may be included here and do not count against page limits for the component.
12. All Biographical Sketches for all included components should be positioned at the end of the application with the application's Principal Investigator first, followed by other key personnel in alphabetical order. Do not include Biographical Sketches of key persons in the ‘Overview of Entire Network Leadership Application' section who are not otherwise involved in included components. Do not submit Other Support pages; these will be requested by NIAID “just-in-time” for an award.
13. Checklist for the entire application
14. Appendices. Appendices are limited to 30 pages per component. Note: Key information submitted in the appendix should be clearly referenced in the Research Plan Section. Information submitted as appendices should be limited to essential materials in support of the application; summaries or examples of information are encouraged. Applicants should not submit manuals of operation or full sets of standard operating procedures. Applicants should understand that appendices will be used for supplemental information and may not be made available to all reviewers. Letters of support that do not formally commit to contributions to the program should not be included.
B. Overview of Entire Network Leadership Application (all components, whether included in application or not)
1. Summary Page (do not use PHS 398 Face Page), containing the following information: Title of Network; Proposed Period of Performance (from – to); Network PI (CORE PI) – name, title, organizational affiliation; Laboratories PI – name, title, organizational affiliation; SDMC PI – name, title, organizational affiliation. Indicate how components are submitted (as 1, 2 or 3 applications, in which combination).
2. PHS 398 Form Page 2 describing the complete Network Leadership Application (CORE, NL, and SDMC [Omit if all 3 components are submitted in a single application]).
3. List of all participating institutions and key investigators/personnel for each component. Omit if all 3 components are submitted in a single application.
4. Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period. A composite budget should be included showing all Network components individually and in total (Omit if all 3 components are submitted in a single application.). Applicants proposing research plans in more than one of the six high priority research areas must identify the percentage of overall expenditures for each high priority research area for each individual budget in the budget justification.
5. Budget for Entire Proposed Period of Support. Provide a composite budget for all years showing all Network components individually and in total (Omit if all 3 components are submitted in a single application.). Applicants proposing research plans in more than one of the six high priority research areas must identify the percentage of overall expenditures for each high priority research area for each individual budget in the budget justification.
6. Network Overview (20 pages or less). Briefly describe the Network, its mission, organizational structure including scientific committees, and key scientific and administrative personnel. Describe how the components will interact to address specific research priorities of the Network, showing the place of each component in the overall scheme. Summarize special features in the environment and resources that make this Network strong or unique.
C. Additional Instructions for Coordinating and Research Operations Center (CORE) component.
1. PHS 398 Form Page 4: Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period. A composite budget must be included. All budget items should be identifiable with the research priorities targeted in the CORE application. The budget must include the following categories in this order:
i. Administrative support for the Coordinating and Research Operations Center (CORE).
ii. Coordination and logistic support for the Network Leadership to include the PI, Executive Committee, scientific committees, resource committees and meetings.
iii. CORE support for protocol development, implementation and oversight.
Applicants proposing research plans in more than one of the six high priority research areas must identify the percentage of overall expenditures for each high priority research area in the budget justification for each individual budget.
2. PHS 398 Form Page 5: Budget for Entire Proposed Period of Support. Provide a composite budget followed by breakdowns for:
i. Administrative support for the Coordinating and Research Operations Center (CORE).
ii. Coordination and logistic support for the Network Leadership to include the PI, Executive Committee, scientific committees, resource committees and meetings.
iii. CORE support for protocol development, implementation and oversight.
Applicants proposing research plans in more than one of the six high priority research areas must identify the percentage of overall expenditures for each high priority research area in the budget justification for each individual budget.
3. CORE Research Plan (items a-d). Limit to 150 pages: Note that face pages, biographical sketches, budget pages, literature citations, letters of support, checklists and other form pages are excluded from the page limits. Use the topics identified below and items in Section 2.A. Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award as a guide for writing the research plan in lieu of items a. – d. listed on pages 17-18 of the PHS 398 application brochure.Research Plan for High Priority Research Area(s) . Identify one or more of the six DAIDS high priority research areas and propose a focused clinical research plan that addresses the most significant issues in the research area(s) selected. Applicants should address each high priority research area separately, though the advantages of a research plan that includes multiple high priority research areas should be discussed. The proposed research plan may include the continuation of clinical trials ongoing in existing DAIDS-sponsored Networks, but the applicant must document the rationale for continuing such studies and describe how those studies will contribute to the proposed research program. The application also should describe the procedures that will be used to ensure that the overall demographic diversity of study participants is reflective of the population affected by HIV.
Network Leadership commitment to oral health agenda.
PI, Network Leadership, Network Structure . Applicants responding to this solicitation should propose an efficient Network structure containing the major elements required for the conduct of clinical research. The organizational and governing structure, including lines of authority, decision making processes, key scientific participants, and the processes and timelines for establishing bylaws, policies, and procedures that will govern Network activities must be described. The use of tables, diagrams, organizational and flow charts is strongly encouraged. A plan for transition from current awardees or institutions must be included, if appropriate. The Network should describe its plans to incorporate new, minority, and women Investigators into the Network's activities.
A CORE Operations Center . The Operations Center is a required element of every CORE application. It is expected to provide scientific and administrative leadership, central operations and communications for the Network activities. Describe the organizational structure, including lines of authority, decision making processes, key personnel, policy and procedures for Network communication, committee support, and protocol development. The use of tables, diagrams, flow charts, and organizational charts is strongly encouraged. A plan for transition from current awardees or institutions must be included, if appropriate.
Community Advisory Board(s). Describe the organizational structures and Network policy and procedures for ensuring community input and community representation within the Network. This should include local representation at CTUs and clinical research sites, representation on scientific and resource committees, and in protocol development, implementation and oversight. Identify means by which the Network intends to facilitate and support activities of the Community Advisory Board(s), including the provision of awareness, training and education and resources required to meet community goals.
Proposed Clinical Trial Units and Units for HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks . Identify the approximate number and capacity of the clinical research sites the proposed Network will require to efficiently and effectively enroll participants into the proposed clinical studies. The applicant should propose a constellation of CTUs with clinical research sites and describe the criteria and process used to select them. Each CTU will consist of an Administrative Component and one or more Clinical Research Sites that will efficiently and effectively enroll subjects in the clinical research, contribute to the Network science, and engage in capacity building at lesser developed clinical research sites.
CTUs named in the Core Application should be briefly described including site expertise, experience in HIV clinical research and how the site will contribute to the Network research plan. All proposed sites, regardless of location, should meet basic requirements for the conduct of clinical research and be able to initiate subject recruitment within the first 6 months of award. Basic requirements for the conduct of clinical research include identified clinical investigators, necessary infrastructure for the research proposed such as clinical, laboratory and pharmacy facilities, and evidence of institutional support for the conduct of clinical research under U.S. regulations.
NOTE: Applications for CTUs will be solicited, submitted, reviewed and funded under a separate but linked RFA solicitation, and thus full details on proposed CTUs and sites are not required here. Through this forthcoming solicitation, DAIDS will require that each Clinical Research Site maintain an average monthly census of 20 participants over a 12 month period for each Network. That is, each Clinical Research Site within a CTU must enroll and follow sufficient participants so that the average number of participants per month ‘on study' is no less than 20 over a 12 month period. The minimum of 20 enrollees applies to each Network with which the site is affiliated. NIAID will not make awards to or include institutions in awards that do not have an active Institutional Review Board/Ethics Committee registered at OHRP and a Federal Wide Assurance.
NOTE: Applicants must not include CTUs or Clinical Research Sites in the CORE organizational structure or provide resources for site operational costs within the CORE Budget.
Protocol Implementation Funds . Applicants are required to propose policy and procedures that will be used to plan for the expenditure and management of these funds. These procedures must include formula(s) that will be used by the Network Leadership to calculate per participant protocol-related costs for the clinical research studies planned as well as how these calculations will be used in determining allocations to clinical research sites and other Network components.
Performance Evaluation . Applicants should describe criteria and processes for ongoing evaluation and problem resolution of all Network components, including CORE, Operations Office, Statistical and Data Management Centers, Laboratories, committees, protocol teams and clinical research sites. It is expected that Networks will meet best practices for clinical trials conduct of public and private sectors.
D. Additional Instructions for Network Laboratory (NL) Structure Component
1. PHS 398 Form Page 4: Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period . A composite budget should be included showing the administrative support for the NL and all performance sites individually and in total. Applicants proposing research plans in more than one of the six high priority research areas must identify the percentage of overall expenditures for each high priority research area in the budget justification for each individual budget.
2. PHS 398 Form Page 5: Budget for Entire Proposed Period of Support . A composite budget should be included showing the administrative support for the NL and all performance sites individually and in total. Applicants proposing research plans in more than one of the six high priority research areas must identify the percentage of overall expenditures for each high priority research area in the budget justification for each individual budget.
3. Network Laboratories Research Plan (items a. – d.). Limit to 60 pages: Note that face pages, biographical sketches, budget pages, literature citations, letters of support, checklists and other form pages are excluded from the page limits . Use the topics identified below and items in section 2.A. Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award as a guide for writing the research plan in lieu of items a. – d. listed on pages 17-18 of the PHS 398 application brochure.
The Research Plan should address the following:
E. Additional Instructions for Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC) Component
1. PHS 398 Form Page 4: Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period . A composite budget should be included showing administrative support for the SDMC, statistical support and data management activities individually and in total. Applicants proposing research plans in more than one of the six high priority research areas must identify the percentage of overall expenditures for each high priority research area in the budget justification for each individual budget.
2. PHS 398 Form Page 5: Budget for Entire Proposed Period of Support . A composite budget should be included showing administrative support for the SDMC, statistical support and data management activities. Applicants proposing research plans in more than one of the six high priority research areas must identify the percentage of overall expenditures for each high priority research area in the budget justification for each individual budget.
3. Research Plan (items a. – d.). Limit to 60 pages: Note that face pages, biographical sketches, budget pages, literature citations, letters of support, checklists and other form pages are excluded from the page limits. Use the topics identified below and items in section 2.A. Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award as a guide for writing the research plan in lieu of items a. – d. listed on pages 17-18 of the PHS 398 application brochure.
A Statistical and Data Management Center (SDMC) application should propose biostatistical leadership and central data management capabilities for the proposed Network clinical research plan.
The SDMC Research Plan should address the following:
Plan for Sharing Research Data
The precise content of the data-sharing plan will vary, depending on the data being collected and how the investigator is planning to share the data. Applicants who are planning to share data may wish to describe briefly the expected schedule for data sharing, the format of the final dataset, the documentation to be provided, whether or not any analytic tools also will be provided, whether or not a data-sharing agreement will be required and, if so, a brief description of such an agreement (including the criteria for deciding who can receive the data and whether or not any conditions will be placed on their use), and the mode of data sharing (e.g., under their own auspices by mailing a disk or posting data on their institutional or personal website, through a data archive or enclave). Investigators choosing to share under their own auspices may wish to enter into a data-sharing agreement. References to data sharing may also be appropriate in other sections of the application.
All applicants must include a plan for sharing research data in their application. The data sharing policy is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing. All investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a description of how final research data will be shared, or explain why data sharing is not possible.
The reasonableness of the data sharing plan or the rationale for not sharing research data will be assessed by the reviewers. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed data sharing plan into the determination of scientific merit or the priority score.
Sharing Research Resources
NIH policy requires that grant awardee recipients make unique research resources readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community after publication. NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm and http://www.ott.nih.gov/policy/rt_guide_final.html . Investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a plan for sharing research resources addressing how unique research resources will be shared or explain why sharing is not possible.
The adequacy of the data sharing plan and the resources sharing plan will be considered by Program staff of the funding organization when making recommendations about funding applications. The effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as part of the administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report. (PHS 2590). See Section VI.3. Award Criteria.
1. Criteria
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.
Overlaid upon the standard review criteria listed under section 3. below, the following items will be considered in the determination of scientific merit and the priority score:
A. NETWORK CLINICAL RESEARCH PLAN
- Scientific merit, innovation, and feasibility of the proposed scientific priorities and research plan.
- Potential for the proposed research plan to advance HIV prevention or clinical care.
- Potential for the proposed research plan to be applicable to groups most severely impacted by HIV/AIDS, including women, adolescents, and racial/ethnic minorities.
B. CROSS-NETWORK COLLABORATIONS
- Strength, scientific merit, and feasibility of plans to pursue scientific questions of mutual relevance through collaboration and integration with other groups (other DAIDS and NIH-sponsored HIV/AIDS Clinical Trial Networks and other relevant clinical research groups).
- Potential, based upon scientific breadth and experience of the Scientific Leadership, to enable productive cross-Network scientific collaborations.
- Potential contribution to efforts to maximize organizational efficiency and effectiveness through cooperation and coordination with other DAIDS and NIH-sponsored HIV/AIDS Clinical Trial Networks. Key areas include a.) development of international clinical research sites, b.) harmonization of Network policies and procedures, c.) sharing of laboratory resources and procedures d.) identification of common data elements, data dictionaries, and data interfaces, e.) training and support of Community Advisory Boards, and f.) training of Network and site staff.
C. NETWORK STRUCTURE AND LEADERSHIP
- Adequacy of the Principal Investigator's qualifications, time commitment, experience and vision for the design, coordination, and direction of multicenter HIV clinical research.
- Adequacy of the Scientific Leadership's qualifications, time commitment, and experience in the design, coordination, and direction of multicenter HIV clinical research.
- Appropriateness and clarity of the organizational structure and lines of authority for the overall Network.
- Appropriateness of proposed size and structure of the Network to meet scientific goals.
- Appropriateness of criteria and standards used to select and propose clinical sites for affiliation with regard to future Ne