and Human Services (HHS)
EXPIRED
Department of Health and Human Services
Participating Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH), (http://www.nih.gov)
Components of Participating Organizations
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), (http://www.nida.nih.gov)
Title: 2009 NIDA Avant-Garde Award Program for HIV/AIDS Research (DP1)
Announcement Type
This is reissue of RFA-DA-08-003.
Update: The following update relating to this announcement has been issued:
Request for Applications (RFA) Number: RFA-DA-09-011
NOTICE: Applications submitted in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Federal assistance must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) using the SF424 Research and Related (R&R) forms and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED IN PAPER FORMAT.
This FOA must be read in conjunction with the application guidelines included with this announcement in Grants.gov/Apply_for_Grants (hereafter called Grants.gov/Apply).
A registration process is necessary before submission and applicants are highly encouraged to start the process at least four (4) weeks prior to the grant submission date. See Section IV.
A compatible version of Adobe Reader is required for download. For Assistance downloading this or any Grants.gov application package, please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at http://grants.gov/CustomerSupport.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s)
93.279
Key Dates
Release/Posted Date: December 10, 2008
Opening Date: May 2, 2009 (Earliest date an application may be submitted
to Grants.gov)
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): Not applicable.
NOTE: On-time submission requires that applications be successfully submitted
to Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. local time (of the applicant institution/organization).
Application Due Date(s): June 2, 2009
Reference Letter Submission/Receipt Dates: May 2,
2009 through 5:00 pm (EDT) June 2, 2009
Peer Review Date(s): July 2009
National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse Review Date(s): August
2009
Earliest Anticipated Start Date(s): September 30, 2009
Additional Information: To Be Available Date (December
12, 2008): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
at http://nida.nih.gov/avgp2009/FAQ.pdf
Expiration Date: June 3, 2009
Due Dates for E.O. 12372
Not Applicable
Additional Overview Content
Executive Summary
Table of Contents
Part I Overview Information
Part II Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Research Objectives
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism of Support
2. Funds Available
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
A. Eligible Institutions
B. Eligible Individuals
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
A. Receipt, Review, and Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Submitting an Application Electronically
to the NIH
C. Application Processing
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
6. Other Submission Requirements and Information
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
A. Additional Review Criteria
B. Additional Review Considerations
C. Resource Sharing Plan(s)
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
3. Reporting
Section VII. Agency Contacts
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s)
2. Peer Review Contact(s)
3. Financial/Grants Management Contact(s)
Section VIII. Other Information - Required Federal
Citations
Part II - Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Research Objectives
This award is designed to support individual scientists of exceptional creativity
who propose cutting edge and possibly transformative - approaches to major
challenges in biomedical and behavioral research on HIV/AIDS that are relevant
to drug abuse. The term avant-garde is used to describe highly innovative
approaches that have the potential to be transformative. It is hoped that
this high-impact research will open new areas of HIV/AIDS research and/or
lead to new avenues for treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS among drug
abusers. Proposed research should reflect ideas substantially different
from those already being pursued by the investigator or others. Biomedical
and behavioral research is defined broadly in this announcement as encompassing
scientific investigations in the biological, behavioral, clinical, social,
physical, chemical, computational, engineering, and mathematical sciences.
The award is meant to support individuals who intend to pursue research
directions that are not readily supported by other NIH grant mechanisms.
The program is not intended simply to expand the funding of an already supported
research project, but rather to support highly creative researchers to pursue
visionary concepts and approaches to research on HIV/AIDS.
See Section VIII, Other
Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related to this announcement.
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism of Support
This announcement utilizes the DP1 award mechanism. The Project Director/Principal
Investigator (PD/PI) will be solely responsible for planning, directing,
and executing the proposed project.
This FOA uses Just-in-Time information concepts.
2. Funds Available
Sufficient funds have been set aside in 2009 to provide 2-3 awards, contingent
upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number
of meritorious applications.
Awards will be for up to $500,000 in direct costs each year for five years, plus applicable Facilities and Administrative costs to be determined at the time of award.
Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs requested by consortium participants are not included in the direct cost limitation. See NOT-OD-05-004.
NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
1.A. Eligible Institutions
The following organizations/institutions are eligible
to apply:
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.
1.B. Eligible Individuals
Applicants must have submitted a pre-application under PAR-09-044 to be eligible to submit a full application in response to this FOA. Only those investigators whose proposals are judged to be the most outstanding will be notified of the opportunity to submit full (DP1) applications under RFA-DA-09-011.
The full application (DP1)
may not be significantly different from what was proposed in the X02 application
(e.g. typographical errors may be corrected, but new paragraphs may not
be added). Significant differences between the full application (DP1)
and the X02 may result in the full application not being reviewed.
Recipients of the Avant-Garde Award (DP1) are required to commit the major
portion (at least 51%) of their research effort to activities supported
by the Avant-Garde Award. Applicants who were not selected for an award
in prior years may submit pre-applications this year. There are no citizenship
or residency requirements. NIH intramural investigators
are not eligible for support under this program.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
This program does not require cost sharing
as defined in the current NIH
Grants Policy Statement.
3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria
Resubmissions of applications will not be allowed under this FOA.
Renewals applications are not allowed under this FOA.
Applicants may submit only one application as a PD/PI in response to this FOA. There is no limit to the number of applications institutions may submit. All applications will be considered new applications, regardless of any previous applications to the Avant-Garde Award Program.
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
To download a SF424 (R&R)
Application Package and SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for completing
the SF424 (R&R) forms for this FOA, use the Apply for Grant Electronically
button in this FOA or link to Grants.gov/Apply and
follow the directions provided on that Web site.
A one-time registration is required for institutions/organizations at both:
PDs/PIs should work with their institutions/organizations to make sure they are registered in the NIH eRA Commons.
Several additional separate actions are required before an applicant can submit an electronic application, as follows:
1) Organizational/Institutional Registration in Grants.gov/Get Registered
2) Organizational/Institutional Registration in the eRA Commons
3) Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) Registration in the NIH eRA Commons: Refer to the NIH eRA Commons System (COM) Users Guide.
Note that for this FOA, only one PD/PI will be allowed (i.e., no multiple PD/PIs).
Both the PDs/PI(s) and AOR/SO need separate accounts in the NIH eRA Commons since both are authorized to view the application image.
Note: If a PD/PI is also an NIH peer-reviewer the DUNS number obtained and used in the reviewer role may NOT be used and is not applicable to any Grant Application to the Federal Government. This DUNS number is different from the DUNS number used by the applicant organization. The individual DUNS number should be used only for the purposes of personal reimbursement.
Several of the steps of the registration process could take four weeks or more. Therefore, applicants should immediately check with their business official to determine whether their organization/institution is already registered in both Grants.gov and the Commons. The NIH will accept electronic applications only from organizations that have completed all necessary registrations.
1. Request Application Information
Applicants must download the SF424 (R&R) application
forms and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for this FOA through Grants.gov/Apply.
Note: Only the forms package
directly attached to a specific FOA can be used. You will not be able
to use any other SF424 (R&R) forms (e.g., sample forms, forms from
another FOA), although some of the "Attachment" files may be
useable for more than one FOA.
For further assistance, contact Grants Info -- Telephone
301-710-0267; Email: [email protected]
Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY 301-451-5936.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Prepare all applications using the SF424 (R&R) application forms and in accordance with the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for this FOA through Grants.gov/Apply.
The SF424 (R&R) Application Guide is critical to submitting a complete and accurate application to NIH. Some fields within the SF424 (R&R) application components, although not marked as mandatory, are required by NIH (e.g., the Credential log-in field of the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile component must contain the PD/PI s assigned eRA Commons User ID). Agency-specific instructions for such fields are clearly identified in the Application Guide. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions-- Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
The SF424 (R&R) application has several components. Some components are required, others are optional. The forms package associated with this FOA in Grants.gov/Apply includes all applicable components, required and optional. A completed application in response to this FOA includes the data in the following components:
Required Components:
SF424 (R&R) (Cover component)
Research & Related Project/Performance Site Locations
Research & Related Other Project Information
Research & Related Senior/Key Person
Optional Components:
Cover Letter Component: Note: Cover letters should be submitted
only when submitting a Changed/Corrected Application after the submission
date, and should include an explanation for the late submission.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Applications proposing multiple PD/PIs are not allowed.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The application items include all those required for
the Avant-Garde Award pre-applications (X02) submitted under PAR-09-xxx.
The contents of these items must be substantially the same as those submitted
in the pre-application. In addition, applicants submitting full applications
in response to this DP1 FOA must arrange to have three letters of reference
submitted on their behalf and must submit information on human and vertebrate
animal subjects, if applicable.
The following instructions are specific to the Avant-Garde Award (DP1) applications
and are exceptions to the general SF424 instructions.
Applications that do not conform to the specific instructions detailed below
will not be reviewed.
All of the following must be submitted on the SF424 (R&R) Other Project Information Component for the application to be considered complete.
I. Abstract: The abstract text, which describes the goals of the project, must be substantially the same as that submitted in response to PAR-09-044. Only minor changes, such as fixing typographical errors, will be allowed. As indicated in PAR-09-044, the abstract must have no more than 300 words. The abstract must contain text only--no figures, animations, or web links to provide further information. The abstract should contain a brief statement describing how the proposed research may lead to new avenues for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS among drug abusers. The abstract should be uploaded as an attachment for item 6, Project Summary/Abstract, on the Other Project Information component of the pre-application.
II. Public Health Relevance Statement: A brief statement written in plain language about how the proposed research can positively impact HIV/AIDS treatment or prevention among drug abusers. This statement should be uploaded for item 7, Project Narrative, on the Other Project Information component of the pre-application.
III. Essay: The essay text must be substantially the same as that submitted in the pre-application in response to PAR-09-044. Only minor changes, such as fixing typographical errors, will be allowed. For completeness, a description of the essay requirements as indicated in PAR-09-044 follows. An essay of 3-5 pages that addresses the investigator's innovative vision for and the significance of, the HIV/AIDS biomedical or behavioral problem to be addressed, and the investigator’s qualifications to engage in groundbreaking research. The essay should describe the investigator’s view of the major challenges in biomedical or behavioral research to which he/she can make seminal contributions. The scientific plan should be provided in broad terms because the research plan is expected to evolve during the tenure of the grant. The essay should include the following in the order given with the headings as shown:
1. Project Description: What is the scientific problem that will be addressed, and why is this important? What are the ground breaking, and possibly high-risk, approaches that, if successful, might lead to groundbreaking or paradigm-shifting results?
2. Evidence of Innovativeness: What concrete evidence can you provide for your claim of innovativeness? For example, qualities common to many highly innovative people include an interest in, and the ability to integrate, diverse sources of information; an inclination to challenge paradigms and take intellectual risks; persistence in the face of failure; an ability to attract the right collaborators; and the energy and concentration necessary to plan and execute effective strategies for accomplishing goals.
3. How the Planned Research Differs From My Past or Current Work: Describe how the project represents a new and distinct direction for your research.
4. Suitability for Avant-Garde Award Program: Why is the planned research uniquely suited to the stated goal of the Avant-Garde Award program, rather than a traditional grant mechanism?
Literature references are not required but if included must fit within the five-page limit. Figures and illustrations may be included but must also fit within the five-page limit. Do not include links to websites to provide further information. No animations (movies) are allowed in any documents. The essay is uploaded as an attachment in the Research Design and Methods section of the Research Plan Component. Omit the Specific Aims, Background and Significance, and Preliminary Studies Sections.
Note that the description of the most significant research accomplishment and the human subjects/vertebrate animal subjects information also will be attached using this item number.
IV. Summary of the Investigator’s Most Significant Research Accomplishment. The text must be substantially the same as that submitted in the pre-application in response to PAR-09-xxx. Only minor changes, such as correction of typographical errors, will be allowed. This is limited to one page. Publications or similar documents will not be accepted. This should be uploaded using item 11, Other Attachments, on Other Project Information Component of the pre-application.
V. Biographical Sketch: A two-page biographical sketch for the PD/PI only. (Use the sample format shown in the URL in Section 4.5.2 of the Application Guide (omitting Section C, Research Support). Only the Biographical Sketch of the applicant should be submitted. No other persons should be designated as key personnel and no other biographical sketches should be uploaded. The Biographical Sketch is uploaded on the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Component form.
VI. List of Current and Pending Research Support: A list of current and pending research support from all sources, including current year direct costs and percent effort devoted to each project. (Use the format shown in Section 3.1.1.8 of the Application Guide.) The effort commitment statement (described below) must be included in this document. Applicants must also provide a brief statement of the facilities to be used for the conduct of the research in this document. This document is uploaded on the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Component form.
VII. Effort Commitment: Awardees are required to commit at least 51% of their research effort to the project supported by the Avant-Garde Award. Applicants must include a statement to indicate that, if chosen to receive an award, the applicant will commit a minimum of 51% of his/her research effort to the project supported by the Avant-Garde Award. This statement must be included in the list of current and pending support.
VIII. Human Subjects / Vertebrate Animal Subjects: If applicable, provide information regarding human subjects protection, inclusion plans, and animal welfare as described in the SF424 instructions. Certification of IRB approval and/or verification of IACUC approval will follow Just-In-Time procedures. Human Subjects information is uploaded as items 8 through 11 in the Human Subjects section of the PHS 398 Research Plan component of the SF424 (R&R). Vertebrate Animals information is uploaded as item 12.
IX. Letters of Reference: Applicants must arrange to have three (and no more than three) letters of reference submitted on their behalf. Applications with fewer than three letters of reference may be considered non-responsive and may not be reviewed. Late letters will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for monitoring the submission of their letters to ensure that three letters have been submitted prior to the submission deadline. Applicants can check the status of their letters in the application grant folder in the Commons.
Referees may submit letters from May 2, 2009 to June 2, 2009 5:00 pm (EDT) at https://public.era.nih.gov/commons/public/reference/submitReferenceLetter.do?mode=new (Note: The letter writer does not need a Commons account to submit a letter.)
To submit letters, referees will need the following information from the applicant:
Applicants are encouraged to send the instructions for referees at (http://drugabuse.gov/avgp.html) to each of their referees along with the information above. Letters of reference are confidential. Applicants will not have access to the letters.
Email confirmations will be sent to the applicant and the referee. The confirmation sent to the applicant will include the referee s name and the date and time the letter was submitted. The confirmation sent to the referee will include the referee and applicant’s names, a confirmation number, and the date and time the letter was submitted. Referees should record the confirmation number as it is required when submitting revisions to reference letters.
Note: Because email can be unreliable, it is the applicant s responsibility to check the status of his/her letters of reference periodically in the Commons.
Applicants are encouraged to send the following instructions to their referees:
Instructions for Referees:
Letters may be submitted to the Commons at (https://public.era.nih.gov/commons/public/reference/submitReferenceLetter.do?mode=new) beginning May 2, 2009, and must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. (EDT), June 2, 2009. Late letters will not be accepted and applications with fewer than three letters may not be reviewed. Letters must be submitted electronically--paper copies will not be accepted.
The applicant’s name should be placed at the top of the letter. Although signatures are not required, the letter must include a signature block with the referee’s full name, title, institution, and contact information.
In two pages or less, describe the applicant’s qualities that support his/her claim to scientific innovativeness and creativity. When possible, give specific examples that illustrate these qualities. Address the likelihood that the applicant will conduct groundbreaking research in the proposed research area.
The following information is required and must be entered on the letter submission page at the time of submission:
Note: The letter submission page can be accessed without signing into the Commons, and referees do not have to be registered in the Commons. Referees must provide the applicant’s Commons User Name and the other information detailed in this section.
Email confirmations will be sent to both the applicant and the referee following submission of the letter. The email confirmation will include a Confirmation Number that will be required when resubmitting letters. Please print the confirmation email for your records.
Note: If you submitted letters for Avant-Garde Award applicants in a prior year, you must submit new letters of reference this year. Previously submitted letters will not be retrieved.
Please see the detailed instructions on submitting letters of reference at http://nida.nih.gov/avgp2009/ReferenceLetters.pdf and the Frequently Asked Questions at http://nida.nih.gov/avgp2009/FAQ.pdf. Send questions to [email protected].
Special requirements for completing the SF424 (R&R) application are specified in Section IV.6, below. In addition:
Format specifications for Text (PDF) Attachments: All attachments must be in PDF format. Follow format specifications for PDF attachments in the Application Guide (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/SF424_RR_Guide_General_Ver2.pdf)
3. Submission Dates and Times
See Section IV.3.A. for details.
3.A. Submission, Review, and Anticipated Start Dates
Opening Date: May 2, 2009 (Earliest
date an application may be submitted to Grants.gov)
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): Not applicable.
Application Due Date(s): June 2, 2009
Reference Letter Submission Dates: May 2, 2009 June 2, 2009
Peer Review Date(s): July 2009
National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse Review Date(s):
August 2009
Earliest Anticipated Start Date(s): September 30,
2009
3.A.1. Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is not required for the funding opportunity.
3.B. Submitting an Application
Electronically to the NIH
To submit an application in response to this FOA, applicants should access
this FOA via http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp and
follow Steps 1-4. Note: Applications must only be submitted electronically.
PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
3.C. Application Processing
Applications may be submitted on or after
the opening date and must be successfully received by Grants.gov
no later than 5:00 p.m. local time (of the applicant institution/organization) on
the application due date(s). (See Section
IV.3.A. for all dates.) If an application is not submitted
by the due date(s) and time, the application may be delayed in the review
process or not reviewed.
Once an application package has been successfully submitted through Grants.gov, any errors have been addressed, and the assembled application has been created in the eRA Commons, the PD/PI and the Authorized Organization Representative/Signing Official (AOR/SO) have two weekdays (Monday--Friday, excluding Federal holidays) to view the application image to determine if any further action is necessary.
Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness and responsiveness by the IC. Incomplete and non-responsive applications will not be reviewed.
There will be an acknowledgement of receipt of applications from Grants.gov and the Commons. The submitting AOR/SO receives the Grants.gov acknowledgments. The AOR/SO and the PI receive Commons acknowledgments. Information related to the assignment of an application to a Scientific Review Group is also in the Commons.
Note: Since email can be unreliable, it is the responsibility of the applicant to check periodically on the application status in the Commons.
The NIH will not accept any application in response to this FOA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. 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 FOA 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.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental
review.
5. Funding Restrictions
All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions,
cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy
Statement.
Pre-award costs are allowable. A grantee may, at
its own risk and without NIDA prior approval, incur obligations and expenditures
to cover costs up to 90 days before the beginning date of the initial
budget period of a new or renewal award if such costs: 1) are necessary
to conduct the project, and 2) would be allowable under the grant, if
awarded, without NIH prior approval. If specific expenditures would otherwise
require prior approval, the grantee must obtain NIDA approval before incurring
the cost. NIDA prior approval is required for any costs to be incurred
more than 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period
of a new or renewal award.
The incurrence of pre-award costs in anticipation
of a competing or non-competing award imposes no obligation on NIDA either
to make the award or to increase the amount of the approved budget if an
award is made for less than the amount anticipated and is inadequate to
cover the pre-award costs incurred. NIDA expects the grantee to be fully
aware that pre-award costs result in borrowing against future support and
that such borrowing must not impair the grantee's ability to accomplish
the project objectives in the approved time frame or in any way adversely
affect the conduct of the project (see
the NIH
Grants Policy Statement).
6. Other Submission Requirements and Information
PD/PI Credential (e.g., Agency Login)
The NIH requires the PD(s)/PI(s) to fill in his/her Commons User ID in the PROFILE--Project Director/Principal Investigator section, Credential log-in field of the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile component.
Organizational DUNS
The applicant organization must include its DUNS number in its Organization Profile in the eRA Commons. This DUNS number must match the DUNS number provided at CCR registration with Grants.gov. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions--Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
PHS398 Research Plan Component Sections
Not applicable.
Appendix Materials
Appendices are not allowed and will not be accepted. Applications that contain attachments other than those specified may be rejected during the agency validation process.
Resource Sharing Plan(s)
The following resource sharing plans will be requested as just-in-time information if an award is being considered:
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.
2. Review and Selection Process
Applications that are complete and responsive to this FOA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group in accordance with NIH peer review procedures (http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/peer/). Review of applications for this FOA will be conducted by an interview process. Investigators will be interviewed by a panel of distinguished external scientists; Interviews will be held in July 2009 in the Washington, D.C. area. A second level of review will be conducted by the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse. The Director, NIDA, will make the final selection of awardees based on the evaluations of the interview panel, the recommendations of the Advisory Council, and programmatic considerations. Final selections will be announced publicly, and awards made, by the end of September 2009.
The review criteria are stated below.
Applications submitted in response to this FOA will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications submitted in response to this FOA. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
The goals of NIH supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, to improve the control of disease, and to enhance health.
Applications will be evaluated based on the likelihood that the applicant will pursue a ground breaking approach to a problem of relevance to biomedical or behavioral research on HIV/AIDS. In particular, reviewers will evaluate:
The following criteria also will be used in assessing the merit of applications:
Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive the HIV/AIDS field?
Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well-integrated, well-reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?
Innovation: Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches or methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?
Investigator: Is the PD/PI appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator?
Environment: Do(es) the scientific environment(s) in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific environment(s), or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?
2.A. Additional Review Criteria
In addition to the above criteria, the following
items will continue to be considered in the determination of scientific
merit and the rating:
Protection of Human Subjects
from Research Risk: The involvement
of human subjects and protections from research risk relating to their
participation in the proposed research will be assessed. See the Human
Subjects Sections of the PHS398 Research Plan component of the SF424
(R&R).
Inclusion of Women, Minorities and Children in
Research: The adequacy of plans to include
subjects from both genders, all racial and ethnic groups (and subgroups),
and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research will
be assessed. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also
be evaluated. See the Human Subjects Sections of the PHS398 Research Plan
component of the SF424 (R&R)
Care and Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research: If vertebrate animals are to be used in the project, the
adequacy of the plans for their care and use will be assessed. See the Other
Research Plan Sections of the PHS398 Research Plan component of the SF424
(R&R).
Biohazards: If
materials or procedures are proposed that are potentially hazardous to research
personnel and/or the environment, determine if the proposed protection is
adequate.
2.B. Additional Review Considerations
For this FOA, only overall costs and project
duration are to be submitted with the application.
2.C. Resource Sharing Plan(s)
Will be expected if an award is considered likely, or an explanation of why sharing is not possible.
3. Anticipated Announcement and
Award Dates
Awardees will be notified in August 2009. Public
announcement of the awards will be made in September 2009. Awards will begin
September 30, 2009.
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.
For details, applicants may refer to the NIH
Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards,
Subpart A: General.
A formal notification in the form of a Notice of
Award (NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization. The NoA is the
authorizing document. Once all administrative and programmatic issues have
been resolved, the NoA will be generated via email notification from the
awarding component to the grantee business official.
Selection of an application for award is not an
authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt of
the NoA are at the recipient's risk. These costs may be reimbursed only
to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs. See Section IV.5., Funding
Restrictions.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include
the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the NoA. For these terms
of award, see the NIH
Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH
Grant Awards, Subpart A: General and Part
II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions
for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities.
The following terms and conditions will be incorporated into the NoA and will be provided to the PD/PI and the appropriate institutional official at the time of award.
1. This award provides funding for an application submitted in response to RFA-DA-09-011. This grant should be administered in accordance with the guidelines described in this specific announcement. These guidelines are in addition to the standard Terms and Conditions referenced in Section III of this Notice of Grant Award.
2a. When issuing statements, press releases, and other documents describing projects or programs funded as a Avant-Garde Award, please use the following acknowledgement: "This work was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health through the Avant-Garde Award Program, grant number DP1-DA-xxxxxx. Information on the Avant-Garde Award Program is at http://drugabuse.gov/avgp.html.
2b. As indicated in the FOA, awardees are expected to commit at least 51% of their research effort to the project supported by the Avant-Garde Award.
3. Reporting
Awardees will be required to submit a scientific progress report on June
1 of each year describing the progress made under this grant and to submit
a final progress report, Final Invention Statement, and Financial Status
Report at the end of the budget/project period.
We encourage your inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/research (program), peer review, and financial or grants management issues:
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s):
Jacques Normand, Ph.D.
Director, AIDS Research Program
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institutes of Health
6001 Executive Blvd
Rm 5274 MSC 9581
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: 301-443-1470
Fax: 301-594-5610
Email: [email protected]
2. Peer Review Contact(s):
Teri Levitin, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Extramural Affairs
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6101 Executive Boulevard, Suite 220, MSC 8401
Bethesda, MD 20892-8401
Telephone: (301) 443-2755
Fax: (301) 443-0538
Email: [email protected]
3. Financial/Grants Management Contact(s):
Carol Alderson
Grants Management Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse/NIH/DHSS
6001 Executive Blvd., MSC 9541
Rockville, MD 20892-9541
Telephone: 301-594-5614
Fax: 301-594-6849
Email: [email protected]
Section VIII. Other Information
Required Federal Citations
Use of Animals in Research:
Recipients of PHS support for activities involving
live, vertebrate animals must comply with PHS Policy on Humane Care and
Use of Laboratory Animals (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/PHSPolicyLabAnimals.pdf) as mandated by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/hrea1985.htm), and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm) as applicable.
Human Subjects Protection:
Federal regulations (45 CFR 46) require that applications
and proposals involving human subjects must be evaluated with reference
to the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of protection against these risks,
the potential benefits of the research to the subjects and others, and the
importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained (http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm).
Data and Safety Monitoring Plan:
Data and safety monitoring is required for all types
of clinical trials, including physiologic toxicity and dose-finding studies
(Phase I); efficacy studies (Phase II); efficacy, effectiveness and comparative
trials (Phase III). Monitoring should be commensurate with risk. The establishment
of data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) is required for multi-site
clinical trials involving interventions that entail potential risks to the
participants ( NIH Policy for Data and Safety Monitoring, NIH Guide for
Grants and Contracts, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).
Sharing Research Data:
Investigators submitting an NIH application seeking
$500,000 or more in direct costs in any single year are expected to include
a plan for data sharing or state why this is not possible (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing). Investigators should seek
guidance from their institutions, on issues related to institutional policies
and local institutional review board (IRB) rules, as well as local, State
and Federal laws and regulations, including the Privacy Rule. Reviewers
will consider the data sharing plan but will not factor the plan into the
determination of the scientific merit or the priority score.
Policy for Genome-Wide
Association Studies (GWAS):
NIH is interested in advancing genome-wide association
studies (GWAS) to identify common genetic factors that influence health
and disease through a centralized GWAS data repository. For the purposes
of this policy, a genome-wide association study is defined as any study
of genetic variation across the entire human genome that is designed to
identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure
or weight), or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. All applications,
regardless of the amount requested, proposing a genome-wide association
study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the
NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation
why submission to the repository is not possible. Data repository management
(submission and access) is governed by the Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained
in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH
Guide NOT-OD-07-088. For additional information, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/
Sharing of Model Organisms:
NIH is committed to support efforts that encourage
sharing of important research resources including the sharing of model organisms
for biomedical research (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/model_organism/index.htm). At the same time the NIH recognizes the rights of grantees
and contractors to elect and retain title to subject inventions developed
with Federal funding pursuant to the Bayh-Dole Act (see the NIH
Grants Policy Statement. Beginning October 1, 2004, all investigators submitting
an NIH application or contract proposal are expected to include in the application/proposal
a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model
organism research resources generated using NIH funding or state why such
sharing is restricted or not possible. This will permit other researchers
to benefit from the resources developed with public funding. The inclusion
of a model organism sharing plan is not subject to a cost threshold in any
year and is expected to be included in all applications where the development
of model organisms is anticipated.
Access to Research Data through the Freedom of
Information Act:
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular
A-110 has been revised to provide access to research data through the Freedom
of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are: (1) first
produced in a project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal
funds; and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support
of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may
be accessed through FOIA. It is important for applicants to understand the
basic scope of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm. Applicants may wish to place data collected under this funding
opportunity in a public archive, which can provide protections for the data
and manage the distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the
application should include a description of the archiving plan in the study
design and include information about this in the budget justification section
of the application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure
informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the
potential for wider use of data collected under this award.
Inclusion of Women And Minorities
in Clinical Research:
It is the policy of the NIH that women and members
of minority groups and their sub-populations must be included in all NIH-supported
clinical research projects unless a clear and compelling justification is
provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the
health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results
from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43).
All investigators proposing clinical research should read the "NIH
Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical
Research (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines is available
at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm. The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition
of clinical research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance
with the new OMB standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined
Phase III clinical trials consistent with the SF424 (R&R) application;
and updated roles and responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community.
The policy continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials
that: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description
of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by
sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable;
and b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting
analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences.
Inclusion of Children as Participants
in Clinical Research:
The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e.,
individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all clinical research,
conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical
reasons not to include them. All investigators proposing research involving
human subjects should read the "NIH Policy and Guidelines" on
the inclusion of children as participants in research involving human subjects
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm).
Required Education on the
Protection of Human Subject Participants:
NIH policy requires education on the protection
of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH applications
for research involving human subjects and individuals designated as key
personnel. The policy is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.
Human Embryonic Stem Cells
(hESC):
Criteria for Federal funding of research on hESCs
can be found at http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp and at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html. Only research using hESC lines that are registered in the
NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding
(http://escr.nih.gov/). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide in
the project description and elsewhere in the application as appropriate,
the official NIH identifier(s) for the hESC line(s) to be used in the proposed
research. Applications that do not provide this information will be returned
without review.
NIH Public Access Policy Requirement:
In accordance with the NIH Public Access Policy, investigators
funded by the NIH must submit or have submitted for them to the National
Library of Medicine’s PubMed Central (see http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/), an
electronic version of their final, peer-reviewed manuscripts upon acceptance
for publication, to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after
the official date of publication. The NIH Public Access Policy is available
at (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-033.html). For more information, see the Public Access
webpage at http://publicaccess.nih.gov/.
Standards for Privacy of Individually
Identifiable Health Information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
issued final modification to the "Standards for Privacy of Individually
Identifiable Health Information", the "Privacy Rule", on
August 14, 2002. The Privacy Rule is a federal regulation under the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 that governs
the protection of individually identifiable health information, and is administered
and enforced by the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Decisions about applicability and implementation
of the Privacy Rule reside with the researcher and his/her institution.
The OCR website (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/) provides information on the Privacy Rule, including a complete
Regulation Text and a set of decision tools on "Am I a covered entity?" Information
on the impact of the HIPAA Privacy Rule on NIH processes involving the review,
funding, and progress monitoring of grants, cooperative agreements, and
research contracts can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-025.html.
URLs in NIH Grant Applications
or Appendices:
All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within
specified page limitations. For publications listed in the appendix and/or
Progress report, Internet addresses (URLs) or PubMed Central (PMC) submission
identification numbers must be used for publicly accessible on-line journal
articles. Publicly accessible on-line journal articles or PMC articles/manuscripts
accepted for publication that are directly relevant to the project may be
included only as URLs or PMC submission identification
numbers accompanying the full reference in either the Bibliography & References
Cited section, the Progress Report Publication List section, or the Biographical
Sketch section of the NIH grant application. A URL or PMC submission identification
number citation may be repeated in each of these sections as appropriate.
There is no limit to the number of URLs or PMC submission identification
numbers that can be cited.
Healthy People 2010:
The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to
achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of
"Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting
priority areas. This FOA is related to one or more of the priority areas.
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
Authority and Regulations:
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance at http://www.cfda.gov/ and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements
of Executive Order 12372. Awards are made under the authorization of Sections
301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and
284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and
92. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles,
and other considerations described in the NIH Grants
Policy Statement.
The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients
to provide a smoke-free workplace and discourage the use of all tobacco
products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994,
prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of
a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health
care, or early childhood development services are provided to children.
This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical
and mental health of the American people.
Loan Repayment Programs:
NIH encourages applications for educational loan
repayment from qualified health professionals who have made a commitment
to pursue a research career involving clinical, pediatric, contraception,
infertility, and health disparities related areas. The LRP is an important
component of NIH's efforts to recruit and retain the next generation of
researchers by providing the means for developing a research career unfettered
by the burden of student loan debt. Note that an NIH grant is not required
for eligibility and concurrent career award and LRP applications are encouraged.
The periods of career award and LRP award may overlap providing the LRP
recipient with the required commitment of time and effort, as LRP awardees
must commit at least 50% of their time (at least 20 hours per week based
on a 40 hour week) for two years to the research. For further information,
please see: http://www.lrp.nih.gov/.
Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
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