Full Text DA-95-001

NEUROSCIENCE NETWORKS IN BASIC DRUG ABUSE RESEARCH

NIH GUIDE, Volume 24, Number 1, January 13, 1995

RFA:  DA-95-001

P.T. 34

Keywords: 
  Drugs/Drug Abuse 
  Neuroscience 


National Institute on Drug Abuse

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  March 16, 1995
Application Receipt Date:  April 19, 1995

PURPOSE

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) invites applications to
establish networks of investigators currently engaged in neuroscience
research programs for the purpose of bringing relevant aspects of
those programs to bear upon drug abuse research.  Each network will
be assembled by a Principal Investigator to form a multidisciplinary,
multi-institutional consortium of  neuroscience expertise centered
upon a particular theme related to drug abuse research.  These themes
may be broad in scope, but should be concerned with identifying
fundamental brain processes susceptible to the actions of drugs of
abuse and the mechanisms through which drugs of abuse affect those
processes.  The intent of the request for applications (RFA) is to
encourage cooperative efforts among network investigators to
stimulate novel insights and innovative approaches to drug abuse
research not presently achievable through collaborative efforts
limited by geographical constraints.  This RFA also is intended to
extend existing research programs in the basic neurosciences into
avenues directly relevant to drug abuse research with the goal of
acquiring additional knowledge which ultimately may lead to new
therapeutic and prevention strategies applicable to the public health
problem of drug abuse.  A minimum of three research projects must
constitute the network, plus a core component concerned with
establishing communication and information links among network
members.  In addition to stimulating substantive new research
programs in drug abuse through this RFA, NIDA anticipates that the
neuroscience networks created through this initiative will serve as
experimental prototypes for new research enterprises devoted to
studies on drug abuse within the environment of rapidly advancing
communications and information technologies now revolutionizing
contemporary biomedical research.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This RFA,
Neuroscience Networks in Basic Drug Abuse Research, is related to the
priority areas of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, maternal and
infant health, and HIV infection.  Potential applicants may obtain a
copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:  Stock No.
017-001-00474-0) or "Healthy People 2000" (Summary Report: Stock No.
017-001-00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone 202-783-3238).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by domestic for profit and non-profit,
public and private organizations, e.g., colleges, universities,
hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local government and
their agencies, and eligible agencies of the Federal government.
Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with
disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

The mechanism of support will be the program project grant (P01).
Studies involving collaborative efforts among investigators in all
aspects of basic neuroscience relevant to drug abuse research are
encouraged.  The NIDA is employing the P01 mechanism initially for
its Neuroscience Network initiative to determine the feasibility,
synergy, and productivity of the Network concept.

The total project period for applications submitted in response to
this RFA may not exceed five years.  During this period, network
members may wish to submit individual R01 grants to more fully expand
efforts started under this network initiative while continuing their
participation within the network.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

The estimated total funds (direct and indirect) available for first
year support for all awards under this RFA will be $2 million.
Applications must not request budgets in excess of $1 million total
costs in the first year.  Because the nature and scope of the work
proposed in response to this RFA may vary, the size and number of the
awards will also vary.  In Fiscal Year 1995, NIDA anticipates funding
approximately two P01 awards.  This number is dependent upon the
receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific
merit.  Although this program is provided for in the financial plans
of NIDA, awards made pursuant to this RFA will be contingent upon the
continued availability of funds for this purpose.  The earliest
feasible start date for the awards will be September 1995.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

A recurring theme in contemporary biomedical research is the
existence of homologous molecules and mechanisms in diverse, but
critical biological processes.  In the explosive field of
neuroscience, this theme has become particularly evident on a variety
of fronts; for example, studies on the membrane protein,
bacteriorhodopsin, have provided important insights into receptors
for neurotransmitters and modulators that play a role in sensory
perception, and that also may be involved in learning and memory, as
well as attention and arousal.  Other studies are revealing key roles
for neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and cytokines in linking
interactions between neuronal and immune systems; and a compelling
body of evidence now is accumulating that indicates that vital brain
processes --  such as the activity driven plasticity through which
developing synapses are refined and adult synapses are modified in
learning and memory -- may share similar mechanisms and molecules.
In drug abuse research as well, this theme has emerged in a
particularly pronounced fashion as investigators have recognized two
important facts: first, that the neuronal changes related to the
accumulated effects of addiction --  including tolerance, dependence
and sensitization -- represent drug induced neuronal plasticity
governed by principles and mediated through processes consonant with
those for other forms of neuronal adaptations; and, second, that
understanding the interplay between genetic and environmental
influences upon brain function is intimately involved with
identifying brain sites and processes vulnerable to the actions of
drugs of abuse, as well as the consequences of those actions on
nervous system function and behavior.

Today, myriad findings from drug abuse research have intriguing
counterparts in other areas of neuroscience research.  We know, for
example, that systems involving adenylate cyclase and its related
kinase (long-studied in a variety of processes, including simple
models of learning and memory) are affected in the nerve cells of the
locus ceruleus after chronic opioid administration.  We know that
morphine affects the phosphorylation state of cyclic AMP response
element binding protein (CREB), a critical transcription factor
studied in a host of biological phenomena.  We know that long-term
potentiation and long-term depression (extensively investigated as
models of cellular adaptations in the hippocampus and cortex) also
occur in the nucleus accumbens, an important brain site implicated in
the "reward" processes associated with drug abuse.  We know that
nitric oxide, a novel neurotransmitter gaining great attention
because of its diverse role in processes ranging from development to
neurotransmitter secretion, also functions in the development of
morphine tolerance.  We know that certain neurotrophins -- well
studied for their roles in development and regeneration -- attenuate
some of the cellular effects of morphine, and may be affected in
their expression by morphine.  And we know that contemporary
theoretical and experimental work focused on understanding rules
governing how the brain anticipates learning also may be relevant to
elucidating how reward and reinforcement influence learning.

Examples such as these underscore the importance of leveraging
limited research resources in ways that encourage and enable
investigators to explore several biomedical consequences of their
work.  In particular, they illustrate the possibility that ongoing
research programs in the basic neurosciences not presently addressing
drug abuse may, indeed, also have direct relevance to revealing brain
mechanisms associated with addiction; and they emphatically emphasize
the need for creative research approaches that will stimulate such
considerations.

A second recurring theme in contemporary biomedical research is the
growing importance of interdisciplinary collaborations.  In drug
abuse research, which by its nature has always relied upon a variety
of scientific approaches (from the pharmacological to the behavioral
sciences), this theme is gaining unprecedented importance.  Indeed,
the field of drug abuse research now may be among the most rapid
embracing interdisciplinary approaches, for accessible to it are
animal models that permit prominent features of drug addiction to be
studied in the laboratory -- a tool not elsewhere available to many
neuroscientists.  This advantage facilitates extensive studies at the
molecular and cellular level, opening the way for achieving detailed
biological insights into complex and clinically important behaviors.
With the recent cloning of genes for the receptors of every major
drug of abuse, and the possibility of temporally controlled, tissue
specific gene manipulations waiting upon the horizon, the stage now
is set for moving the field of drug abuse research beyond cloning, to
sophisticated, mechanistic investigations exploring relationships
among protein function and regulation, brain structure and function,
and behavior, and how drugs of abuse affect these relationships.
Clearly, however, such explorations will require new and creative
approaches integrating expertise and perspectives from all aspects of
the basic neurosciences.  Now, more than ever, it is critical that
behavioral scientists recognize the opportunities and limitations of
molecular neurobiology, and that molecular neurobiologists develop
appropriate behavioral assays to assess the consequences of their
molecular manipulations.  Similarly, it is vital that clinicians,
imaging scientists, psychologists, and others collaborate to design
safe, appropriate, informative, and reliable experiments when
investigating fundamental aspects of  human brain function; and that
those engaged in human studies interact effectively with those
involved in animal studies to achieve appropriate interpretations of
results across species.

A third theme emerging from contemporary biomedical research is the
growing importance of communication and information technologies.
The advent of high performance computing research already has greatly
advanced many areas of investigation, such as structural biology,
neuroscience, and cell biology.  Even greater opportunities appear to
exist as information and communication technologies become
increasingly integrated.  Today, desktop conferencing systems include
software enabling multiple users to work on a variety of
applications, including text, graphics, images and data, while seeing
and talking to each other.  Additionally, prototype projects already
have demonstrated the feasibility of accessing and operating costly
equipment, such as higher voltage electron microscopes, at remote
sites.  Elsewhere, new software applications are providing
opportunities to utilize simulations for safer, less costly means of
gaining experience in performing biological procedures and for
investigating biological mechanisms.  These, and other developments
signal the evolving structure of contemporary research communities: a
structure rapidly becoming as dependent upon information and
telecommunication links, as it is upon traditional laboratory
configurations.  As drug abuse research relies increasingly upon the
creativity and strength of multidisciplinary approaches and the power
of new technologies to move its research programs more vigorously
into the basic neurosciences, it is critical that NIDA develop
experimental prototypes for new research enterprises responsive to
the evolving nature of biomedical research communities.  In
particular, NIDA recognizes the importance of contemplating and
initiating the creation of thematic, electronically linked "virtual
research centers" to complement its traditional centers program,
which heavily relies upon geographical contiguity.

Research Scope

This initiative has three principal objectives:  (1) to stimulate
novel insights and innovative approaches in drug abuse research
through the establishment of national, collaborative networks of
investigators active in the neurosciences; (2) to encourage and
enable neuroscientists not currently focused on drug abuse research
to explore applications of their expertise to the field; and (3) to
develop experimental prototypes of research enterprises that exploit
emerging communication and information technologies to form "virtual
research centers" in the drug abuse field.

Scope of the Neuroscience Research Component

The first two objectives focus on increasing understanding of basic
neural processes susceptible to the actions of drugs of abuse, and
how drugs of abuse affect those processes.  To accomplish these
objectives, a Principal Investigator is invited to submit an
application proposing a multi-institutional, multidisciplinary
consortium (i.e., a network) of collaborators presently engaged in
established research programs in the neurosciences, for the purpose
of focusing the network's expertise upon a particular scientific
theme relevant to drug abuse research.  NIDA especially encourages
applications that develop a theme based on the concept of drug abuse
as a model system for investigating all aspects of neurobiological
mechanisms associated with plasticity, and particularly the role of
use-dependent synaptic modifications in understanding behaviors and
brain mechanisms related to drug abuse and the actions of drugs.
Network themes may focus upon a series of studies aimed at
elucidating the interplay of mechanisms at the cellular level, or
they may choose to focus on a multilevel approach, exploring brain
function and drug action from the systems level to a molecular one.
Themes may focus on a particular central nervous system function
implicated in drug abuse, or on mechanistic studies associated with a
particular drug of abuse.  Themes focused on particular drugs of
abuse should clearly articulate any broad principles regarding
neuronal function and drug abuse that may derive from studies on
specific drugs or related compounds.  Studies may also explore
interactions among the nervous system and other physiological
systems, such as neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems, in efforts
to elucidate the causes and consequences of drug seeking behavior and
mechanisms of drug actions.  (In those cases where a network theme or
project also may have relevance to AIDS-related research, applicants
are strongly encouraged to discuss this relevance explicitly in the
background section of their application.)  Investigators are
encouraged to recognize that a network's theme may be broad in scope,
and creativity and originality are encouraged in identifying and
developing a research theme.  Examples of possible network themes
include, but are not limited to, the following:

o  the neural basis of drug abuse, from molecules to behavior;

o  the neurobiology of motivation in understanding drug seeking
behaviors;

o  the role of post-transcriptional processes in drug-related
neuronal adaptations;

o  drug regulation of protein turnover, including protein processing,
targeting, trafficking, and regulation;

o  drug abuse and the neurobiology of brain development;

o  the role of  certain endogenous systems (such as the opioid,
cannabinoid, and nicotinic systems) in normal CNS function, and how
drugs of abuse perturb those roles;

o  mechanisms of neuronal adaptations in critical brain regions
affected by drugs of abuse, such as the nucleus accumbens;

o  explorations of relationships between drug induced brain "rewards"
and learning and memory;

o  the effects of drugs of abuse on neuroimmune and neuroendocrine
function;

o  the role of novel neurotransmitters in drug-induced neuronal
plasticity;

o  the function of endogenous systems (such as the opioids)  in
neuromodulatory mechanisms, and the effects of drugs of abuse upon
those systems.

o  investigations into pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms by which
drugs of abuse alter synaptic efficacy.

Network applications must consist of at least three interactive and
interdependent projects conducted at independent laboratory sites and
a communication core.  Network members should be engaged in an active
neuroscience research program, which, although not directly centered
on drug abuse, has potential relevance to drug abuse research;
however, the Principal Investigator may designate one network
component as an "Exploratory Project."  This project need not be
based on an active, ongoing program or extensive preliminary data.
It should represent a highly innovative study for which the potential
significant scientific contribution offsets potential concerns about
project feasibility.  Funds for an "Exploratory Project" may be
applied to testing the feasibility of an approach, gathering
additional data, or conducting other activities that demonstrate the
project's significance.

Applicants should note that the initiative described in this RFA is
not to be construed as a means for merely assembling and
supplementing existing, ongoing programs in drug abuse research.
This initiative is intended to provide limited funds to encourage and
enable applications of basic neuroscience projects to drug abuse
research.  Investigators currently engaged in drug abuse research may
be network members, but network projects for such investigators
should represent novel avenues of study that would benefit greatly
from network participation and/or contribute greatly to a network's
theme.  Conversely, this initiative is not intended to merely
supplement existing research programs in the basic neurosciences.
Network applications must clearly articulate a coherent theme
relevant to drug abuse research, and explicitly and carefully
describe the potential relevance of each network component to drug
abuse research, the scientific interactions anticipated among network
members, and the expected benefits to be derived to drug abuse
research from the network approach.

Communication Core

To achieve the third objectives of this RFA, applications must
include plans for a Communication Core.  Principal Investigators may
request support for equipment and personnel necessary to achieve the
communications and interactions essential to the Network's theme and
activities.  An important aspect of this core will be to exploit
emerging communication and information technologies among
geographically dispersed communities of investigators.  Issues to
consider in the communications core may include, but are not limited
to, the following:

o  Diversity and compatibility among communications and information
hardware and software available to Network laboratories;

o  "Real time" versus other modes of communications, such as Email
and bulletin boards;

o  Mechanisms and procedures for safeguarding and sharing
information, generating new information from shared information
resources, and crediting investigators' work when information is
obtained or generated from shared resources.

Although data development and sharing may be an important and
integral activity of a Network's communication core, this RFA is not
intended to provide a means for largely establishing and manipulating
extensive neuroscience data bases.  This RFA is focused on hypothesis
driven projects that may involve data sharing.  Applications focused
principally on data base development and informatics should consider
submitting applications under the Human Brain Project (HBP)
Initiative.  For additional information about the HBP initiative,
investigators are encouraged to contact the program representative
listed under INQUIRIES.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Advisory Panel

Because network members may be either newcomers to the field of drug
abuse research, or investigators established in one aspect of drug
abuse research (but not necessarily another), applications should
include plans for utilizing an Advisory Panel to assist the network
in periodic evaluation of its program.  The Advisory Panel should be
composed of at least three investigators, two of whom should be well
respected for their expertise in the field of drug abuse research.
These plans should explicitly delineate the nature and extent of
interactions with Advisory Panel members and should include at least
one annual meeting between network and Advisory Panel members.  The
Principal Investigator may also schedule additional meetings at
network sites, if appropriate.  Principal Investigators are requested
to notify the NIDA program official responsible for the network grant
at least 45 days prior to any scheduled meetings, so that the
official may have the opportunity to attend.  Applications should
specifically identify Advisory Panel members, their areas of
expertise, and the relevance of that expertise to accomplishing the
research goals related to the network's theme.  Letters of
collaboration from Advisory Panel members must be included with the
application.

Composition of Network

To encourage collaborations and diversity in perspectives among
laboratories, networks may not contain more than two component
projects from a single  institution or campus or other non-academic
organization eligible under this RFA.

Director

Each Network will have a Director responsible for organizing,
administering, and directing the Network's activities.  The Director
must commit at least 20 percent effort to the grant and be Principal
Investigator of one of the projects.

Progress Reports

Annual progress reports accompanying noncompeting continuation
applications should specifically address the nature of Network
interactions, including opportunities and problems associated with
those interactions, and proposed solutions for addressing any
identified problems.  This discussion should be useful to NIDA for
evaluating the feasibility of potential future Network initiatives.
Principal investigators and subproject leaders in the Network will be
requested to voluntarily submit manuscripts accepted for publication
to the Network's NIDA program administrator at least two weeks prior
to publication, so that a current summary of program accomplishments
may be maintained during the funding period of the grant.

INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN
SUBJECTS

It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups
and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported
biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects,
unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided
that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the
subjects or the purpose of the research.  This new policy results
from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 494B of Public Law
103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies
(Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations and
Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations), which
have been in effect since 1990.  The new policy contains some
provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should
read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as
Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the
Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR 59 14508-14513) and reprinted
in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 23,  Number 11,
March 18, 1994.

Investigators may also obtain copies of the policy from the program
staff listed under INQUIRIES.  Program staff may also provide
additional relevant information concerning the policy.

Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research
Center (GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center for Research
Resources may wish to identify the GCRC as a resource for conducting
the proposed research.  If so, a letter of agreement from either the
GCRC program director or principal investigator could be included
with the application.

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by March 16, 1995, a
letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed
research, the name, address, and telephone number of the Principal
Investigator, the identities of other key personnel, and
participating institutions, and the number and title of this RFA.
Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does
not enter into the review of subsequent applications, the information
that it contains allows NIDA staff to estimate the potential review
workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review.

The letter of intent is to be sent (or faxed) to:

Eleanor Friedenberg
Office of Extramural Program Review
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10-42
Rockville, MD  20857
FAX:  (301) 443-0538

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91) is to be used
in applying for these grants.  These forms are available at most
institutional offices of sponsored research;  from the Office of
Grants Information, Division of Research Grants, National Institutes
of Health, 5333 Westbard Avenue, Room 449, Bethesda, MD 20892,
telephone (301) 710-0267.

The RFA label available in the application form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91)
must be affixed to the bottom of the original face page of the
application.  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 2a on the face page of the application form and
the YES box must be marked.

Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including
the Checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package to:

Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, MD  20892**

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application
must be sent to:

Director of Office of Extramural Program Review
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10-42
Rockville, MD  20857

Applications must be received by April 19, 1995.  If an application
is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant
without review.  The Division of Research Grants (DRG) will not
accept any application in response to this RFA that is essentially
the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the
applicant withdraws the pending application.  The DRG will not accept
any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed.
This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of
applications already reviewed, but such applications must include an
introduction addressing the previous critique.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by DRG
and responsiveness by the NIDA.  Incomplete applications or
applications that are not responsive will be returned to the
applicant without further consideration.  Applications that are
complete and responsive to this RFA will be evaluated for scientific
and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by
NIDA in accordance with the review criteria stated below.

As part of the initial merit review, triage will be used by the
initial review group in which applications will be determined to be
competitive or noncompetitive, based on their scientific merit
relative to other applications received in response to this RFA.
Applications judged to be competitive will be discussed and assigned
a priority score.  Applications determined to be noncompetitive will
be withdrawn from further consideration and the Principal
Investigator and the official signing for the applicant organization
will be notified.

Review Criteria

The IRG review of scientific and technical merit of the Program
Project grant application will emphasize two major aspects: (1)
review of the program as an integrated research effort focused on a
central theme, and (2) the review of each component project and core
unit(s).  The review will also include an assessment of the academic
climate and physical environment and special considerations, e.g.,
compliance with the human subjects and animal welfare regulations.
The IRG will assign a priority score for the entire program rather
that for each individual project recommended for further
consideration.  The assessment of the scientific and technical merit
will include the following:

Program as an Integrated Effort

o  The significance of the overall program goals and the development
of a well-defined central research focus of importance and relevant
to the goals of this RFA.

o  The multidisciplinary or multifaceted character of the program,
i.e., the coordination, cohesiveness, interrelationship, and
synergistic potential among the individual projects and core(s).

o  The justification for, and usefulness of the core facilities to
the research projects.  Each core unit must provide essential
facilities or services for two or more approved individual projects.
For the communication core, the feasibility of proposed approaches
for using information and communication technologies in establishing
networks of neuroscientists focused on scientific aspects of drug
abuse research.

o  Administrative arrangements and/or organizational structure,
through an administrative and/or communication core, to facilitate
and monitor the attainment of objectives and quality control.  For
example, these factors will include plans to enhance communication
and cooperation among the investigators involved in the program and
utilization of the advisory panel mechanism to assist the network in
advancing its progress.

o  The scientific leadership, ability, stature, experience, and
administrative competence of the Program Director and his or her
commitment and ability to devote substantial time and at least 20
percent effort to the program.

o  The scientific stature of the Principal Investigators and the
extent to which each contributes to the overall program goals as well
as their commitment to the program.

o  Accomplishments and progress of the program to date, if
appropriate.

o  Reasonableness of the overall budget for the proposed work.

Individual Projects and Core Units

o  The scientific and technical merit of each research project and
core unit.

o  The accomplishments and progress for the projects and the core
units to date for ongoing projects.

o  The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the
investigators responsible for the research projects or core units,
including their ability to devote adequate time and effort to the
project.

o  For any component designated as an "Exploratory Project," the
potential for significant scientific contribution, the uniqueness of
the scientific approach, and the qualifications of the investigator.

o  The appropriateness of the budget for each of the proposed
projects and core units.

Resources and Environment

o  The academic climate and physical environment in which the
research will be conducted, including the availability of space,
equipment, research subjects, etc., and the potential for interaction
with scientists from other departments and/or institutions in
addition to network members.

o  Institutional strength, stability and commitment to research and
support for the proposed program, including fiscal responsibility and
management capability to assist the Program Director and staff in
following DHHS, PHS, and NIH policies.

Other Considerations

o  When an application involves potential adverse effects on humans
or animals, adequacy of the proposed means for protecting against
such effects must be demonstrated.

o  Adequacy of plans to include both genders and minorities and their
subgroups as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research.
Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be
evaluated.

AWARD CRITERIA

The anticipated date of award is September 1995.  In making awards,
the scientific/technical merit of applications, availability of
funds, and program balance among research areas will be considered.

INQUIRIES

Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged.  The opportunity to
clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding program issues to

Karen J. Skinner, Ph.D.
Division of Basic Research
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10A-19
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-1887
FAX:  (301) 594-6043
Email:  kskinner@aoada.ssw.dhhs.gov

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Gary Fleming, J.D., M.A.
Grants Management Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 8A-54
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-6710
FAX:  (301) 594-6847
Email:  gfleming@aoada.ssw.dhhs.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalogue of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.279.  Awards are made under authorization of the
Public Health Service Act,  Title IV, Part A (Public Law 78-410, as
amended by Public Law 99-158, 42 USC 241 and 285) and administered
under PHS grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45
CFR Part 74.  This program is not subject to the intergovernmental
review requirements of Executive Order 12372 of Health Systems Agency
review.

The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant recipients to
provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco
products.  This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and
advance the physical and mental health of the American people.

.

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