HBCU RESEARCH SCIENTIST AWARD

Release Date:  March 25, 1998

RFA:  DA-98-005

P.T.

National Institute on Drug Abuse
Office of Research on Minority Health

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  April 22, 1998
Application Receipt Date:  May 22, 1998

THIS REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) USES "JUST IN TIME" PROCEDURES
AND INCLUDES DETAILED MODIFICATIONS TO THE STANDARD APPLICATION
INSTRUCTIONS WHICH MUST BE FOLLOWED WHEN PREPARING A RESPONSE TO
THIS RFA.

PURPOSE

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Office of
Research on Minority Health (ORMH), National Institutes of Health
(NIH), invite cooperative agreement grant applications from
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that offer the
M.S., Ph.D., or other professional degrees, e.g. M.D., M.P.H., in
the biomedical and/or behavioral sciences.  The goals of the
program are as follows:  to stimulate the development of drug abuse
research programs at HBCUs; to assist HBCUs in strengthening their
readiness to administer and conduct drug abuse research programs
(and augmenting their human resources) by recruiting established
research scientists and/or through the establishment of formal
linkages with other research institutions for the purpose of
building the research capacity at the HBCU; and to enhance the
careers of research scientists recruited under this program.  For
the purpose of this award, the recruited research scientist must
have received competitive and independent research support.

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, HBCU Research Scientist Award, is related to the
priority area of alcohol and other drugs.  Potential applicants may
obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2000" (Full Report:  Stock No.
017-001-00474-0 or Summary Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00473-1)
through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC  20402-9325 (telephone (202) 512-1800).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications will be accepted only from HBCUs that offer the M.S.,
Ph.D., or other professional degrees, e.g., M.D., M.P.H., in the
biomedical or behavioral sciences and must be submitted by a senior
institutional official, e.g., the President or Dean, as the
Principal Investigator.  HBCUs are defined as U.S. institutions of
post-secondary education originally founded for the purpose of
providing educational opportunities for African Americans and that
continue to have a majority of African Americans as students today. 
Applications will not be accepted from institutions that are not
recognized HBCUs.

A recruited research scientist will assume responsibility for
scientific direction of the program and is expected to become the
Principal Investigator (except in the case where a new or junior
scientist is recruited -- see categories of recruited scientists in
Objectives and Scope on page 4).  The Principal Investigator may be
assisted by a Co-Investigator who has administrative and research
experience in an area related to the research program proposed by
the applicant organization.  Only investigators who are U.S.
citizens, permanent residents, or non-citizen nationals and have
received competitive and independent research support may be
recruited to serve as the Principal Investigator.  NIDA and the
ORMH will assist the HBCUs in identifying eligible candidates.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

The research support mechanism that will be used is the U24.  All
applications submitted in response to this RFA will use the Just-
In-Time (JIT) submission procedures.  These procedures were
published in the NIH Guide, Vol. 25, No. 10, March 29, 1996, with
additional instructions published in Vol. 25, No. 16, May 17, 1996. 
Copies of these two Guide publications are available from the
contact person listed under INQUIRIES or on the NIH
(http://www.nih.gov) or NIDA (http://www.nida.nih.gov) home pages. 
This allows applicants to submit certain information only when
there is a possibility for an award.  It is anticipated that these
changes will reduce the administrative burden for applicants,
reviewers, and Institute staff.  For this RFA, limited budgetary
information is required in the initial application.  The
anticipated level of effort in all years and a brief description of
responsibilities for the Principal Investigator and key personnel
must be included in the application.  In addition, instructions for
completing the Biographical Sketch have been modified and no
"Checklist" page is required in the initial application.  If there
is a possibility for an award, necessary budget and Checklist
information will be requested by NIDA staff following the initial
review.

Because the nature and scope of the research proposed in response
to this RFA may vary, it is anticipated that the size of awards
will also vary.  The SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS section of this RFA
provides specific modifications to standard PHS 398 application kit
instructions.  Because of the nature of this award, the "Other
Support" section of the application should be completed in the
usual manner.

The funding instrument to be used for this program will be the
cooperative agreement, an "assistance" mechanism in which
substantial NIH scientific and/or programmatic involvement with the
awardee is anticipated during performance of the grant.  With a
cooperative agreement, the NIH role is to support and stimulate the
awardee s activity by involvement in and working jointly in a
partnership capacity.  It is not to assume direction, prime
responsibility, or a dominant role in the activity.  Details of the
responsibilities, relationships, and governance of the activity to
be funded under this cooperative agreement are discussed later in
this document under the section titled  Terms and Conditions of
Award.

The project period for applications submitted in response to the
RFA may not exceed 7 years and consists of two phases.  Phase I is
a 12-18 month effort to identify and recruit a research scientist,
and refine plans for the subsequent phase.  Phase II consists of an
additional 5 years of support for research and the implementation
of a program designed to strengthen the research capacity of the
applicant HBCU.  The anticipated award date is September 30, 1998.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

The number of awards and level of support depend on the receipt of
a sufficient number of high quality applications and availability
of funds.  Each Phase I (FY 1998) award may be up to $100,000 in
total costs.  Each Phase II award may not exceed $500,000 in total
costs each year.

It is anticipated that up to $400,000 will be available in  FY 1998
to support up to four Phase I awards.  In Phase II, it is
anticipated that approximately $2.0 million per year will be
available for up to four awards.  The dollar limits for each
application are provided above.

Awardees are expected to continue support of the research programs
after the initial years of support through regular competitive NIH
research programs or from other sources.  At this time, it is not
known if this RFA will be reissued.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

For over 100 years, HBCUs have educated and trained large numbers
of minority professionals who have excelled in the arts, sciences,
business and industry, education, sports, entertainment, and other
areas.  A greater proportion of minority science majors at HBCUs
tend to complete graduate programs than their counterparts at
nonminority institutions.  Although HBCUs only enroll approximately
20 percent of all African Americans who attend college, HBCUs
graduate 43 percent of all African Americans who earn a Ph.D.
degree.

The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and
Universities acknowledged their history in training large numbers
of professionals who provide health care to the minority community,
their potential for training large numbers of health professionals
to conduct quality biomedical and/or behavioral research, and their
need for support to expand these efforts.  It is clear that more
must be done to assist these institutions in preparing the next
generation of scientists and in reducing the disparity in the
health status between minority and nonminority U.S. citizens,
especially as it relates to drug abuse and disorders associated
with drug use.

Objectives and Scope

This grant program is intended to promote research in the
biomedical and/or behavioral sciences at HBCUs in areas related to
the epidemiology of drug abuse and addiction; the prevention of
drug use and HIV risk behaviors; medical and health consequences of
drug abuse such as HIV infection; the effectiveness of drug abuse
treatment and therapies; the etiology and clinical neurobiology of
drug abuse and addiction; the effects of drugs on the central
nervous system; endogenous systems relevant to drug action and
drug-seeking behavior; metabolism pharmacokinetics, synthesis,
analysis, and structure-function relationships of drugs of abuse
and compounds used to study their actions; brain mechanisms
underlying addictive behaviors and the long-term consequences of
using drugs on the brain and behavior; basic research on behavioral
and physiological factors related to drug use, abuse and
dependence; and research in the pharmacotherapy of substance abuse
for both new and already marketed medications.  Although the
primary interests of NIDA are in the areas identified, research
that is relevant to other areas of interest to NIDA will be
accepted for consideration.

The objectives of this new program are to enhance the research
careers of established investigators by providing support to
initiate and conduct drug abuse research and related activities  in
the behavioral and biomedical science areas at an HBCU; strengthen
the science faculty at HBCUs; augment undergraduate and graduate
science education; and improve the HBCU's research infrastructure. 
Scientists who satisfy the requirements of this announcement fall
into three general categories.  Category 1 Scientists must be
experienced senior scientists generally recognized as accomplished
drug abuse researchers as evidenced by their publications in the
drug abuse and related fields, a history of sponsored research in
the drug abuse field, and other professional involvement.  The
Category 1 Recruited Scientist must become a full-time faculty
person at the applicant HBCU.  Category 2 Recruited Research
Scientists are senior scientists at institutions with which the
applicant HBCUs have established formal collaborative linkages; who
are generally recognized as accomplished drug abuse researchers as
evidenced by their publications in the drug abuse and related
fields; and who have a history of sponsored research in the drug
abuse field and other professional involvement.  Category 2
Research Scientists must devote significant time, no less than 60%
time during the first two years of their appointment and no less
than 30% time during subsequent years, to the applicant HBCU.  The
Recruited Research Scientist in Category 2 can maintain an ongoing
relationship with the collaborating institution.  Sufficient and
appropriate staff support must be provided to the Recruited
Scientist, and the participation of the collaborating institution
must be specified particularly in terms of budget, programmatic
responsibilities and resources.  Category 3 Recruited Scientists
are promising new or junior drug abuse researchers with
demonstrated commitment to and experience in drug abuse and related
research as evidenced by some publications in the field, current
supported work, professional involvements and a well-articulated
drug abuse-related research career plan.  The new or junior
scientist must be recruited to join a more experienced drug abuse-
related research scientist who is on staff at the applicant HBCU. 
The new or junior scientist may meet the criteria of a senior
scientist in a field closely related to drug abuse research but
needs support to develop more fully a drug abuse research program. 
The HBCU senior scientist must devote at least 40% of his/her time
to the project during the first three years of the project. 
Adequate institutional support (i.e., laboratory space, equipment,
courses, consultants, research assistants ) must be made available
to the junior research scientist.  If the applicant wishes to
propose another type of Recruited Scientist model or if the
individual identified as the potential recruited Research Scientist
is already at an HBCU, the applicant is advised to contact the NIDA
staff listed in the Staff Responsibility section of this RFA prior
to preparation of the grant application.

During Phase I of this award, the HBCU has the responsibility, with
assistance from the NIDA, to identify and recruit a research
scientist, who has received  independent research support, and will
be responsible for implementing the  research plan described in the
applicant s Phase II proposal and approved by NIDA.

Phase II implementation will be the responsibility of the newly
recruited research scientist who is expected to be appointed
Principal Investigator of the grant and to establish a research
program at the HBCU.  The recruited research scientist is expected
to conduct a program in one or more of the following areas:   
epidemiology, etiology and prevention, drug abuse related AIDS/HIV
research, clinical and health services research and basic research
related to drug use.(Although the primary interest of the NIDA is
in the areas identified, any research that is relevant to them or
other areas of interest to NIDA will be accepted for
consideration.) The recruited research scientist is also expected
to provide intensive training experiences to selected undergraduate
and/or graduate students with the capability and interest to pursue
research careers; forge collaborative research and educational
arrangements with the academic community (nonminority institutions
and other HBCUs) and the private sector; attract other biomedical
and/or behavioral science faculty to the HBCU; strengthen the HBCU
science curriculum; and arrange for science seminars and
collaborative exchange activities related to drug abuse research by
investigators from HBCUs and other institutions.

Program Characteristics

Timetable

Guidelines governing the scope and objectives for this RFA are
described in the timetable presented below.  Institutions may be at
different stages in their readiness to recruit a research scientist
and to support a new research enterprise.  Due to these
differences, some HBCUs may complete Phase I earlier than the
allotted time and are expected to implement Phase II activities
sooner.

Phase I may be funded for a period of 12-18 months.  An Advisory
Committee composed primarily of external (other than
representatives from the parent HBCU) scientists shall be
established to assist in planning a research program and
identifying and recruiting a research scientist who will implement
the proposed research program.  This may involve identification of
institutions that are conducting research similar to that
envisioned by the HBCU; visits to such institutions to determine
what administrative, technical, supportive, and other resources are
required to develop and sustain a research environment; and
implementation of any modifications necessary to create a high
quality, supportive research environment.  The Advisory Committee
will also provide advice and comments on the plan to implement the
proposed research program.  At least one NIDA staff member will
participate in the HBCU Advisory Committee.  Phase I is expected to
result in the development of a research plan for Phase II that will
be submitted to NIDA for review and approval.

Phase II may be funded for an additional 5 years.  This phase will
be initiated following identification of the recruited research
scientist, approval by NIDA for this individual to become Principal
Investigator of the grant, and approval by NIDA of the research
plan.  If an acceptable candidate is not recruited or if an
acceptable research plan is not provided, Phase II will not be
awarded and the grant will be phased out.  In Phase II, research
studies will be conducted, a strategy for recruiting additional
researchers to the HBCU will be developed, plans for involving
students in the research supported by the grant and in encouraging
them to pursue biomedical and/or behavioral research careers will
be developed and implemented, science seminars series will be
implemented, collaborative research and training relationships will
be established, research papers will be submitted for publication,
applications for other research funds that can be used to
strengthen the HBCU research enterprise and attract other
researchers will be submitted, applications for funds to support
student training will be developed, and resources and mentors to
HBCU faculty and students will be identified and enhanced.

The Phase II plan, developed by the recruited research scientist
and submitted to NIDA for review and approval, is described under
"Research Plan Requirements."  The NIDA Program Official will
obtain input from nonfederal experts in evaluating the Phase II
plan using standard peer review criteria.

At the end of year 3 of Phase II, the recruited research scientist
will prepare and submit to the NIDA a report on progress for the
prior 3 years and plans for the remaining years of the grant (Phase
II).  The NIDA Program Official, with input from nonfederal
experts, will coordinate a scientific and technical review of the
report to ensure that progress is as projected and plans are
appropriate.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A number of special requirements are discussed below:

Terms and Conditions

These special Terms of Award are in addition to, and not in lieu
of, otherwise applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
administrative guidelines, HHS Grant Administration Regulations at
45 CFR Part 74, and other HHS, and NIH Grant Administration policy
statements.

The administrative and funding instrument used for this program is
a cooperative agreement, an "assistance" mechanism (rather than an 
acquisition  mechanism).  Under the cooperative agreement, the NIH
purpose is to support and/or stimulate the recipient's activities
by involvement in and otherwise working jointly with the award
recipient in a partner role.  Consistent with this concept, the
dominant role and prime responsibility for the activity resides
with the awardee, although specific tasks and activities in
carrying out the project will be shared between the awardee and the
NIDA Program Official.

1. Awardee Rights and Responsibilities

Awardees have primary authorities and responsibilities to define
objectives and approaches and to plan, conduct, analyze, and
publish results, interpretations, and conclusions of supported
studies, as applicable to the scientific research and other program
activities.

Awardees retain custody of and have primary rights to data
developed under these awards, subject to Government rights of
access consistent with current HHS, and NIH policies.

Awardees have lead responsibilities for the project as a whole, and
for all tasks and activities, with support from NIH for
recruitment, identification of resources to support collaborative
arrangements, and limited technical input into the research.

Each awardee will establish an HBCU Advisory Committee composed
primarily of external (other than the parent HBCU) scientists and
a NIDA program official to assist in planning and identifying the
recruited research scientist during Phase I, and in monitoring
progress during Phase II.

2. NIDA Staff Responsibilities

A NIDA Program Official will participate as a voting member of the
HBCU Advisory Committee, in recruitment of the scientist, and in
monitoring the progress of the program; will coordinate review of
the Phase II plan with input from NIDA staff and nonfederal
experts; and will also coordinate scientific and technical review
of the progress after 3 years in Phase II and the plans for the
remaining years.  The Program Official will also provide assistance
to the HBCU in developing collaborative research and funding
arrangements, the institutional environment, resources and other
infrastructure and administrative areas, as indicated under
Research Plan Requirements.

A separate program official will be appointed as the project
officer.  The project officer will be from a NIDA division separate
from the program official s component. The project officer will
perform customary duties that are normally required in grant
program administration to include: (1) monitoring all activities
supported by the grant, including studies carried out under the
grant; (2) providing guidance and advice regarding problems
presented by the grantee; (3) providing stewardship over the award;
and (4) reviewing progress reports and continuation applications
submitted by the grantee.

NIDA reserves the right to terminate the award if the HBCU does not
hire an acceptable recruited research scientist; does not provide
an acceptable research plan; does not provide the research
resources and administrative and technical support needed to
implement and sustain the program; does not retain the recruited
scientist over the life of the award (or appoints a suitable
replacement within a reasonable time); initiates substantive
changes in scope of work without the approval of NIDA and/or the
Advisory Board; or does not demonstrate acceptable progress at the
end of 3 years during Phase II.

3. Governance Committee

A governance committee composed of the Principal Investigator from
each project funded under this RFA and a NIDA program official (not
the project officer(s)) shall be formed during Phase I of the
program.  The Committee will meet twice each year in Washington, DC
to establish policy which shall be applicable to all grantees,
share information relating to the functioning of drug abuse
research programs at HBCUs and promote the dissemination of
findings from the research supported by this grant program in
refereed journals and other media.  Awardees will be required to
accept and implement the common policies approved by the Governance
Committee.

A Principal Investigator from one of the funded programs will be
selected by majority vote to serve a two-year term as chairperson
of the Governance Committee.  Issues to be discussed by the
committee will be identified by the chairperson in collaboration
with the other Principal Investigators supported by this program
and the NIDA representative to the Governance Committee.

4. Arbitration

Any disagreement that may arise on scientific or programmatic
matters (within the scope of the award) between award recipients
and NIDA may be brought to arbitration.  An arbitration panel will
be composed of three members--one selected by the Principal
Investigator, a second member selected by NIDA, and a third member
selected by the two prior selected members.  This special
arbitration procedure in no way affects the awardee's right to
appeal an adverse action that is otherwise appealable in accordance
with the PHS regulations at 42 CFR Part 50, Subpart D, and HHS
regulation at 45 CFR Part 16.

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/or 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 policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of
1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43).

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

Investigators may obtain copies from these sources or from the
program staff or contact person listed below.  Program staff may
also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy.

NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL ON DRUG ABUSE RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR
THE ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS TO HUMAN SUBJECTS

The National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse recognizes the
importance of research involving the administration of drugs to
human subjects and has developed guidelines relevant to such
research.  Potential applicants are encouraged to obtain and review
these recommendations before submitting an application that will
administer compounds to human subjects.  The guidelines are
available on NIDA's Home Page at http://www.nida.nih.gov under the
What's New, or may be obtained by calling (301) 443-2755.

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by April 22, 1998, a
letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed
grant application; name, address, and telephone number of the
Principal Investigator; and number and title of the RFA in response
to which the application may be submitted.  Although a letter of
intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the
review of subsequent applications, the information allows NIDA
staff to estimate the potential review workload.

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

Director
Office of Extramural Program Review
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Parklawn Building, Room 10-42
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-2755
FAX:  (301) 443-0538

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS
398 (Rev. 5/95).  Application kits are available at most
institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained
from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources,
National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3034, MSC
7762, Bethesda, MD 20892-7762, telephone (301) 710-0267, E-mail: 
asknih@od.nih.gov.

The conventional format for research grant applications is to be
used to ensure that points identified in the section on Review
Considerations are fulfilled.  Page limitations described in the
form PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) are applicable to this RFA.  In addition,
use the following modifications in completing the standard PHS 398
(rev. 5/95) application:

Budget Information

Limited budget justification (Form Pages 4 and 5) is required in
the application.  Namely, the applicant must provide the
anticipated level of effort in all years, a brief description of
responsibilities for the Phase I and Phase II Principal
Investigators and all key personnel, and an estimate and
description of anticipated expenditures for major budget
categories, e.g., travel, consultants, equipment, supplies,
personnel. Necessary detailed budget information will be requested
by the NIDA staff if there is a possibility for an award.

Research Plan Requirements

Institutional Environment and Resources.  Features of the
institutional environment that are relevant to effective
implementation of the overall program must be briefly described. 
As appropriate, available resources, e.g., facilities, study
populations, geographic distributions of space and personnel, and
consultative resources, should be described.

Infrastructure.  Any HBCU submitting a grant application in
response to this announcement must show evidence of an existing
research infrastructure that can support some aspect of the
research program.  HBCU research capabilities, i.e., previous (past
5 years) and current research support relevant to drug abuse
disorders should be described in the application.  The condition of
the present research infrastructure and any changes needed to
enhance support of the institution's research program must also be
delineated.  There must be a description of how proposed activities
will enhance the HBCU science faculty, improve the research
infrastructure, and strengthen the science curriculum.

Organizational and Administrative Structure.  The chain of
responsibility for decision making and administration, beginning at
the level of the institution's President and including all key
staff should be described, in detail and by diagram, if
appropriate.  Individuals responsible for the day-to-day
administrative details, program coordination, and planning and
evaluation of the program should also be identified.  Describe the
relation between the proposed program and other existing research,
academic, and administrative units of the HBCU and the means by
which the program will strengthen those activities and improve the
research infrastructure.  In addition, changes that will occur in
the structure during Phase II should be identified and described. 
Research Program.  The existing research program that is the basis
for the grant application should be described along with future
plans and how this award will enhance them, and plans for the
recruited research scientist.

Institutional Commitment.  The application must outline plans to
create and sustain a supportive research environment after NIDA and
ORMH funding has ended; describe opportunities for the individual
recruited as the Phase II Principal Investigator to continue to
grow and develop in research knowledge and skills; provide the
position of the recruited research scientist in the organizational
structure, including responsibilities, if applicable, beyond those
associated with the grant; identify staff and other resources and
support that will be made available to the recruited research
scientist; outline research and publication responsibilities; and
describe the institution s commitment to ensure that
administrators, faculty, staff, and students understand that the
recruited research scientist's primary responsibility to the
institution is to increase its biomedical and/or behavioral
research portfolio.  The institution s plan to obtain additional
research support, e.g., private sector and/or NIH, after NIDA/ORMH
funding ends should be described.

Recruitment Plan.  The skills of the individual to be recruited;
the relative importance of those skills to the research program and
the institution s infrastructure needs; and the HBCU s plan for
identifying, recruiting, and retaining such an individual must be
described.

Collaborative Arrangements.  Plans for collaborative research
arrangements should be submitted as part of the application. 
Letters of support by participating institutions and a commitment
to finalize collaborative arrangements soon after the award is made
should be included.  Plans for obtaining additional research
support from the private sector, NIH, and/or other sources should
also be described.

Checklist

No "Checklist" page is required as part of the initial application. 
A completed checklist will be requested by the NIDA staff if there
is a possibility for an award.

Face Page

The Phase I Principal Investigator is expected to devote a
reasonable percent effort to the grant.  During Phase II, the
Principal Investigator may devote up to a total of 100 percent
combined effort on the award and as an investigator on any other
NIH-supported grant(s) or contract(s) and may receive remuneration
from such sources accordingly.

The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/95) application form
must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application. 
Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the
application so 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.

Send or deliver the original, signed application and three legible
complete photocopies to:

CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040, MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

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

Director, OEPR
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10-42
Rockville, MD  20857

Applications must be received by May 22, 1998.  If an application
is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant
without review.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Applications will receive an initial review by NIH staff to
determine responsiveness to the RFA and completeness.  Applications
deemed not responsive to the RFA and/or incomplete will be
returned.  Applications that are responsive and complete will be
evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate
review group convened by the NIDA in accordance with NIH review
procedures.   As part of the initial merit review, all applications
will receive a written critique and undergo a process in which they
either will be scored or not recommended for further consideration. 
Those applications that are scored will receive a second level
review by the appropriate national advisory council or board.

Review Criteria

Review criteria include:

1.  Availability of HBCU resources to support the proposed research
and other program activities.

2.  Prior institutional experience relevant to drug abuse.

3.  Plans for identifying the recruited research scientist.

4.  Plans to create and sustain a supportive research environment
and to obtain additional funding.

5.  Commitment of the HBCU to the success of the program and the
recruited research scientist, including plans for recruitment of
other faculty, and for training students (undergraduate and
graduate) and postdoctoral individuals in biomedical and/or
behavioral research.

6.  Strength of and desired outcome of collaborative arrangements.

7.  Qualifications and experience of the proposed staff.

In addition to the above, the Phase II plan will be assessed for
scientific and technical merit of the research proposed by the
recruited research scientist.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications recommended for further consideration by the National
Institute on Drug Abuse Advisory Council will be considered for
award based on scientific and program merit, program balance, and
availability of funds.

Schedule

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  April 22, 1998
Application Receipt Date:       May 22, 1998
Review Date:                    July/August 1998
Advisory Council review:        September 1998
Anticipated Award Date:         September 30, 1998

INQUIRIES

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

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Lula Beatty, Ph.D.
Office of Special Populations
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 11A-33
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-0441
FAX:  (301) 480-8179
Email:  lb75x@nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Catherine Mills
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:  gf6s@nih.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog 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 Parts 52
and 45 CFR Part 74.  This program is not subject to
intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or
Health Systems Agency review.

The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all grant
recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-
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 of
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.

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	Office of Extramural Research (OER)			National Institutes of Health (NIH) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892			Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
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