LIMITED COMPETITION FOR COMPETING SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE AT MINORITY ACCESS TO RESEARCH CAREERS (MARC) AND MINORITY BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH SUPPORT (MBRS) GRANTEE INSTITUTIONS Release Date: October 11, 2001 RFA: RFA-GM-02-003 National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Letter of Intent Receipt Date: November 28, 2001 Application Receipt Date: December 28, 2001 PURPOSE The purpose of this initiative is to provide an opportunity to develop or upgrade an institution-wide communications infrastructure that includes a LAN (Local Area Network), an Intranet, and access to the Internet. Access to the latter provides faculty, students, and administrators a means of accessing remote databases, libraries, researching/sharing scientific information, transferring files and images, interacting with the NIH and communicating with colleagues throughout the world. The Intranet allows an efficient exchange and use of information within an institution or a campus. Additionally, both the Internet and the Intranet can be used for computer-based research education/training allowing students to become active learners. This Request for Applications (RFA) provides the information needed to prepare applications for grants to support the purchase and installation of equipment for an institutional Local Area Network and/or the hiring of technical personnel for institutional network development/improvement. 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 limited competition 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/. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Only institutions with active Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) U-STAR grants, MBRS Support of Continuous Research Excellence (SCORE), or Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) grants that have at least one year of support remaining at the time of award may apply. The supplemental award may not extend beyond the parent grant. Institutions having both MARC and MBRS program grants may apply for only one supplement. While institutions that have received communications technology supplements previously may apply, applications from institutions that have not received these supplements will be given higher priority. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA is a one-time solicitation and awards are not renewable. Support will be offered for a maximum of two years through competing supplements to existing MARC U- STAR (T34), MBRS SCORE (S06) or MBRS RISE (R25) grants. Requests should not exceed $250,000 total direct costs for the entire two years of support. Additional negotiated facilities and administration costs will be provided at the current level approved by the Department of Health and Human Services for the S06 grantee institutions, and at 8% for the MARC U-STAR and RISE grantee institutions, minus appropriate exclusions. FUNDS AVAILABLE The amount available to support this RFA is anticipated to be $3 million. The number of awards made will depend on institutional need, the number of highly meritorious applications received, and the size of individual awards. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Background The MARC U-STAR and RISE/SCORE Programs of MORE of NIGMS provide funds to support initiatives to increase the number of minority scientists in biomedical sciences, including mathematics relevant to biomedical sciences. As part of its ongoing commitment to the strengthening of minority institutions" research infrastructure, the MARC and MBRS branches would like to facilitate Internet and Intranet access at these institutions. Because of their heterogeneity, MARC- as well as MBRS- supported institutions vary in their needs. Some might need complete systems, i.e., there may be no direct Internet access on campus. Others might require less, such as wiring from central servers to faculty labs and offices, major and minor pieces of equipment such as servers and network software or the assistance of technical personnel for upgrading their Intranets and for user support. Thus NIGMS encourages the institutions to set their goals and objectives for the communications supplemental grant depending upon their specific situations. Electronic communication is an efficient way for transmitting or accessing information to or from NIH, individual departments, laboratories (download data), libraries (literature searches of scientific and biomedical data bases, on line journals, or library holdings) or interpersonal communication via e-mail. Further, having Internet and Intranet links on campus will afford MBRS- and MARC- supported institutions the ability/possibility to have an impact on MARC and other student research teaching/training activities. Faculty and students at the institutions will also have the opportunity to communicate broadly with NIH, each other, and scientists at other institutions. Wiring and linking of different campus sites with cable/wireless linkages, computer hardware and software can maximize limited resources at an institution so that faculty and students can obtain the latest scientific information and be more efficient in working with each other and collaborators. In addition, full electronic communication is expected to affect the way the extramural community does business with NIH. For example, by the middle of this decade organizations that wish to submit grant applications to NIH may well be required to do so electronically. DEFINITIONS The following defined items are examples for applicants to use in their response to this RFA. 1. Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a network of interconnected workstations sharing the resources of a single processor or server within a relatively small geographic area. The main LAN technologies are Ethernet, token ring, ARCNET and Fiber Distributed Data Interface. 2. Wireless LAN: A wireless LAN replaces cable connection by spectrum, microwave and infrared light. The latter is a relatively low-cost "wiring" of facilities where existing systems are not already in place. 3. Intranet: Electronic communication between personal computers (PC) on campus via a LAN that is generally protected from outside unauthorized access. 4. Wiring: Use of cables or wires to make electrical connections between individual computers, hubs and the LAN server. The installation of wiring for a multiple user computer system and that for hubs with network connectors and routers are included under wiring. 5. Wireless Connections: Any communications between access points that act like local "cells" for attaching to the LAN. May be within or between buildings. Generally, PCs equipped with special network cards that transmit via specific radio frequencies, microwave radio signals or radio spectrum (at varying frequencies and costs) are included under wireless connections. These are allowable costs. 6. Alterations and Renovations: Alterations and renovations (A&R) are defined as work required to change the interior arrangements or other physical characteristics of an existing facility or installed equipment so that it may be more effectively utilized for its currently designated purpose or adapted to an alternative use to meet a programmatic requirement. A&R costs that do not constitute construction are allowable charges to PHS grant-supported projects and activities. 7. Construction: This involves any modification of existing structures that results in an exit to the exterior of a building. This would include passage of wire/cable to another distant structure or building. This is an unallowable cost. INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS The sections on inclusion of women and minorities and children in research involving human subjects are mandatory in any NIH RFA or program announcement but may not be relevant to the supplemental grants for communications technology. 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 biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification are 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 research involving human subjects should read the Updated "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on August 2, 2000 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-048.html), a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_update.htm: The revisions relate to NIH defined Phase III clinical trials and require: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols to 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) all investigators to report accrual, and to conduct and report analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences. INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of NIH that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them. This policy applies to all initial (Type 1), competitive renewal (Type 2) and supplemental (Type 3) applications submitted for receipt dates after October 1, 1998. 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 that was published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, March 6, 1998, and is available at the following URL address: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-024.html Investigators may also obtain copies of these policies from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. 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 proposals for research involving human subjects. This policy announcement is found in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts Announcement dated June 5, 2000, at the following website: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html. URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. Unless otherwise specified in a NIH solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide information necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Reviewers are cautioned that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site. PUBLIC 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 public 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 RFA 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. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit no later than November 28, 2001 a letter of intent to apply for these supplements. In this letter of intent a descriptive title of the proposed project, the name, address, and telephone number of the MARC U-STAR or MBRS current grant program director who must be the PI of the supplemental application, the identities of key personnel, and the number and title of the RFA must be included. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows NIGMS staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. Hinda Zlotnik, Program Director, MORE Division, NIGMS 45 Center Dr., Room 2As-37, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-3900 Tel: (301) 594-3900 Fax: (301) 480-2753 e-mail: hindaz@nigms.nih.gov SPECIAL REQUIREMENT A progress report will be required as a part of subsequent applications for non-competing continuation of the grant (Type 5) or of the closeout package if a competing application is not funded. This progress report should describe the steps that have been implemented explain the overall benefits derived from institution-wide Internet connectivity and provide specific information on overall user utilization. APPLICATION PROCEDURES The PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001) available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html must be used in applying for these grants. This version of the PHS 398 is available in an interactive, searchable format. Although applicants are strongly encouraged to begin using the 5/2001 revision of the PHS 398 as soon as possible, the NIH will continue to accept applications prepared using the 4/1998 revision until January 9, 2002. Beginning January 10, 2002, however, the NIH will return applications that are not submitted on the 5/2001 version. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone 301/710-0267, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov. Modular and Just-in-Time procedures do not apply to MARC and MBRS communications supplement grants. Supplemental application guidelines are listed under SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application. Type the RFA number on the label. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. The RFA label is also available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf. Send a signed typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed photocopies of the application by December 28, 2001 to: Center for Scientific Review National Institutes of Health Suite 1040 6701 Rockledge Dr., MSC 7710 Bethesda, MD 20892-7710 At the time of submission to CSR, two additional copies of the application must be sent to: Office of Scientific Review National Institute of General Medical Sciences 45 Center Drive, Room 1As-13F, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Applications must be received by December 28, 2001. Applications received after that date will be returned to the applicant without review. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF APPLICATION I. FACE PAGE Item 1. The title should reflect the supplemental nature of the prospective funding by specifying the active MARC/MBRS grant number (e.g., 2S06GM12345-06). Item 2. Response to Specific Request for Application or Program Announcement. Check the box marked "YES", beside "NUMBER" type this RFA number, GM-02-003, and beside "TITLE" type in MARC/MBRS communications supplement application. Items 3-5. Follow instructions as for PHS form 398. The PI must be PI of parent grant. Item 6. Dates of the entire Proposed Project Period. The period of support is for a maximum of two years but can not exceed the duration of the parent grant. Item 7-16. Follow instructions as for PHS form 398. II. DESCRIPTION AND KEY PERSONNEL Provide a brief description of current Internet capabilities, state the goals and specific measurable objectives of this supplement, briefly state how these will be accomplished implemented and how they will contribute to furthering the programmatic outcomes and goals of the MARC and/or MBRS Programs. List all key professional personnel who will work on the supplemental project. III. TABLE OF CONTENTS This supplemental application should be structured using the Table of Contents on Page 3 of PHS form 398. IV. DETAILED BUDGET FOR INITIAL BUDGET PERIOD (PHS Form 398-Page DD) and BUDGET FOR ENTIRE PROPOSED PERIOD OF SUPPORT (PHS Form 398-Page EE) Allowable costs have been detailed below. Salary support for employees of the applicant institution must be listed as personnel. Support for all other personnel should be listed under consultants. The need for each budget item requested and its cost must be documented. For equipment over $10,000, three price quotations must be provided. Support is for a maximum of two years. Plans to phase in personnel supported by the award and required beyond the end of the supplemental period of support have to be provided under budget justification. Allowable costs Allowable costs are the overall cost of a connection to the Internet which could include but is not limited to gateway and router equipment, associated communication hardware (CDU/DSU), the leased line (e.g., ISDN), and Internet service provider fees. The cost of materials and/or equipment (servers, for example) are allowed for Intranet development, if strongly justified. Three price quotes of the requested equipment for a LAN system or individual pieces of equipment or upgrades that cost over $10,000 each must be provided with the grant application. Applications without the required price quotations will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Technical personnel to set up and maintain facilities, equipment and/or for the development of MARC and/or MBRS Institutional Program websites are allowed on a phase-in basis with the institution assuming support for personnel at the end of the supplemental grant period. Support may be requested during competitive renewal of MARC U-STAR, MBRS RISE or SCORE grants (up to $40,000 per year) for continued support of information technology personnel beyond the supplement-funded period. Where the time remaining is less than needed to set up a LAN or ancillary systems the phase-in can be extended into the next award period through an approved carryover of funds. Justifiable alterations and renovations for up to $150,000 of the $250,000 maximum total direct costs are allowed if they comply with NIH alterations and renovations policy (PHS Grants Policy Statement) and if they are necessary for setting up a LAN. Consultation with the program officer is encouraged if questions arise (see INQUIRIES below). Unallowable costs Alterations or renovations in excess of $150,000 or construction or exterior drilling and wiring of buildings or between buildings are not allowed, regardless of cost. Although costs for cable connections between buildings are not allowed, wireless technologies such as laser beams, microwave radio, and radio spectrum are allowable. If the proposal requires construction of wiring between buildings, the application should indicate the source of funds for this purpose. Funds for the purchase of laptops and PCs for individual use are not allowed, nor are funds for individual Internet accounts for single offices/laboratories/rooms and/or for home use. V. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Provide a biographical sketch for each of the principal project participants, including consultants. Include degrees, qualifications, positions held, and publications. VI. RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Describe the computer, communications, and networking facilities and/or resources currently available at the applicant institution. VII. RESEARCH PLAN (Not to exceed 10 pages) A. Introduction: Provide a brief description of the institution, the MARC and/or MBRS Program and an overview of the institution"s plans for strengthening the institution"s research training, research education and/or research capabilities. Explain what will be accomplished through support from this RFA and how it fits within the institutional plan to improve research training and education opportunities for minorities. If the institution had received a communications supplement grant earlier justify the need for additional funds. B. Specific Aims: State concisely the specific objectives that could be accomplished with the proposed supplemental funding. C. Background and Significance: Provide the relevant background information on the communications technology available to the departments participating in the institutional MARC U-STAR and/or MBRS grants or on the campus as a whole. Specifically describe the present state of the communications network and whether previously awarded MARC and/or MBRS supplemental funds have been used to develop the system. Describe how this technology assisted in research and research education activities and identify the targeted populations. Explain how the new additions to the communications infrastructure will improve the institution"s research and research education activities. D. Project Plan. Describe how the current local network (if applicable) will be improved or how a new network will be developed to provide Internet access to faculty, researchers, students, and administrators. Provide plans for the acquisition and installation of necessary equipment and the hiring of technical personnel for the provision of institution-wide access, user training and user support. The training plans should include topics to be covered and the personnel who will provide training and follow-up. If technical personnel is/are to be hired, describe the institutional plan for their phasing-in into regular institutional appointments at the end of the funding period. In addition, describe the institutional plans for budgeting ongoing costs for Internet access maintenance and technical user support once this grant"s funding ends. E. Implementation Plan: Provide in a separate section a detailed implementation plan for the proposed project. This should include a timetable for the completion of each of the proposed objectives. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR and responsiveness by NIGMS. Incomplete and/or nonresponsive applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by NIGMS in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, a process may be used by the initial review group in which all applications receive a written critique and undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of the applications under review, will be discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council will provide the second level of review. Review Criteria: Major factors to be considered in the evaluation of applications include: 1. The feasibility and appropriateness of the project plan as related to institutional need. 2. For institutions that have received prior support for communications technology supplements, the likelihood that the new proposed improvements will substantially enhance the infrastructure already in place and the teaching and research capabilities of the participating departments in the parent grant. 3. Suitability of the proposed equipment, communication connections and technical support to accomplish the proposed activities. 4. Quality of user support services and proposed research/computer training. 5. Evidence of institutional commitment for maintenance and future user support of the Internet backbone and/or of the Intranet. 6. Appropriateness of the applicant"s implementation plan and the likelihood of a timely completion of the project. 7. Potential impact of the project on institutional enhancement of research education and research activities. AWARD CRITERIA Award decisions will be based on 1) the technical merit of the application, 2) the likelihood that the applicant institution will fulfill the proposed project objectives and further the goals of the MARC/MBRS program, 3) the number of meritorious applications, 4) the availability of funds, and 5) geographical distribution and prior communications technology support. Awards will be made only to institutions with financial management systems and other management capabilities that are acceptable under PHS policy. Awards will be administered under the PHS Grants Policy Statement. Schedule Letter of Intent Receipt Date: November 28, 2001 Application Receipt Date: December 28, 2001 Peer Review Date: February 2002 Council Review: May 2002 Earliest Anticipated Award Date: June 1, 2002 INQUIRIES Written and telephone inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants is welcomed. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Hinda Zlotnik, Ph.D. Program Director, MORE Division National Institute of General Medical Sciences 45 Center Drive, Room Number 2As.37, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Telephone: (301) 594-3900 FAX: (301) 480-2753 E-mail: hindaz@nigms.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding review process to: Helen R. Sunshine, Ph.D. Chief, Office of Scientific Review National Institute of General Medical Sciences 45 Center Drive, Room 1AS.13, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Tel: (301) 594 3663 Fax: (301) 480 0770 E-mail: sunshinh@nigms.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Antoinette Holland Grants Management Officer National Institute of General Medical Sciences Room Number 2AN.50B 45 Center Drive MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Telephone: (301) 594-5132 FAX: (301) 480-2554 E-mail: hollanda@nigms.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATION: This program is described in the Catalog of federal Domestic assistance No. 93-375. Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended authorize awards, and administered under PHS grants policies and Federal regulations 42 CFR part 52c, 45 CFR part 74, and 45 CFR part 92. See also Senate Appropriations Committee Report, No. 92-316, July 29, 1971, Executive Order 12900, Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans February 22,1994, and Executive Order 12876, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, November 1, 1993. Applications are not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The PHS 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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