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 31, 2002
RFA: GM-03-005
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
(http://www.nigms.nih.gov)
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: November 29, 2002
Application Receipt Date: December 30, 2002
THIS RFA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
o Purpose of this RFA
o Program Objectives
o Mechanism(s) of Support
o Funds Available
o Eligible Institutions
o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators
o Special Requirements
o Where to Send Inquiries
o Letter of Intent
o Submitting an Application
o Peer Review Process
o Review Criteria
o Receipt and Review Schedule
o Award Criteria
o Required Federal Citations
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.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The MARC U-STAR and RISE/SCORE Programs of the Minority Opportunities
in Research (MORE) Division of the 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- and 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 databases, 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.
MECHANISMS 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.
ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS
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 having at least two years of support remaining at the time of
the award are eligible to compete under this RFA. The supplement
request may not extend beyond the time period of the parent grant.
Restrictions on submitting supplemental applications found in the MARC
U-STAR and MBRS Program Guidelines do not apply. 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.
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. This 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.
INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
Since this grant will be awarded as a supplement to an existing MARC or
MBRS grant only Program Directors of an active MARC or MBRS award are
eligible to be Principal Investigators of a proposal submitted in
response to this RFA.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
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 costs 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 competing 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.
WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES The MORE Division encourages inquiries
concerning this RFA and welcomes the opportunity to answer questions
from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three areas:
scientific/research, peer review, and financial and grant management
issues:
o Direct your questions about scientific/research issues to:
Hinda Zlotnik, Ph.D.
Program Director
Minority Access to Research Careers Branch
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
45 Center Drive, Room 2AS.37, MSC 6200
Bethesda, MD 20892-6200
Telephone: (301) 594-3900
E-mail: zlotnikh@nigms.nih.gov
o Direct your questions about peer review issues to:
Helen R. Sunshine, Ph.D.
Chief, Office of Scientific Review
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
45 Center Drive, Room 3AN.12F, MSC 6200
Bethesda, MD 20892-6200
Tel: (301) 594-2881
Fax: (301) 480-8506
Email: sunshinh@nigms.nih.gov
o Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters
to:
Ms. Antoinette Holland
Grants Management Officer
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
45 Center Drive, Room 2AN.50B, MSC 6200
Bethesda, MD 20892-6200
Telephone: (301) 594-5132
FAX: (301) 480-2554
E-mail: hollanda@nigms.nih.gov
LETTER OF INTENT
Prospective applicants are asked to submit no later than November 29,
2002 a letter of intent to apply for these supplements. In this letter
of intent, include:
o a descriptive title of the proposed project,
o 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,
o the identities of key personnel, and
o the number and title of the RFA.
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:
Hinda Zlotnik, Ph.D.
Program Director, MORE Division
NIGMS
45 Center Drive, Room 2AS-37, MSC 6200
Bethesda, MD 20892-3900
Telephone: (301) 594-3900
Fax: (301) 480-2753
E-mail: hindaz@nigms.nih.gov
SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
Applications must be prepared using PHS 398 research grant application
instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001). The PHS 398 is available at
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an
interactive format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo,
Telephone (301) 710-0267, E-mail: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS
I. FACE PAGE
Item 1. The title should reflect the supplemental nature of the
prospective funding.
Item 2. Response to Specific Request for Application or Program
Announcement. Check the box marked "YES"; beside 'NUMBER' type GM-03-
005; beside the 'TITLE,' type in "MARC/MBRS communications supplement
application (specify the MARC/MBRS grant number)".
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 up to two years or until the end of the parent grant,
whichever is shorter.
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 specified above. Salary support for employees
of the applicant institution must be listed under personnel costs.
Support for all other personnel should be listed under consultants
costs. 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.
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 introduction as required by PHS 398.
This introduction should contain 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 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.
Modular and Just-in-Time procedures do not apply to MARC and MBRS
communications supplement grants.
USING THE RFA LABEL: 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 and the RFA number must be given in 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:
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf.
SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: Submit a signed typewritten original
of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed
photocopies of the application in one package by December 30, 2002 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 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 3AN.12, MSC 6200
Bethesda, MD 20892-6200
APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be received by the
application receipt date listed in the heading of this RFA. If an
application is received after that date, it will be returned to the
applicant without review.
The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) 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 CSR 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.
PEER REVIEW PROCESS
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, all applications
will:
o Receive a written critique, and
o Receive a second level review by the NIGMS National Advisory Council.
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.
RECEIPT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: November 29, 2002
Application Receipt Date: December 30, 2002
Peer Review Date: March-April, 2003
Council Review: May 2003
Earliest Anticipated Award Date: June 1, 2003
AWARD CRITERIA
Award decisions will be based on:
o The technical merit of the application,
o The likelihood that the applicant institution will fulfill the
proposed project objectives and further the goals of the MARC/MBRS
program,
o The number of meritorious applications,
o The availability of funds, and
o Geographical distribution and prior communications technology
support.
REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS
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
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm.
Applicants may wish to place data collected under this PA 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.
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 an 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. Furthermore, we caution reviewers that their anonymity
may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site.
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 RFA is related to one or more of the priority areas.
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at
http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.121, 93.172, 93.173, 93.233,
39.272,03.278.93.282, 93.306, 93.361, 93.398, 93.821, 93.837-93.839,
93.846-93.849, 93.853-93.856, 93.859, 93.862-93.867, 93.880, 93.894,
and 93.929, and is not subject to the intergovernmental review
requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.
Awards are made under authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the
Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284). NRSA awards
are made under the authority of Section 487 of the Public Health
Service Act as amended (42 USC 288) and Title 42 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 66. Awards must be administered under NIH grants
policies described at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm,
NRSA Guidelines for Institutional Awards, and under Federal Regulations
42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.
The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-
free workplace and discourage the use of all tobacco products. In
addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits
smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a
facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care,
health care, or early childhood development services are provided to
children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and
advance the physical and mental health of the American people.