EXPIRED
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
K12 Physician Scientist Award Program (PSA)
NOT-OD-22-190 - Adjustments to NIH and AHRQ Grant Application Due Dates Between September 22 and September 30, 2022
See Section III. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility.
The purpose of this FOA issued by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH is to announce the re-competition of the Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP). This program constitutes a national network of mentors and scholars, in contrast to K12 programs that are based solely at a single applicant institution. The purpose of the RSDP is to provide career development support for obstetricians and gynecologists who have completed their clinical training, and who are committed to a career conducting basic science research in an academic setting. The overall goal of the Program is to strengthen the field of obstetrics and gynecology by encouraging the application of contemporary scientific advances to clinical practice and facilitating the transition to independence of physician-scientists in obstetrics and gynecology and its subspecialties.
Not Applicable
Application Due Dates | Review and Award Cycles | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
New | Renewal / Resubmission / Revision (as allowed) | AIDS | Scientific Merit Review | Advisory Council Review | Earliest Start Date |
November 30, 2022 | November 30, 2022 | Not Applicable | March 2023 | May 2023 | July 2023 |
All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.
Not Applicable
It is critical that applicants follow the Training (T) Instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts). Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
Purpose and Background Information
The overall goal of the NIH Research Career Development programs is to help ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained scientists is available in appropriate scientific disciplines to address the Nation’s biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. More information about Career programs may be found at the NIH Extramural Training Mechanisms website.
This FOA encourages applications from organizations that propose creative and innovative institutional research career development programs in the mission area(s) of the NIH.
The proposed institutional research career development program may complement other, ongoing research training and career development programs at the applicant institution, but the proposed career development experiences must be distinct from those career development programs currently receiving Federal support.
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) does not allow appointed Trainees to lead an independent clinical trial, but does allow them to obtain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. NIH strongly supports training towards a career in clinically relevant research and so gaining experience in clinical trials under the guidance of a mentor or co-mentor is encouraged.
Purpose
The purpose of the Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) is to provide career development support for obstetricians and gynecologists who have completed their clinical training and are committed to a career conducting basic science research in an academic setting. This program constitutes a national network of mentors and scholars. In contrast to K12 programs that are based solely at a single applicant institution, the RSDP is located at academic institutions and laboratories of nationally recognized scientific leaders across the U.S., provides a mentored training experience, and fosters the transition of junior faculty into independent productive physician-scientists in scientific areas related to obstetrics and gynecology and its subspecialties. This program facilitates career development of the next generation of scientific leaders in obstetrics, gynecology and the reproductive sciences, and is designed to increase the pipeline of basic translational researchers who will contribute to the scientific mission of NICHD through discovery and application of scientific advances to clinical women's health, gynecologic and obstetrical practice. Areas of interests covered by the program are broadly defined, with emphasis in cell and molecular biology as applied to problems in reproductive endocrinology, genetics, maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, infectious disease, or other aspects of reproduction.
The overall goal of the program is to ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained physician-scientists is available in appropriate scientific disciplines to advance the NICHD program priorities and strategic plan by strengthening the field of obstetrics and gynecology through career development of high quality researchers who are able to apply contemporary scientific advances to obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) and its subspecialties, and to the women's health arena.
Background
The RSDP is a national career development program that was launched in 1988 with the goal of developing a cadre of physician-scientists based in academic departments who could employ cutting-edge cell, molecular and genetic technologies to address important problems in Ob-Gyn. The mentored research experiences offered by this program seek to assist junior faculty to transition to productive, independent clinician-scientists who are highly competitive for research funding.
Since its inception, over 112 clinical fellows (hereafter referred to as "scholars") have participated in the RSDP, including 41 maternal-fetal medicine, 36 reproductive endocrinology and infertility, 22 gynecologic oncology, 6 general gynecology, 1 urogynecology subspecialists, as well as 2 Family Practice and 4 non-traditional trainees. Approximately 75% of these scholars have been listed as PI/PDs on applications for research grants with half receiving support under at least one grant award. Moreover, approximately 80% of former scholars have remained in faculty or research-related positions with many currently in leadership positions in their academic institutions.
The RSDP is distinct from other K12 programs in that scholar career development is done in two phases. In Phase I, which lasts two, and occasionally, three years, a scholar identifies a sponsor (usually a department chairperson) and a world-class mentor(s) at a US-based institution of their choice. During this phase, the scholar devotes 75% of their time conducting cutting-edge basic research in cellular/molecular biology, genetics, etc., with the remaining time being spent in teaching or clinical service. Following this intensive research experience, the scholar enters Phase II and assumes a junior faculty position, usually in the sponsoring department. During Phase II which lasts two years, the scholar continues to spend at least 75% of their effort in mentored laboratory research. It is during this phase that the scholar attempts to establish an independent research program by working with their respective institution to apply for extramural grant support generally through the NIH. The structure of the RSDP includes an RSDP Selection Committee that reviews applications for Phase I and II and makes recommendations to the PD/PI of the K12 award. Additionally, an RSDP Evaluation Committee also performs site visit reviews of scholars at the end of their Phase I experience and when issues arise.
The proposed institutional research career development program may complement other, ongoing research training and career development programs at the applicant institution, but the proposed career development experiences must be distinct from those career development programs currently receiving Federal support.
Scope of the Program
The RSDP provides four years of mentored research experiences. With funds from this award, the RSDP will provide annual support for up to eight scholars including up to two scholars for each of the first and second year of Phase I training, and for each of the first and second year of Phase II training. These scholars will train in laboratories located at premier research institutions throughout the country. After having been nominated to the RSDP by a Chairperson, each applicant to the RSDP will be chosen for entry into Phase I and progression to Phase II by an RSDP Selection Committee.
The scope of the research conducted by the scholar can include all areas of Ob-Gyn and related fields with a focus on career development leading to research independence. Emphasis of scientific projects should be on allowing the scholar to acquire state-of-the-art techniques in cellular/molecular biology, genetics, etc. that will allow them to answer questions important to reproductive science and medicine. In addition, the program will encourage leadership development and other training that fosters career development. The work should ultimately be relevant to general Ob-Gyn and/or its subspecialties such as maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, gynecologic oncology and urogynecology.
Topic Areas
RSDP scholars study a broad array of topics related to the reproductive sciences. Some examples of recent project topics include but are not limited to:
In order to hasten the transition to independence, a scholar will be expected to work with their institution to submit an R03 application to the NIH in the first year of Phase II.
Program Considerations
The proposed institutional research career development program may complement other, ongoing research training and career development programs at the applicant institution, but the proposed career development experiences must be distinct from those career development programs currently receiving Federal support.
See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.
Grant: A support mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity.
The OER Glossary and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on these application types. Only those application types listed here are allowed for this FOA.
Not Allowed: Only accepting applications that do not propose clinical trials.
Note: Appointed Trainees are permitted to obtain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.
NICHD intends to commit $988,000 in FY 2023 to fund one award.
Application budgets are limited to $920,000 direct costs in all years of support, and must reflect actual needs of the proposed RSDP.
The scope of the proposed project should determine the project period. The maximum project period is five years.
Individuals designing, directing, and implementing the career development program may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the person months devoted to the program. Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions and may not exceed the congressionally mandated cap. If mentoring interactions and other activities with scholars are considered a regular part of an individual's academic duties, then mentoring and other interactions with scholars are non-reimbursable from grant funds.
Salary support for individuals involved in program administration and management must be substantially justified. Salary support for ancillary personnel (e.g. administrative assistance or secretarial support) on CDAs is not allowable.
Scholars are those individuals who benefit from the proposed activities and experiences involved in the career development program. Scholar costs must be justified as specifically required for the proposed career development program and based on institutional policies for salaries paid to individuals in similar positions, regardless of the source of funds. These expenses must be itemized in the proposed budget.
The salaries of administrative and clerical staff should normally be treated as indirect (F&A) costs. Direct charging of these costs may be appropriate only if all of the following conditions are met: (1) Administrative or clerical services are integral to a project or activity; (2) Individuals involved can be specifically identified with the project or activity; (3) Such costs are explicitly included in the budget or have the prior written approval of the Federal awarding agency; and (4) The costs are not also recovered as indirect costs. When specifically identified and justified, these expenses must be itemized in Sections A and B, as appropriate, of the R&R Budget.
Allowable Costs:
Items that may NOT be supported with K12 funds include:
Participant Costs
Salary and Fringe Benefits:
For the first two years of the Program (Phase I), scholars can receive up to $100,000 per year for salary support and fringe benefits, consistent with the host institution's salary scale. The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month staff appointment and requires scholars to devote no less than 9 person-months (equivalent to 75%) of full-time professional effort to conducting research and engaging in activities devoted to the development of a successful research career. The remaining effort may be devoted to other activities such as teaching or clinical service.
For years three and four of the Program (Phase II), scholars can receive up to $100,000 per year for salary support and fringe benefits, consistent with the institution's salary scale. The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month appointment and requires scholars in Phase II to devote a minimum of 9 person-months (equivalent to 75%) of full-time professional effort to conducting research. The remaining effort may be devoted to other activities such as teaching or clinical service.
For effort directly committed to the K award, salary supplementation is allowed, but must be from non-Federal sources. The institution may supplement the NIH salary contribution on K award up to the institution's salary scale, but must not require extra duties or responsibilities.
For effort not directly committed to the K award (e.g., 25%), K recipients may devote effort, with compensation, on Federal or non-Federal sources as PD/PI or in another role, as long the specific aims differ from those of the K award.
Research and Career Development Support:
All applicants may request up to $25,000 per year for support of scholars' career development activities. Allowable expenses include (1) travel to attend the annual RSDP Scholars Retreat or other scientific meetings; (2) research supplies and equipment; and (3) technical support and statistical or computer services. These research and development costs must be specifically documented for each individual candidate and must be specifically related to the scholar's research activities. They cannot be pooled and used for other programs unrelated or indirectly related to the research activities of individual scholars.
Items that may NOT be supported with each Scholar's Research and Career Development Support category include:
Consultant costs, equipment, supplies, travel for key persons, and other program-related expenses may be included in the proposed budget. These expenses must be justified as specifically required by the proposed program and must not duplicate items generally available at the applicant institution.
Other Program-Related Expenses are limited to $25,000 per year. This allowance may be used for the PD(s)/PI(s) or other faculty to attend the annual RSDP Scholars Retreat or other organizational/administrative meetings associated with the K12 program.
Funds may NOT be used to support travel of the PD(s)/PI(s) or other faculty or mentors to scientific meetings other than K12 program-specific meetings.
Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs (exclusive of tuition and fees, consortium costs in excess of $25,000, and expenditures for equipment), rather than on the basis of a negotiated rate agreement.
NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made from this FOA.
1. Eligible Applicants
Higher Education Institutions
The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:
Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education
Governments
Other
Federal Governments
The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program.
The applicant institution must have a strong and high quality research program in the area(s) proposed under this FOA and must have the requisite faculty, staff, potential trainees and facilities on site to conduct the proposed institutional program. In many cases, it is anticipated that the proposed program will complement other ongoing career development programs occurring at the applicant institution and that a substantial number of program faculty will have active research projects in which participating scholars may gain relevant experiences consistent with their research interests and goals.
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.
Applicant Organizations
Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as possible. The NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications states that failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a late submission.
Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s))
All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account. PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons. If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research training program as the Training Program Director/Principal Investigator (Training PD/PI) is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and women are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. See, Reminder: Notice of NIH's Encouragement of Applications Supporting Individuals from Underrepresented Ethnic and Racial Groups as well as Individuals with Disabilities, NOT-OD-22-019.
For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide.
The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD/PI will be responsible for the selection and appointment of trainees to the approved research training program, and for the overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the program. The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required. The PD/PI has responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the program and is responsible for appointing members of the Advisory Committee (when applicable), using their recommendations to determine the appropriate allotment of funds.
2. Cost Sharing
This FOA does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
3. Additional Information on Eligibility
Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is programmatically distinct.
The NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time, per 2.3.7.4 Submission of Resubmission. This means that the NIH will not accept:
Program faculty should have strong records as researchers, including recent publications and successful competition for research support in the area of the proposed research training program. Program faculty should also have a record of research training, including successful, former trainees who have established productive careers relevant to the NIH mission. Researchers from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, and women are encouraged to participate as mentors.
Scholars
Scholars to be supported by the institutional career development program must be at the career level for which the planned program is intended. Scholars are expected to devote a minimum of 9 person-months (75% of full-time professional effort) during the appointment on the K12 award.
Scholars must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment. Additional details on citizenship requirements are available in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Preceptors/Mentors
Program faculty should have strong records as researchers, including recent publications and successful competition for research support in the area of the proposed research training program. Program faculty should also have a record of research training, including successful former trainees who have established productive careers relevant to the NIH mission. Researchers from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, and women are encouraged to participate as mentors.
The mentors should hold faculty positions, be supported by NIH or other competitively awarded grants and be acknowledged experts in the application of new advances in basic science research. The established investigators, as mentors, will make available their expertise, guidance and laboratory facilities to be utilized by scholars for research projects that will enhance their knowledge and skills. Mentors must have track records in mentoring and training and must interact closely with the scholar to develop a career development plan. Assigned mentors will provide guidance for the development of each scholar appointed to the RSDP.
Scholars
Scholars to be supported by the institutional career development program must be at the career level for which the planned program is intended. RSDP Scholars must have an M.D. degree or equivalent and must have completed a postgraduate residency training in general Ob-Gyn or an Ob-Gyn subspecialty area. Scholars may also have a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in addition to an M.D. Scholars are expected to have a "full-time" appointment at the academic institution while participating in the K12 program.
Phase I scholars (years 1 and 2) must have a minimum of 75% of their professional time protected from clinical duties or assignments. Phase II scholars (years 3 and 4) must have a minimum of 75% of their professional time protected from clinical duties or assignments.
At the time of entry into the RSDP, a scholar may not be or have been a PD/PI on an R01 or subproject of a Program Project (P01) or Center (P50, P60, U54) grant, independent mentored career development (K-series) grants or other equivalent research grant awards. Scholars who are or were PD/PIs on NIH Small Grants (i.e., R03s) or Exploratory/Developmental Grants (i.e., R21s) may be appointed providing they meet the eligibility requirements of the RSDP.
During the period of their appointment, scholars may not accept or hold any other PHS award that duplicates the provisions of this career award. However, scholars may remain eligible for other individual mentored career development awards (e.g., K08, K23, K99/R00) at the conclusion of the K12 appointment if additional training is needed to establish research independence. Combined support through institutional (K12, KL2) and individual mentored career development award programs must not exceed six years. Scholars may also hold concurrent support from their K award and a competing research grant during Phase II training. According to NIH Policy (NOT-OD-18-157), scholars who are successful in obtaining support from other grants as a PD/PI or subproject Director of a multi-project grant may, with prior approval, be permitted to reduce the level of effort required for the K award to no less than six person-months (50% full-time professional effort) and replace that effort with effort on an NIH research grant or subproject provided they remain in a mentored situation.
1. Requesting an Application Package
The application forms package specific to this opportunity must be accessed through ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace or an institutional system-to-system solution. Links to apply using ASSIST or Grants.gov Workspace are available in Part 1 of this FOA. See your administrative office for instructions if you plan to use an institutional system-to-system solution.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
It is critical that applicants follow the Training (T) Instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
Letter of Intent
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 IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review.
By the date listed in Part 1. Overview Information, prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information:
The letter of intent should be sent to:
Esther Eisenberg, MD MPH
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Telephone: 301-496-6516
Email: [email protected]
Page Limitations
All page limitations described in the SF424 Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.
Instructions for Application Submission
The following section supplements the instructions found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and should be used for preparing an application to this FOA.
SF424(R&R) Cover
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
SF424(R&R) Project/Performance Site Locations
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
SF424 (R&R) Other Project Information
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
Other Attachments. A plan must be provided for the appointment of all committees necessary for the operation of the RSDP. These may include an Executive Committee, Selection Committee and Evaluation Committee. The composition, responsibilities, frequency of meetings, and other relevant information for each committee should be included. Describe the composition of each committee, identifying the role and the desired expertise of members. For example, describe how the Executive Committee will function in providing oversight of the development, implementation, and evaluation of recruitment strategies, the recruitment and retention of candidates, and the evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the program. A plan for Selection Committee approval and selection of participants should be included. Describe the criteria used by the Evaluation Committee in determining the suitability of an applicant for participation in Phase I or Phase II of the RSDP. Note that proposed committee members should not be named in the application, particularly if they include individuals from outside the institution. However, renewal applications with committees in place should include names of existing committee members. Please name your file "Committees.pdf".
The filename provided for each "Other Attachment" will be the name used for the bookmark in the electronic application in eRA Commons.
Substitute the term scholars for all references to trainees in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, and substitute the term career development for all references to training in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Project Summary/Abstract. Provide an abstract of the entire application. Include the objectives, rationale and design of the career development program, as well as key activities in the training plan. Indicate the planned duration of appointments, the projected number of scholars including their levels (i.e., predoctoral , postdoctoral , short-term faculty ), and intended trainee/scholar outcomes
Other Attachments. An Advisory Committee is not a required component of a training program. However, if an Advisory Committee is intended, provide a plan for the appointment of an Advisory Committee to monitor progress of the training program. The composition, roles, responsibilities, and desired expertise of committee members, frequency of committee meetings, and other relevant information should be included. Describe how the Advisory Committee will evaluate the overall effectiveness of the program. Proposed Advisory Committee members should be named in the application if they have been invited to participate at the time the application is submitted. Renewal applications with Advisory Committees should include the names of all committee members during the past project period. Please name your file Advisory_Committee.pdf .
The filename provided for each Other Attachment will be the name used for the bookmark in the electronic application in eRA Commons.
SF424(R&R) Senior/Key Person Profile Expanded
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application.
The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD/PI will be ultimately responsible for the selection and appointment of scholars to the approved research training program, and for the overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the program. The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required. The PD/PI also has responsibility for the day to day administration of the program. To assist and advise for the above responsibilities, the PD/PI will appoint an Executive Committee, Selection Committee and Evaluation Committee.
When a program administrator position is planned, a description of the scientific expertise, leadership, and administrative capabilities essential to coordinate a national program for developing investigators must be included in the application.
PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application.
PHS 398 Training Subaward Budget Attachment(s)
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Research and Related (R&R) Budget
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide with the following additional modifications:
PHS 398 Research Training Program Plan
The PHS 398 Research Training Program Plan Form is comprised of the following sections:
Follow all instructions provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Particular attention must be given to the required Training Data Tables. For this FOA, applicants should use the following Data Tables only (Data for Scholars should be entered into the Postdoctoral sections of the Data Tables.
Table 2 (Renewal applications only)
Table 3 (Renewal applications only)
Table 4 (Renewal applications only)
Table 5B (Renewal applications only)
Table 7 (Renewal applications only)
Table 8C, Part I only (Renewal applications only)
Applicants should summarize, in the body of the application, key data from the tables that highlight the characteristics of the applicant pool, faculty mentors, the educational and career outcomes of participants, and other factors that contribute to the overall environment of the program.
Substitute the term "scholars" for all references to "trainees" in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, and substitute the term "career development" for all references to "training" in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Training Program
Program Plan
Program Administration.
Institutions with existing programs must explain what distinguishes this program from the others, how their programs will synergize with one another, if applicable, and make it clear that the pool of faculty, potential scholars, and resources are robust enough to support additional programs. When a program administrator position is planned, a description of the scientific expertise, leadership, and administrative capabilities essential to coordinate a program for developing investigators must be included in the application.
?????Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research
Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research as provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
Program Faculty
Career development programs developed under this FOA shall be national networks rather than programs based solely at the applicant institution. Scholars shall choose the most appropriate mentors and institutions which will usually extend beyond those of the applicant organization; the specific expertise of those mentors will depend on the needs of the scholar pool. Applicants must describe a plan for identifying appropriate mentors, linking candidates with those mentors, and ensuring that mentors will commit to candidate support. Applicants should describe how mentors at remote sites will be integrated into the national network of the proposed K12 program in terms of providing guidance and scientific advice to the scholars and supporting their transition to independent status.
In addition to the information specified in the Application Guide, describe:
Training Program Evaluation
In addition to the information specified in the Application Guide, describe:
Scholar Candidates
In addition to the information specified in the Application Guide, describe in general terms the pool of potential scholar candidates, including information about the types of prior clinical and research training and the career level required for the program. Describe specific plans to recruit candidates and explain how these plans will be implemented. Describe the criteria to be used for candidate evaluation in the selection of Scholars.
The application should contain a description of how the career development plan will be tailored to the needs of prospective candidates, taking into account their past experiences and competencies.
Expand upon the recruitment plan to enhance diversity and explain how it will identify and recruit a diverse pool of prospective scholar candidates from a wide variety of institution types, geographical regions, and scholar backgrounds.
Institutional Environment and Commitment to the Program
The application must include a statement from the applicant institution describing the commitment to the planned program. The applicant institution must assure that institutions selected by scholars for mentored career development research activities will provide the required protected time for scholars (for Phase I, 9 person-months, equivalent to 75% effort; for Phase II, 9 person-months, equivalent to 75% effort), as well as essential time for faculty involved in mentoring.
Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity
The applicant must provide a recruitment plan to enhance diversity. Include outreach strategies and activities designed to recruit prospective scholars from diverse backgrounds, e.g. those from groups described in the Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity. Describe the specific efforts to be undertaken by the program and how these might coordinate with scholar recruitment efforts of the medical school(s), graduate school(s), and/or the institution(s).
For Renewal applications: Include a detailed account of experiences in recruiting individuals from underrepresented groups during the previous funding period, including successful and unsuccessful recruitment strategies. Information should be included on how the proposed plan reflects the program’s past experiences in recruiting individuals from underrepresented groups.
Progress Report
For renewal applications, follow instructions in the Application Guide. Highlight how the training program has evolved in response to changes in relevant scientific and technical knowledge or educational practices.
Appendix:
Limited items are allowed in the Appendix. Follow all instructions for the Appendix as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide; any instructions provided here are in addition to theSF424 (R&R) Application Guide instructions.
PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional modifications:
Study Record: PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information
DO NOT USE. Attempts to submit a full, detailed study record will result in a validation error.
Delayed Onset Study
Note: Delayed onset does NOT apply to a study that can be described but will not start immediately (i.e., delayed start).
If you answered Yes to the question Are Human Subjects Involved? on the R&R Other Project Information form, you must complete a Delayed Onset Study.
PHS Assignment Request Form
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)
See Part 1. Section III.1 for information regarding the requirement for obtaining a unique entity identifier and for completing and maintaining active registrations in System for Award Management (SAM), NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code (if applicable), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov
4. Submission Dates and Times
Part I. Overview Information contains information about Key Dates and times. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the due date to ensure they have time to make any application corrections that might be necessary for successful submission. When a submission date falls on a weekend or Federal holiday, the application deadline is automatically extended to the next business day.
Organizations must submit applications to Grants.gov (the online portal to find and apply for grants across all Federal agencies). Applicants must then complete the submission process by tracking the status of the application in the eRA Commons, NIH’s electronic system for grants administration. NIH and Grants.gov systems check the application against many of the application instructions upon submission. Errors must be corrected and a changed/corrected application must be submitted to Grants.gov on or before the application due date and time. If a Changed/Corrected application is submitted after the deadline, the application will be considered late. Applications that miss the due date and time are subjected to the NIH Policy on Late Application Submission.
Applicants are responsible for viewing their application before the due date in the eRA Commons to ensure accurate and successful submission.
Information on the submission process and a definition of on-time submission are provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
5. Intergovernmental Review (E.O. 12372)
This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.
All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Pre-award costs are allowable only as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
7. Other Submission Requirements and Information
Applications must be submitted electronically following the instructions described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date. Section III. Eligibility Information contains information about registration.
For assistance with your electronic application or for more information on the electronic submission process, visit How to Apply Application Guide. If you encounter a system issue beyond your control that threatens your ability to complete the submission process on-time, you must follow the Dealing with System Issues guidance. For assistance with application submission, contact the Application Submission Contacts in Section VII.
Important reminders:
All PD(s)/PI(s) must include their eRA Commons ID in the Credential field of the Senior/Key Person Profile form. Failure to register in the Commons and to include a valid PD/PI Commons ID in the credential field will prevent the successful submission of an electronic application to NIH.
The applicant organization must ensure that the unique entity identifier provided on the application is the same identifier used in the organization’s profile in the eRA Commons and for the System for Award Management. Additional information may be found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
See more tips for avoiding common errors.
Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness and compliance with application instructions by the Center for Scientific Review and responsiveness by components of participating organizations, NIH. Applications that are incomplete, non-compliant and/or nonresponsive will not be reviewed.
Post Submission Materials
Applicants are required to follow the instructions for post-submission materials, as described in the policy . Any instructions provided here are in addition to the instructions in the policy.
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.
Applications submitted to the NIH in support of the NIH mission are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system.
Overall Impact
Reviewers will provide an overall impact score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood that the proposed training program will prepare individuals for successful, productive scientific research careers and thereby exert a sustained influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following review criteria and additional review criteria (as applicable for the project proposed.
Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of the merit of the training program and give a separate score for each. When applicable, the reviewers will consider relevant questions in the context of proposed short-term training. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact.
Career Development Program and Environment
Mentors
Scholars
Training Record
Protections for Human Subjects
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Individuals Across the Lifespan
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Vertebrate Animals
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Biohazards
Generally not applicable. Reviewers should bring any concerns to the attention of the Scientific Review Officer.
Career Development in Methods for Enhancing Reproducibility
Does the plan for Instruction in Methods for Enhancing Reproducibility describe how the program will provide career development in scientific reasoning, rigorous research design, relevant experimental methods, consideration of relevant biological variables such as sex, authentication of key biological and/or chemical resources, quantitative approaches, and data analysis and interpretation, appropriate to field of study and the level and prior preparation of the scholars?
Resubmissions
Not Applicable
Renewals
For Renewals, the committee will consider the progress made in the last funding period, including on the Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity, and Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research. Does the application describe the program’s accomplishments over the past funding period(s)? Are changes proposed that would improve or strengthen the career development experience? Is there evidence of a successful past training record of the PD/PI and mentors, including the success of former scholars in seeking independent support and establishing productive scientific research careers?
Revisions
Not Applicable
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will consider each of the following items, but will not give scores for these items, and should not consider them in providing an overall impact score.
Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity
Peer reviewers will separately evaluate the recruitment plan to enhance diversity after the overall score has been determined. Reviewers will examine the strategies to be used in the recruitment of prospective individuals from underrepresented groups. The plan will be rated as ACCEPTABLE or UNACCEPTABLE, and the consensus of the review committee will be included in an administrative note in the summary statement.
Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research
All applications for support under this FOA must include a plan to fulfill NIH requirements for instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). Taking into account the specific characteristics of the career development program, the level of scholar experience, and the particular circumstances of the scholars, the reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the proposed RCR career development in relation to the following five required components: 1) Format - Does the plan satisfactorily address the format of instruction, e.g., lectures, coursework and/or real-time discussion groups, including face-to-face interaction? (A plan involving only on-line instruction is not acceptable.); 2) Subject Matter Does the plan include a sufficiently broad selection of subject matter, such as conflict of interest, authorship, data management, human subjects and animal use, laboratory safety, research misconduct, research ethics? 3) Faculty Participation - Does the plan adequately describe how faculty will participate in the instruction? For renewal applications, are all career development faculty who served as course directors, speakers, lecturers, and/or discussion leaders during the past project period named in the application? 4) Duration of Instruction - Does the plan meet the minimum requirements for RCR, i.e., at least eight contact hours of instruction? 5) Frequency of Instruction Does the plan meet the minimum requirements for RCR, i.e., at least once during each career stage (undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, and faculty levels) and at a frequency of no less than once every four years?
For renewal applications, does the progress report document acceptable RCR instruction in the five components described above? Does the plan describe how participation in RCR instruction is being monitored? Are appropriate changes in the plan for RCR instruction proposed in response to feedback and in response to evolving issues related to responsible conduct of research?
Plans and past record will be rated as ACCEPTABLE or UNACCEPTABLE, and the summary statement will provide the consensus of the review committee.
Select Agent Research
Reviewers will assess the information provided in this section of the application, including 1) the Select Agent(s) to be used in the proposed research, 2) the registration status of all entities where Select Agent(s) will be used, 3) the procedures that will be used to monitor possession use and transfer of Select Agent(s), and 4) plans for appropriate biosafety, biocontainment, and security of the Select Agent(s).
Budget and Period of Support
Reviewers will consider whether the budget and the requested period of support are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed research.
Applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by (an) appropriate Scientific Review Group(s), convened by NICHD in accordance with NIH peer review policy and procedures, using the stated review criteria. Assignment to a Scientific Review Group will be shown in the eRA Commons.
As part of the scientific peer review, all applications will receive a written critique.
Appeals for initial peer review will not be accepted for applications submitted in response to this FOA.
Applications will be assigned to the appropriate NIH Institute or Center. Applications will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications submitted in response to this FOA. Following initial peer review, recommended applications will receive a second level of review by the National Advisory Child Health and Human Development Council.
After the peer review of the application is completed, the PD/PI will be able to access his or her Summary Statement (written critique) via the eRA Commons. Refer to Part 1 for dates for peer review, advisory council review, and earliest start date.
Information regarding the disposition of applications is available in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization for successful applications. The NoA signed by the grants management officer is the authorizing document and will be sent via email to the recipient’s business official.
Recipients must comply with any funding restrictions described in Section IV.6. Funding Restrictions. Selection of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk. These costs may be reimbursed only to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs.
Any application awarded in response to this FOA will be subject to terms and conditions found on the Award Conditions and Information for NIH Grants website. This includes any recent legislation and policy applicable to awards that is highlighted on this website.
All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the NoA. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General and Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Recipients, and Activities, including of note, but not limited to:
If a recipient is successful and receives a Notice of Award, in accepting the award, the recipient agrees that any activities under the award are subject to all provisions currently in effect or implemented during the period of the award, other Department regulations and policies in effect at the time of the award, and applicable statutory provisions.
Should the applicant organization successfully compete for an award, recipients of federal financial assistance (FFA) from HHS must administer their programs in compliance with federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age and, in some circumstances, religion, conscience, and sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy). This includes ensuring programs are accessible to persons with limited English proficiency and persons with disabilities. The HHS Office for Civil Rights provides guidance on complying with civil rights laws enforced by HHS. Please see https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/provider-obligations/index.html and https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/nondiscrimination/index.html.
HHS recognizes that research projects are often limited in scope for many reasons that are nondiscriminatory, such as the principal investigator’s scientific interest, funding limitations, recruitment requirements, and other considerations. Thus, criteria in research protocols that target or exclude certain populations are warranted where nondiscriminatory justifications establish that such criteria are appropriate with respect to the health or safety of the subjects, the scientific study design, or the purpose of the research. For additional guidance regarding how the provisions apply to NIH grant programs, please contact the Scientific/Research Contact that is identified in Section VII under Agency Contacts of this FOA.
Please contact the HHS Office for Civil Rights for more information about obligations and prohibitions under federal civil rights laws at https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/about-us/contact-us/index.html or call 1-800-368-1019 or TDD 1-800-537-7697.
In accordance with the statutory provisions contained in Section 872 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417), NIH awards will be subject to the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) requirements. FAPIIS requires Federal award making officials to review and consider information about an applicant in the designated integrity and performance system (currently FAPIIS) prior to making an award. An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through FAPIIS and comment on any information about itself that a Federal agency previously entered and is currently in FAPIIS. The Federal awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to other information in FAPIIS, in making a judgement about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 45 CFR Part 75.205 and 2 CFR Part 200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants." This provision will apply to all NIH grants and cooperative agreements except fellowships.
Not Applicable.
When multiple years are involved, recipients will be required to submit the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) annually. Continuation support will not be provided until the required forms are submitted and accepted.
Failure by the recipient institution to submit required forms in a timely, complete, and accurate manner may result in an expenditure disallowance or a delay in any continuation funding for the award.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Transparency Act), includes a requirement for awardees of Federal grants to report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation under Federal assistance awards issued in FY2011 or later. All awardees of applicable NIH grants and cooperative agreements are required to report to the Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) available at www.fsrs.gov on all subawards over $25,000. See the NIH Grants Policy Statement for additional information on this reporting requirement.
The institution must submit a completed Statement of Appointment(PHS Form 2271) for each scholar appointed or reappointed to the training grant for 8 weeks or more. Recipients must submit the PHS 2271 data electronically using the xTrain system. More information on xTrain is available at xTrain (eRA Commons). An appointment or reappointment may begin any time during the budget period, but not before the budget period start date of the grant year.
A final RPPR, invention statement, and the expenditure data portion of the Federal Financial Report are required for closeout of an award as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. Evaluation results should be included as part of the final RPPR.
In carrying out its stewardship of human resource-related programs, the NIH may request information essential to an assessment of the effectiveness of this program from databases and from participants themselves. Participants may be contacted after the completion of this award for periodic updates on various aspects of their employment history, publications, support from research grants or contracts, honors and awards, professional activities, and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program.
We encourage inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants.
eRA Service Desk (Questions regarding ASSIST, eRA Commons, application errors and warnings, documenting system problems that threaten on-time submission, and post-submission issues)
Finding Help Online: http://grants.nih.gov/support/ (preferred method of contact)
Telephone: 301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552 (Toll Free)
General Grants Information (Questions regarding application processes and NIH grant resources)
Email: [email protected] (preferred method of contact)
Telephone: 301-480-7075
Grants.gov Customer Support (Questions regarding Grants.gov registration and Workspace)
Contact Center Telephone: 800-518-4726
Email: [email protected]
Esther Eisenberg, MD MPH
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Telephone: 301-496-6516
Email: [email protected]
Sherry Dupere, PhD
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Telephone: 301-451-3415
Email: [email protected]
Hazel Alsol Tignor
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Telephone: 301-827-5437
Email: : [email protected]
Recently issued trans-NIH policy notices may affect your application submission. A full list of policy notices published by NIH is provided in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 75 and 2 CFR Part 200.