Modified Competing and Noncompeting Application Instructions
National Institutes of Health As part of the design and implementation of Electronic Research Administration, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is assessing measures for protecting private information, including the Social Security Number (SSN), currently collected about personnel identified in research grant and cooperative agreement applications. Although the provision of the SSN is voluntary, it is critically important to NIH for the accurate identification, referral, and review of applications and for management of NIH grant programs. NIH is pursuing long-term strategies in this area. Interim measures are being implemented immediately, however, to further enhance the protection of this private information. Thus, effective with the October 1, 1996, submission date, instructions for submitting competing applications to the NIH are modified as follows:
Effective immediately, instructions for submitting non-competing applications have also changed as follows:
Similar changes affecting Small Business Innovation Research Grant and Small Business Technology Transfer Grant application forms will be implemented for the Fiscal Year 1997 solicitations. Applicants are strongly encouraged, to the extent possible, to follow the new procedures for the October 1 submission date. Applications not following the new procedures will be accepted for the October 1, 1996, submission. The Referral Office, Division of Research Grants, will take the necessary steps to remove the SSN from the application face page. However, applicants must follow the new procedures for receipt dates beyond October 1. INQUIRIES Questions regarding these procedures may be directed to the Referral Office, Division of Research Grants at 301/435-0715 for issues relating to receipt of competing applications, or to Institute or Center grants management offices for issues relating to noncompeting applications. |