Notice Number: NOT-CA-06-025

Key Dates
Release Date: May 2, 2006

Issued by
National Cancer Institute (NCI), (http://www.nci.nih.gov)

The NCI-sponsored Innovative Technologies for Molecular Analysis of Cancer (IMAT) Program, which is aimed at the development and integration of novel and emerging technologies in the support of cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment, now encompasses an array of 14 closely-related Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs). This Notice is designed to help potential IMAT applicants identify appropriate FOAs.
The IMAT Program comprises the following three related thematic components (i.e., themes):

1. Innovative Technologies for the Molecular Analysis of Cancer, which emphasizes research projects that are centered on the inception and early stage development of new technologies for cancer research;
2. Application of Emerging Technologies for Cancer Research, which is designed to support research projects evaluating technologies that are ready for initial clinical or laboratory application in cancer research; and
3. Innovations in Cancer Sample Preparation, which is centered on the development of novel sample preparation technologies that are suitable for molecular analyses of cancer cells and their host environments.

For each IMAT theme, there are several parallel FOAs, meaning that they have identical scientific scope, but also that they involve different funding mechanisms with distinct submission requirements.
The individual IMAT FOAs are Requests for Applications (RFAs) focused either on:

1. Conduct of high-risk exploratory research with an emphasis on innovation (Phase I); or
2. Further development of a technology/application for which proof of concept has been achieved (Phase II); or
3. Projects that combine both Phase I and Phase II efforts in one application/award ( “Phased Innovation”).

In addition to conventional Research Project Grants (RPG), some IMAT FOAs are directed at small businesses under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) mechanisms.
The complete matrix of 14 IMAT FOAs is provided in Table 1 below along with basic requirements and total amounts of set-aside funds for each theme for Fiscal Year 2007. Please note that for comprehensive information on all the submission requirements, set-aside funds for each FOA, and the anticipated number of awards, it is absolutely essential that every applicant read and utilize the selected individual IMAT FOA document before preparing and submitting an application in response to the selected FOA . Nonetheless, potential applicants who are interested in the IMAT Program may use this table and the links to respective individual FOAs that are contained within it as a quick “switchboard” to initially identify which of the closely related active FOAs might be most appropriate.

Table 1. The matrix of IMAT RFAs and the outline of their characteristics.

^aWhile no preliminary data are necessary, the applicants must demonstrate the innovative nature of the particular technology or approach proposed for development.

^bQuantitative milestones for each specific aim must be provided as a way of determining during the project and at its completion whether an applicant has successfully reached the specified goal. Milestones should be clearly stated as numerical quantitative specifications for relevant measures/properties.

^c Detailed preliminary data must be provided in support of the feasibility of the technology or approach that is proposed for development. Such data may reflect successful completion of Phase I and associated milestones. For SBIR/STTR FOAs, feasibility data need to be largely obtained through a NIH-sponsored Phase I project.

Note on Other Related Programs: Researchers who emphasize the assessment of in vivo imaging technologies as the primary focus of their grant applications should contact the Cancer Imaging Program for information on appropriate funding opportunities. Researchers focusing on applying new bioinformatics or statistical techniques as the primary focus of their applications should consider one of the Biomedical Information Science and Technology Initiative (BISTI) opportunities.

Inquiries about the IMAT Program and Individual IMAT FOAs

Direct questions to:

Gregory J. Downing, D.O., Ph.D.
Office of Technology and Industrial Relations
National Cancer Institute
Building 31, Room 10A52, MSC 2580
Bethesda, MD  20892-2580
Telephone: (301) 496-1550
Fax: (301) 496-7807
Email: downingg@mail.nih.gov