REANNOUNCEMENT OF NEI ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPLEMENTS TO SUPPORT DNA MICROARRAY FACILITIES Release Date: September 25, 2000 NOTICE: EY-01-001 National Eye Institute On November 30, 1999, the National Eye Institute (NEI) announced a program to assist institutions with establishing DNA microarray facilities. At this time, the NEI is reannouncing the availability of these administrative supplements to NEI-funded research projects (R01) and MERIT Awards (R37). This announcement provides a second receipt date for such applications and adds a fifth review criterion. This administrative supplement program is issued in response to recommendations developed at the recent NEI Functional Genomics Workshop. The goal of the workshop was to provide NEI with a set of recommendations for the development of genomic resources needed to facilitate understanding of the normal visual system and its related disorders and diseases. More information concerning the workshop can be found at http://www.nei.nih.gov. In addition, information regarding NEI programmatic interest in functional genomics is available in NEI"s publication Vision Research, A National Plan: 1999-2003, which is located at http://www.nei.nih.gov/resources/strategicplans/neiplan/. Proposed facilities must be designed to support the application of state-of-the art microarray technologies to innovative vision research and must serve a minimum of five NEI-funded research projects. Requests are limited to the purchase of equipment, supplies, and technical personnel critical to the DNA microarray facility. Appropriate equipment for which support may be requested includes, but is not limited to, DNA arrayers and readers, robotic equipment for automation, and, with strong justification, computers for informatics. Since these administrative supplements are intended to assist institutions, it is expected that the applicant institutions will support personnel, equipment, and supplies associated with the establishment and operation of the facility. Institutions which have previously received an NEI administrative supplement to support DNA microarray facilities may not apply again. Revisions of unfunded applications will be accepted. All requests must meet the following criteria: (1) the project period of the grant to be supplemented must have at least two years remaining at the time of award and (2) the work proposed must be within the scope of the research originally recommended by peer-review for the grant to be supplemented. Applicants may request up to two years of support, the requested budget may not exceed $350,000 total costs over two years. Because funds are limited, NEI will give highest priority to administrative supplement requests that meet the following criteria: 1. The applicant provides a description of five NEI-funded R01 and/or R37 research projects that will benefit from the presence of a microarray facility, including how the array technology will enhance ongoing research projects within the scope of the originally proposed specific aims. 2. The applicant provides documentation of strong institutional commitment to support the microarray facility, including continued support for the facility and the technology after the time period of the supplement. Applicants must document the resources and environment available at the institution to effectively operate the facility, including support for personnel, equipment, supplies, and availability of laboratory space. 3. The applicant provides a detailed budget and budget justification for the personnel, equipment or supplies requested. 4. The applicant provides a detailed description of the administration and management of the DNA microarray facility. Important consideration should be given to setting priorities for the facility and ensuring access by the vision researchers. 5. The applicant provides a detailed description of bioinformatics support and strategies for data management and interpretation. A request for an administrative supplement under this program should include a cover letter requesting the administrative supplement and identifying this program. The application should be developed using the PHS Form 398 (revised 4/98) Face Page, budget Form Pages 4 and 5, Biosketch of the Principal Investigator, and resources Form Page 8. The Research Plan should address points 1 through 5 above and should not exceed five pages. This is a one-time announcement with requests submitted on or before February 15, 2001. One copy of the request should be sent to: Ellen S. Liberman, Ph.D. Director, Lens and Cataract and Glaucoma Programs National Eye Institute Executive Plaza South, Suite 350 6120 Executive Blvd, MSC 7164 Bethesda, MD 20892-7164 Rockville, MD 20852 (for express/courier service) The request for the administrative supplement will be evaluated by a committee composed of NIH intramural and extramural staff. Awards will be determined on the basis of scientific merit, program relevance, and the availability of funds. The expected award date is May 1, 2001. Funded applicants will be expected to provide progress reports at the end of years one and two. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this notice are strongly encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issue or questions from potential applicant is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Ellen S. Liberman, Ph.D. Director, Lens and Cataract and Glaucoma Programs National Eye Institute Executive Plaza South, Suite 350 6120 Executive Blvd, MSC 7164 Bethesda, MD 20892-7164 Telephone: (301) 496-0484 FAX: (301) 402-0528 Email: ellenliberman@nei.nih.gov Direct fiscal inquiries to: William W. Darby Grants Management Branch, NEI National Eye Institute Executive Plaza South, Suite 350 6120 Executive Blvd, MSC 7164 Bethesda, MD 20892-7164 Telephone: (301) 496-5884 FAX: (301) 496-9997 Email: wwd@nei.nih.gov

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