Notice Number: NOT-HS-14-006

Key Dates
Release Date: January 23, 2014

Issued by
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Purpose

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is modifying the time requirements for submission and referral of research grant applications from members of chartered AHRQ study sections and active AHRQ Special Emphasis Panels in order to recognize their outstanding service and to minimize disincentives to study section and special emphasis panel service. The timing of review meetings and standard due dates for grant applications often overlap (http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm). Thus, reviewers are under pressure to review applications and prepare their own applications simultaneously.

Beginning March 1, 2014, appointed and temporary members of AHRQ Study Sections and members of active AHRQ Special Emphasis Panels will be eligible to submit R01 and R18 applications in response to standard submission dates (but not special receipt dates) up to four weeks after the standard receipt deadlines.

This alternate process is limited to 1) appointed and temporary members of chartered AHRQ standing Study Sections and members of active AHRQ Special Emphasis Panels; and 2) R01 and R18 applications that would normally be received on standard submission dates (but not special receipt dates). These applications will be processed and assigned to AHRQ Initial Review Groups (IRGs) using the standard AHRQ referral guidelines and process.

Eligibility
Only active regular and temporary or ad hoc members of chartered AHRQ study sections and AHRQ Special Emphasis Panels may take advantage of the four week extension.

Appointed regular members of AHRQ Study Sections may participate up to one and a half months after the date of retirement from regular service on the committee, typically on June 30; similarly, members of AHRQ Special Emphasis Panels (SEPs) may participate up to one and a half months after the date that the SEP convenes.

This applies only to R01 and R18 applications submitted for the standard due dates (http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm). Late submission is NOT available for applications submitted for special dates (RFAs, some PARs) or other activity codes.

This does not apply to applications for which members have a role other than PD/PI, including appointed members serving as sponsors for fellowship applications or mentors for career award applications. Such applications are expected to be submitted on the normal due dates.

This does not apply to individuals who serve as reviewers for Federal agencies other than AHRQ. This does not apply to individuals who serve as reviewers for NIH.

Submission Requirements
All individuals submitting an application under this notice, after the receipt deadline, must accompany the application with an electronic cover letter indicating that they are applying under the policy guidance provided in AHRQ Notice HS-14-006 and indicate the AHRQ study section or Special Emphasis Panel they are serving on and the date of active service.

If necessary, the AHRQ referral officer and relevant Scientific Review Official will verify the individual’s eligibility for late submission.

Application Processing and Review Schedule
All applications submitted in response to this Notice will be reviewed at the next regularly scheduled Study Section meeting.

Inquiries

Inquiries may be addressed to

Kathryn Roberts Marron, Ph.D.
Receipt and Referral Officer
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, HHS
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (301) 427-1554