SCIENCE EDUCATION DRUG ABUSE PARTNERSHIP AWARD 

RELEASE DATE:  March 4, 2002

PA NUMBER:  PA-02-070 (This PA has been replaced, see PAR-05-105)

EXPIRATION DATE: March 30, 2005, unless reissued.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 
 (www.nida.nih.gov)

THIS PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT (PA) CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

o Purpose of the PA
o Research Objectives
o Mechanism of Support 
o Eligible Institutions
o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators
o Where to send Inquiries
o Submitting an Application
o Peer Review Process
o Review Criteria
o Award Criteria
o Required Federal Citations

PURPOSE OF THIS PA  

This PA will replace, in its entirety, the Science Education Drug Abuse 
Partnership Award (SEDAPA), PAR-99-076, published in the NIH Guide March 23, 
1999.

The purpose of the SEDAPA Program is to fund the development and evaluation 
of innovative model programs and materials for enhancing knowledge and 
understanding of neuroscience and the biology of drug abuse and addiction 
among K-12 students, the general public, health care practitioners, and other 
groups.  The award provides support for the formation of partnerships between 
scientists and educators, media experts, community leaders, and other 
interested organizations for the development and evaluation of programs and 
materials that will enhance knowledge and understanding of science related to 
drug abuse. The intended focus is on topics not well addressed in existing 
efforts by educational, community, or media activities. 

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

In recent years there has been increasing awareness of the need to improve 
efforts in science education in order to maintain U.S. competitiveness and 
meet future demands in the international technology marketplace.  
Furthermore, in order for NIH to fulfill its mission, there is a need to 
ensure that adequate numbers of students are entering science education 
tracks and eventually pursuing careers in biomedical sciences.  It is also 
important to the mission of NIH that other groups, such as the general 
public, health care workers, etc. are scientifically literate.  This science 
literacy should not only include basic science knowledge, but also an 
understanding of the process of biomedical research and an ability to 
evaluate the quality of research studies that are reported in the media.

It is particularly important to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 
that all members of society understand the role of science, biology, and 
technology as they relate to neuroscience, behavioral science, and drug abuse 
and addiction research.  There is a lack of public understanding of behaviors 
that increase the risk for drug abuse, the use of animals in drug abuse 
related behavioral and biomedical research, and the necessity for basic 
research to make progress toward improving health.  Furthermore, there is a 
substantial misunderstanding about the nature of addiction as a biologically 
based brain disorder.  To address all of these issues, it is imperative that 
efforts be made to educate our Nation"s school children, the general public, 
health care workers, members of the judicial system, the media, and other 
groups about the science of addiction. 

Description of the Program.  To address the above issues, NIDA is continuing 
the SEDAPA Program.  To address the goals of the SEDAPA Program, proposed 
science education projects should be developed for one or more of the 
following groups: 1) students and teachers at the kindergarten through 12th 
grade levels, 2) the general public, 3) health care practitioners, 4) members 
of the judicial system, 5) members of the media, and 6) other groups that 
have a need to be scientifically literate.  Programs aimed at school children 
should convey the scientific process in a way which makes learning science 
fun and interesting for the students and which captures their enthusiasm for 
science.  Programs aimed at other groups should be directed to increasing 
their knowledge of scientific terms, concepts, reasoning, and ability to 
understand scientific public policy issues.  Regardless of the intended 
audience, all projects must involve a partnership between scientists and 
educators, media experts, community leaders, or other interested 
organizations.  All projects must also enhance knowledge and understanding of 
science related to drug abuse.  To gain maximum benefit from the program, 
funding priority will be given to projects that are innovative, that do not 
duplicate existing programs, that have the potential to be replicated for 
widespread use, and that build on existing science education programs 
whenever possible.  Funding will not be provided to maintain ongoing 
programs.  Programs which support science education for the special needs of 
underrepresented groups are encouraged. 

Programmatic activities must propose to increase science literacy and 
understanding among one or more of the groups listed above.  These activities 
must focus on topics not well addressed through existing efforts by 
educational, community, or media activities in the geographic area(s) which 
the program will reach.  Wherever relevant and possible, activities must 
focus on conveying the importance of the responsible use of animals in 
research.  Activities may include, but are not limited to, the following 
types:

o Development of innovative curricula using state-of-the-art technology.

o Development of and/or presentation of media programs on the science of drug 
abuse and addiction.  These may include television, radio, motion pictures 
(including videotape and videodisc), newspaper articles, magazine articles, 
books, experiments, computer software, CD-ROMs, Internet sites, or other 
written, electronic, or audiovisual presentations designed to educate about 
the biology of drug abuse and addiction.

o Development of programs in settings designed to educate the public about 
the biology of drug abuse and addiction.  These may be in museums, shopping 
centers, public buildings, schools, science fairs, or any other suitable 
places which are open to all or to a segment of the public.

o Provision of training, resources, and support for scientists to speak to 
students, the general public, teachers, parents, health care practitioners, 
the media or other audiences, such as at PTAs, in classrooms, at workshops 
for teachers, the media, parents or students, etc.   

o Development of programs to provide innovative mentorships for students 
wishing to learn more about science.  This activity may be in formal school 
settings or other community settings.  The activity may provide for qualified 
persons who serve as teachers, as resource persons, or as consultants.  Such 
activities might include working with gifted and talented programs or setting 
university-based programs for high school students with local school systems.

The description of the program must contain the following elements:

o Specific goals to be achieved and their relevance to the science of drug 
abuse and addiction.

o Activities to be completed, with discussion of how these activities can 
accomplish the stated goals.

o A statement of why this is a model program or innovative project.

o For those projects that focus on K-12 science education, a statement of how 
the project incorporates the National Science Education Standards and how the 
project will be incorporated into the classroom.  A copy of the National 
Science Education Standards is available on the World Wide Web at 
http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/.

o A clear demonstration of an education and scientific partnership(s) with a 
description of the nature and extent of partnerships and collaborations to be 
developed (or, for those already established, plans for expansion or 
modification), and the roles of key participants in the planning and conduct 
of the project.  Documentation of the interest and commitment of partnership 
members to the project must be provided.

o The administrative plan to organize and manage the overall project and the 
timetable for the various tasks and activities for the entire project period 
requested.

o Plans for how materials will be disseminated to a broad audience or how 
model programs may be replicated, including to underrepresented groups in 
science, such as minorities and women.

o Plans for continuation of the project after the grant period has ended.

o Plans for assessments/evaluations for determining if the project is 
successful in achieving its objectives.  Descriptions of both formative and 
summative evaluations and plans to modify the project according to evaluation 
results are to be included.

o Evidence of the applicant institution"s commitment to the SEDAPA Program, 
including a discussion of:  1) the incentives that would be offered to 
individuals who elect to participate, and 2) institutional resources that 
would be devoted to the program.  Such incentives might include the awarding 
of sabbaticals, time released from other duties, or special recognition to 
individuals to permit them to participate in the program.  Institutional 
resources might include office and workshop space, computer facilities, and 
administrative and technical services.

o A statement of the applicant institution"s capabilities and experiences 
which are relevant to the stated goals.

o Include names and qualifications of all relevant personnel, with biosketch 
forms completed.

o Identification of scientists and educational experts who would participate 
in the development or delivery of the program and a description of how 
suitable people for these tasks will be located and recruited for the 
program.  Biosketches for identified persons should be provided.  Types of 
scientists might include neuroscientists, pharmacologists, physiologists, 
psychologists, chemists, biologists, clinicians, sociologists, and 
epidemiologists.

o Letters stating their commitment to the project from agencies, groups, or 
persons whose cooperation is important to the achievement of the stated 
purpose, such as school officials, members of museum boards, television 
station directors, newspaper or magazine editors, or members of relevant 
community groups.  These should be in the appendix.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This PA will use the NIH education (R25) award mechanism.  As an applicant, 
you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the 
proposed project.  Applications may not exceed four years and requested 
annual direct costs may not exceed $250,000.  Facilities and administrative 
(F&A) costs will be reimbursed at eight percent of total allowable direct 
costs.

Conditions of Award

All publications, audiovisual materials and other products resulting from 
SEDAPA activities supported entirely or in substantial part by NIH/NIDA 
should include the following or comparable acknowledgement of support:

"This project was supported by a Science Education Drug Abuse Partnership 
Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of 
Health. Its content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not 
necessarily represent the official views of NIDA or NIH."

An annual progress report must be filed with the Grants Management Office, 
NIDA, and a final report is due within 90 days of the end of the project 
period.  Reports should summarize the goals, methods, and results of the 
activity undertaken.  Each report should be accompanied by at least two 
copies of any materials intended for dissemination that were developed 
through the SEDAPA Program.  

Any products derived from the project activity must be publicized and must be 
freely available in the public domain.  Products may be distributed under a 
cost recovery system.  Any project funded under the SEDAPA Program may not be 
used to endorse or publicize any profit-making activities.

ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS

You may submit an application if your institution has any of the following 
characteristics:

o Domestic organization with a scientific and/or education mission	
o For-profit or non-profit organizations 
o Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, 
professional societies, museums, media producers, private foundations and 
industries, and research laboratories 
o Units of State and local governments
o Eligible agencies of the Federal government  
o Faith-based organizations

INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry 
out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to 
develop an application for support.  Individuals from underrepresented racial 
and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always 
encouraged to apply for NIH programs.   

WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES

We encourage your inquiries concerning this PA and welcome the opportunity to 
answer questions from potential applicants.  Inquiries may fall into three 
areas:  scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants management 
issues:

o Direct your questions about scientific/research issues to:

Cathrine A. Sasek, Ph.D.
Office of Science Policy and Communications
Science Policy Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Blvd. Room 5226, MSC 9591
Bethesda, MD 20892-9591
Telephone:  (301) 443-6071
FAX:   301-443-6277
E-mail:  [email protected] 

o Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to:

Gary Fleming, J.D., M.A.
Grants Management Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 3131, MSC 9541
Bethesda, MD  20892-9541
FAX:  (301) 594-6847
E-mail:   [email protected]

o Direct your questions about peer review issues to:

Teresa Levitin, Ph.D.
Office of Extramural Affairs
6001 Executive Blvd., Room 3158, MSC 9547
Bethesda, MD  20892-9547
Telephone:  (301) 443-2755
FAX:  301-443-0538
E-mail:  [email protected]

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application 
instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001).  The PHS 398 is available at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive 
format.  For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 710-0267, 
Email: [email protected].

APPLICATION RECEIPT DATES: Applications submitted in response to this program 
announcement will be accepted at the standard application deadlines, which 
are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm.  Application 
deadlines are also indicated in the PHS 398 application kit.

SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: Submit a signed, typewritten original of 
the application, including the checklist, and five signed photocopies in one 
package to:

Center for Scientific Review
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD  20892-7710
Bethesda, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be received by or mailed before the 
receipt dates described at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm. The CSR will not 
accept any application in response to this PA that is essentially the same as 
one currently pending initial review unless the applicant withdraws the 
pending application.  The CSR will not accept any application that is 
essentially the same as one already reviewed.  This does not preclude the 
submission of a substantial revision of an application already reviewed, but 
such application must include an Introduction addressing the previous 
critique.

PEER REVIEW PROCESS

Applications submitted for this PA will be assigned on the basis of 
established PHS referral guidelines.  An appropriate scientific review group 
convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures 
(http://www.csr.nih.gov/refrev.htm) will evaluate applications for scientific 
and technical merit.  

As part of the initial merit review, all applications will:

o Receive a written critique
o Undergo a selection process in which only those applications deemed to have 
the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under 
review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score
o Receive a second level review by the National Advisory Council on Drug 
Abuse

REVIEW CRITERIA

The goals of NIH-supported research are to advance our understanding of 
biological systems, improve the control of disease, and enhance health.  In 
the written comments, reviewers will be asked to discuss the following 
aspects of your application in order to judge the likelihood that the 
proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these 
goals: 

o Significance 
o Approach 
o Innovation
o Personnel
o Environment

As stated above, the purpose of the SEDAPA Program is to fund the development 
of innovative model programs and materials for enhancing knowledge and 
understanding of neuroscience and the biology of drug abuse and addiction 
among K-12 students, the general public, health care practitioners, and other 
groups.  In the written comments, reviewers will be asked to discuss the 
following aspects of the application in order to judge the likelihood that 
the proposed project will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of the 
program"s goals.  Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in 
assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each 
application. 

(1) SIGNIFICANCE:  Does the project meet relevant science education goals?  
Does the project address currently unmet needs?  How will the proposed 
project advance science and drug abuse education and literacy?  Does the 
project have the potential for widespread dissemination or impact?  Does the 
project have relevance to the science of drug abuse and addiction?

(2) APPROACH:  Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses 
adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the 
project?  Is the evaluation well developed and able to measure the impact of 
the project?  Is the project feasible?  Does the project address the goals of 
the SEDAPA Program?  Are the National Science Education Standards addressed 
for those projects that focus on K-12 education?  Is the program likely to be 
continued after the grant funding ends?  How well developed and feasible are 
the dissemination plans?  What are the administrative plans and timetable?

(3) INNOVATION:  Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches, or 
methods?  Are the aims original and innovative?  Does the project focus on 
topics not well addressed through existing efforts by educational, community, 
or media activities in the geographic area(s) which the program will reach? 

(4) PERSONNEL:  Are the personnel appropriately trained and well suited to 
carry out this project?  Is the proposed project appropriate to the 
experience level of the key personnel and other participants (if any)?  Are 
all appropriate scientific and education experts represented?

(5) ENVIRONMENT:  Does the environment in which the project will be done 
contribute to the probability of success?  Have appropriate scientific-
educational partnerships been formed?  Is there adequate institutional 
commitment from partnership members?  Does the proposed project take 
advantage of unique features of the educational or scientific environment or 
employ useful collaborative arrangements?  Is there evidence of institutional 
support? Are resources adequate to conduct and complete the project?

ADDITIONAL REVIEW CRITERIA: In addition to the above criteria, your 
application will also be reviewed with respect to the following:

PROTECTIONS:  The adequacy of the proposed protection for humans, animals, or 
the environment, to the extent they may be adversely affected by the project 
proposed in the application.

INCLUSION:  The adequacy of plans to include subjects from both genders, all 
racial and ethnic groups (and subgroups), and children as appropriate for the 
scientific goals of the research.  Plans for the recruitment and retention of 
subjects will also be evaluated. (See Inclusion Criteria included in the 
section on Federal Citations, below)

BUDGET:  The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period 
of support in relation to the proposed research.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications submitted in response to a PA will compete for available funds 
with all other recommended applications.  The following will be considered in 
making funding decisions:  

o Scientific merit of the proposed project as determined by peer review
o Availability of funds 
o Relevance to program priorities

REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS 

MONITORING PLAN AND DATA SAFETY AND MONITORING BOARD: Research components 
involving Phase I and II clinical trials must include provisions for 
assessment of patient eligibility and status, rigorous data management, 
quality assurance, and auditing procedures.  In addition, it is NIH policy 
that all clinical trials require data and safety monitoring, with the method 
and degree of monitoring being commensurate with the risks (NIH Policy for 
Data Safety and Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, June 12, 
1998: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).  

INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN CLINICAL RESEARCH: It is the policy of 
the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations 
must be included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a 
clear and compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is 
inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of 
the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 
(Section 492B of Public Law 103-43).

All investigators proposing clinical research should read the AMENDMENT "NIH 
Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical 
Research - Amended, October, 2001," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and 
Contracts on October 9, 2001 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-
files/NOT-OD-02-001.html), a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are 
available at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm.  
The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical 
research, updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB 
standards, clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical 
trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398, and updated roles and 
responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community.  The policy 
continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials that: a) 
all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of 
plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by 
sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable, and 
b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting 
analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group 
differences.

INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS: 
The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 
21) must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported 
by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include 
them. This policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for 
receipt dates after October 1, 1998.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the 
"NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion of children as participants in 
research involving human subjects that is available at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECT PARTICIPANTS: NIH 
policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for 
all investigators submitting NIH proposals for research involving human 
subjects.  You will find this policy announcement in the NIH Guide for Grants 
and Contracts Announcement, dated June 5, 2000, at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.

HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS (hESC): Criteria for federal funding of research 
on hESCs can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/stem_cells.htm and at  
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html.  Only 
research using hESC lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic Stem 
Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding (see http://escr.nih.gov).   
It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the official NIH 
identifier(s)for the hESC line(s)to be used in the proposed research.  
Applications that do not provide this information will be returned without 
review. 

PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: The 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to 
provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA) under some circumstances.  Data that are (1) first produced in a 
project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) 
cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action 
that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed 
through FOIA.  It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope 
of this amendment.  NIH has provided guidance at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm.

Applicants may wish to place data collected under this PA in a public 
archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the 
distribution for an indefinite period of time.  If so, the application should 
include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include 
information about this in the budget justification section of the 
application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure 
informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the 
potential for wider use of data collected under this award.

URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES: All applications and proposals 
for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. 
Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) 
should not be used to provide information necessary to the review because 
reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites.   Furthermore, 
we caution reviewers that their anonymity may be compromised when they 
directly access an Internet site.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010: The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to 
achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy 
People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA 
is related to one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may 
obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at 
http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.279, and is not subject to the 
intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health 
Systems Agency review.  Awards are made under authorization of Sections 301 
and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and 
administered under NIH grants policies described at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm and under Federal Regulations 
42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.

The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free 
workplace and discourage the use of all tobacco products.  In addition, 
Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in 
certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which 
regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early 
childhood development services are provided to children.  This is consistent 
with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of 
the American people.

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