Expired PA-04-089: NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR PROTEOMICS AND GLYCOMICS (SBIR/STTR)

Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)

NIH... Turning Discovery Into Health^®

This notice has expired. Check the NIH Guide for active opportunities and notices.

EXPIRED

NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR PROTEOMICS AND GLYCOMICS (SBIR/STTR)

RELEASE DATE: April 7, 2004

PA NUMBER: PA-04-089 (This PA has been reissued, see PA-06-128 and PA-06-129)

EXPIRATION DATE: January 24, 2006

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
(http://www.nih.gov)

COMPONENTS OF PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION:
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
(http://www.ncrr.nih.gov)
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
(http://www.nigms.nih.gov)
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
(http://www.ninds.nih.gov)

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBERS: 93.371 (NCRR), 93.859(NIGMS),
93.837(NHLBI), 93.853 (NINDS)

APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE(S): Applications submitted in response to this
program announcement will be accepted at the standard application deadlines
(April 1, August 1, December 1)

THIS PA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

o Purpose of the PA
o Research Objectives
o Mechanism(s) of Support
o Project Period and Amount of Award
o Eligible Institutions
o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators
o Where to Send Inquiries
o Submitting an Application
o Supplementary Instructions
o Peer Review Process
o Review Criteria
o Award Criteria
o Receipt and Review Schedule
o Required Federal Citations

NOTICE: This program announcement (PA) must be read in conjunction with the
current Omnibus Solicitation of the National Institutes of Health, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and Food and Drug Administration for
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology
Transfer (STTR) Grant Applications. The solicitation (see
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbirsttr1/index.pdf) or
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbirsttr1/index.doc (MS Word] contains
information about the SBIR and STTR programs, regulations governing the
programs, and instructional information for submission. All of the
instructions within the current SBIR/STTR Omnibus Solicitation apply.

PURPOSE OF THE PA

The principal limitations in the field of proteomics are technological in
nature. Proteomics, and the sub-discipline of glycomics, are rapidly
developing, technology-intensive fields. Separations, mass spectrometry,
microarray, bioinformatics, and other tools have advanced rapidly to support
the explosive growth of biomedical applications in this area. However,
technologies and methods remain largely inadequate to address the majority of
meaningful biological problems, particularly with respect to quantitative and
real time measurements. Continued intensive development of advanced tools is
essential to meet two needs. First, improvements in basic bioanalytical
technologies are essential to these endeavors. This includes but is not
restricted to robotics, sample preparation and pre-fractionation, analytical
separations, gel and array imaging, quantitation, mass spectrometry,
intelligent automated data acquisition, and database searching. Second,
improved informatics technologies are essential for the conversion of data
into meaningful results and interaction models. Improved informatics tools
will also facilitate the integration and synergistic development of the basic
analytical tools mentioned above. Additionally, the translation of advances
in proteomics to a clinical setting should be a priority.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Proteomics is a rapidly expanding field. Many of the potential scientific
and medical rewards of proteomics successful application to complex systems
seem deceptively near. A broad range of technologies is evolving rapidly to
meet the needs of the field. However, despite explosive growth in both
academic and commercial efforts, concrete technical capabilities are far from
adequate to realize this promise. Proteomics technologies and methods in the
three broad, interacting domains of biology, analytical chemistry, and
informatics are still largely inadequate to address the bulk of challenging
biological problems. This is the case with respect to both core capabilities
and scale.

The broad scope of proteomics might perhaps be broken down into six types of
questions that are addressed in some form: (1) identification of individual
proteins, (2) recognition of protein interactions, (3) relative quantitation
to distinguish differential expression of proteins, (4) characterization of
post-translational modifications, (5) qualitative or quantitative
measurements at high spatial and/or temporal resolution to address the
dynamics of protein interactions, and (6) formulation of models based on
results from components 1-5.

The categories above define the type of information being sought, and imply
the need for technologies capable of addressing the challenges inherent in
each type of experiment. Those specific technologies may reside within any
of the three domains that define proteomics, or may function as a bridge
between them. For example, tools for tissue or subcellular fractionation may
reside squarely in the biological domain, but could also be designed in such
a way as to maximize synergy with widely used analytical separations methods.
It is important that in a field as complex and interdisciplinary as
proteomics, technology development be pursued with a sound understanding of
context. One area of particular interest is the development of technologies
that will permit observations to be quantitative and made in real time,
whether for clinical studies or experimental systems.

In addition to the development of broadly applicable research tools that
address the core technical challenges in proteomics, unique constraints in
two subordinate areas merit special attention. We especially encourage
applications in response to this announcement that address the unique needs
of glycomics and clinical proteomics, described below.

The application of proteomics tools in the clinical setting lags far behind
their use in basic science and drug discovery. Though this is not due solely
to technological constraints, the unique challenges associated with
development of simple, rapid, and robust technologies for the clinic demand a
somewhat different perspective than might be taken in consideration of a
purely research-driven project. Likewise, this difference in perspective and
priorities should open the possibility of approaches that might be wholly
inadequate from a research perspective but may be appropriate in the clinic.
Finally, the exploitation of insights previously developed in research-
oriented proteomics to develop more specific, robust tools for clinical
applications is also an appropriate goal.

The complexity and diversity of glycosylation significantly complicates the
linkage between genetic sequence and mature, active proteins. Glycobiology-
focused proteomics, or glycomics, requires the development of novel
approaches and tools directed at the special challenges of glycobiology.
Among post-translational modifications, glycosylation is the only one that
requires structural characterization of the modifying moiety beyond noting
its presence. Strategies for separation, profiling, quantitation, and
detailed characterization of carbohydrate structures are central challenges.
Informatics tools are needed for data handling and reduction, correlation of
carbohydrate and protein information, and a variety of other purposes.
Discovery-based analytical tools that can survey the complexities of
glycosylation on a system-wide basis may have significant biological impact.

The goals of this program announcement are deliberately discussed with
respect to fundamental challenges, rather than in relation to specific
technologies, in order to emphasize the overriding importance of surmounting
obstacles, irrespective of the analytical strategy adopted to pursue those
solutions. This solicitation is open to unconventional or alternative
approaches.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This PA uses the SBIR and STTR mechanisms, which are set-aside programs. As
an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and
executing the proposed project. Future unsolicited, competing- continuation
applications based on this project will compete with all SBIR/STTR
applications and will be reviewed according to the customary peer review
procedures.

This PA uses just-in-time concepts. It also uses the modular budgeting
format. Specifically, if you are submitting an application budget of $100,000
total costs (direct, F&A and fee) or less, use the modular format and
instructions as described in the current SBIR/STTR Omnibus Solicitation.
Otherwise follow the instructions for non-modular budget research grant
applications. This program does not require cost sharing as defined in the
current NIH Grants Policy Statement at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part2.htm#matching_or_cost_sharing.

Applications may be submitted for support as Phase I STTR (R41) or Phase I
SBIR (R43) grants; Phase II STTR (R42) or Phase II SBIR (R44) grants; or the
SBIR/STTR FAST-TRACK option as described in the SBIR/STTR Omnibus
Solicitation. Phase II applications in response to this PA will only be
accepted as competing continuations of previously funded NIH Phase I
SBIR/STTR awards. The Phase II application must be a logical extension of
the Phase I research but not necessarily a Phase I project supported in
response to this PA.

PROJECT PERIOD AND AMOUNT OF AWARD

The SBIR/STTR Omnibus Solicitation indicates the statutory guidelines of
funding support and project duration periods for SBIR and STTR Phase I and
Phase II awards. For this PA, budgets up to $ 200,000 total costs per year
and time periods up to 2 years for Phase I may be requested. Budgets up to
$400,000 total costs per year and up to 4 years may be requested for Phase
II. Total costs include direct costs, F&A, and a profit/fee.

ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS

Eligibility requirements are described in the SBIR/STTR Omnibus Solicitation.
Only small business concerns are eligible to submit applications. A small
business concern is one that, on the date of award for both Phase I and Phase
II agreements, meets ALL of the criteria as described in the SBIR/STTR
Omnibus Solicitation.

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. On an SBIR application, the principal
investigator must have his/her primary employment (more than 50%) with the
small business at the time of award and for the duration of the project. The
PI on an STTR application may be employed with the small business concern or
the participating non-profit research institution as long as s/he has a
formal appointment with or commitment to the applicant small business
concern, which is characterized by an official relationship between the small
business concern and that individual.

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 two
areas: scientific/research and financial or grants management issues:

o Direct your questions about scientific/research issues to:

Douglas M. Sheeley, Sc.D.
Division of Biomedical Technology
National Center for Research Resources
6701 Democracy Blvd, MSC 4874
Bethesda, MD 20892-4874
Telephone: (301) 435-0755
FAX: (301) 480-3659
Email: sheeleyd@mail.nih.gov

Pamela A. Marino, Ph.D.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Rm. 2As.43k, Natcher Building
Bethesda, MD 20892-6200
Telephone: 301-594-3827
FAX: 301-480-2802
Email: marinop@nigms.nih.gov

Susan E. Old, Ph.D.
Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Dr. MSC 7940
Bethesda, MD 20892-7940
Telephone: 301 435-1802
FAX: 301 480-1335
Email: olds@nhlbi.nih.gov

Danilo A. Tagle, Ph.D.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Neuroscience Center, Room 2133
6001 Executive Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
Telephone: 301-496-5745
FAX: 301-402-1501
Email: tagled@ninds.nih.gov

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

Ms. Leslie Le
Office of Grants Management
National Center for Research Resources
6701 Democracy Boulevard, Room 1051, MSC 4874
Bethesda, MD 20892-4874
Telephone: (301) 435-0856
FAX: 301-480-3777
Email: LeLeslie@mail.nih.gov

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

The PHS 398 research grant application must be used for all SBIR/STTR Phase
I, Phase II and Fast-Track applications (new and revised.) Effective October
1, 2003, applications must have a DUN and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number as the Universal Identifier when applying for
Federal grants or cooperative agreements. The DUNS number can be obtained by
calling (866) 705-5711 or through the web site at
http://www.dunandbradstreet.com/. The DUNS number should be entered on line
11 of the face page of the PHS 398 form. The PHS 398 is available at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html. Prepare your
application in accordance with the SBIR/STTR Omnibus Solicitation and the PHS
398. Helpful information for advice and preparation of the application can be
obtained at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbirgrantsmanship.pdf. The
NIH will return applications that are not submitted on the 5/2001 version of
the PHS 398. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo,
Telephone: (301) 710-0267, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.

The title and number of this PA must be typed on line 2 of the face page of
the application.

SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS

This PA uses the modular budgeting format. Specifically, if you are
submitting an application budget of $100,000 total (direct, F&A and fee) or
less, use the modular format and instructions as described in the SBIR/STTR
Omnibus Solicitation.

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 (FOR USPS EXPRESS or REGULAR MAIL)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (FOR EXPRESS/COURIER NON-USPS SERVICE)

Applications must be received by or mailed on or before the receipt dates
described on the first page of this program announcement. 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 unfunded version of an application
already reviewed, but such application must include an Introduction
addressing the previous critique.

Although there is no immediate acknowledgement of the receipt of an
application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding
assignment within 8 weeks.

PEER REVIEW PROCESS

Applications submitted for this PA that are complete will be assigned on the
basis of established PHS referral guidelines. Appropriate scientific review
groups 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 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 written critique
o Receive a second level review by an appropriate national advisory council
or board.

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 the 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 Investigator
o Environment

ALL SBIR/STTR APPLICATIONS

Significance: Does the proposed project have commercial potential to lead to
a marketable product or process? Does this study address an important
problem? What may be the anticipated commercial and societal benefits of the
proposed activity? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will
scientific knowledge be advanced? Does the proposal lead to enabling
technologies (e.g., instrumentation, software) for further discoveries? Will
the technology have a competitive advantage over existing/alternate
technologies that can meet the market needs?

Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses
adequately developed, well-integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the
project? Is the proposed plan a sound approach for establishing technical and
commercial feasibility? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem
areas and consider alternative strategies? Are the milestones and evaluation
procedures appropriate?

Innovation: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or employ novel
technologies, approaches or methodologies? Are the aims original and
innovative?

Investigators: Is the Principal Investigator capable of coordinating and
managing the proposed SBIR/STTR? Is the work proposed appropriate to the
experience level of the Principal Investigator and other researchers,
including consultants and subcontractors (if any)? Are the relationships of
the key personnel to the small business and to other institutions appropriate
for the work proposed?

Environment: Is there sufficient access to resources (e.g., equipment,
facilities)? Does the scientific and technological environment in which the
work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed
experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment
or employ useful collaborative arrangements?

ADDITIONAL REVIEW CRITERIA: In addition to the above criteria, the following
items will be applied to ALL applications in the determination of scientific
merit and the priority score:

PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS FROM RESEARCH RISK: The involvement of human
subjects and protections from research risk relating to their participation
in the proposed research will be assessed. (See additional information and
criteria included in the section on Federal Citations, below).

INCLUSION OF WOMEN, MINORITIES AND CHILDREN IN RESEARCH: 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 additional information and Inclusion Criteria in the sections
on Federal Citations, below).

Human Subjects:

Protection of Human Subjects from Research Risks - for all studies involving
human subjects. See instructions and "Guidance for Preparing the Human
Subjects Research Section. If an exemption is claimed, is it appropriate for
the work proposed? If no exemption is claimed, are the applicant's responses
to the six required points appropriate? Are human subjects placed at risk by
the proposed study? If so, are the risks reasonable in relation to the
anticipated benefits to the subjects and others? Are the risks reasonable in
relation to the importance of the knowledge that reasonably may be expected
to be gained? Are the plans proposed for the protection of human subjects
adequate?

Inclusion of Women Plan - for clinical research only. Does the applicant
propose a plan for the inclusion of both genders that will provide their
appropriate representation? Does the applicant provide appropriate
justification when representation is limited or absent? Does the applicant
propose appropriate and acceptable plans for recruitment/outreach and
retention of study participants?

Inclusion of Minorities Plan - for clinical research only. Does the
applicant propose a plan for the inclusion of minorities that will provide
their appropriate representation? Does the applicant provide appropriate
justification when representation is limited or absent? Does the applicant
propose appropriate and acceptable plans for recruitment/outreach and
retention of study participants?

Inclusion of Children Plan- for all studies involving human subjects. Does
the applicant describe an acceptable plan in which the representation of
children of all ages (under the age of 21) is scientifically appropriate and
recruitment/retention is addressed realistically? If not, does the applicant
provide an appropriate justification for their exclusion?
Data and Safety Monitoring Plan for clinical trials only. Does the
applicant describe a Data and Safety Monitoring Plan that defines the general
structure of the monitoring entity and mechanisms for reporting Adverse
Events to the NIH and the IRB?

CARE AND USE OF VERTEBRATE ANIMALS IN RESEARCH: If vertebrate animals are to
be used in the project, the required five items described under Vertebrate
Animals (section f of the Research Plan instructions) will be assessed.

BIOHAZARDS: Is the use of materials or procedures that are potentially
hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment proposed? Is the
proposed protection adequate?

ADDITIONAL REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS: The following items may be also be
considered by reviewers but will not be included in the determination of
scientific merit.BUDGET: The reasonableness of the proposed budget may be
considered.

For all applications, is the percent effort listed for the PI appropriate for
the work proposed? On applications requesting up to $100,000 total costs, is
the overall budget realistic and justified in terms of the aims and methods
proposed? On applications requesting over $100,000 in total costs, is each
budget category realistic and justified in terms of the aims and methods?

PERIOD OF SUPPORT: The appropriateness of the requested period of support in
relation to the proposed research.

PHASE II APPLICATION: In addition to the above review criteria:
1. How well did the applicant demonstrate progress toward meeting the Phase I
objectives, demonstrating feasibility, and providing a solid foundation
for the proposed Phase II activity?
2. Did the applicant submit a concise Commercialization Plan [formerly
Product Development Plan] that adequately addresses the seven areas
described in the Research Plan item J?
3. Does the project carry a high degree of commercial potential, as described
in the Commercialization Plan?
AMENDED APPLICATIONS
In addition to the above criteria, the following criteria will be applied to
revised applications.

1. Are the responses to comments from the previous SRG review adequate?

2. Are the improvements in the revised application appropriate?

PHASE I/PHASE II FAST-TRACK APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA

For Phase I/Phase II Fast Track applications, the following criteria also
will be applied:
1. Does the Phase I application specify clear, appropriate, measurable goals
(milestones) that should be achieved prior to initiating Phase II?
2. Did the applicant submit a concise Commercialization Plan that adequately
addresses the seven areas described in the Research Plan, item J?

3. To what extent was the applicant able to obtain letters of interest,
additional funding commitments, and/or resources from the private sector or
non-SBIR/ STTR funding sources that would enhance the likelihood for
commercialization?

4. Does the project carry a high degree of commercial potential, as described
in the Commercialization Plan?

Phase I and Phase II Fast-Track applications that satisfy all of the review
criteria will receive a single rating. Failure to provide clear, measurable
goals may be sufficient reason for the scientific review group to exclude the
Phase II application from Fast-Track review.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications submitted in response to a PA will compete for available funds
with all other recommended SBIR and STTR 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

For FAST-TRACK applications, the Phase II portion may not be funded until a
Phase I final report and other documents necessary for continuation have been
received and assessed by program staff that the Phase I milestones have been
successfully achieved.

RECEIPT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE

See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbirsttr_receipt_dates.htm.

REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS

HUMAN SUBJECTS PROTECTION: Federal regulations (45CFR46) require that
applications and proposals involving human subjects must be evaluated with
reference to the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of protection against
these risks, the potential benefits of the research to the subjects and
others, and the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained.
http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm

DATA AND SAFETY MONITORING PLAN: Data and safety monitoring is required for
all types of clinical trials, including physiologic, toxicity, and dose-
finding studies (phase I); efficacy studies (phase II), efficacy,
effectiveness and comparative trials (phase III). The establishment of data
and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) is required for multi-site clinical
trials involving interventions that entail potential risk to the
participants. (NIH Policy for Data and Safety 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 "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://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp 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, in the project
description and elsewhere in the application as appropriate, 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.

STANDARDS FOR PRIVACY OF INDIVIDUALLY IDENTIFIABLE HEALTH INFORMATION: The
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued final modification to
the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information ,
the Privacy Rule, on August 14, 2002. The Privacy Rule is a federal
regulation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA) of 1996 that governs the protection of individually identifiable
health information, and is administered and enforced by the DHHS Office for
Civil Rights (OCR). Those who must comply with the Privacy Rule (classified
under the Rule as covered entities ) must do so by April 14, 2003 (with the
exception of small health plans which have an extra year to comply).

Decisions about applicability and implementation of the Privacy Rule reside
with the researcher and his/her institution. The OCR website
(http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/) provides information on the Privacy Rule, including
a complete Regulation Text and a set of decision tools on Am I a covered
entity? Information on the impact of the HIPAA Privacy Rule on NIH
processes involving the review, funding, and progress monitoring of grants,
cooperative agreements, and research contracts can be found at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-025.html.

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 at http://www.cfda.gov/ and is not subject to the
intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health
Systems Agency review. Awards are made under the authorization of Sections
301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284)
and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. All
awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other
considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. The NIH Grants
Policy Statement can be found at
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm.

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.

Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices