and Human Services (HHS)
EXPIRED
Department of Health and Human Services
Participating Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH), (http://www.nih.gov)
Components of Participating Organizations
National Institute on Nursing Research (NINR), (http://www.ninr.nih.gov/)
Title: NINR Mentored Research Scientist Development Award for Underrepresented or Disadvantaged Investigators (K01)
Announcement Type
This Funding Opportunity announcement was formerly issued as RFA-NR-04-003.
Update: The following update relating to this announcement has been issued:
Program Announcement (PAR) Number: PAR-05-135
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s)
93.361
Key Dates
Release Date: July 8, 2005
Application Submission Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
AIDS Application Receipt Dates(s): Not Applicable
Peer Review Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Council Review Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Additional Information To Be Available Date (URL Activation Date): Not Applicable
Expiration Date: New Date January 8, 2009 (per issuance of PAR-09-074) (Original Expiration Date: September 2, 2008, changed to September 8, 2008 perNOT-OD-07-093 and changed toJanuary 8, 2010 per NOT-OD-08-069)
(now September 8, 2008 per NOT-OD-07-093)
Due Dates for E.O. 12372
Not Applicable
Additional Overview Content
Executive Summary
Table of Contents
Part II Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Research Objectives
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism(s) of Support
2. Funds Available
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
A. Eligible Institutions
B. Eligible Individuals
2.Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other - Special Eligibility Criteria
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
A. Receipt and Review and Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Sending an Application to the NIH
C. Application Processing
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
6. Other Submission Requirements
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
A. Additional Review Criteria
B. Additional Review Considerations
C. Sharing Research Data
D. Sharing Research Resources
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
3. Reporting
Section VII. Agency Contact(s)
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s)
2. Peer Review Contact(s)
3. Financial/ Grants Management Contact(s)
Section VIII. Other Information - Required Federal Citations
Part II - Full Text of Announcement1. Research Objectives
Background
The purpose of the present PA is to encourage the development of qualified underrepresented or disadvantaged nurse scientists, to become independent investigators in research settings.
The striking under representation of persons in biomedical and behavioral research in the United States who are from racial/ethnic underrepresented groups, persons with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds has been underscored in many studies. The NINR recognizes a unique and compelling need to promote diversity in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences research workforce. The NINR expects efforts to diversify the workforce will lead to:
Although the NIH currently provides multiple opportunities to develop research careers and improve participation for individuals from groups with low representation in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, reports from the National Science Foundation (NSF), (see http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/women/start.htm) and others provide strong evidence that diversity remains an important problem that the entire research enterprise must actively address. The need for a diverse workforce permeates all aspects of the nation's health-related research effort.
NINR has had a long-standing interest in increasing the diversity of investigators in nursing research. This PA seeks to address this interest by enhancing the research capabilities of underrepresented or disadvantaged nurse scientists so that these individuals may establish research laboratories and research programs in nursing science. There is abundant evidence that the research, biomedical, and health enterprises will directly benefit from this broader inclusion.
Research Areas
The research career development plan must address a research area consistent with the NINR mission. Descriptions of relevant research areas may be found on the NINR website at http://www.ninr.nih.gov/ResearchAndFunding/DEA/.
Scientists are encouraged to develop their innovative research career development plans in areas relevant to special populations or in any priority areas of NINR's scientific research mission. In particular, research on health disparities in non-majority populations such as minority ethnic and cultural groups and persons with disabilities is encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to review NINR's Strategic Plan on Reducing Health Disparities located at: http://www.ninr.nih.gov/research/diversity/mission.html.
The applicant institution must demonstrate in the application a firm commitment to the development of the candidate as a productive, independent scientist in nursing research and to the pursuit of the research career development plan described in the application. The candidate should describe a career development program that will maximize the use of relevant research and research resources available at the applicant's and mentor's institution, or at both their institutions should it not be possible to find a suitable mentor at the candidate's home institution.
Career Development Program
The award provides three consecutive 12-month appointments to pursue a mentored research experience and specialized study in nursing research that are tailored to the individual needs of the candidate. At least 75 percent of the recipient's full-time professional time and effort must be devoted to the program, and the remaining 25 percent devoted to other research-related and/or teaching or clinical pursuits consistent with the objectives of the award. Both the didactic and the research phases of an award period must be designed to develop the necessary knowledge and research skills in scientific areas relevant to the career goals of the candidate.
Because the focus is on progression to independence as a researcher, candidates for the K01 should propose a period of study and career development consistent with their previous training and research experience. For example, a candidate with limited experience in the proposed field of research may find a phased developmental program lasting three years that includes a designated period of didactic training followed by a period of closely supervised research experience the most efficient means of attaining independence. A candidate with previous research experience in a related field may not require extensive additional didactic preparation; therefore, a program that focuses on an intensive, supervised research experience may be appropriate. All programs must be tailored to meet the individual needs of the candidate ensuring that he/she will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out high quality nursing research. The candidate and the mentor are jointly responsible for the preparation of the plan for this program. The mentor may form an advisory committee to assist with the development of a program of study or to monitor the candidate's progress through the career development program.
Mentor(s)
Mentor(s): Candidates must name a primary mentor, who, together with the applicant, is responsible for the planning, direction, and preparation of the program prior to submission, as well as the execution and evaluation of the program post-award. The mentor should be recognized as an accomplished investigator in the proposed research area and have a track record of success in training independent investigators. The mentor should have experience in obtaining independent research support, as well as sufficient current support to cover the costs of the proposed research project in excess of the allowable costs of this award. Candidates may also nominate co-mentors as appropriate to the goals of the program; at least one mentor should have expertise in nursing science. Where feasible, women, underrepresented and underserved individuals, and individuals with disabilities should be involved as mentors to serve as role models.
Allowable Costs:
1. Salary: The NINR will provide salary for the recipient of this award up to a maximum of $50,000 plus fringe benefits per year. The institution may supplement the NINR contribution up to a level that is consistent with the institution's salary scale. In no case may PHS funds be used for salary supplementation. Institutional supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose and provisions of this research career development award. Under expanded authorities, institutions may rebudget funds within the total costs awarded, but may not rebudget funds involving the salary component of the budget.
The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month appointment. It must be consistent both with the established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. If full-time, 12-month salaries are not currently paid to comparable employees, the salary proposed must be appropriately related to the existing salary structure.
2. Research Development Support: The NINR will provide up to $20,000 per year for the following expenses: (a) tuition and fees related to career development; (b) research expenses, such as supplies and equipment; (c) reasonable travel to research meetings, workshops, or training; and (d) statistical services including personnel, research and computer time. These funds must be expended solely for the support of the candidate's research career development plan.
3. Ancillary Personnel Support: Salary for mentors, secretarial and administrative assistance, etc., is not allowed.
4. Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs: F&A costs will be reimbursed at eight percent of modified total direct costs.
Evaluation
In carrying out its stewardship of human resource related programs, the NINR or NIH may request information essential to an assessment of the effectiveness of this program. Accordingly, recipients are hereby notified that they may be contacted after the completion of this award for periodic updates on various aspects of their employment history, publications, support from research grants or contracts, honors and awards, professional activities, and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program.
See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related to this announcement.
Section II. Award Information1. Mechanism(s) of Support
This funding opportunity will use the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) award mechanism. This mechanism is described in program announcement PA-00-019 (NIH Guide, December 3, 1999; http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-00-019.html) Although all general guidelines of PA-00-019 will apply, this PA is written as a stand-alone document and contains provisions that are unique to this initiative. This PA uses just-in-time concepts.
As an applicant, you and your mentor are jointly responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed career development program. Applications submitted in response to this PA but that are not funded, may be revised and resubmitted up to two amendments using the standard receipt dates for applications described in the instructions to the PHS 398 application.
This funding opportunity uses the just-in-time budget concepts. It also uses the non-modular budget format described in the PHS 398 application instructions (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html). A detailed categorical budget for the "Initial Budget Period" and the "Entire Proposed Period of Support" is to be submitted with the application.
2. Funds Available
An applicant may request a project period of up to 3 years. Salary support for each recipient will be for an annual maximum of $50,000 plus fringe benefits with a minimum requirement of 75% time and effort committed. Each year up to $20,000 may be requested for research development support. Although the financial plans of the NINR provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this PA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
Facilities and administrative costs requested by consortium participants are not included in the direct cost limitation, see NOT-OD-05-004.
Section III. Eligibility Information1. Eligible Applicants
1.A. Eligible Institutions
You may submit (an) application(s) if your organization has any of the following characteristics:
Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply for this award.
1.B. Eligible Individuals
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 (please see Section V.1. Criteria).
A candidate for this award must be employed full-time at an institution that conducts research and who: (1) has a baccalaureate degree in nursing; (2) has a research or health-professional doctorate (e.g., PhD or DNSc), or its equivalent; (3) has demonstrated the capacity or potential for a productive independent research career; and (4) has secured the commitment of an appropriate research mentor actively involved in research relevant to the mission of NINR.
The candidate must identify an appropriate mentor or co-mentors with extensive research experience in the research area proposed in the application. The candidate must be willing to spend a minimum of 75 percent of full-time professional time and effort conducting research and career development activities for the period of the award. The remaining 25 percent time should be devoted to other research-related and/or teaching or clinical pursuits consistent with the objectives of the award.
Candidates who have served as principal investigators on PHS research grants or have been supported by a research career award in the past, are eligible to apply, provided the proposed research career development program is in a fundamentally new area of scientific endeavor for the candidate or there has been a significant hiatus in his/her research career because of family or other personal obligations. Current principal investigators on PHS research grants are not eligible.
For the purpose of this announcement, investigators who are judged to increase diversity include:
A. Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (see http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/women/start.htm). In addition, it is recognized that underrepresentation can vary from setting to setting and individuals from any racial or ethnic group that can be convincingly demonstrated to be underrepresented by the grantee institution are eligible for support under this program.
B. Individuals with disabilities, which are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, but does not impair their capacity to function as an independent investigator.
C. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds which are defined as:
1. Individuals who come from a family with an annual income below established low-income thresholds. These thresholds are based on family size; published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census; adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index; and adjusted by the Secretary for use in all health professions programs. The Secretary periodically publishes these income levels at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml. For individuals from low income backgrounds, the institution must be able to demonstrate that such candidates have qualified for Federal disadvantaged assistance or they have received any of the following student loans: Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL), Loans for Disadvantaged Student Program, or they have received scholarships from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Scholarship for Individuals with Exceptional Financial Need.
2. Come from a social, cultural, or educational environment such as that found in certain rural or inner-city environments that have demonstrably and recently directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career. Eligibility related to a disadvantaged background is most applicable to high school and perhaps to undergraduate candidates, but would be more difficult to justify for individuals beyond that level of academic achievement.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals, or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence by the time of award. Individuals admitted for permanent residence must be able to produce documentation of their immigration status such as an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-551) or some other verification of legal admission as a permanent resident. Non-citizen nationals, although not U.S. citizens, owe permanent allegiance to the U.S. They are usually born in lands that are not states but are under U.S. sovereignty, jurisdiction, or administration. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible for this award.
Before submitting an application for a diversity career development award, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Program Director at NINR to discuss the program.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Not applicable
The most current Grants Policy Statement can be found at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/nihgps_Part2.htm#matching_or_cost_sharing.
3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria
Not applicable
1. Address to Request Application Information
The PHS 398 application instructions are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. Applicants must use the currently approved version of the PHS 398. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 710-0267, Email: [email protected].
Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY 301-451-5936.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applications must be prepared using the most current PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms. Applications must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as the universal identifier when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-5711 or through the web site at http://www.dnb.com/us/. The D&B number should be entered on line 11 of the face page of the PHS 398 form.
The title and number of this funding opportunity must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be checked.
Note that supplementary instructions for Career Development awards are located in PHS 398, Section III, starting on page 44.
3. Submission Dates and Times
See section Section IV.3.C for details. Also see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm.
3.A. Submission, Review and Anticipated Start Dates
Letter of Intent Submission Date: Not Applicable
Application Submission Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
AIDS Application Receipt Dates(s): Not Applicable
Peer Review Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Council Review Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
3.A.1. Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is not required for the funding opportunity.
3.B. Sending an Application to the NIH
Applications must be prepared using the research grant application forms found in the PHS 398 instructions for preparing a research grant application. The PHS 398 is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and three 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 (U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service; non-USPS service)
At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application and all copies of the appendix must be sent to:
Weiqun Li, M.D.
Scientific Review Officer
National Institute of Nursing Research
National Institutes of Health
6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 710
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: 301-594-5966
Fax: 301-480-8260
E-Mail: [email protected]
Applications responding to this announcement (new and revised) must include at least three sealed letters of reference attached to the face page of the original application. Applications submitted without the required number of reference letters will be considered incomplete and will be returned without review.
Personal deliveries of applications are no longer permitted (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-040.html).
Applications must be submitted on or before the application receipt/submission dates described above (Section IV.3.A.) and at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm. Upon receipt applications will be evaluated for completeness by CSR. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The NIH will not accept any application in response to this funding opportunity that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial merit review unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The NIH 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.
Individuals applying for the K01 award must comply with the JUST-IN-TIME procedures announced in the NIH Guide on March 29, 1996 and May 17, 1996.
Although there is no immediate acknowledgement of the receipt of an application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding assignment within eight weeks.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.
All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. The Grants Policy Statement can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm.
Pre-Award Costs are allowable. A grantee may, at its own risk and without NIH prior approval, incur obligations and expenditures to cover costs up to 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new or competing continuation award if such costs: are necessary to conduct the project, and would be allowable under the grant, if awarded, without NIH prior approval. If specific expenditures would otherwise require prior approval, the grantee must obtain NIH approval before incurring the cost. NIH prior approval is required for any costs to be incurred more than 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new or competing continuation award.
The incurrence of pre-award costs in anticipation of a competing or non-competing award imposes no obligation on NIH either to make the award or to increase the amount of the approved budget if an award is made for less than the amount anticipated and is inadequate to cover the pre-award costs incurred. NIH expects the grantee to be fully aware that pre-award costs result in borrowing against future support and that such borrowing must not impair the grantee's ability to accomplish the project objectives in the approved time frame or in any way adversely affect the conduct of the project. See NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part6.htm.
A recent NIH policy change (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-04-007.html) now allows NIH mentored career development award recipients in the final two years of their award, to receive salary support from both their K Award and NIH research grant or subproject. The K award recipient must be the named Principal Investigator on a competing NIH research project grant (R01, R03, R15, R21, R34, etc.), or be the subproject director on a competing multi-component research or center grant or cooperative agreement (P01, P50, U01, etc.). The policy is effective for competing research grant applications submitted for February 1, 2004 and beyond.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Supplemental Instructions:
In addition to the PHS 398 Supplemental Research Career Award instructions (page 44 of PHS 398 instructions), the following program supplemental instructions must be followed.
Candidate
Career Development Plan
The career development plan must incorporate consideration of the candidate's goals and prior experience. It should describe a systematic plan to obtain any necessary basic biomedical or behavioral science background and research experience to launch or reinitiate an independent nursing research career.
Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research
The candidate must describe plans to receive instruction in the responsible conduct of research. Responsible conduct of research education typically includes the nine core instructional areas of data acquisition, management, sharing and ownership; conflict of interest and commitment; human subjects; animal welfare; research misconduct; publication practices and responsible authorship; mentor/trainee responsibilities; peer review, and collaborative science. These plans must detail the proposed subject matter, format, frequency, and duration of instruction as well as the amount and nature of faculty participation. No award will be made if an application lacks this training component. Additional information is available at: http://ori.dhhs.gov/research/.
Research Plan
The candidate must describe the research plan and the use of a basic or clinical approach to a biomedical or behavioral problem. The candidate must describe the research plan as outlined in form PHS 398, including sections on the Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Progress Report/Preliminary Studies, Research Design and Methods. The candidate should consult with the mentor in development of the research plan.
Mentor's Statement
The application must include a biographical sketch, other support, and information on the mentor(s), including research qualifications and previous experience as a research mentor. The application must also include information that describes the nature and extent of mentorship that will occur throughout the entire award period. A letter of support from the mentor (and co-mentor(s), if appropriate) must be included in the application delineating the match with the candidate's research, the development plan, and the willingness to provide the necessary quidance and mentoring time.
Collaborators and Consultants Statement
Similar information must be provided by each collaborator or consultant.
Environment and Institutional Commitment
The sponsoring institution must provide a statement of commitment to the candidate's development into a productive, independent investigator in nursing research. This statement must indicate that the candidate will be provided with sufficient release time (at least 75 percent) from other duties to accomplish the research and career development goals stated in the application. In addition, the institution is encouraged to define the additional research support (e.g., laboratory and office space, major equipment) to be made available to the applicant.
Letters of Reference
Applications responding to this announcement (new and revised) must include at least three sealed letters of reference attached to the face page of the original application. Applications submitted without the required number of reference letters will be considered incomplete and will be returned without review.
Plan for Sharing Research Data
Not applicable
Sharing Research Resources
NIH policy requires that grant awardee recipients make unique research resources readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community after publication (NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part7.htm#_Toc54600131). Investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a plan for sharing research resources addressing how unique research resources will be shared or explain why sharing is not possible.
The adequacy of the resources sharing plan and any related data sharing plans will be considered by Program staff of the funding organization when making recommendations about funding applications. The effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as part of the administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm). See Section VI.3. Reporting.
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria (Update: Enhanced review criteria have been issued for the evaluation of research applications received for potential FY2010 funding and thereafter - see NOT-OD-09-025)
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.
2. Review and Selection Process
Applications that are complete and responsive to this PA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by the NINR in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will:
Applications submitted for this funding opportunity will be assigned to the NINR on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines.
Appropriate scientific review groups convened by NINR in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures (http://www.csr.nih.gov/refrev.htm) will evaluate applications for scientific and technical merit.
The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
The scientific review group will address and consider each of these criteria in assigning the application's overall score, weighing them as appropriate for each application.
The application does not need to be strong in all categories to merit a high priority score. For example, an investigator may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative, but is essential to move a field forward or improve clinical decisions or outcomes. These criteria are listed in logical ordef and not in order of priority.
Review Criteria
The following criteria will be applied:
Candidate
Career Development Plan
Research Plan
A sound research plan that is consistent with the career development plan and the candidate's level of research development must be provided:
Mentor
Institutional Environment and Commitment
The goals of NIH supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, to improve the control of disease, and to enhance health. In their written critiques, reviewers will be asked to comment on each of the following criteria in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. Note that an application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact and thus deserve a high priority score. For example, an investigator may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward.
Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?
Innovation: Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?
Investigators: Are the investigators appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers? Does the investigative team bring complementary and integrated expertise to the project (if applicable)?
Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?
2.A. Additional Review Criteria:
In addition to the above criteria, the following items will continue to be considered 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 the Research Plan, Section E on Human Subjects in the PHS Form 398).
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 will be assessed. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated (see the Research Plan, Section E on Human Subjects in the PHS Form 398).
Care and Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research: If vertebrate animals are to be used in the project, the five items described under Section F of the PHS Form 398 research grant application instructions will be assessed.
Biohazards: If materials or procedures are proposed that are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, determine if the proposed protection is adequate.
2.B. Additional Review Considerations
Budget: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period of support in relation to the proposed career development program. The priority score should not be affected by the evaluation of the budget.
2.C. Sharing Research Data
Not applicable
2.D. Sharing Research Resources
NIH policy requires that grant awardee recipients make unique research resources readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community after publication (See the NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/part_ii_5.htm#availofrr and http://www.ott.nih.gov/policy/rt_guide_final.html). Investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a sharing research resources plan addressing how unique research resources will be shared or explain why sharing is not possible.
The adequacy of the resources sharing plan will be considered by Program staff of the funding organization when making recommendations about funding applications. Program staff may negotiate modifications of the data and resource sharing plans with the awardee before recommending funding of an application. The final version of the data and resource sharing plans negotiated by both will become a condition of the award of the grant. The effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as part of the administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590). See Section VI.3. Reporting.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Not applicable
1. Award Notices
After the peer review of the application is completed, the Principal Investigator will also receive a written critique called a Summary Statement.
If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant. For details, applicants may refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part4.htm).
A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization. The NoA signed by the grants management officer is the authorizing document. Once all administrative and programmatic issues have been resolved, the NoA will be generated via email notification from the awarding component to the grantee business official (designated in item 14 on the Application Face Page). If a grantee is not email enabled, a hard copy of the NoA will be mailed to the business official.
Selection of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk. These costs may be reimbursed only to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs. See Also Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the notice of grant award. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part4.htm) and Part II Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part9.htm).
Other Income:
Awardees may retain royalties and fees for activities such as scholarly writing, service on advisory groups, honoraria from other institutions for lectures or seminars, fees resulting from clinical practice, professional consultation or other comparable activities, provided these activities remain incidental, are not required by the research and research-related activities of this award, and provided that the retention of such pay is consistent with the policies and practices of the grantee institution.
All other income and fees, not included in the preceding paragraph as retainable, may not be retained by the career award recipient. Such fees must be assigned to the grantee institution for disposition by any of the following methods:
The funds may be expended by the grantee institution in accordance with the NIH policy on supplementation of career award salaries and to provide fringe benefits in proportion to such supplementation. Such salary supplementation and fringe benefit payments must be within the established policies of the grantee institution.
The funds may be used for health-related research purposes.
The funds may be paid to miscellaneous receipts of the U.S. Treasury. Checks should be made payable to the Department of Health and Human Services, NIH and forwarded to the Director, Office of Financial Management, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Checks must identify the relevant award account and reason for the payment.
Usually, funds budgeted in an NIH supported research or research training grant for the salaries or fringe benefits of individuals, but freed as a result of a career award, may not be rebudgeted. The awarding component will give consideration to approval for the use of released funds only under unusual circumstances. Any proposed retention of funds released as a result of a career award must receive prior written approval of the NIH awarding component.
C. Special Leave:
Leave to another institution, including a foreign laboratory, may be permitted if the proposed experience is directly related to the purpose of the award. Only local institutional approval is required if such leave does not exceed 3 months. For longer periods, prior written approval of the NIH funding institute or center is required. Details on the process for submission of prior approval requests can be found in the NIHGPS (rev. 12/03), Requests for Prior Approval, at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part7.htm#_Toc54600130.)
A copy of a letter or other evidence from the institution where the leave is to be taken must be submitted to assure that satisfactory arrangements have been made. Support from the K23 award will continue during such leave.
Leave without award support may not exceed 12 months. Such leave requires the prior written approval of the NIH component institute and will be granted only in unusual situations.
Support from other sources is permissible during the period of leave without award support. Such leave does not reduce the total number of months of program support for which an individual is eligible.
Under unusual and pressing circumstances, an awardee may submit a written request to the awarding component requesting a reduction in professional effort below 75 percent. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis during the award period. In no case will it be permissible to work at less than 50 percent effort. The nature of the circumstances requiring reduced effort might include medical conditions, disability, or pressing personal or family situations such as child or elder care. Permission to reduce the level of effort will not be approved to accommodate other sources of funding, job opportunities, clinical practice, or clinical training. In each situation, the grantee institution must submit documentation supporting the need for reduced effort along with assurance of a continuing commitment to the scientific development of the awardee. In addition, the awardee must submit assurance of his/her intention to return to at least 75 percent effort as soon as possible. During the period of reduced effort, the salary and other costs supported by the award will be reduced accordingly.
D. Termination or Change of Institution:
Consultation with appropriate NINR staff listed in Section VII. Agency Contacts, prior to proposing termination or change of institution is strongly encouraged
When a grantee institution plans to terminate an award, the Grants Management Specialist listed on the Notice of Grant Award must be notified in writing at the earliest possible time so that appropriate instructions can be given for termination. The Director of the NIH may terminate an award upon determination that the purpose or terms of the award are not being fulfilled. In the event an award is terminated, NIH shall notify the grantee institution in writing of this determination, the reasons therefore, the effective date, and the right to appeal the decision.
If the grantee is moving to another eligible institution, career award support may be continued provided:
A change of grantee request normally will be permitted only when all of the benefits attributable to the original grant can be transferred, including equipment purchased in whole or in part with grant funds. In reviewing a request to transfer a grant, NIH will consider whether there is a continued need for the grant-supported project or activity and the impact of any proposed changes in the scope of the project. A change may be made without peer review, provided the PI plans no significant change in research and career development objectives and the facilities and resources at the new organization will allow for successful performance of the project. If these conditions or other programmatic or administrative requirements are not met, the NIH awarding office may require peer review or may disapprove the request and, if appropriate, terminate the award.
E. Changes in Research or Career Development Program:
Consultation with appropriate NINR staff listed in Section VII. Agency Contacts, prior to proposing and implementing significant changes in the supported research or career development program is strongly encouraged.
Individual awards are made for career development at a specific institution in a specific research program. A change in the specified scientific area of the research component of the career development program requires prior approval of the awarding NIH institute. A scientific rationale must be provided for any proposed changes in the aims of the original peer-reviewed research plan. The new research plan will be evaluated by staff of the awarding NIH component institute to ensure that the plan remains within the scope of the original peer-reviewed research program. If the new plan does not satisfy this requirement, staff could recommend that the award be terminated.
If it becomes necessary to replace a mentor due to extenuating circumstances, the institution must submit a letter from the proposed mentor and K01 awardee documenting the need for substitution, the new mentor's qualifications for supervising the program, and the level of support for your continued career development. The letter must also document that the specific aims of the research program will remain within the scope of the original peer reviewed research program. NINR program staff will evaluate the request and will notify your institution of the results of the evaluation.
A final progress report, invention statement, and Financial Status Report are required upon either termination of an award or relinquishment of an award in a change of institution situation.
Awardees will be required to submit the PHS Non-Competing Grant Progress Report, Form 2590 annually (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm) and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
The Progress Report must include Sections a through f as described in the general PHS form 2590 instructions, as well as sections g through j as described in Section IV of the 2590 instructions. Evaluation of your progress will depend on the following:
We encourage your inquiries concerning this funding opportunity 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:
1. Scientific/Research Contacts:
Direct your questions about scientific/research issues to:
Karen Huss, PhD, RN, APRN-BC FAAN, FAAAAI
Program Director, Cardiopulmonary & Critical Care Science
NINR Training Coordinator
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Nursing Research
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 Democracy Blvd., Rm 710
One Democracy Plaza
Bethesda, MD 20892-4870
Email:[email protected]
Phone: 301-594-5970
Fax: 301-451-5649
www.nih.gov/ninr
2. Peer Review Contacts:
Direct your questions about peer review issues to:
Weiqun Li, M.D.
Scientific Review Officer
National Institute of Nursing Research
National Institutes of Health
6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 710
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: 301-594-5966
Fax: 301-480-8260
E-Mail: [email protected]
3. Financial or Grants Management Contacts:
Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to:
Lawrence Haller
Grants Management Specialist
Office of Grants/Contract Management
National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH
6701 Democracy Blvd. Rm. 710
One Democracy Plaza
Bethesda, Maryland 20892 (courier use 20817)
Telephone: (301) 402-1878
FAX: (301) 451-5652
E-mail: [email protected]
Required Federal Citations
Use of Animals in Research:
Recipients of PHS support for activities involving live, vertebrate animals must comply with PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/PHSPolicyLabAnimals.pdf) as mandated by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/hrea1985.htm), and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm) as applicable.
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). Monitoring should be commensurate with risk. The establishment of data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) is required for multi-site clinical trials involving interventions that entail potential risks to the participants (NIH Policy for Data and Safety Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).
Sharing Research Data:
Investigators submitting an NIH application seeking $500,000 or more in direct costs in any single year are expected to include a plan for data sharing or state why this is not possible (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing).
Investigators should seek guidance from their institutions, on issues related to institutional policies and local IRB rules, as well as local, State and Federal laws and regulations, including the Privacy Rule. Reviewers will consider the data sharing plan but will not factor the plan into the determination of the scientific merit or the priority score.
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 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 funding opportunity 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
Sharing of Model Organisms:
NIH is committed to support efforts that encourage sharing of important research resources including the sharing of model organisms for biomedical research (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/model_organism/index.htm). At the same time the NIH recognizes the rights of grantees and contractors to elect and retain title to subject inventions developed with Federal funding pursuant to the Bayh Dole Act (see the NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm). All investigators submitting an NIH application or contract proposal, beginning with the October 1, 2004 receipt date, are expected to include in the application/proposal a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organism research resources generated using NIH funding or state why such sharing is restricted or not possible. This will permit other researchers to benefit from the resources developed with public funding. The inclusion of a model organism sharing plan is not subject to a cost threshold in any year and is expected to be included in all applications where the development of model organisms is anticipated.
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 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines is 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 Clinical Research:
The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all clinical research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them.
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 (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 applications for research involving human subjects and individuals designated as key personnel. The policy is available 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 (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.
NIH Public Access Policy:
NIH-funded investigators are requested to submit to the NIH manuscript submission (NIHMS) system (http://www.nihms.nih.gov) at PubMed Central (PMC) an electronic version of the author's final manuscript upon acceptance for publication, resulting from research supported in whole or in part with direct costs from NIH. The author's final manuscript is defined as the final version accepted for journal publication, and includes all modifications from the publishing peer review process.
NIH is requesting that authors submit manuscripts resulting from 1) currently funded NIH research projects or 2) previously supported NIH research projects if they are accepted for publication on or after May 2, 2005. The NIH Public Access Policy applies to all research grant and career development award mechanisms, cooperative agreements, contracts, Institutional and Individual Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards, as well as NIH intramural research studies. The Policy applies to peer-reviewed, original research publications that have been supported in whole or in part with direct costs from NIH, but it does not apply to book chapters, editorials, reviews, or conference proceedings. Publications resulting from non-NIH-supported research projects should not be submitted.
For more information about the Policy or the submission process please visit the NIH Public Access Policy Web site at http://www.nih.gov/about/publicaccess/ and view the Policy or other Resources and Tools including the Authors' Manual (http://www.nih.gov/about/publicaccess/publicaccess_Manual.htm).
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).
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.
Loan Repayment Programs:
NIH encourages applications for educational loan repayment from qualified health professionals who have made a commitment to pursue a research career involving clinical, pediatric, contraception, infertility, and health disparities related areas. The LRP is an important component of NIH's efforts to recruit and retain the next generation of researchers by providing the means for developing a research career unfettered by the burden of student loan debt. Note that an NIH grant is not required for eligibility and concurrent career award and LRP applications are encouraged. The periods of career award and LRP award may overlap providing the LRP recipient with the required commitment of time and effort, as LRP awardees must commit at least 50% of their time (at least 20 hours per week based on a 40 hour week) for two years to the research. For further information, please see: http://www.lrp.nih.gov.
Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
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