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 of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke (NINDS), (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/)
Title: Career
Development Award to Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research (K01)
Announcement Type
This is a reissue of PAR-05-071.
Program
Announcement (PA) Number: PAR-09-065
Update: The following updates relating to this announcement have been issued:
APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED IN PAPER FORMAT.
This FOA must be read in conjunction with the application guidelines included with this announcement in Grants.gov/Apply for Grants (hereafter called Grants.gov/Apply).
A registration process is necessary before submission and applicants are highly encouraged to start the process at least four (4) weeks prior to the grant submission date. See Section IV.
Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance Number(s)
93.853
Key Dates
Release/Posted Date: December 30, 2008
Opening Date: January 12, 2009 (Earliest date an
application may be submitted to Grants.gov)
Letters of Intent Receipt
Date(s): Not applicable
NOTE: On-time submission requires that
applications be successfully submitted to Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m.
local time (of the applicant institution/organization).
Application Due Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
AIDS Application Due Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#AIDS.
Peer Review
Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Council Review
Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Earliest
Anticipated Start Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Additional
Information To Be Available Date (URL Activation Date): Not Applicable.
Expiration Date: (Extended to May 8, 2012 per NOT-NS-12-001), Original Date January
8, 2012
Due Dates for E.O. 12372
Not Applicable.
Additional
Overview Content
Executive Summary
The objective of the Career Development Award to Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research is to promote diversity among faculty-level neuroscience investigators who are competitively funded to conduct independent research.
Table of Contents
Part I Overview
Information
Part II Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity
Description
1. Research Career Objectives
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism 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. Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
A. Submission, Review, and
Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Submitting an Application
Electronically 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. Resource Sharing Plan(s)
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 Contacts
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 Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1.
Research Career Objectives
The purpose of the Career Development Award to Promote
Diversity in Neuroscience Research is to support an intensive, supervised
career development and scientific mentoring experience for promising senior postdoctoral or junior investigators to obtain
research independence during the performance period of the award. The proposed
career development experience is expected to substantially contribute to the
research capabilities of the applicant, and research
should be in a mission related area of interest to the NINDS. Presently, there
is an underrepresentation of certain racial and ethnic minorities, individuals
with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in biomedical
and behavioral research careers. For example in
surveys conducted by the Association of Neuroscience Departments and Programs
(http://www.andp.org/), racial and ethnic minorities represented only 5-9% of
the total U.S. tenure-stream neuroscience faculty from 1986 to 2003.
It is envisioned that funding support from the Career Development Award to
Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research will bolster efforts to address this
underrepresentation, and increase the total pool of well-trained researchers
and health professionals who are competitively funded
to conduct neuroscience research.
The Career Development Award to Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research will support an intensive, supervised research career development experience for underrepresented career neuroscientists that will provide them with the skills necessary to develop competitively funded and independent research programs. The expectation is that through this sustained period of protected research career development and training, awardees will launch independent research careers and become competitive for new research project grant (R01) funding. Applicants must justify the need for this award and provide a convincing case that the proposed period of support will substantially enhance their careers as independent investigators in their chosen area of research. The sponsoring institution must be able to provide a signed statement establishing the eligibility of the candidate for this program and must be able to demonstrate a commitment to the development of the candidate as a productive, independent investigator.
Prior to preparing an application, individuals are strongly encouraged to contact the program official listed at the end of this announcement for any questions concerning the program and pre-submission guidance. Applications that do not fall within the current mission interests of the NINDS will not be accepted.
See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related to this announcement.
Section
II. Award Information
1. Mechanism of Support
This Funding
Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will use the NIH Mentored
Research Scientist Development Award (K01) mechanism. The Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI)
(also referred to as the Applicant or Candidate) and his/her
mentor will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the
proposed project.
This FOA uses Just-in-Time information concepts (see SF424 (R&R) Application Guide). It also uses non-modular budget format.
The candidate should follow the instructions for budget information described in Section IV (6.F) as well as in PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental form Section 7.4.6 of the R&R 424 instructions, and budget justification information.
2. Funds Available
Although the financial plans of the NINDS provides support for this program, awards pursuant to this funding opportunity are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
The K01 program must be tailored to meet the individual needs of the candidate. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. Applicants may request 3 to 5 years of support. The actual duration of the award will depend upon the number of years of prior research experience, the demonstrated need for additional mentored experience to achieve research independence. Salary up to $85,000 per year plus related fringe benefits will be provided a research allowance of up to $50,000 per year will be provided. Awards are not renewable and are not transferable from one PD/PI to another.
Facilities and administrative costs requested by consortium participants are not included in the direct cost limitation, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-05-004.html.
2.A. Allowable Costs
Salary: The NINDS will provide salary and fringe benefits for the K01 award recipient. The total salary requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month staff appointment. The K01 award requires the candidate to devote a minimum of 9 person-months (75% of full-time professional effort) to conducting health-related research. The remaining effort may be devoted to clinical, teaching, or other research pursuits and activities consistent with the objectives of the award. For information regarding NIH policy on determining full-time professional effort for career awards, see NOT-OD-04-056.
The salary 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 staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. If full-time, 12-month salaries are not currently paid to comparable staff members, the salary proposed must be appropriately related to the existing salary structure. Confirmation of salary is required prior to the issuance of an award. Fringe benefits, based on the sponsoring institutions rate and the percent of effort, are provided in addition to the salary.
The sponsoring institution may supplement the NIH salary contribution up to a level that is consistent with the institution's salary scale. However, supplementation may not be from Federal funds unless specifically authorized by the Federal program from which such funds are derived. 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 of the K01 award. Under expanded authorities, however, institutions may re-budget funds within the total costs awarded to cover salaries consistent with the institution's salary scale. The total salary, however, may not exceed the legislatively mandated salary cap. See: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/salcap_summary.htm.
K01 award recipients are encouraged to obtain funding from NIH or other Federal sources either as a named PD/PI on a competing research grant award or cooperative agreement or as sub-project director on a competing multi-project award (see NOT-OD-08-065). At the time the research grant is awarded the effort required on the K01 award may be reduced to no less than 6 person-months (50% full-time professional effort) at the grantee organization and replaced by effort from the research award so that the total level of research commitment remains at 9 person-months (75% full-time professional effort) or more for the duration of the K01 award. To be eligible for salary support from peer-reviewed research awards from any Federal agency:
K01 recipients must apply for independent research grant support during the period of this award. K01 recipients are strongly encouraged to apply for R01 or equivalent Federal or Foundation awards before the final two years of their K01. K01 recipients must continue to devote at least 75% effort directly to the K01 research project until the final two years of the K01 award.
Research Development Support: The NINDS will provide research development support for the K01 award recipient. These costs may be used for the following expenses: (a) tuition and fees related to career development; (b) research expenses, such as supplies, equipment and technical personnel; c) travel to research meetings or training; and (d) statistical services including personnel and computer time.
Ancillary Personnel Support: Salary for mentors, secretarial and administrative assistance, etc., is not allowed.
Indirect Costs: These costs also know as Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs, will be reimbursed at eight percent (8%) of modified total direct costs.
NIH Grants Policy: NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.
Section III. Eligibility Information
1.
Eligible Applicants
1.A. Eligible Institutions
The following
organizations/institutions are eligible to apply:
Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.
1.B. Eligible Individuals
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the PD/PI is invited to work with his/her organization 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 support.
Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI): Also referred to as the Applicant or Candidate, individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research and career development activities are invited to work with their mentor and sponsoring institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
For the purpose of this announcement, institutions are encouraged to identify candidates who will increase diversity within the neuroscience workforce on a national or institutional basis http://grants.nih.gov/training/faq_diversity.htm. The strength of an institution's description and justification for the appointment of an identified candidate will be judged along with all other aspects of the proposed experience (see review criteria in Section V.1.) As discussed, the NINDS is particularly interested in encouraging the recruitment and retention of the following classes of candidates:
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/statistics/). In addition, it is recognized that underrepresentation can vary from setting to setting and individuals from racial or ethnic groups 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.
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 would be difficult to justify for individuals beyond the level of high school and undergraduate, and thus will be very difficult to justify for the career stages eligible under this announcement.
The proposed career development experience must be in a research area new to the applicant and/or one in which an additional supervised research experience will substantially augment the research capabilities of the applicant. Planning, direction, and execution of the proposed career development program and research project will be the responsibility of the applicant and his/her mentors. Candidates with clinical degrees (e.g., M.D.) should consider the Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Award (K08) Award or the Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Award (K23), as more appropriate alternatives associated with their stage of development and career goals.
Citizenship and Residency: Only U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals, or individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence who have a currently valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551), or some other verification of legal admission as a permanent resident prior to the time of award, are eligible for this award. 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.
Degree and Research: Junior neuroscience investigators eligible for this award include only those individuals making the transition to an independent scientific career at the senior post-doctoral and junior faculty stages. For all individuals, the institution must demonstrate that the applicant will have the academic title, space and other resources necessary to apply for independent funding during the period of award. In the case of a graduate student who is making the transition directly to a faculty position, a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.Sc., etc.) must have been received by the time the K01 award is made.
Level of Effort: Candidates must be able to commit a minimum of 9 person-months (75% of full-time professional effort) conducting research career development activities associated with this award. The remaining 3 months (25% effort) can be divided among other research, clinical, and teaching activities only if these activities are consistent with the goals of the K01 award, i.e., the candidates development into an independent investigator. For information regarding NIH policy on determining full-time professional effort for career awards, see NOT-OD-04-056.
At the time of award, the candidate must have a full-time appointment at the academic institution that is the applicant institution. Candidates who have VA appointments may not consider part of the VA effort toward satisfying the full time requirement at the applicant institution. Candidates with VA appointments should contact the staff person in the relevant Institute or Center prior to preparing an application to discuss their eligibility. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching
This program does not require cost sharing as defined in the current NIH Grants Policy Statement.
3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria
Number of Applications: Applicants may only have one individual Career Development Award application pending peer review at any time.
Resubmission(s): See new NIH policy on resubmission (amended) applications (NOT-OD-09-003, NOT-OD-09-016).
Beginning with applications intended for the January 25, 2009 official submission due date, all original new applications (i.e., never submitted) and competing renewal applications will be permitted only a single amendment (A1). See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-003.html and NOT-OD-09-016. Original new and competing renewal applications that were submitted prior to January 25, 2009 will be permitted two amendments (A1 and A2). For these grandfathered applications, NIH expects that any A2 will be submitted no later than January 7, 2011, and NIH will not accept A2 applications after that date.
Renewals: Awards are not renewable and are not transferable from one PD/PI to another.
A candidate for an NIH K01 Award may not simultaneously submit or have an application pending for any other PHS career award (e.g., K07, K08, K22, K23) or any PHS or award that duplicates any of the provisions of the K01 award. Current principal investigators on NIH career awards are not eligible.
Applicants who did not receive funding may submit a resubmission application, but such application must include an Introduction addressing the previous peer review critique (Summary Statement).
Individuals are eligible for the K01 award if they have been, or currently are the PD/PI of an NIH R03 or R21 grant or a PHS or non-Federal award that duplicates the provisions or research goals of an R03 or R21 grant.
Individuals who are in training status and are being supported by National Research Service Awards (NRSA) are eligible to apply, however, they may not activate the Career Development Award to Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research until the NRSA research training program has been completed or terminated.
Individuals are NOT eligible if they:
K01 recipients must apply for independent research grant support during the period of this award. K01 award recipients that obtain independent support during the K01 award period may hold concurrent research support, and, in the last two years of their K01 award, salary support from their career award and a competing NIH research project grant when recognized as a PI or subproject Director of the research project grant.
3.A. Special Requirements
This award is intended for persons who plan to pursue careers in the neurological sciences and applies to all areas of research supported by NINDS.
Statement of Eligibility: Applications must include a letter from Department Chair explaining how this particular award will promote diversity within the Institution or in science nationally. Information must be included to certify that the applicant belongs to one of the groups as further defined in Section III.1.B. Failure to include a letter describing how this particular award will promote diversity will delay review of the application.
Mentor(s): The candidate must name a primary sponsor/mentor, who together with the applicant is responsible for the planning, direction, and execution of the program. 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 sufficient independent research support to cover the costs of the proposed research project in excess of the allowable costs of this award. The mentor's role involves a substantial commitment of time on behalf of the candidate; therefore, persons with extensive administrative responsibilities (e.g., chairpersons, deans) should not be selected as mentors without adequate justification. Candidates may choose more than one mentor; additional mentors may be at the candidate's institution or elsewhere within the United States, if a strong case is made for their contribution to the research career development of the candidate. The principal mentor should be in the candidate's home institution or, in rare circumstances, be available locally (in the latter case, the applicant should discuss plans in advance with a NINDS Program Director. Where feasible, applicants are encouraged to include women, individuals from diverse racial and ethnic groups, and individuals with disabilities as mentors, to serve as role models.
Institutional Environment: The applicant institution must have a strong, well-established record of research and career development activities and faculty qualified in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research to serve as mentors. The institution must demonstrate a commitment to the development of the candidate as a productive, independent investigator and be willing to allow the protected time needed by the applicant. The candidate, mentor, and institution must describe a research career development program that will maximize the use of this environment, including available facilities and resources.
The NINDS requires that applicant institutions demonstrate a commitment to providing the environment and resources needed for junior investigator applicants to pursue successful careers as independent academic researchers in neuroscience. It is expected that K01 awardees will apply for independent funding during the course of their award. Institutions sponsoring them must provide the resources required to do so.
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
To
download a SF424 (R&R) Application Package and SF424 (R&R) Application
Guide for completing the SF424 (R&R) forms for this FOA, use the Apply for
Grant Electronically button in this FOA or link to http://www.grants.gov/Apply/ and follow
the directions provided on that Web site.
A one-time registration is required for institutions/organizations at both:
The PD/PI should work with their institutions/organizations to make sure they are registered in the NIH eRA Commons.
Several additional separate actions are required before an applicant can submit an electronic application, as follows:
1) Organizational/Institutional Registration in Grants.gov/Get Registered
2) Organizational/Institutional Registration in the eRA Commons
3) Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) Registration in the NIH eRA Commons: Refer to the NIH eRA Commons System (COM) Users Guide.
The PD/PI and AOR/SO need separate accounts in the NIH eRA Commons since both are authorized to view the application image.
Note: If a PD/PI is also an NIH peer-reviewer the DUNS number obtained and used in the reviewer role may NOT be used and is not applicable to any Grant Application to the Federal Government. This DUNS number is different from the DUNS number used by the applicant organization. The individual DUNS number should be used only for the purposes of personal reimbursement.
Several of the steps of the registration process could take four weeks or more. Therefore, the applicant should immediately check with his/her business official to determine whether their organization/institution is already registered in both Grants.gov and the Commons. The NIH will accept electronic applications only from organizations that have completed all necessary registrations.
1. Request Application Information
Applicants must
download the SF424 (R&R) application forms and the SF424 (R&R)
Application Guide for this FOA through Grants.gov/Apply.
Note:
Only the forms package directly attached to a specific FOA can be used. You
will not be able to use any other SF424 (R&R) forms (e.g., sample forms,
forms from another FOA), although some of the "Attachment" files may
be useable for more than one FOA.
For further assistance, contact GrantsInfo --
Telephone 301-710-0267, Email: [email protected].
Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY
301-451-5939.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Prepare all applications using the SF424 (R&R) application forms and in accordance with the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for this FOA through Grants.gov/Apply.
The SF424 (R&R) Application Guide is critical to submitting a complete and accurate application to NIH. Some fields within the SF424 (R&R) application components, although not marked as mandatory, are required by NIH (e.g., the Credential log-in field of the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile component must contain the PD/PIs assigned eRA Commons User ID). Agency-specific instructions for such fields are clearly identified in the Application Guide. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
The SF424 (R&R) application has several components. Some components are required, others are optional. The forms package associated with this FOA in Grants.gov/APPLY includes all applicable components, required and optional. A completed application in response to this FOA includes the data in the following components:
Required Components:
SF424 (R&R) (Cover
component)
Research & Related
Project/Performance Site Locations
Research & Related Other Project Information
Research & Related Senior/Key Person
SF424 (R&R) Detailed Budget
PHS398 Cover Letter
PHS398 Cover Page Supplement
PHS398 Career Development Award Supplemental Form
PHS398 Checklist
3. Submission Dates and Times
See Section IV.3.A. for details.
3.A. Submission, Review, and
Anticipated Start Dates
Opening
Date: January 12, 2009 (Earliest date an application may be submitted to Grants.gov)
Letter
of Intent Receipt Date(s): See below
Application Due Date(s):
Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
AIDS Application Due Date(s): Standard dates apply,
please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#AIDS
Peer Review
Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Council Review
Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
Earliest
Anticipated Start Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm#reviewandaward
3.A.1. Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is not required.
3.B.
Submitting an Application Electronically to the NIH
To submit an application in response to this
FOA, applicants should access this FOA via http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp and follow Steps 1-4. Note: Applications must only be submitted
electronically. PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Please visit http://era.nih.gov/electronicReceipt/app_help.htm for detailed information on what to do if Grants.gov or eRA system issues threaten your ability to submit on time.
Submission to Grants.gov is not the last step - applicants must follow their application through to the eRA Commons to check for errors and warnings and view their assembled application!
3.C.2 Two Day Window to Correct eRA Identified Errors/Warnings
IMPORTANT NOTE! NIH has eliminated the error correction window for due dates of January 25, 2011 and beyond. As of January 25, all corrections must be complete by the due date for an application to be considered on-time. See NOT-OD-10-123.
Once an application package has been successfully submitted through Grants.gov NIH provides applicants a two day error correction window to correct any eRA identified errors or warnings before a final assembled application is created in the eRA Commons. The standard error correction window is two (2) business days, beginning the day after the submission deadline and excluding weekends and standard federal holidays. All errors must be corrected to successfully complete the submission process. Warnings will not prevent the application from completing the submission process.
Note that the following caveats apply:
3.C.3 Viewing an Application in the eRA Commons
Once any eRA identified errors have been addressed and the assembled application has been created in the eRA Commons, the PD/PI and the Authorized Organization Representative/Signing Official (AOR/SO) have two weekdays (Monday Friday, excluding Federal holidays) to view the assembled application before it automatically moves forward to NIH for further processing.
Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by the Center for Scientific Review, NIH. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
There will be an acknowledgement of receipt of applications from Grants.gov and the Commons. The submitting AOR/SO receives the Grants.gov acknowledgments. The AOR/SO and the PD/PI receive Commons acknowledgments. Information related to the assignment of an application to a Scientific Review Group is also in the Commons.
Note: Since email can be unreliable, it is the responsibility of the applicant to check periodically on their application status in the Commons.
The NIH will not accept any application in response to this FOA 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. However, the NIH will accept a resubmission application, but such application must include an Introduction addressing the critique from the previous review.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This initiative is not
subject to intergovernmental review.
5.
Funding Restrictions
All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Citizenship: Applicants must meet the citizenship requirements as described in the Eligibility section of this announcement (see Section III) at the time of award.
Concurrent Awards: Applicant must be aware of the NIH policies associated with other federally sponsored support (see: NOT-OD-08-065).
Salary Support: The salary requested for the candidate must be consistent with both the established salary structure for full-time staff appointments and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the applicable department.
NIH policy 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 a research grant from any Federal agency (see NOT-OD-08-065). The K-award recipient must be a named PD/PI of a competing research project grant (R01, R03, R15, R21, R34, etc.), or be the sub-project director on a competing multi-component research or center grant or cooperative agreement (P01, P50, U01, etc.). See the Notice for full details.
Research Development Support: The research development support costs allowed for this program must be justified and be consistent with the stage of development of the candidate and the proportion of time to be spent in research or career development activities. Salary for ancillary personnel support, such as mentors, secretarial and administrative assistants is not allowed.
Pre-Award
Costs: 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 renewal award if such costs: 1)
are necessary to conduct the project, and 2) 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
renewal 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 NIH Grants
Policy Statement.
6. Other Submission Requirements and Information
All application instructions outlined in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide are to be followed, incorporating "Just-in-Time" information concepts, and with the following additional requirements (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/index.htm):
PD/PI Credential (e.g., Agency Login): The NIH requires the PD/PI to fill in his/her Commons User ID in the PROFILE Project Director/Principal Investigator section, Credential log-in field of the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile component.
Organizational DUNS: The applicant organization must include its DUNS number in its Organization Profile in the eRA Commons. This DUNS number must match the DUNS number provided at CCR registration with Grants.gov. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
Cover Letter: The PHS398 cover letter must include the list of referees (including name, department affiliation, and institution.
The following information must be included in the application in accordance with the Supplementary Instructions for Research Career Awards in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide (See Part I.7.5).
All application instructions outlined in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide are to be followed, incorporating "Just-in-Time" information concepts, and with the following additional requirements:
Appendix Materials: Applicants must follow the specific instructions on Appendix materials as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide (See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/index.htm).
Do not use the Appendix to circumvent the page limitations. An application that does not comply with the required page limitations may be delayed in the review process or sent back without review.
6.A. Candidate Information and Career Development Plan
Candidates Background:
Career Goals and Objectives:
Career Development/Training Activities:
Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research:
The background, rationale and more detail about instruction in the
responsible conduct of research can be found in
NOT-OD-10-019.
6.B. Research Plan
The research plan should follow instructions outlined in PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental form, including sections on Specific Aims, Significance, Preliminary Studies for New Applications and Progress Reports for Renewal and Revision Applications, Approach. The candidate should consult with the mentor(s) regarding the development of this section.
6.C. Statement of Support
Statement by Mentor, Co-Mentors, Consultants, Contributors (All statements/letters should be appended to each other and uploaded as a single pdf document):
6.D. Environment and Institutional Commitment to the Candidate
Description of Institutional Environment:
Institutional Commitment to Candidates Research Career Development:
The NINDS encourages applicant institutions to demonstrate a commitment to providing the environment and resources needed to successfully prepare junior investigators for careers as independent academic researchers in neuroscience.
Awardees will enter the program participating in mentored research and, as a result of the experience, they are expected to have developed the competencies and skills needed to apply for independent funding. As part of the application process, institutions must define the resources and environment leading to this level of competence, and provide concrete evidence of their commitment to providing these resources. Under this award, institutions are not asked to confer an academic title that signifies independence, but they must commit to a program for training that allows awardees to successfully compete for such a position. It is anticipated that awardees will apply for independent funding during the course of their award. Institutions sponsoring them must provide the resources and title required to do so.
Institutions should consider carefully each candidates scientific background, especially the extent to which they have been engaged in prior research training. Resources in support of career development should be tailored to the individual candidate, taking into account special strengths and needs. Unique features of the environment, the resources to be provided and institutional/departmental track record in mentoring prior trainees should be specifically detailed.
6.E. Letters of Reference
[ January 20, 2011 - Please see NOT-OD-11-036 informing applicants that the Letters of Reference are due by the application receipt deadline date. ]
Electronic submission of reference letters is a separate process from submitting an application electronically. Reference letters are submitted directly through the eRA Commons and do not use Grants.gov. Therefore, candidates must follow the Supplemental Instructions in the SF424 R&R Application Guide for Research Career Awards (Instructions, Part 7.3) (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/index.htm).
Letters of reference are an important component of the application for the NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01). Applicants for this career award must arrange to have at least three (but no more than five) letters of reference submitted on their behalf to the NIH eRA Commons Web site at https://public.era.nih.gov/commons/public/reference/submitReferenceLetter.do?mode=new. The letters should be from well-established scientists (referees) addressing the qualities of the candidate as well as their potential for becoming an independent investigator. These letters should be from individuals not directly involved in the application, but who are familiar with the candidates qualifications, training, and interests. A letter of reference may be submitted by an individual not directly involved in the proposed research project; e.g., advisory committee members (if applicable).
The mentor/co-mentor(s) may also submit letters of reference, but these letters will be considered independently of the three required reference letters. Revised applications must include new letters of reference.
Applications that are missing letters of reference may be considered non-responsive and may not be reviewed.
6.F. Budget for the Entire Proposed Period of Support
The NINDS will provide up to $85,000 per year for salary support. The grantee institution may supplement the NINDS salary contribution up to a level that is consistent with the institution's salary scale. However, supplementation may not be provided from Federal funds unless specifically authorized by the Federal program from which such funds would be derived. Institutional supplementation of salary must not require extra duties or responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose of the award, i.e., full-time commitment to supervised research and related activities. Individuals receiving salary support under the Career Development Award to Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research are employees of the grantee institution and are subject to its established personnel policies dealing with professional status, title, salary, and related staff privileges and obligations. The salary proposed must be consistent with the established salary structure for full-time, 12-month staff appointments at the grantee institution.
Fringe Benefits are paid out of grant funds in proportion to the salary contribution. Practices related to payments of fringe benefits shall be consistent with grantee institution policies and not be altered for these awards.
In addition to salary support, funds up to $50,000 direct costs in the aggregate may be requested for each year to support research and/or career development activities. The support for research activities is intended to enable the awardee to conduct research until regular research support can be obtained. Research costs include equipment, laboratory supplies, research assistants, and travel to scientific meetings and research workshops.
Career development costs may include travel, per diem, tuition, or fees for study at centers other than the grantee institution. Funds requested must be carefully justified for each year and must be consistent with the stage of development of the candidate and the proportion of time to be spent in research or career development activities. Salary for mentors, secretaries and administrative assistants is not allowed.
Applicants may request up to 8% of direct costs for Facilities and Administrative Costs (F&A). F&A costs are not provided on tuition and related fees or on equipment expenditures.
Budget Component (Section 4.7): Use the SF424 (R&R) Detailed Budget component and review the instructions found in Part I.4.7(R&R Budget Component) of the Application Guide. However for K applications only limited budget information is required; therefore, candidates will also need to follow the special instructions in Part I.7.4 of the SF 424 (R&R) [Supplemental Instructions for Career Development Awards], noting the special instructions that modify Section 4.7. In budget section A (Senior/Key Persons) include base salary, person months and requested salary and fringe benefit information for only the candidate. Base salary, and requested salary and fringe benefits should reflect actual levels. Any adjustments based on IC policy limits will be made at the time of the award. Sections B-E should be left blank. If a dollar amount is required, enter 0 (zero) in the appropriate box. The total Research Development Support amount requested for each year will be entered in Section F, Materials and Supplies. In Section H enter Modified Total Direct Costs under Indirect Cost Type. The Indirect Cost rate is 8% of modified total direct cost. The Indirect Cost amount should be entered under Funds Requested. Totals for Sections F, G, and H will be calculated automatically for each year as well as for the Cumulative Budget. Within the direct cost limitation for research development support, provide a detailed description with justification for all equipment, supplies and personnel that will be used to help achieve the career development and research objectives of this award.
6.G. Resource Sharing Plan(s)
NIH considers the sharing of unique research resources developed through NIH-sponsored research an important means to enhance the value and further the advancement of the research. When resources have been developed with NIH funds and the associated research findings published or provided to NIH, it is important that they be made readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community. If the final data/resources are not amenable to sharing, this must be explained in the Resource Sharing section of the application (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing/data_sharing_faqs.htm.)
(a) Data Sharing Plan: Not Applicable.
(b) Sharing Model Organisms: Regardless of the amount requested, all applications in which the development of model organisms is anticipated are expected to include a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organisms and related resources, or state appropriate reasons why such sharing is restricted or not possible (see Sharing Model Organisms Policy, and NIH Guide NOT-OD-04-042.)
(c) Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): Regardless of the amount requested, applicants seeking funding for a genome-wide association study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the repository is not possible. A genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (e.g., blood pressure or weight) or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. For further information see Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies (NOT-OD-07-088) and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.
2.
Review and Selection Process
Applications
submitted for this funding opportunity will be assigned on the basis of
established PHS referral guidelines to the ICs for funding consideration.
Applications that are complete will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by (an) appropriate scientific review group(s) in accordance with NIH peer review procedures (http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/peer/) using the review criteria stated below.
As part of the scientific peer review, all applications will:
Applications submitted in response to this funding opportunity will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
The overall goal of NIH-supported career development programs is to help ensure that diverse pools of highly trained scientists are available in adequate numbers and in appropriate research areas to address the Nations biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. Reviewers recognize that an individual with limited research experience is less likely to be able to prepare a research plan with the breadth and depth of that submitted by a more experienced investigator.
The scientific review group will address and consider the investigators (candidate, mentor); the approach (research plan, career plan); the significance (research plan); the environment (institutional environment and commitment to candidate); and innovation (research plan) in assigning the applications overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. Note, however that a mentored career development application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged as highly meritorious and thus deserve a meritorious impact/priority score. For example, an applicant may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward, and will provide a strong vehicle for his/her career development and progression to independence.
The purpose of the NINDS Career Development Award to Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research (K01) is to provide support and protected time (three, four, or five years) for an intensive, supervised career development experience in the biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences leading to research independence. The proposed career development experience must be in a research area new to the applicant and/or one in which an additional supervised research experience will substantially augment the research capabilities of the applicant.
Overall Impact. Reviewers will provide an overall impact/priority score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the candidate to maintain a strong research program, in consideration of the following five core review criteria, and additional review criteria. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to have a major impact.
Core Review Criteria. Reviewers will consider each of the five review criteria below in the determination of scientific and technical merit, and give a separate score for each.
Candidate:
Career Development Plan:
Research Plan:
Mentor(s), Consultant(s), Collaborator(s):
Environment and Institutional Commitment to the Candidate:
2.A. Additional
Review Criteria
Resubmission(s): When reviewing a Resubmission application (formerly called an amended application), the committee will evaluate the application as now presented, taking into consideration the responses to comments from the previous scientific review group and changes made to the project.
Mentor(s) statement(s): Do the mentor(s) adequately address the above review criteria including the candidates potential and his/her strengths and areas needing improvement?
Letters of reference: Do the letters of reference from at least three well-established scientists address the above review criteria, and do they demonstrate evidence that the candidate has a high potential for becoming an independent investigator?
Plans to Evaluate Progress: Are there adequate plans for monitoring and evaluating the career development awardees progress toward independence?
Protections for Human Subjects: For research that involves human subjects but does not involve one of the six categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate the justification for involvement of human subjects and the proposed protections from research risk relating to their participation according to the following five review criteria: 1) risk to subjects, 2) adequacy of protection against risks, 3) potential benefits to the subjects and others, 4) importance of the knowledge to be gained, and 5) data and safety monitoring for clinical trials.
For research that involves human subjects and meets the criteria for one or more of the six categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate: 1) the justification for the exemption, 2) human subjects involvement and characteristics, and 3) sources of materials.
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children: When the proposed project involves clinical research, the committee will evaluate the proposed plans for inclusion of minorities and members of both genders, as well as the inclusion of children. part I, 5.5.
Vertebrate Animals: The committee will evaluate the involvement of live vertebrate animals as part of the scientific assessment according to the following five points: 1) proposed use of the animals, and species, strains, ages, sex, and numbers to be used; 2) justifications for the use of animals and for the appropriateness of the species and numbers proposed; 3) adequacy of veterinary care; 4) procedures for limiting discomfort, distress, pain and injury to that which is unavoidable in the conduct of scientifically sound research including the use of analgesic, anesthetic, and tranquilizing drugs and/or comfortable restraining devices; and 5) methods of euthanasia and reason for selection if not consistent with the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia.
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
Additional Review Considerations. As applicable for the
project proposed, reviewers will address each of the following items, but will
not give scores for these items and should not consider them in providing an
overall impact/priority score.
Training in the Responsible
Conduct of Research: Reviewers will evaluate plans for
instruction in responsible conduct of research as well as the past record of
instruction in responsible conduct of research, where applicable.
Reviewers will specifically address the five Instructional Components (Format,
Subject Matter, and Frequency of instruction as detailed in
NOT-OD-10-019. The review of this consideration will be guided by the
principles set forth in
NOT-OD-10-019. Plans and past record will be rated as ACCEPTABLE or
UNACCEPTABLE.
Diversity Eligibility: Reviewers can comment on the strength of the description of how this particular award will promote diversity within the institution or in science nationally.
2.C. Resource Sharing Plans
When relevant, reviewers will be instructed to comment on the reasonableness of the following Resource Sharing Plans, or the rationale for not sharing the following types of resources. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed resource sharing plan(s) into the determination of scientific merit or impact/priority score, unless noted otherwise in the FOA. Program staff within the IC will be responsible for monitoring the resource sharing.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Not
Applicable.
Section
VI. Award Administration Information
1.
Award Notices
After the peer review of the application
is completed, the PD/PI will be able to access his or her Summary Statement
(written critique) via the NIH eRA Commons.
If
the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request
"just-in-time" information from the applicant. JIT includes, but is
not limited to, updated salary information and confirmation, current Other
Support as well as Human Subjects and Animal certifications. Activation of the
JIT link in the eRA Commons is not an indication of a request for Just in Time
information. The applicant organization will be contacted by NIH grants
administration staff if this information is required. For details, applicants
may refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and
Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General.
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.
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 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 NoA. For these terms of award, see the NIH
Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards,
Subpart A: General and Part
II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions
for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities.
The following related administrative policies apply to NIH Research Career Award (K) programs:
A. Evaluation: In carrying out its stewardship of human resource-related programs, the 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.
B. 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:
Usually, funds budgeted in an NIH supported research 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. Leave Policies: 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 component is required. Details on the process for submission of prior approval requests can be founds 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 career 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 or Center 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.
D. Percent Effort Policies: Under certain circumstances, an awardee may submit a written request to the awarding component requesting a reduction in professional effort below 75 percent (equivalent to 9 person months). 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 (equivalent to 6 person months). The nature of the circumstances requiring a change in the appointment status or percent effort might include personal or family situations such as parental leave, child care, elder care, medical conditions, or a disability. Permission to reduce the level of effort will not be approved to accommodate 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.
E. Changes in Research or Career Development Program: Consultation with the applicable NINDS Program staff is strongly encouraged when a change in the approved career development program and/or research plan is being considered.
Individual awards are made for career development 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 or Center. 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 IC 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.
In rare cases where a mentor must be replaced, the institution must submit a letter from the proposed mentor and awardee documenting the need for substitution, the new mentor's qualifications for supervising the program, and the level of support for the PD/PIs 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. Staff within the NIH funding component will review the request and will notify the institution of the results of the evaluation.
F. Change of Institution or Termination: Consultation with the applicable NINDS program and/or grants management staff is strongly encouraged when either termination or a change of institution is being considered.
NINDS realizes that investigators often need to obtain external support and/or move to another institution in order ultimately to secure a more independent or more favorable faculty position. It is therefore the policy of NINDS to be flexible with regard to transfer of a career award to another institution. NINDS will consider transfers from one institution to another, with prior approval of the responsible Program Director. No transfer will be allowed for awards with less than six months remaining in the project period, during a period of administrative extension, or after a project has terminated.
Early consultation with NINDS staff is critical for timely transfer of the grant to the new institution. It is strongly recommended that potential transfer applicants contact the NINDS program staff listed on their official Notice of Award for consultation and guidance prior to submitting the transfer application.
The transfer application must be submitted at least three months in advance of the desired effective date to allow the necessary time for staff review. Applications requesting a change of institution that are submitted after July 15th annually will generally not be reviewed until the next fiscal year (after October 1st).
NINDS Staff Review
Transfer of career grants to another institution may be approved, without peer review, under the circumstances stipulated below. The Program Officer will assess the degree to which the goals of the original peer-reviewed application (as evidenced in the most recent summary statement) will be met at the new institution. Critical among these considerations will be the continued capacity to carry out full-time research; the potential to contribute significantly to the scientific field of study as evidenced by research productivity; clear and high likelihood that the new environment will contribute to scientific development and productivity; scientific and technical merit of the research plan and its consistency with the career development plan; the new mentor's research and mentoring qualifications in the scientific area of study (if applicable); and the strength of the institutional environment and commitment. After consideration, the Program Officer will recommend either approval or disapproval of the requested transfer. In the event of disapproval (which is not subject to appeal), the grantee has the option of submitting a new application from the new institution, that encompasses the remaining project period, for peer review.
If the K awardee is moving to another eligible institution, career award support may be continued provided:
When a grantee institution plans to terminate an award, the Grants Management Specialist listed on the Notice of Award (NoA) must be notified in writing at the earliest possible time so that appropriate instructions can be given for termination. The Director of the NIH awarding component 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, the effective date, and the right to appeal the decision.
Awardees will be required to submit the Non-Competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590) annually and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. (Note that the instructions for Research Career Development applications must be followed for this program).
The Progress Report must include Sections (A) through (F) as described in Section 2.2.6 (Progress Report Summary) in the general PHS form 2590 instructions, as well as sections G through J as described in Section 5 of the 2590 instructions. Evaluation of the awardees progress will encompass the following:
A final progress report, invention statement, and
Financial Status Report are required when an award is relinquished, when a
recipient changes institutions, or when an award is terminated.
Section VII. Agency Contacts
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 (program), peer review, and financial or grants management issues:
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s):
Michelle
D. Jones-London, Ph.D.
Office
of Minority Health and Research
National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
NSC
2150
6001
Executive Blvd.
Bethesda, MD 20892
Rockville, MD 20852 (for
express/courier service)
Telephone:
(301) 496-3102
FAX:
301-594-5929
Email: [email protected]
2. Peer Review Contact(s):
Chief,
Scientific Review Branch
National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Room
3201, MSC 9529
6001
Executive Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20892-9529 (Rockville, MD 20852 for express/courier service)
Telephone:
(301) 496-9223
FAX:
(301) 402-0182
Email: [email protected]
3. Financial/Grants Management Contact(s):
James Washington
Grants
Management Branch
National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
6001
Executive Blvd., NSC 3248
Bethesda, MD 20892
Rockville, MD 20852 (for
express/courier service)
Telephone:
(301) 496-7449
Email: [email protected]
Section VIII. Other Information
Required Federal Citations
Vertebrate Animals: 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 (45 CFR 46) 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 institutional review board (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 impact/priority score.
Policy for Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): NIH is interested in advancing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify common genetic factors that influence health and disease through a centralized GWAS data repository. For the purposes of this policy, a genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire human genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight), or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. All applications, regardless of the amount requested, proposing a genome-wide association study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the repository is not possible. Data repository management (submission and access) is governed by the Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Guide NOT-OD-07-088. For additional information, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.
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. Beginning October 1, 2004, all investigators submitting an NIH application or contract proposal 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.
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.
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children: 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 SF424 (R&R) application; 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-09-116.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 Requirement: In accordance with the NIH Public Access Policy, investigators funded by the NIH must submit or have submitted for them to the National Library of Medicines PubMed Central (see http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/), an electronic version of their final, peer-reviewed manuscripts upon acceptance for publication, to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after the official date of publication. The NIH Public Access Policy is available at (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-033.html). For more information, see the Public Access webpage at http://publicaccess.nih.gov/.
Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable
Health Information: The Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) 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 HHS 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. For publications listed in the appendix and/or Progress report, Internet addresses (URLs) or PubMed Central (PMC) submission identification numbers must be used for publicly accessible on-line journal articles. Publicly accessible on-line journal articles or PMC articles/manuscripts accepted for publication that are directly relevant to the project may be included only as URLs or PMC submission identification numbers accompanying the full reference in either the Bibliography & References Cited section, the Progress Report Publication List section, or the Biographical Sketch section of the NIH grant application. A URL or PMC submission identification number citation may be repeated in each of these sections as appropriate. There is no limit to the number of URLs or PMC submission identification numbers that can be cited.
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 FOA 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. 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 Part 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 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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