Participating Organization(s) |
National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
Division of Program Coordination, Planning and
Strategic Initiatives, Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP)
|
|
Funding Opportunity Title |
Limited Competition: National Primate Research Centers (P51) |
Activity Code |
P51 Primate Research Center Grants |
Announcement Type |
New |
Related Notices |
|
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number |
PAR-11-136 |
Companion FOA |
None |
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) |
93.351 |
FOA Purpose |
This FOA issued by the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), encourages grant applications that support the activities of the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs). Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are most closely related to humans, both physiologically and genetically. Therefore, NHPs are critical animal models for translational research aimed at understanding human biology, both in normal and diseased states. Proper husbandry and management of NHPs requires specialized physical and intellectual resources, which are most effectively and economically provided in centralized primate centers, the resources of which are made available to investigators on a national basis. The NPRCs provide these resources that complement and help enable the missions of the NIH Institutes and Centers, the grantees of which utilize NHPs to study specific diseases. |
Posted Date |
March 9, 2011 |
Letter of Intent Due Date |
Not Applicable |
Application Due Date(s) |
Standard dates applly |
AIDS Application Due Date(s) |
Not applicabler |
Scientific Merit Review |
Standard dates apply |
Advisory Council Review |
Standard dates apply |
Earliest Start Date(s) |
Standard dates apply |
Expiration Date |
(Now Expired October 25, 2013 per NOT-OD-14-008), Originally May 8, 2014 |
Due Dates for E.O. 12372 |
Not Applicable |
Required Application Instructions
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the PHS398 Application Guide except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts). Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced. While some links are provided, applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
Looking ahead: NIH is committed to transitioning all grant programs to electronic submission using the SF424 Research and Related (R&R) format and is currently investigating solutions that will accommodate NIH’s multi-project programs. NIH will announce plans to transition the remaining programs in the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts and on NIH s Applying Electronically website.
Part 1. Overview Information
Part 2. Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
Section II. Award Information
Section III. Eligibility Information
Section IV. Application and Submission
Information
Section V. Application Review Information
Section VI. Award Administration Information
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information
The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds a National Primate Research Center (NPRC) program, the goal of which is to facilitate the effective use of NHPs by scientists engaged in biomedical research. The NPRC program complements and enables the missions of the other NIH Institutes and Centers, the grantees of which utilize NHPs to study specific diseases. NCRR’s Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) currently funds eight NPRCs, which are centralized facilities in various parts of the country, and are available to investigators on a national basis. Individual NPRCs can have specific areas of emphasis, but each is expected to provide a variety of services both individually and through inter-NPRC collaborations to a wide range of investigators. Applicants to this FOA are limited to existing NPRCs. Investigators who want to use the resources available at the NPRCs should consult http://ncrr.nih.gov/comparative_medicine/resource_directory/primates.asp.
The overall objective of the NPRC program is to provide support for scientists who use NHPs in their research. This is accomplished by funding NPRCs that provide the animals, facilities, and expertise needed to enable research using NHPs. More specifically, support is provided to:
- Develop and sustain national resources for normative data, consultative and collaborative expertise, biologic and genetic material, and specialized facilities, equipment, and expertise that support NHP-related research.
- Breed and provide animals suitable for research using NHPs.
- Study the biology of NHP species that are of potential research importance for the purpose of enhancing their scientific utility, health, and well-being.
- Develop improved practices of NHP breeding, husbandry and genetic definition to help meet research needs for pedigreed, disease-free animals of defined quality, and to ensure the continued availability of species of biomedical research importance whose wild populations are considered threatened or endangered.
- Develop NHP models of human disease and facilitate their use.
- Conduct pilot (basic and applied) biomedical research projects in areas requiring the use of NHPs. Pilot projects are aimed at helping to solve problems related to human health, and they should lead to independent grant support related to the disease or health problem being studied.
- Provide opportunities for local, national, and international research involvement and experience in primatology to graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scientists and faculty members, as well as short-term learning assignments for students of the health professions.
- Disseminate the findings of studies and technical advances in NHP research to the scientific community via reports published in internationally-recognized, peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate media.
An NPRC receives funding from the NCRR through a base grant using the NIH P51 activity code (hereafter referred to as the P51 base grant). The P51 base grant provides the nucleus of support for the NPRC. By accepting the grant award, the grantee institution agrees to make the facilities and resources available to selected affiliate and visiting scientists from other institutions, as well as to its own scientists. The P51 base grant is not intended to provide the total funding for the NPRC. Funding of NPRC operations should be augmented by other sources such as program income, peer reviewed research grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements and other sources, as appropriate.
P51 base grant awards are made under authorization of Title 111, Part A, Section 301 of the Public Health Service Act (Public Law 78-410, as amended, 42-USC-241) and administered under PHS Grants Policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74. The P51 base grants are subject to the policies and procedures set forth in the most current version of the NIH Grants Policy Statement, hereafter referred to as the Grants Policy Statement. However, there are special circumstances related to the administration and operation of the NPRCs that require additional guidelines as set forth in this document. These guidelines are intended to supplement the existing Grants Policy Statement and to provide guidance for unique management aspects of the program.
An NPRC is a distinct organizational and structural component affiliated with a major research institution. The grantee institution is the recipient of the P51 base grant funds and assumes legal responsibility and accountability for use and disposition of these funds in accordance with PHS policy. The grantee institution is responsible for the scientific programs being conducted at, with or through the NPRC. The grantee institution is responsible for the academic environment of the NPRC by providing access to joint appointments in appropriate departments and by encouraging cooperative activities and interchange between the NPRC and the grantee institution’s other scientific and technical staff.
The P51 base grant supports the specialized facilities, scientific and technical personnel, and NHP species needed for the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research. Activities and costs supported by the P51 base grant can include, but are not limited to:
-
Personnel, including salaries for:
- The Center Director, Associate and Assistant Director(s).
- Clinical veterinarians, veterinary technical support and animal care staff.
- Administrative staff and support services if clearly justified and not included as Facilities and Administration (F&A) costs.
- Personnel, including pathologists and behaviorists, involved in monitoring and maintaining the health of the NPRC animals and providing for the care and well-being of those animals.
- Core scientists and technical staff.
- Establishment, development and maintenance of animal colonies, including the base breeding colony.
- Maintenance, operation, and renovation of the NPRC buildings and outdoor facilities, except for those costs reimbursed under F&A rates.
- Central administration of the NPRC, except for those costs reimbursed under F&A rates.
- Pathology services, including surveillance of diseases in the colony.
- Clinical laboratory services related to colony health surveillance and support of research.
- Genetics-based services used for colony management and characterization.
- Bioengineering, medical arts, computation and photographic services, with costs and charges consistent with grantee institution practices.
- NPRC-specific library services except for those costs reimbursed under F&A rates.
- The animal colony records systems. Some NPRCs include databases and informational services associated with finance, administration, and operations in the animal colony records system.
- Activities and services associated with consortium-based activities.
- Pilot and Resource-Related Research Projects.
The specific content of the grant application will depend on the organizational structure of the NPRC. In general, an NPRC is comprised of major functional sections, which may include individual components. Individual NPRCs have latitude in regard to functional organization, which may depend, in part, on the requirements of the grantee institution and on the specific activities of the NPRC.
A component is defined as a functional group within an NPRC that has an internal organizational chart and reporting structure, as well as specific resources and responsibilities that make an essential contribution to the research activities and day-to-day operations of the NPRC. These components are described in the renewal application for the NPRC and are peer-reviewed.
Specific points regarding some of the NPRC functions are as follows:
The Program Director / Principal Investigator (PD/PI) is designated by the grantee institution and has ultimate responsibility for the conduct of NPRC operations. The NIH communicates with the PD/PI on broad institutional issues relating to the NPRC. The PD/PI should hold a position in the grantee institution that crosses organizational lines, for example, as the Vice President for Research or Dean of the graduate school, medical school or health sciences center. The PD/PI must occupy a senior level position in the grantee institution to assure administrative continuity of the NPRC’s programs and to avoid dependence on individual departments within the grantee institution. The PD/PI of an NPRC is required to commit at least 0.12 person-month effort (based on a 12 month calendar year appointment) to the P51 base grant. However, he/she derives no salary from the P51 base grant. Multiple PD/PIs are not permitted on the P51 base grant.
The Center Director is a senior scientist appointed by the PD/PI and the grantee institution and approved by NCRR. The Center Director is responsible for the day-to-day management and scientific direction of the NPRC. The Center Director should be an established scientist with a doctoral degree in one of the health science disciplines and a recipient of peer-reviewed biomedical research support. The Center Director is responsible to the PD/PI and derives a significant portion of his or her salary for providing scientific leadership and administrative oversight of the NPRC. Support for a Center Director from the P51 base grant is normally between 3 and 9 person-months (based on a 12 month calendar year appointment) for administrative responsibilities.
Core scientists direct research programs and/or provide scientific expertise, veterinary expertise or leadership in specific subject areas. Core scientists may have full- or part-time permanent appointments at the NPRC. Core scientists are considered part of the intellectual infrastructure of the NPRC and provide expertise regarding NHPs for the conduct of research projects, including investigations by affiliate and visiting scientists.
Core scientists are appointed by the Center Director in accord with the host institution’s academic and personnel policies and are directly responsible to the Center Director for performance of duties that contribute to the aims of the NPRC. Joint appointments of core scientists in academic departments are encouraged to foster mutually beneficial relationships between the NPRC and other components of the grantee institution. Core scientists can potentially represent many different disciplines, depending on the needs of the NPRC.
Except as discussed below, no more than 40 percent of a core scientist’s salary can be supported by the P51 base grant. Salary support, in addition to that provided by the P51 base grant, may be derived through a joint appointment within the grantee institution. The specific level of outside funding versus P51 base grant funding for a core scientist will depend on the responsibilities of the core scientist.
Core scientists may, with appropriate justification and depending on availability of funds, receive up to 100 percent salary support from the P51 base grant. Such full-time support must be justified on the basis of short-term, interim funding or continuity of specialized functions and responsibilities critical to the NPRC’s overall operation. The grantee institution must specifically justify support of any core scientist at greater than 40 percent salary each year in the non-competing renewal application. Core scientists who receive their full salary from the base grant may devote up to 1.2 person-months, based on a 12 month calendar year appointment o scholarly activities in an academic department, usually in the grantee institution.
Regardless of the source of funding, core scientists must devote at least 1.2 person-months, based on a 12 month calendar year appointment to service that is directly related to supporting the scientific programs and activities of the NPRC. In addition, a core scientist must devote at least 6 person-months, based on a 12 month calendar year appointment to NHP-related research.
Affiliate scientists are investigators from outside the NPRC who conduct research on NHPs and collaborate with NPRC staff in the conduct of this research. Scientists from within the grantee institution, but who do not have appointments at the NPRC, are considered affiliate scientists, as are investigators from outside the grantee institution.
Affiliate scientists obtain approval from the Center Director to use the resources of the NPRC prior to submission of a grant application. Contingent on the awarding of funds, they are assured of a working relationship with NPRC staff and have access to the facilities and resources of the NPRC for regular or intermittent periods necessary to complete a project. Affiliate scientists do not derive salary support from the P51 base grant.
Scientists who visit or consult with the NPRC to learn a procedure or obtain advice, but who otherwise do not use NPRC resources, are not considered affiliate scientists. Likewise, investigators who obtain services, resources such as animals, or materials such as tissue samples on a fee for service basis, but who otherwise do not collaborate with NPRC personnel, are not considered affiliate scientists.
Visiting scientists are established investigators in residence at the NPRC for a limited period by virtue of an appointment approved by the Center Director. A visiting scientist is directly responsible to the Center Director. The studies of visiting scientists must be enhanced by access to an NPRC s resources, and the NPRC is expected to benefit from access to a visiting scientist’s expertise and knowledge. Visiting scientists typically provide their own salary support, with facilities and resource support provided by the NPRC.
In addition to affiliate and visiting scientists, other investigators may collaborate directly with NPRC core scientists on specific research projects, using varying amounts of NPRC resources. These collaborative scientists are usually identified as co-authors on papers or co-investigators on grant proposals with NPRC core scientists, if not otherwise designated as affiliate or visiting scientists.
The NPRCs are guided in their governance by two or more Advisory Committees, described below. The roles of these Advisory Committees is to provide a balanced perspective of external advice and review to more fully inform internal executive management and decision-making.
Minimum requirements for these committees are described below. Within these minimum parameters, the exact composition of the committees, terms of service, and the frequency and type of meetings can vary depending on the needs of the individual NPRCs. The Center Director has the option of appointing additional advisory committees to augment these standing committees, depending on the unique needs of the NPRC, which can vary because of differences in leadership structures, NHP populations, university affiliations, community interactions and other factors that affect governance.
Each NPRC must have a National Scientific Advisory Board (NSAB), which provides guidance to the PD/PI and Center Director on all aspects of the NPRC, including scientific direction. The NSAB reports to the PD/PI of the NPRC. The NSAB must consist of at least six eminent scientists from outside the NPRC, with experience using NHPs for research. Overall, the composition of the NSAB must reflect the range of technical subjects that are pursued at the NPRC. It is permissible to have limited representation (maximum of two members) on the NSAB from other NPRCs, which may facilitate NPRC consortium activities. Individuals serving on the NSAB are appointed annually, are typically reappointed for 3-5 consecutive terms and may serve concurrently on the NSAB of, at most, one other NPRC.
The NSAB must meet at the NPRC as a full group or as specialty subgroups, at least on an annual basis, to review and provide advice regarding the development and conduct of the NPRC’s scientific programs, resource programs and general policies. Periodic teleconferences or videoconferences involving the entire NSAB or a subcommittee may be scheduled between annual meetings to address continuing or unanticipated scientific or administrative issues at the NPRC. The NSAB must have a chairperson, who is appointed by the NPRC Director, in consultation with the PD/PI. A record of the conclusions of the NSAB must be maintained in the office of the Center Director and made available for DCM program staff visits.
Each NPRC also must have a Research Advisory Committee (RAC), which provides advice to the Center Director regarding prioritization of projects and resources. Final decisions regarding prioritization are at the discretion of the Center Director. The RAC must consist of at least four members appointed by the Center Director with the concurrence of the PD/PI. Members of the RAC must be core scientists representative of the functional components within the NPRC. The RAC must meet at least monthly to discuss the research programs of the NPRC and to review all new project proposals that will use NPRC resources in regard to feasibility in the context of NPRC capabilities. In addition, the RAC must review the scientific merit of all new project proposals that have not undergone NIH peer review and that will use NPRC resources. Records summarizing the recommendations of the RAC must be maintained in the office of the Center Director and made available at review site visits and DCM program staff visits.
Animal colonies are key components of the function of an NPRC, and efficient and humane management of the NHP colonies is a key element for an NPRC. Each NPRC must support breeding colonies to provide for national research needs. NPRCs that have limited space for breeding colonies can fund breeding colonies at other sites. In this case, the NPRC that funds the off-site breeding colony will have the primary responsibility for decisions regarding its management. The NPRC must be able to provide animals upon request from existing pools of research animals, while maintaining an appropriate number of animals for breeding purposes. A computer-based system for tracking animals in the research and breeding colonies must be in place.
Various NHP species can be accommodated at an NPRC. Generally, demand on a national level and availability are necessary for support of a given species through the P51 base grant. The major support for infrastructure, space, and resources should be used for maintenance and husbandry of those species for which there is major national demand. Additional factors, such as conditions and practices to allow social interactions that contribute to the psychological well-being of the animals may also influence resource allocation for a given species. It is also acceptable for P51 base grant funding to be used to ensure the continued availability of species of biomedical research importance whose wild populations are considered threatened or endangered. The NPRC must have programs in place to maintain the genetic diversity of animal colonies and for environmental enrichment.
Animal colonies must meet the following criteria:
- The NPRC must maintain an exemplary program of animal care and use consistent with current Public Health Service (PHS) policy. Basic evidence for this is accreditation by the American Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC).
- All animals must be procured, owned, and quarantined by the NPRC, unless a specific exemption is authorized by the Center Director. To the extent feasible, the NPRC must breed and characterize the NHPs needed for its programs. In cases where facilities for breeding are limited, an NPRC’s animals can be bred at another facility. Animals may be exchanged among NPRCs as appropriate.
- The NPRC must maintain control of all of its animals, either physically or through appropriate contractual arrangements. This includes space assignment of animals, removal or reentry of NHPs to the NPRC, animal health and care, including humane treatment and attention to psychological well-being, and all other aspects of the use of animals within the NPRC.
- Non-primate species can be used and housed at an NPRC if at least one of the following conditions is met: a) The non-primate species is appropriate for preliminary or pilot studies on development of techniques and procedures in preparation for definitive studies in NHPs; b) Use of the non-primate species will conserve NHP resources and the endpoint studies will be conducted in NHPs; c) The non-primate species is used to develop expertise and technology in newly developing fields of research that can be applied to NHPs; d) The non-primate species is used to study inter-relationships with NHPs, and it is reasonable to assume that the studies may have direct applicability to NHP research; e) The non-primate species is used as an adjunct to studies on NHP species.
Research is carried out in components, often referred to as Departments, Divisions or Program Areas, organized according to specific areas of scientific research. Investigations carried out by core scientists relating to their specific research grants (for example, NIH R01 grants) can be performed in the same laboratories as activities related to NPRC activities, such as collaborations with affiliate or visiting scientists. However, the P51 base grant is not intended to fund R01 type research performed by core scientists. Research projects in scientific components supported by the P51 base grant can fall under the following categories:
- Collaborative research in which core scientists interact with other core, affiliate, or visiting scientists.
- Pilot Research Projects.
- Resource Related Research Projects.
A scientific component can also contain entities that provide core services, either to multiple components within the NPRC or to the individual scientific component.
An NPRC must have a pilot research program and must fund at least one pilot research project per year. The number of pilot research projects supported by the P51 base grant can vary, depending on the availability of funds and is at the discretion of the Center Director. Pilot research must include activities related to the use of NHPs for biomedical research or for studies enhancing the welfare or husbandry of NHPs. Pilot research should be developmental or high risk and should be used to generate preliminary data or results necessary to apply for support from sources of funding such as NIH R01 grants. The following guidelines apply to the use of P51 base grant funds to support pilot research projects:
- All activities related to the use of NHPs must be conducted on-site at the NPRC. Other activities can be performed at other sites, depending on the nature of the pilot project.
- Pilot research funds may not be used to provide interim support for established projects or for investigations funded from other sources.
- An NPRC may budget up to a maximum of $500,000 direct costs per year to support the pilot research program. Pilot program funds can be supplemented by funds associated with specific Funding Opportunity Announcements or Program Announcements.The direct cost for a single pilot research project must not exceed $100,000 per year for a maximum of two years of support.
- All pilot research projects must be planned, conducted, and carried out under the supervision of at least one core scientist at the NPRC. A core scientist must assume responsibility for overall management, coordination, and progress reports.
- Pilot projects can be performed either by NPRC personnel or by qualified personnel who are not NPRC core scientists. The principal investigator of a pilot project need not be an NPRC core scientist. However, NPRC personnel must be involved in some capacity in the pilot project. At least one-half of funded pilot projects must involve the active participation of non-core scientists.
- The NPRC must publicize its pilot research program on a national level beyond the NPRC consortium and grantee institution, for example, through a website, providing information at national meetings, etc.
- NPRCs are encouraged to solicit and consider pilot projects that involve translational research, including collaborations with clinical entities such as Clinical and Translational Science Awards, Research Centers in Minority Institutions, Centers for AIDS Research, etc.
- Individual NPRCs are given discretion regarding the format and length of the pilot proposal. However, the proposal must contain sufficient information to allow evaluation of merit from the written application alone by the NPRC’s review committee. Funds for the approved project may be used for personnel, for example, additional technicians who are not already being supported by the P51 base grant; supplies; animals and animal care costs; items of equipment costing less than $5,000 (equipment costing more than $5,000 must be approved by NCRR prior to beginning the pilot project); consultants and other special services, including NPRC core unit services such as surgery, pathology, assays, or clinical services.
- The Center Director must appoint a review committee of not less than four members, who will evaluate proposals and provide advice to the Center Director or his/her designee as Director of the Pilot Program regarding priorities for support. Two of the four reviewers must be from outside the NPRC and the grantee institution, but can be affiliate scientists.
- Each NPRC should institute a scoring system for evaluation and a means for obtaining short written critiques of the proposal from the review committee. The written critiques and scores must be maintained by the Center Director and made available to DCM staff during a programmatic site visit.
Resource-Related Research Projects (RRRPs) directly enhance the NPRC’s resources and ability to meet the needs of researchers using NHPs. Examples of RRRPs can include, but are not limited to, investigations aimed at improving NHP husbandry and welfare, or improving techniques for characterizing diseased and/or normal animals that are used in NHP research.
RRRPs are not a required component on the P51 base grant. However, if a RRRP is proposed or will be continued in the first year of a renewal cycle, then a description of the project must be included in the grant application. Requirements for the RRRP are as follows:
- The principal investigator of a RRRP must be an NPRC core scientist.
- At least 75 percent of the activities funded by the RRRP must be performed on site at the NPRC.
- RRRPs also can involve investigators outside of the NPRC and the grantee institution.
- A single RRRP cannot exceed $500,000 total costs per year.
- The period of the RRRP can be up to five years.
A maximum of $600,000 of IM funds may be requested for each year of the P51 base grant application. These funds can be used to upgrade the physical plant (repairs and renovation of facilities) and to replace obsolete shared resources and equipment. A single improvement project or equipment purchase cannot exceed $500,000 in total costs. IM funds cannot be used for construction. Requested items can be utilized by one or several components of the NPRC.
NPRCs must publicize their capabilities on a national level, for example through a website, providing information at national meetings, etc. This information should be provided to all interested investigators, not just core and affiliate scientists. Each NPRC is also strongly encouraged, but not required, to have a local community engagement program to educate the public about the importance of the research at the NPRC and the link between animal research and improvements in human health.
The NPRCs are expected to participate in consortium-based activities that will enhance the resources of the program and promote cost savings by standardizing common activities across all of the NPRCs. An example of this type of activity includes, but is not limited to, participation in NPRC Working Groups, the goals of which are to consolidate system-wide activities. Working Groups are formed by NPRC representatives in consultation with NCRR staff. The Center Director will appoint at least one representative to each Working Group. The function and identity of Working Groups will change over time, as problems are solved and new problems and topic areas arise.
Requests for use of available NPRC resources (including animals, space, core facilities, etc.) must be prioritized from highest to lowest priority as follows, with investigators funded by:
1. NIH extramural grants (highest priority).
2. NIH intramural funding.
3. Nonprofit or not-for-profit funding.
4. For-profit funding.
If a proposed project is funded by more than one source, the highest priority source should be used for determining priorities. Within the above categories, projects must be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis, with no preference given to scientists within the grantee institution or NPRC versus scientists from outside the grantee institution.
Funding Instrument |
Grant |
Application Types Allowed |
Renewal The OER Glossary and the PHS398 Application Guide provide details on these application types. |
Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards |
The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations, and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. |
Award Budget |
Application budgets must reflect actual needs of the proposed project. Applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs in any year (excluding consortium F&A) must contact NIH program staff at least 6 weeks before submitting the application and follow the Policy on the Acceptance for Review of Unsolicited Applications that Request $500,000 or More in Direct Costs as described in the PHS398 Application Guide. |
Award Project Period |
The scope of the proposed activities should determine the project period. The maximum period is 5 years. |
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.
Higher Education Institutions:
- Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
- Private Institutions of Higher Education
The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:
- Hispanic-serving Institutions
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
- Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply. Foreign (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not allowed.
This FOA is limited to organizations that currently have a NPRC funded by NCRR using the P51 activity code. Applications from other organizations will be returned without peer review.
Applicant organizations must complete the following registrations as described in the PHS398 Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. Applicants must have a valid Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number in order to begin each of the following registrations.
- Central Contractor Registration (CCR) must maintain an active registration, to be renewed at least annually
- eRA Commons
All Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD/PIs) must also work with their institutional officials to register with the eRA Commons or ensure their existing eRA Commons account is affiliated with the eRA Commons account of the applicant organization.
All registrations must be completed by the application due date. Applicant organizations are strongly encouraged to start the registration process at least four (4) weeks prior to the application due date.
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Project Director/Principal Investigator (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.
Multiple PD/PIs are not allowed.
This FOA does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Only one application per organization is permitted.
NIH will not accept any application in response to this FOA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial peer review unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. NIH will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. Resubmission applications may be submitted, according to the NIH Policy on Resubmission Applications from the PHS398 Application Guide.
Applicants are required to prepare applications according to the current PHS 398 application forms in accordance with the PHS 398 Application Guide.
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the PHS398 Application Guide, except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research
grant application forms and instructions for preparing a research grant
application. 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 paper copies of
the application and all copies of the appendix files must be sent to:
Martha Matocha, Ph.D.
Scientific Review Officer
National Center for Research Resources
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6701 Democracy Blvd., Room 1070
Bethesda, MD 20892-4874
Bethesda, MD 20817 (FedEx or courier)
Tel 301-435-0813 (direct line)
All page limitations described in the PHS398 Application Guide must be followed, with the following exceptions or additional requirements:
This section should provide information regarding the function of the NPRC as a whole and should only include the information that is not specific to individual components of the NPRC. This section should not duplicate the detailed information in the sections describing specific functional components.
Page Limits:
- 30 pages total for the Overall Research Strategy section, which should discuss issues that relate to the NPRC as a whole, not to individual components. Biographical sketches are not included in the 30-page limit; follow the PHS398 directions for biographical sketches.
The organization of the Overview section is at the discretion of the applicant, but at a minimum must include the following:
-
An organizational chart that shows:
- the relationship of the PD/PI and Center Director to the senior administration of the grantee institution.
- the major functional units within the NPRC, with reporting relationships made clear.
- the advisory boards and their relationship to the components of the NPRC.
- Background and mission of the NPRC.
- Overview of the relationship of the NPRC to the grantee institution.
- Overview of the organization and administration of the NPRC.
- Overview of the animal colonies.
- A table that lists all cores, indicating the component in which each core resides. A component is defined as a functional group within an NPRC that has an internal organizational chart and reporting structure, as well as specific resources and responsibilities that make an essential contribution to the research activities and day-to-day operations of the NPRC.
- Overview of training and outreach.
- Description of the oversight committees, including functions and composition.
- Progress during the past performance period (usually the past five years), including NPRC-level major accomplishments. For major scientific accomplishments, include only those that have been funded, at least in part, by the P51 base grant.
- Contribution of the major accomplishments during the past performance period to the mission and goals of the NPRC, including the significance of each accomplishment. For each accomplishment, provide the relevant publication(s) where appropriate. As related to the NPRC Administration and Animal Services components, describe any activities that resulted in more efficient NPRC operations.
- Changes in key personnel since the last review.
- For each of the key personnel listed on PHS 398 form page 3, as well as for all other doctoral-level personnel who receive salary support from the P51 base grant, provide a biographical sketch and a listing of research support, using the current format required by the NIH. Include this information for the PD/PI first, followed by the remainder of the personnel in alphabetical order. At the beginning of this section, provide an index with page numbers for each individual biographical sketch and other support entry. Do not place this information in an appendix.
- Biographical sketches and the listing of other support are not part of the 30-page limit for the Overview section.
- Summary of plans, challenges, and opportunities for the requested period of support.
- For Renewal and Revision Applications, a Progress Report discussing NPRC-wide progress. Progress Reports for individual components should be placed in the sections for those components.
- For Resubmission applications, a one-pagesummary of the responses to the comments in the previous summary statement that pertain to the NPRC as a whole. Responses to the previous summary statement regarding specific components should be included in the sections for those components.
The component preface information is not subject to page limits. Do not include information that belongs in the content section or your application may be will not be reviewed.. Include the following information in the preface to each component:
- Title page.
- Component organizational chart.
- List of component personnel, base institutional affiliation, and role in relation to the NPRC.
- Description of the component, limited to one page.
- Detailed budget for the initial year and a budget for the subsequent years (do not include any items that are treated by the grantee institution as F&A costs according to a Federal Rate Negotiation Agreement).
- Budget justification.
- A table showing the sources and amounts of funding for the
component for the last funded year of the existing P51 base grant and the first
proposed year of the P51 base grant renewal. Sources of funding should be
broken down as follows, and as applicable to the component:
- P51 base grant support.
- Program income derived from the P51 base grant.
- Other sources.
- Resources and Environment: use the NIH Resources Format Page, listing relevant equipment and resources.
- A list of publications arising from contributions by the component, where applicable. Do not include abstracts or manuscripts that are submitted but not yet accepted for publication.
Page limits are set for the Research Strategy section for each component, not per major section. Major sections may include the components listed (a, b, c ) if applicable.
For all component within a Renewal or Revision Application, include a Progress Report regarding the specific component. For a Resubmission application, include a one page response to the previous summary statement for the specific component.
ADMINISTRATION
The components within Administration should provide services across the entire NPRC and are usually under the direct supervision of the Center Director or his/her designee. Examples of administrative components may include the following. The specific titles of these components may differ among NPRCs.
a) Administration Overview
b) Director’s Office
c) Business Office
d) Environmental Health and Safety
e) Computer Services
f) Information Technology
g) NPRC-specific Library Services
h) Bioengineering Services
i) Photography Services
j) Education and Training Programs
k) Public Affairs Office
l) Other components, as relevant to the specific NPRC
a) Administration Overview
The Research Strategy section is limited to 12 pages. For a Renewal or Revision Application, include a Progress Report regarding overall Administration. For a Resubmission application, include a one page response to the previous summary statement for overall Administration.
-
The Overview of Administration should include a discussion of the
following, at a minimum:
- The organizational structure of the grantee institution should be
described as it relates to the NPRC, including
Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)
NIH... Turning Discovery Into Health®
- The organizational structure of the grantee institution should be
described as it relates to the NPRC, including