NATHAN SHOCK CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN BASIC BIOLOGY OF AGING RELEASE DATE: December 23, 2003 RFA Number: RFA-AG-04-010 Update: The following update relating to this announcement has been issued: October 1, 2009 - This RFA has been reissued as (RFA-AG-10-009). July 28, 2009 - See Notice NOT-AG-09-006 Administrative Supplements for Pilot Studies on Health Span Measurements in Mice. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION: National Institutes of Health (NIH) (http://www.nih.gov) COMPONENT OF PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION: National Institute on Aging (NIA) (http://www.nia.nih.gov/) CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 93.866 LETTER OF INTENT RECEIPT DATE: April 16, 2004 APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE: May 20, 2004 THIS RFA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION o Purpose of this RFA o Research Objectives o Mechanism of Support o Funds Available o Eligible Institutions o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators o Special Requirements o Where to Send Inquiries o Letter of Intent o Submitting an Application o Peer Review Process o Review Criteria o Receipt and Review Schedule o Award Criteria o Required Federal Citations PURPOSE OF THIS RFA The National Institute on Aging (NIA) invites applications for support of centers, known as Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging. These Center grants will provide funding for research and training activities related to basic biology of aging. They are intended for institutions with a substantial investment in and commitment to aging research, but they are not intended to directly support clinical research or clinical trials. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Objective and Scope The goal of this program is to enhance the ability of institutions with well- developed research programs in basic research on aging to utilize state-of-the- art research resources to provide the strongest environment for the conduct of research on aging. Thus, this Request for Applications is intended to enhance the quality of research in the basic biology of aging, facilitate the planning and coordination of aging research activities, provide support and a suitable environment for investigators new to aging research to acquire research skills and experience at institutions that have demonstrated commitment to, and expertise in, basic biology of aging research, and to develop potential regional and/or national resource centers. Thus, each application must include: 1) a core to support administrative functions, advisory committee expenses and staff travel; 2) at least two research core activities such as animal facilities, biometric support, molecular/cell biology and/or equipment, etc. which must be utilized by three or more projects on aging research that are already funded; and 3) a research development core to support pilot/feasibility projects, and provide temporary salary support for investigators just entering the research on aging arena to a point where they can compete for independent support. Each core must be directed by an appropriately qualified investigator. Administrative/Program Enrichment Core This core is required for the administrative management of the overall Center, as well as support for the required outside advisory panel. The Administrator (if one is used) will assist the Principal Investigator (Director) in managing the Center, addressing issues of fiscal management and compliance with institutional, HHS, NIH and NIA policies. In addition, each Center must establish an advisory panel of experts from outside the institution. This panel should not be named, nor should potential members be contacted, until after the review process is completed, and awards are made. This panel must be convened during the fourth year of funding, and must provide a written evaluation of the progress of the Center to the NIA no later than April, 2009. Additional use of this advisory panel shall be at the discretion of the Center. Funds should be requested to permit travel by the Director and one other senior staff to the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America for meetings with NIA staff and/or staff of other Centers. The remaining elements of this core, i.e., seminar program, conferences, and staff travel to meetings, are optional. Research Resource Cores These cores will provide support for personnel, equipment, supplies and limited renovation costs needed to develop new, or improve existing resources, that foster shared use and collaborative research. Because a supply of appropriate animal models that are free of disease is essential for research on biological aging, support may be requested for the development and maintenance of animal resources to meet this need. Support may also be requested for animal model development costs and animal purchase costs for the operation of a quality animal facility. Personnel and equipment costs for biometrics may also be requested. To gain insight into the mechanisms of aging through understanding the underlying intrinsic biology requires a molecular/cellular biology capability. Therefore, this core may also request support for various molecular/cellular research resources for on-going funded research projects at the institution. Examples of these and other possible cores to support at least 3 basic research projects are listed below; these include, but are not limited to: o Animal colonies o Animal tissue bank o Bioinformatics o Cell culture facility o DNA cloning and sequencing o Computing and statistical analysis o Cell sorting/flow cytometry o Imaging technology o Gene expression microarray technology o Preparation of biological tools, such as monoclonal antibodies, gene expression vectors o Analytical services, e.g., mass spectrometry o Proteomics o Pathology Assessment Centers are encouraged to develop resources that will also be available for collaborative research projects with investigators from other institutions. A plan must be presented to describe how such access to Center resources will be managed, so as not to overwhelm the personnel and resources of the Center. The requirement that resources support at least three basic research projects may be partially met by projects at institutions other than the grantee institution. Research Development Core The Research Development Core will provide support for career development of junior faculty and other investigators who wish to change career direction towards aging research in the form of pilot projects. It may also serve as a resource for pursuing an exciting new finding beyond the limits that existing support allows. Activities that focus resources from a variety of disciplines on understanding biological processes of aging are encouraged. The request for Research Development Core support must contain 1) a plan for the selection of faculty to be supported, 2) a general plan for the career development of individuals who will be selected for these positions, 3) a plan for review and selection of pilot projects to be pursued, and 4) a list of senior faculty who will participate in research career development, along with their curriculum vitae and current research support. The institution must be able to demonstrate adequate resources for the support of the research efforts of proposed junior investigators, and a plan for monitoring their progress and development toward independence. The budget for each pilot project, including salary for the investigator, may not exceed $50,000 per year (direct cost), and the total budget for pilot projects under this core may not exceed $100,000 per year (direct cost). Pilot projects funded must receive prior approval from NIA staff, and should be described briefly in the annual progress reports. This core may also provide temporary salary support, not to exceed 24 months, and research supplies for faculty in specified areas of research complementary to ongoing activities of the group. No more than three faculty may receive salary support through this core at any one time, including salary on pilot projects. It must be clearly described how any requested salary support in this core will enhance the existing program. Funds may also be requested for salary support for the director of the Research Development Core, who will be responsible for coordination of all activities within said core. The Research Development Core may also be used to encourage the career development of other faculty through the use of research core resources, even though their salary support is provided from other sources. This may include investigators from other institutions, including, but not limited to, investigators from other Shock Centers. Finally, this core may include a specific plan for support of research and training of minority students or faculty, or both. Other Required Information A list of all peer-reviewed, externally funded active research projects on aging at the applicant institution should be included with the application. This information should include: name of PI, title of the project, awarding agency, identifying number if applicable, average annual direct cost, and approved funding period. This information may be supplied in tabular form. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the NIH P30 award mechanism. As an applicant you will be solely responsible for planning, directing and executing the proposed project. This RFA is a one time solicitation. The P30 mechanism is designed to enhance and extend the effectiveness of a group of related projects and investigators that are already funded through other mechanisms such as research projects grants (R01, R03, R21, R37), program projects (P01), or other Federal or non Federal peer- reviewed extramurally-funded grants. In this respect, the P30 mechanism builds upon an established base of research excellence that emphasizes common themes or foci in aging research. In preparing the application follow the instructions for non-modular applications as described in PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001). FUNDS AVAILABLE The NIA intends to commit approximately $5 million in FY 2005 to fund up to 5 new and/or competitive continuation grants in response to this RFA. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size of each award may vary. Although the financial plans of the NIA provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Applicants must request a project period of 5 years, and a budget for total (direct plus facilities and administrative) costs up to $1.2 million per year. Applications with budget requests exceeding this amount will not be accepted by the NIA and will be returned to the applicant. Budget increments for subsequent years will be limited to no more than three percent. ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS You may submit an application if your institution has any of the following characteristics: o For-profit or non-profit organization o Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories o Units of state and local governments o Eligible agencies of the Federal government o Domestic institutions/organizations o Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply Applications must represent a single institution. To be eligible an institution must also have at least 15 funded grants for biomedical research on aging. Program project grants count as one grant. Eligible grants need not be from the National Institute on Aging. INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as will as individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for NIH programs. WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES We encourage inquiries concerning this RFA and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants management issues. o Director questions about scientific/research issues to: Huber R. Warner, Ph.D., Associate Director Biology of Aging Program National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue Gateway Building, Suite 2C231 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: 301/496-4996 FAX: 301/402-0010 Email: warnerh@nia.nih.gov o Direct your questions about peer review issues to: Mary Nekola, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Review Office National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Gateway Building, Suite 2C212 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: 301/496-9666 FAX: 301/402-0066 Email: nekolam@nia.nih.gov o Direct your questions about financial or grants management issues to: Ms. Linda Whipp, Grants Management Officer Grants and Contracts Management Office National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue Gateway Building, Suite 2N212 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: 301/496-1472 FAX: 301/402-3672 Email: whippl@nia.nih.gov LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: o Descriptive title of the proposed research o Name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator o Names of other key personnel and participating institutions o Number and title of this RFA Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows NIA staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter of intent is to be sent by the date listed at the beginning of this document. The letter of intent should be sent to: Huber R. Warner, Ph.D., Associate Director Biology of Aging Program National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue Gateway Building, Suite 2C231 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 Telephone: 301/496-4996 FAX: 301/402-0010 Email: warnerh@nia.nih.gov SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev, 5/2001). Applications must have a DUN and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as the Universal Identifier when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements. The DUNS number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-5711 or through the web site at http://www.dunandbradstreet.com/. The DUNS number should be entered on line 11 of the face page of the PHS 398 form. The PHS document is available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in interactive format. For further assistance contact Grants Info, Telephone: 301/710-0267; Email: grantsinfo@nih.gov SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS: o The narrative description of the Administrative Core is limited to 5 pages. o The description of each Research Resource Core is limited to 5 pages. o Narrative description of the Research Development Core is limited to a total of 10 pages, excluding the required CV's and list of current research support. The description of individual pilot projects is limited to 1 page each. USING THE RFA LABEL: The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application. Type the RFA number on the label. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. In addition, the RFA title "NATHAN SHOCK CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN BASIC BIOLOGY OF AGING", and number, RFA AG-04-010, must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. The sample RFA label is also available at: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf. SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: 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 Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) At the time of submission, two additional signed photocopies of the application must also be sent to: Chief of Review Scientific Review Office National Institute on Aging 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 2C213 Bethesda, MD 20892-9205 APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be received on or before application receipt date listed in the heading of this RFA. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. Although there is no immediate acknowledgement of an application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding assignment within 8 weeks. The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will not accept any application in response to this RFA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. However, when a previously unfunded application, originally submitted as an investigator-initiated application, is to be submitted in response to an RFA, it is to be prepared as a NEW application. That is, the application for the RFA must not include an Introduction describing the changes and improvements made, and the text must not be marked to indicate the changes from the previous unfunded version of the application. PEER REVIEW PROCESS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR, and for responsiveness by the NIA. Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by the NIA in accordance with the review criteria stated below. There will be no site visits. As part of the initial merit review, all applications: o Undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of the applications under review, will be discussed, and assigned a priority score. o Receive a written critique o Receive a second level review by the National Advisory Council on Aging REVIEW CRITERIA The goals of NIH-supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, improve the control of disease, and enhance health. In the written comments reviewers will be asked to evaluate the application in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals. The scientific review group will address and consider each of the following criteria in assigning the applications overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. o Significance o Approach o Innovation o Investigator o Environment The application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact and thus deserve a high priority score. For example, an investigator may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward. SIGNIFICANCE: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field? APPROACH: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well-integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? INNOVATION: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or methods? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies? INVESTIGATOR: Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers (if any)? ENVIRONMENT: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? ADDITIONAL REVIEW CRITERIA: In addition to the above criteria, the following items will be considered in the determination of scientific merit and the priority score: The primary criterion for review by the NIA review committee in evaluating each application will be the potential of the proposed center to enhance research programs on basic mechanisms of aging. Not all additional criteria are applicable to every application, depending on number and extent of proposed cores. Applications for competitive renewal should fully document progress made during the previous period of support. Additional review criteria are: Principal Investigator Leadership ability, scientific stature, and commitment to aging of the PI. o Ability of the PI to meet the program's demands of time and effort. o Evidence of ability to work with others both within and outside of the applicant institution. Administrative Core o Qualifications, experience and commitment of core director. o Presence of an administrative and organizational structure conducive to attaining the objectives of the proposed program o Evidence that the academic and physical environment is suitable for good interaction among scientists within the Center and with scientists from other departments, and/or institutions. o Institutional commitment to the requirements of the program, including provision of space, infrastructure support, and other functions essential for successful operation of a center. o Plan for use of the external advisory committee. Program Enrichment {optional} o Plans for use of staff travel, seminar program and conference funds, if relevant. Research Resources Core o Qualifications, experience, and commitment of core director. o Potential of each core to establish or promote development of resources for shared use and collaborative research on aging. o Potential of each core to promote basic aging research within the grantee institution. o Potential of each core to become a regional or national resource for investigators outside of the awardees institutions. o Management plan for collaborative use of each core by outside investigators. o For competitive renewal applications, the impact of the Center on furthering gerontology research locally and nationally during the previous 5-year funding period should be documented. Research Development Core o Qualifications, experience, and commitment of core director. o Extent to which cores would provide opportunities for aging research experience for junior faculty and investigators new to aging research. o Applications for competitive renewal should document how the Research Development Core led to research publications and successful grant applications during the previous 5-year funding period. o Plan for review and selection of pilot projects. o Plan for monitoring progress of investigators supported on pilot projects. o Plan for support of minority research and training, if relevant. Overall o Appropriateness of the total budget and budgetary requests for the cores and pilot projects. o Quality of proposed external review process. o The adequacy of the means for protecting against risks to human subjects, vertebrate animals and/or the environment. RECEIPT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE Letter of intent Receipt Date: April 16, 2004 Application Receipt Date: May 20, 2004 Council Review: January 2005 Earliest Anticipated Award Date: July 1, 2005 AWARD CRITERIA Award Criteria that will be used to make award decisions include: o Scientific and technical merit (as determined by peer review) o Uniqueness of research cores o Potential for scientific impact beyond grantee institution o Availability of funds o Programmatic priorities REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS 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 https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html. Only research using hESC lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding (see http://escr.nih.gov). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide, in the project description and elsewhere in the application as appropriate, the official NIH identifier(s) for the hESC line(s) to be used in the proposed research. Applications that do not provide this information will be returned without review. PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF IMFORMATION ACT: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information (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: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm Applicants may wish to place data collected under this PA in a public archive, which can provide protection 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 statement and other human subjects procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under this award. URLS IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES: All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation. Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide information necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Furthermore, we caution reviewers that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an internet site. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010: The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010", a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This RFA is related to one or more of the priority area. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople. AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance at http://www.cfda.gov/ and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. Awards are made under authorization of section 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) (cite appropriate authorization) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Part 74 and 92 (cite appropriate regulations). All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. This NIH Grants Policy Statement can be found at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm (also cite other relevant policies). The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and discourage the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.
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