RFA-DK-01-033: PLANNING GRANT FOR DIABETES AND SCIENCE EDUCATION IN TRIBAL SCHOOLS

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PLANNING GRANT FOR DIABETES AND SCIENCE EDUCATION IN TRIBAL SCHOOLS Release Date: May 7, 2001 RFA NUMBER: RFA-DK-01-033 Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Indian Health Service National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: June 14, 2001 Application Receipt Date: July 26, 2001 THIS RFA USES THE "MODULAR GRANT" AND "JUST-IN-TIME" CONCEPTS. IT INCLUDES DETAILED MODIFICATIONS TO STANDARD APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS THAT MUST BE USED WHEN PREPARING APPLICATIONS IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFA. PURPOSE The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) joins the National Center of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Indian Health Service (IHS) to invite the Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) to apply for a planning grant to develop an educational program to enhance understanding and appreciation of diabetes and related science in elementary, middle and high schools serving American Indian/Alaska Native communities. There has been a six-fold increase in people known to be living with diabetes in the United States (U.S.) in the past four decades. A 33% increase in the past decade (from 1990 to 1998) and a 76% increase in people in their 30s was recently reported (Mokdad, et al, 2000). Almost all of these cases can be attributed to type 2 diabetes, which is increasing globally. In 1995 the worldwide prevalence was estimated to be 135 million people but by the year 2025 that number is expected to rise to 300 million people (King, Aubert, & Herman, 1998). Diabetes brings with it the potential to cause serious complications, including blindness, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, periodontal disease, and lower extremity amputations. Diabetes was rare among American Indian and Alaska Native peoples until about 50 years ago. Since that time, diabetes has become one of the most common and serious illnesses in tribal nations of North America (Narayan, 1997). The prevalence of diabetes is at least three times (10.9%) that for non-Hispanic whites (3.9%). Prevalence rates vary by Tribal Nations, rising to 15.9% among the Plains Tribes (CDC, 1998). In a new and alarming turn of events, type 2 diabetes, typically considered an adult disorder, is now emerging in all populations of youth in the U.S., including American Indian/Alsaska Native populations (Narayan, Gregg, Fagot-Campagna, Engelgau, & Vinicor, 2000). Diabetes has long been used in teaching biomedical sciences (e.g., medical students) as a model for understanding the physiology and cell biology of organ systems, since it affects so many body systems. Diabetes is an especially relevant model for teaching biology to younger students, particularly in communities highly impacted by this disease. Moreover, education focused on diabetes could serve several purposes in such communities: fostering science education, encouraging students to select science and health related career paths, and providing information that may influence healthy lifestyle choices in children and families at risk for diabetes. Through this, Tribal youth can be instrumental in preventing the development of and promoting better management of diabetes for themselves and in their own communities, thereby reducing its great human cost. This goal can be better achieved through greater numbers of Tribal youth entering into health science research and health provider professions. This RFA is the initial step in the process that will ultimately lead to the development of diabetes-based science education programs for elementary, middle and high schools serving American Indian/Alaska Native communities. The planning grant will support the initial assessment needed to begin development of a program to enhance understanding and appreciation of the problems of diabetes in American Indian communities, and to stimulate general student interest in diabetes-based science in the early years (pre-college) of education. This award is intended to initiate the development of diabetes-based science education program by the Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background As part of the Federal effort to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health, a need has been identified to increase the number of American Indian and Alaskan Native children entering into the biomedical professions. These children who will become the future leaders in the biomedical sciences will be instrumental in helping to improve the general health in these communities. The TCUs conduct high quality programs for educating American Indians and Alaskan Natives, and promote achievement among their students. They represent a rich resource of talent with the appropriate cultural sensitivity and perspectives needed in science education in Tribal communities. The TCUs will be instrumental in interacting with Tribal elementary, middle and high schools, and develop culturally sensitive programs that can be implemented in these schools. Research Goals and Scope The planning grant will provide successful TCUs funds to initiate the development of a school-based science education program centered on diabetes that will inform and motivate tribal children in order to develop their interest in pursuing careers in the biomedical sciences. The complexity of developing such a program involving elementary, middle and high school sites collaborating with individual TCUs will require significant discussion and planning. The funds during this planning phase will support the faculty at the participating TCUs working collaboratively to identify the important elements necessary for the development and piloting of a successful diabetes- based science education program. Examples of issues to be addressed in response to this RFA include but are not limited to the following: o Tribal Culture and science education within the context of diabetes o Involvement of family o Building on the daily experience of American Indian and Alaska Native children with diabetes in their communities o Possible link with the National Science Foundation’s funded Tribal College Rural Systemic Initiative program o The role of the Tribal Elders in program development within the schools o Teacher training as part of the science development project o Implementation of the developed model programs in schools throughout Indian Country o Barriers to development and implementation. Technical Assistance Workshop A special technical assistance workshop will be offered to assist potential applicants, especially those with limited experience with the NIH application process. The purpose of this workshop is to give background information and respond to any questions about the preparation of an application in response to this RFA. The workshop will be held in a location to be determined approximately one month after the publication of this announcement. The NIH cannot support individuals who wish to attend the conference, but the conference will be open to any individual or organization wishing to attend. Interested persons should contact the NIDDK Program Directors for this initiative, Dr. Sanford A. Garfield or Dr. Lawrence Agodoa, for further information (see below). SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Critical elements of the Program Plan include the Program Director, the Institutional Environment, and the proposed plan for developing diabetes related science education program. The applicant must address the REVIEW CRITERIA listed in this RFA. Program Director: The Program Director should possess the expertise, leadership and administrative capabilities required to lead the planning phase described in this RFA. Institutional Environment: The Program Director should document the institutional environment for developing a science education program. The Program Director may bring in consultants from other institutions within AIHEC or at non-AIHEC colleges or universities to provide input and/or critical review. Potential collaborations with other institutions should also be documented. Plan: The Program Director should describe a plan for developing a diabetes based science education program as described in this RFA. This should include any proposed use of existing resources, building partnerships with other institutions, use of consultants, and plans for critical review of the program. The plan should include documentation of potential elementary, middle school or high school sites to be utilized during the subsequent pilot phase. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research project grant, R21, award mechanism. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be by the applicant. The program award provides one year of support. This RFA is a one-time solicitation, and the award is not renewable. Subsequent to this planning grant, it is expected that another RFA will be issued to develop and pilot the diabetes based science education program in Tribal elementary, middle and high schools. Specific application instructions have been modified to reflect "MODULAR GRANT" and "JUST-IN-TIME" streamlining efforts being examined by the NIH. Complete and detailed instructions and information on Modular Grant/Just in Time applications can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm FUNDS AVAILABLE A total budget for FY 2001 of approximately $400,000 will be committed to fund applications submitted in response to this RFA. This funding level is dependent upon the receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high merit. Direct costs may be requested in $25,000 modules, up to a total direct cost request of $75,000. ONLY ONE YEAR OF SUPPORT MAY BE REQUESTED. It is anticipated that approximately 5 awards will be made in FY 2001. The anticipated award date is September 30, 2001. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic institutions that are a member of the Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), serving students from American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. The institution must demonstrate the commitment and capability to develop a diabetes based science education program in collaboration with Tribal elementary, middle and high schools. Tribal colleges were created in response to the unique higher education needs of Indian peoples, and in recognition of the tremendous importance of post secondary education to tribal economic development, cultural preservation, and sovereignty. Tribal Colleges are located in the heart of their communities, which are remote areas not served by other postsecondary institutions. Tribal Colleges foster the development and maintenance of the highest standards of quality education for American Indians and Alaskan Natives by improving the accessibility of education programs. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. NIDDK will be the lead Institute in answering all inquiries. The opportunity to clarify any issues or answer questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding the planning grant process to: Lawrence Agodoa, M.D. Director, Office of Minority Health Research Coordination National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institutes of Health 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 653 MSC 5454 Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5454 Telephone: 301-594-9652 Fax: 301-594-9358 E-mail: la21j@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding diabetes related content of the program to: Sanford A. Garfield, Ph.D. Senior Advisor for Biometry and Behavioral Research Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Health 6700 Democracy Boulevard, Room 685 MSC 9692 Bethesda, MD 20892-9692 Phone: 301-594-8803 Fax: 301-402-62711 E-mail: sg50o@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding financial matters to: Trude W. Hilliard Grants Management Specialist Grants Management Branch Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 717 MSC 5456 Bethesda MD 20892-5456 Telephone: 301-594-8859 FAX: 301-480-4237 Email: th105x@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding review issues to: Francisco O. Calvo, Ph.D. Chief, Review Branch Division of Extramural Activities National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 6707 Democracy Boulevard, Room 752 MSC 5452 Bethesda MD 20892-5452 Telephone: (301) 594-8897 FAX: (301) 480-3505 Email: fc15y@nih.gov LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed program, the name, address, telephone, FAX, and E-mail numbers of the Program Director, the identities of other key personnel and participating institutions, and the number and title of the RFA in response to which the application may be submitted. 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 NIH staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter of intent is to be sent to the program staff listed under INQUIRIES by the letter of intent receipt date listed. SCHEDULE Letter of Intent Receipt Date: June 14, 2001 Application Receipt Date: July 26, 2001 Peer Review Date: August/September 2001 Council Review: September 20-21, 2001 Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2001 APPLICATION PROCEDURES The modular grant concept establishes specific modules in which direct costs may be requested as well as a maximum level for requested budgets. Only limited budgetary information is required under this approach. The just-in- time concept allows applicants to submit certain information only when there is a possibility for an award. It is anticipated that these changes will reduce the administrative burden for the applicants, reviewers and Institute staff. The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) is to be used in applying for these grants, with the modifications noted below. Applications kits are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301/710-0267, email: grantsinfo@nih.gov. For those applicants with Internet access, the 398 kit may be found at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html. Applicants are strongly encouraged to call the program contacts listed in INQUIRIES above with any questions regarding the responsiveness of their proposed project to the goals of this RFA. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODULAR GRANT APPLICATIONS BUDGET INSTRUCTIONS Direct costs may be requested in $25,000 modules, up to a total direct cost request of $75,000. ONLY ONE YEAR OF SUPPORT MAY BE REQUESTED. The total direct costs must be requested in accordance with the program guidelines and the modifications made to the standard PHS 398 application instructions described below: PHS 398 o FACE PAGE: Items 7a and 7b should be completed, indicating Direct Costs (in $25,000 increments up to a maximum of $75,000) and Total Costs [Modular Total Direct plus Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs] for the budget period Items 8a and 8b should be completed indicating the Direct and Total Costs for the proposed one-year period of support. o DETAILED BUDGET FOR THE INITIAL BUDGET PERIOD - Do not complete Form Page 4 of the PHS 398. It is not required and will not be accepted with the application. o BUDGET FOR THE ENTIRE PROPOSED PERIOD OF SUPPORT - Do not complete the categorical budget table on Form Page 5 of the PHS 398. It is not required and will not be accepted with the application. o NARRATIVE BUDGET JUSTIFICATION - Prepare a Modular Grant Budget Narrative page. (See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm for sample pages.) At the top of the page, enter the total direct costs requested for one year. This is not a Form page. o Under Personnel, list all project personnel, including their names, percent of effort, and roles on the project. No individual salary information should be provided. However, the applicant should use the NIH appropriation language salary cap and the NIH policy for graduate student compensation in developing the budget request. For Consortium/Contractual costs, provide an estimate of total costs (direct plus facilities and administrative), each rounded to the nearest $1,000. List the individuals/organizations with whom consortium or contractual arrangements have been made, the percent effort of key personnel, and the role on the project. The total cost for a consortium/contractual arrangement is included in the overall requested modular direct cost amount. Include the Letter of Intent to establish a consortium. Provide an additional narrative budget justification for any variation in the number of modules requested. o BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH - The Biographical Sketch provides information used by reviewers in the assessment of each individual"s qualifications for a specific role in the proposed project, as well as to evaluate the overall qualifications of the research team. A biographical sketch is required for all key personnel, following the instructions below. No more than three pages may be used for each person. A sample biographical sketch may be viewed at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm o Complete the educational block at the top of the form page, o List position(s) and any honors, o Provide information, including overall goals and responsibilities, on research projects ongoing or completed during the last three years. o List selected peer-reviewed publications, with full citations, o CHECKLIST - This page should be completed and submitted with the application. If the F&A rate agreement has been established, indicate the type of agreement and the date. All appropriate exclusions must be applied in the calculation of the F&A costs for the initial budget period and all future budget years. o The applicant should provide the name and phone number of the individual to contact concerning fiscal and administrative issues if additional information is necessary following the initial review. The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) 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 and number 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 available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf has been modified to allow for this change. Please note this is in pdf format. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package to: CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW (CSR) 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 copies of the application must be sent to: Chief, Review Branch Division of Extramural Activities, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive And Kidney Diseases 6707 Democracy Blvd., Room 752, MSC 5452 Bethesda, MD 20892-5452 Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service) Applications must be received by the application receipt date of July 26, 2001. If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Center for Scientific Review and responsiveness by Institute staff. 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 NIDDK in accordance with the review criteria stated below. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will receive a written critique and may 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, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the NIDDK Advisory Council. Review Criteria The review criteria for the Planning Grant for Diabetes and Science Education in Tribal Schools are as follows: o administrative, leadership qualifications and experience of the Program Director. o Adequacy and availability of any necessary institutional facilities and resources. o Adequacy of the plan for developing a diabetes science education program, including use of existing resources, building partnerships with other institutions, use of consultants, and plans for critical review of the curriculum. o Documentation of potential participants for the science education program. AWARD CRITERIA Award criteria that will be used to make award decisions include: o educational merit (as determined by peer review) o availability of funds o programmatic priorities INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided 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 research involving human subjects should read the UPDATED "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on August 2, 2000 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-048.html), a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_update.htm: The revisions relate to NIH defined Phase III clinical trials and require: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols to 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) all investigators to report accrual, and to conduct and report analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences. INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS. It is the policy of NIH that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are clear and compelling reasons not to include them. This policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for receipt dates after October 1, 1998. All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the NIH Policy and Guidelines on the Inclusion of Children as Participants in Research Involving Human Subjects that was published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, March 6, 1998, and is available at the following URL address: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-024.html. Investigators may also obtain copies of these policies from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. 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. Reviewers are cautioned 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 Request for Applications (RFA), PLANNING GRANT FOR DIABETES AND SCIENCE EDUCATION IN TRIBAL SCHOOLS, 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 Nos. 93.855 and 93.856. Awards are made under authorization of title III, Section 301 of the Public Health Service Act as amended. The Code of Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92 are applicable to this program. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote 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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