SUPPORT FOR THE ANNUAL BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM FOR MARC/MBRS STUDENTS RELEASE DATE: April 5, 2004 RFA NUMBER: RFA-GM-05-005 EXPIRATION DATE: June 15, 2004 Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION: National Institutes of Health (NIH) (http://www.nih.gov) COMPONENT OF PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION: National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) (http://www.nigms.nih.gov) CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 93.859 LETTER OF INTENT RECEIPT DATE: May 14, 2004 APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE: June 14, 2004 THIS RFA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION o Purpose of the RFA o Program Objectives o Mechanism(s) of Support o Funds Available o Eligible Institutions o Special Requirements o Where to Send Inquiries o Letter of Intent o Submitting an Application o Supplementary Instructions o Peer Review Process o Review Criteria o Receipt and Review Schedule o Award Criteria o Required Federal Citations PURPOSE OF THIS RFA The Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Branch of the Division for Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) provides research and research training opportunities for students from minority groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences or behavioral sciences, including mathematics. As part of its ongoing commitment to the development of students, faculty, minority and/or minority serving institutions, and underrepresented minority researchers, the MARC Branch will provide support for conferences that promote the overall MORE objective of increasing the number of underrepresented minorities who participate fully in the biomedical research enterprise of the nation. The purpose of this request for applications (RFA) is to solicit applications from organizations with proven ability to conduct research conferences of the order of magnitude and complexity of the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS), an undergraduate student-focused, national biomedical research symposium that targets students supported by MORE Division awards. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES According to Black Issues in Higher Education (1994), of the 8,183 doctorates awarded in natural sciences, 5.2 percent went to underrepresented minorities and of the 5,462 doctorates awarded in behavioral sciences, approximately 9.4 percent went to underrepresented minorities. At the same time, an even lower percentage of minority students received NIH fellowships only 459 of 15,000 (about 3.1%), an ominous harbinger. By contrast, according to the census of 2000, these underrepresented minority groups comprised 25.9% of the general population. Thus, if the present low rate of entry of these minorities into these critically important fields persists, in several decades they will be the underrepresented majority. This will create a significant deficit in the numbers of qualified American scientists. Although equal opportunity educational programs (diversity) have made some difference in the scientific workforce, the representation of underrepresented minorities on that scientific workforce still lags far behind. If the country is to maintain and ensure a strong scientific workforce, a compelling interest of this nation is to develop the talents of the citizens of this country, including all racial and ethnic groups, in the sciences relevant to biomedical/behavioral research. The ABRCMS is important and significant because the NIH through its training and educational research support programs offer assistance to universities and others interested and committed to making improvements in their abilities to produce the next generation of scientists in the biomedical/behavioral/quantitative sciences for the purpose of improving the health of all the people of this country. As such, support of a high caliber scientific conference for MARC/MBRS/Bridges students such as ABRCMS is of compelling interest to the country. The objective of this RFA is to solicit applications from organizations with proven track records and ability to manage and conduct the ABRCMS starting in Fall 2006 and every year for the succeeding four years focused on: o undergraduate research; o exposure to outstanding science and scientists; o workshops that offer skills development for students emphasizing, for example, preparation for graduate school, how to gain acceptance to graduate school (e.g., how to prepare for the GRE, application preparation, interviewing skills, awareness of financial resources), academic survival skills, scientific careers, and communication skills; o workshops for MARC/MBRS/Bridges/PREP/IMSD Program Directors in such areas as advising, tutoring, education technology, time management, grants management, grant writing, involving student participation in research, and professional development; and o booths for graduate programs recruiters. These points are only examples and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the NIH T36 award mechanism. As an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed conference. This RFA does not use the just-in-time concepts. It also does not use the modular budget format. The facilities and administration costs will be provided at a rate of 8% minus exclusions. The total project period for an application submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed 5 years. Continued funding after the first year is contingent upon progress as determined annually by MORE Division and MARC Branch procedures. FUNDS AVAILABLE The NIGMS intends to commit approximately $700,000 in direct costs in FY 2005 to fund one application in response to this RFA. An applicant may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $700,000 per year. Although the financial plans of NIGMS provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose, merit of the applications received, and relevance to the mission of the MORE Division. ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS You may submit an application if your institution has any of the following characteristics: o For-profit or non-profit organizations o Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories o Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS In its Symposium Plan, the applicant organization should list its overall goals for the symposium and the expected outcomes of the symposium. The Symposium Plan section of the application should be used to provide a detailed description of the locales, venues, objectives, plans, and logistics of the meeting. The format and agenda of the meeting should be described in detail, including a list of and the rationale for the selection of speakers to be invited, the principal topics to be addressed, workshops to be offered, problems to be clarified, and developments that the symposium might stimulate. Provide a detailed justification for the symposium, including a discussion of the need, timeliness, and usefulness of the symposium to the targeted community that is to be identified by the applicant organization. Explain the plans for insuring that all targeted populations are represented at the symposium. The composition and role of the organizing committee should be stated as well as the names and credentials of the key participants and presenters in the symposium, the basis for their selection, and whether they have committed themselves to participating in the program, in advance of the conference, one year at a time. The applicant organization must detail its plans for assessing the effectiveness of the proposed conference, by stating the goals of the evaluation, the questions that will be addressed by the evaluation design, and the methods that will be used for analyzing the data. Estimate the expected size and type of audience overall and the rationale for how it was selected. Publicity for the symposium, selection of participants, and publication of proceedings should also be detailed and evaluated retrospectively. WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES We encourage your inquiries concerning this RFA and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicant organizations. Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/programmatic, peer review, and financial or grants management issues: o Direct your questions about scientific/programmatic issues to: Adolphus Toliver, Ph.D. Chief, MARC Branch National Institutes of General Medical Sciences 45 Center Drive, Room 2AS.37, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Telephone: (301) 594-3900 FAX: (301) 480-2573 Email: tolivera@nigms.nih.gov o Direct your questions about peer review issues to: Richard I. Martinez, Ph.D. Office of Scientific Review National Institute of General Medical Sciences 45 Center Drive, Room 3AN.12B, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Telephone: (301) 594-2849 Email: rm63f@nih.gov o Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to: Ms. Antoinette Holland Grants Management Officer National Institute of General Medical Sciences 45 Center Drive, Room 2AN.50B, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Telephone: (301) 495-5132 FAX: (301) 480-2554 Email: hollanda@nigms.nih.gov LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicant organizations are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: o Descriptive title of the proposed activity o Name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator o Names of other key personnel o Participating institution(s) o Number and title of the 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 NIGMS staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter of intent is to be sent by the receipt date listed at the beginning of this document. The letter of intent should be sent to: Adolphus Toliver, Ph.D. Chief, MARC Branch, MORE Division National Institute of General Medical Sciences Building 45, Room 2AS.37, MSC 6200 Bethesda, MD 20892-6200 Telephone: (301) 594-3900 FAX: (301) 480-2753 Email: tolivera@ngms.nih.gov SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001). Applicants 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 398 document is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 710-0267, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS The NIH publication, "NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings" (September 24, 2003), (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/par-03-176.html) should be consulted because it provides important information and supplemental instructions for completing the application. In addition, this publication states NIH policy regarding the application, review, award, administration, and reporting requirements when funds are requested and awarded for the support of scientific meetings. Special Instructions (See the section on Special Requirements for instructions on how to prepare the Symposium Plan) When completing the application, include the following items on PHS form 398. For item 1 of the Face Page, provide the title of the meeting or conference. For item 2 of the Face Page, enter the RFA number and title. In item 6 of the Face Page enter the inclusive dates for the proposed period of support for the symposium. On page 2 under performance sites, list the proposed sites of the symposium, which may vary from year to year. On page 2 list key personnel and their roles in the proposed symposium. Biographic sketches should be provided only for the key individuals responsible for the planning and conduct of the symposium. Other funds received or pending support for the symposium should be listed on the Other Support page. The sources and amounts of funds should be identified, indicating any overlap with the present application. Provide information about the disposition of funds expected from other sources, including any income from the symposium itself. The site and physical facilities for conducting the symposium should be detailed on the Resources and Environment page. The Budget pages provided should be used to itemize and justify the costs listed under item 7a of the Face Page. Any proposed per diem allowances and transportation fees should be itemized. If the request includes participant travel or per diem, specify the number of travelers and the number of days per person. Itemize conference services, publication costs and registration fees in the Other Expenses category. Indicate the total costs of the meeting, including both the amounts requested from NIGMS and the support, if any, anticipated from other sources. For applications requesting multiple years of support, the following additional information must be provided for each future year requested, in as much detail as possible: (1) meeting topic(s) and list of potential speakers; (2) tentative dates, locations and participants; (3) contingency plans for future meetings dependent on, for example, outcome of the first year’s meeting or developments in the field. Allowable Costs Allowable expenditures and the applicable policies are listed below. Any costs not listed below that are charged to a grant must be either approved at the time of award, or if after the award, have received prior written approval from the NIGMS. Salaries: Funds may be used to provide salaries, including fringe benefits, of professional personnel, clerical assistants, editorial assistants, and other support staff in proportion to the time or effort spent directly on the meeting. Equipment: Although funds may not be used for the purchase of equipment, they may be used for the rental of necessary equipment such as projection and public address systems, exhibits, or telephone. Supplies: The costs of supplies, such as stationery, programs, notices, badges, signs, postage, distribution and mailing fees may be requested provided they are necessary for the symposium and are used during the project period. Travel Expenses: Funds may be requested for the travel of staff and attendees if identified in the application and approved at the time of the award. Although the speakers and other participants will not be appointed until after the award, the costs for their participation should be proposed in the budget request. Per Diem: Per diem costs for speakers and key symposium participants may be requested and will be limited to the days of attendance at the meeting or conference, plus the actual travel time to and from the meeting or conference location. Where meals and/or lodging are furnished without charge or at a nominal cost, such as part of the registration fee, an appropriate deduction must be made from the authorized per diem. Conference Services: Funds may be requested for necessary stenographic, typewritten and photographic recording of proceedings, editorial service, simultaneous translation, subsequent transcriptions, and rental of conference rooms and office space. Publication Costs: Funds to cover the costs of publishing the proceedings of a scientific symposium or of special papers presented may be requested. Registration Fees: Registration fees to support participants and students may be requested. Speaker Fees: Speakers fees for the specific services rendered at the meeting or conference are allowable costs. Unallowable Costs Grant funds may not be used for entertainment of any sort, tips, bar charges, personal telephone calls, or laundry charges of participants or guests. Grant funds may not be used to pay per diem, travel or expenses other than local mileage for local participants in the meeting or conference. Grant funds may not be used to pay for travel, subsistence or other expenses for Federal employees. Dues to organizations, federations, or professional societies, exclusive of registration fees, are not allowed as charges to this ancillary training activities grant. Grant funds may not be used to cover the costs of banquets, luncheons, coffee breaks, or theater. Honoraria or other payments given for the purpose of conferring distinction on or to symbolize respect, esteem, or admiration may not be paid from grant funds. 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 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 RFA label is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/labels.pdf. SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, five signed photocopies, and five collated sets of Appendix material 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) APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be received on or before the 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 the receipt of an application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding assignment within 8 weeks. The Center for Scientific Review 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 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 from the previous unfunded version of the application. PEER REVIEW PROCESS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR and responsiveness by the NIGMS. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be returned to the applicant organization, since this is a one-time solicitation. 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 NIGMS in accordance with the review criteria listed below. As part of the initial merit review, all applications will: o Undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific/technical 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 NIGMS National Advisory Council REVIEW CRITERIA The goals of ABRCMS are to support research training activities that are harmonious with the overall goal of the MORE Division of increasing the number of underrepresented minorities who participate fully in the biomedical research enterprise of this country. In the written comments, reviewers will be asked to discuss the following aspects of your application in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed activities will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of this goal: o appropriateness/relevance to overall MORE Division objectives and the stated overall goals o caliber of scientific presentations in current areas of research o the importance or benefits of the proposed symposium to the targeted scientific community o the timeliness and need for the proposed symposium o the appropriateness and innovativeness of the proposed format and agenda for achieving the stated goals of the symposium o qualifications of the proposed Program Director and other activity coordinators and proposed participants such as a steering or organizing committee o the adequacy of plans to disseminate the information/outcomes generated by the symposium o resources and environment (adequacy of the meeting site venues) o adequacy of the evaluation plan and pertinence to the stated goals o past performance and degree to which meeting goals were achieved, if applicable o plans for the appropriate involvement of women, racial/ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities in the planning and implementation of the proposed meeting ADDITIONAL REVIEW CRITERIA: In addition to the above criteria, the following items will be considered in the determination of scientific/technical merit and the priority score: BUDGET: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period of support in relation to the proposed ancillary training activity. RECEIPT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE Letter of Intent Receipt Date: May 14, 2004 Application Receipt Date: June 14, 2004 Peer Review Date: October/November 2004 Council Review: January 2005 Earliest Anticipated Start Date: March 2005 AWARD CRITERIA Award criteria that will be used to make award decisions include: o Scientific/technical merit (as determined by peer review) o Availability of funds o Programmatic priorities REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm. Applicants may wish to place data collected under this RFA in a public archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the application should include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include information about this in the budget justification section of the application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under this award. 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 areas. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.healthypeople.gov/. AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.859, and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. NRSA institutional awards are made under authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 288) and Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 66. NRSA institutional training awards must be administered under NIH grants policies described at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke- free workplace and discourage the use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.


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