and Human Services (HHS)
EXPIRED
NURSING PARTNERSHIP CENTERS ON HEALTH DISPARITIES Release Date: December 6, 2001 RFA: RFA-NR-02-004 National Institute of Nursing Research (http://www.ninr.nih.gov) National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (http://ncmhd.nih.gov) Letter of Intent Receipt Date: April 15, 2002 Application Receipt Date: May 13, 2002 PURPOSE The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) and the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) invite applications for Nursing Partnership Centers on Health Disparities (P20). These Center grants build on a previous initiative "Building Capacity for Nursing Research Health Disparities" collaboratively developed by NINR and the NCMHD and piloted in NINR's extramural research program. The purpose of this initiative is to foster development of nursing partnerships between researchers, faculty, and students at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and institutions with established health disparity research programs. The goal is to integrate and take maximum advantage of the respective experiences and expertise. This award seeks to (1) expand the cadre of nurse researchers involved in minority health or health disparities research, (2) increase the number of research projects aimed at eliminating health disparities, and (3) enhance the career development of potential minority nurse investigators. The Nursing Partnership Centers on Health Disparities is targeted to schools of nursing. 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), Nursing Partnership Centers on Health Disparities, 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/. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Majority institutions eligible for the Nursing Partnership Centers on Health Disparities are those nursing schools/colleges/departments with established programs of health disparities research, primarily institutions that have been major recipients of DHHS/NIH research support. Thus, eligible majority institutions must have at least 2 health disparity research projects funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) from selected mechanisms (especially R01 and R15 NIH research grants) or comparable peer reviewed research projects (including those funded by State governments or private foundations). Furthermore, these funded projects must have active funding through at least September 30, 2003. Details of the grant number, title, PI, project period, and funding institution must be carefully delineated in the application. Minority-Serving Institutions with nursing schools/colleges/departments (MSIs) will partner with these majority institutions and develop a joint application. Qualifying MSIs are either in the United States or in territories under U.S. jurisdiction and are defined as those in which students of minority groups who are underrepresented in nursing research (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Asian American, and Philippine nurses) comprise a significant proportion of the enrollment and that have a track record of commitment to the special encouragement of minority faculty, students, and investigators. Eligible MSIs include but are not limited to those listed at the following website address: http://www.sciencewise.com/. A description of the characteristics used to qualify as a MSI should be included in the application. Each partnership must be submitted as two applications, one from the majority institution and one from the MSI. Each application must contain the following institution-specific components: (1) Application face page; (2) Table of Contents; (3) Detailed first year 12-month budget, multi-year composite budget, and budget justification for each core and pilot study; (4) Resources page; (5) Checklist page; and (6) Personal Data page. In addition, the following components will be identical in each application: (1) Form page 2 [Description, Performance Sites, and Key Personnel]; (2) An overall multi- year composite budget reflecting the entire request; (3) Biographical sketches [for all key personnel]; and (4) Research Plan. The partnering institutions' applications will be reviewed together and will receive the same priority score from the study section. Institutions, whether majority or MSI, may submit only one (1) application. Linkage with at least one minority serving institution is required; a majority institution may link with more than one MSI, but careful planning is advised. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Exploratory Center Grant mechanism (P20). The purpose of this mechanism is to support planning for new programs, expansion or modification of existing resources, and feasibility studies to explore various approaches to developing minority health/health disparities research programs that address areas consistent with the missions of NINR and NCMHD. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed Partnership Center project will be solely that of the Principal Investigators on behalf of the institutions. The Exploratory Center must include an administrative core, a pilot/ feasibility research core, a research mentoring core, and an evaluation plan. Other cores, such as a research outreach/dissemination core, are optional. FUNDS AVAILABLE The NINR and NCMHD intend to commit approximately $3 million in FY 2002 to fund 6-7 partnerships (12-14 awards) in response to this RFA. The total project period for applications submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed five (5) years. The direct costs of the two (or more) partnering applications together cannot exceed $300,000 per year; 3% escalation is permitted for the outyears. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research and center activities may vary, it is anticipated that the size of each award will also vary. Although the financial plans of the NINR and NCMHD 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. This RFA is a one-time solicitation. It has not been determined at this time whether the P20 awards will be renewable. The anticipated award date is September 30, 2002. Allowable costs may include items such as administrative costs for managing the partnership centers; for example, salary for key personnel, travel, equipment and supplies to support an administrative structure; workshops, seminars, and other forms of communication to develop and implement center objectives; activities to support the mentoring of minority investigators; and funds to implement selected pilot projects. Please contact the grants management officer listed under Inquiries for other questions regarding fiscal matters. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Background Although the population diversity in contemporary America is one of its greatest assets, the richness of this feature is overshadowed by the sobering reality of the disproportionate burden of disease and illness that is borne by racial and ethnic minority populations. Compelling evidence of the disparate health status of America's racial and ethnic minority populations is documented in the form of shorter life expectancies, higher rates of cancer, birth defects, infant mortality, asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. While it cannot be said with certainty why health disparities exist, it is reasonable to expect that differential incidences of disease and health outcomes result from the interaction of a plethora of factors in complex and unsuspecting ways. These factors include environmental exposures, genetic variations and/or underlying biological, ethnic and familial factors; specific health behaviors; discrimination in patient- provider interactions; psychosocial and socio-cultural factors; and socioeconomic (SES) related factors such as differential access to health care. Clearly, the soundest investment that can be made for the present and immediate future is increasing the capacity for health disparities research and at the same time increasing the support of research aimed at elucidating the etiology of health disparities and developing new diagnostics, treatment, and prevention strategies. Accordingly, the focus of this initiative will be on exploring opportunities for increasing the capacity for nursing research in health disparities. The strategy is to encourage the formation of minority/majority institution partnerships aimed at increasing the number of nurse researchers with an interest in minority health and health disparities research. The NINR and the NCMHD have historically supported health disparities research and related minority health initiatives. NINR currently funds a number of core center (P30s) and exploratory center (P20s) grants, which are designed to facilitate the growth of research infrastructure by centralizing resources and facilities to support key areas of nursing inquiry that establish a scientific basis for individuals across the life span. Several of these Centers also emphasize minority health and health disparities topics, consistent with the scientific area of inquiry that guides the activities of the Center. These include Centers that focus on health promotion, preventing/managing chronic illness, gerontological nursing, vulnerable populations, quality of life, self-management interventions, and nursing outcomes research. NINR's Core Centers were all awarded one-year administrative supplements to support activities related to minority health and health disparities. In addition, several P30 Centers and R01 grantees participated in a previous partnership initiative "Building Capacity for Nursing Research Health Disparities," a collaboration between NINR and NCMHD. The goal of these pilot activities was to build capacity for nursing research on health disparities by supporting partnerships between schools of nursing in majority institutions and minority institutions/organizations. These pilots included a diverse number of projects focused on enhancing the research career development of minority undergraduate and graduate students and enhancing the research skills of faculty from both the majority and minority institutions. For purposes of this solicitation, the following definitions are taken directly from the NIH Comprehensive Plan to Reduce or Eliminate Health Disparities. A Health Disparity Population is one where a significant disparity has been identified in the overall rate of disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and survival rates in the population as compared to the health status of the general population. Any additional population may be included among the health disparity populations should the NCMHD Director, after consultation with the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, confirm a significant disparity in the overall rate of disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and survival rate in that population when compared to the health status of the general population. The Medically Underserved is a health disparity population, and in particular refers to individuals who live in geographical areas where the Index of Medical Underservice is 62 or less. Minority Population refers to racial and ethnic minority groups that usually include African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Hawaiian Islanders, and Asian Pacific Islanders. Additional definitions of health disparity and minority health are also provided in this strategic plan. Health disparity research is basic, clinical and behavioral studies on health conditions including diseases, disorders, and such other conditions that are unique to, more serious, or more prevalent in sub-populations that are economically disadvantaged and medically underserved [and confirmed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality as health disparity groups]. Minority health research is basic, clinical and behavioral studies including research to prevent, diagnose, and treat such minority health conditions as diseases, disorders, and other conditions that are unique to, more serious in, or more prevalent in racial and ethnic minorities or for which the factors of medical risks or types of intervention may be different for such population groups. The Nursing Partnership Centers on Health Disparities RFA will facilitate infrastructure development at schools of nursing for (1) expanding the cadre of nurse researchers involved in minority health or health disparities research, (2) increasing the number of research projects aimed at eliminating health disparities, and (3) enhancing the career development of potential minority nurse investigators. These components are critical to efforts devoted to eliminating health disparities. Four broad areas are targeted for infrastructure development at these new Centers: 1. Minority Health and Health Disparities Research This RFA seeks research with a focus on reducing health disparities and improving the health and well-being of racial and ethnic minority populations and/or other health disparity groups. Applicants should select scientific areas of inquiry related to minority health/health disparities based on a conceptually sound integration of currently funded projects in the research base. Applications should contain innovative ideas consistent with NINR's mission and use sound methodologies. Applicants are encouraged to consider the following broad topical areas that have been identified as specific areas of scientific opportunity while maintaining the focus on minority health and health disparities. These suggestions provide possible examples, but are not to be considered required or all-inclusive of possible center topics: o Chronic illness experiences, such as managing symptoms, avoiding complications of disease and disability, supporting family caregivers, promoting adherence and self-management activities, and promoting healthy behaviors within the context of the chronic condition. o Cultural and ethnic considerations in health and illness, including culturally sensitive interventions to decrease health disparities among groups by focusing upon health promotion activities and chronic illness management strategies. o End of life research, focusing on clinical management of physical and psychological symptom management, communication, ethics and clinical decision-making, caregiver support, and care delivery issues. o Health promotion and disease prevention research, particularly as it relates to lifestyle changes and healthy behavior maintenance across the lifespan. o Implications of genetic advances, including reducing factors that increase risk of disease, issues related to genetic screening, and subsequent gene therapy techniques. o Quality of life and quality of care, to include cost savings for the patient, health care system, and society. o Symptom management of illness and treatment, such as pain, cognitive impairment, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and sleep problems. o Telehealth interventions and monitoring or other emerging technologies to promote patient education for competent self-management and to optimize the effectiveness of treatment. 2. Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Mentoring and Development Research mentoring/development initiatives should represent true collaborations across institutional boundaries. Participants may include racial and ethnic minorities or individuals from other health disparity groups that reside in geographical regions that experience documented disparities in health (e.g., individuals from regions such as Appalachia or rural areas that have economically disadvantaged populations). Research mentoring components may have an undergraduate, graduate student, post- doctoral, or junior faculty focus or a combination of one or more. The major objective of the mentoring experience should be to prepare nurse researchers to address health disparities noted among racial ethnic minority and underserved populations. Undergraduate/Graduate Students. Research mentoring components for students may include establishing academic term and/or summer mentoring opportunities. For example, new research mentoring programs might provide undergraduate/graduate students in MSIs with opportunities to fulfill their research requirements in research settings at the partner institution. Also, institutions involved in the original initiative "Building Capacity for Nursing Research in Health Disparities" may wish to expand their programs and develop long-term initiatives related to research career development of undergraduate and graduate students. Activities to stimulate early entry into research careers may also be a fruitful area to pursue. Postdoctoral Experiences. Research mentoring components may also support postdoctoral career development for nurses from racial and ethnic minority subpopulations or other health disparity subpopulations. Given the paucity of minority individuals prepared at the postdoctoral level, including opportunities for postdoctoral students will help to fulfill an important gap. Faculty. Mentored research components may be developed for minority faculty at the partnering institutions. 3. Minority Health and Health Disparities Education An educational component could focus on efforts to augment activities at the MSI and/or majority partner institution that would apprise and culturally sensitize undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral trainees in nursing on the various issues and opportunities related to reducing health disparities. Additional educational activities may include a focus on designing appropriate culturally sensitive research approaches and methods for use when conducting research with racial/ethnic minorities and underserved populations. 4. Research Outreach/Research Dissemination Research mentoring may include activities to assist faculty and students at both institutions in developing skills and expertise to successfully conduct health disparities research involving community partnerships. For example, assisting faculty and students in designing and implementing an evaluation plan to assess the efficacy of recruitment and retention strategies; developing skills in establishing and sustaining research partnerships with target communities; and identifying and pursuing venues for disseminating research findings to participants, community groups, and professional audiences, may be fruitful areas to pursue. Special Requirements The Center must be an identifiable organizational unit within the nursing school/college/department of each partnering institution. The Principal Investigator for each partnering institution's application must be a Center Co-Director on the partnering application. These two individuals will together serve as the key figures in the organization, administration, and management of the Center activities. These individuals should be experienced in activities to coordinate, integrate, and provide guidance in the establishment of programs in the center scientific area of inquiry. The Co- Directors must make an appropriate time commitment. Clear lines of authority and sanction by the appropriate institutional officials must be specified. CORES & EVALUATION PLAN A core is a shared central facility or other resource, designed to enhance the productivity and in other ways benefit faculty and students at the partnering institutions to accomplish stated goals and objectives. The Nursing Partnership Centers on Health Disparities must include the following: (1) Administrative Core, (2) Pilot/Feasibility Research Core, (3) Research Mentoring Core, and (4) Evaluation Plan. Other cores, such as a Research Outreach/Dissemination Core, are optional, and may be added to help facilitate the achievement of goals and objectives outlined in the application. Each core should be directed by an investigator/faculty with substantial expertise related to the core. An important consideration is the degree to which core facilities will be utilized by and benefit individuals' ongoing and/or proposed projects and Center investigators, and will assist in the development of the activities related to minority health and health disparities. It is not sufficient for the applicant to merely identify resources to be shared between the institutions. Rather, the applicant must demonstrate exactly how each core would augment or enhance the present capabilities of the investigators/faculty/students at both institutions. In addition, after an award is made, the NINR will require documentation in annual progress reports that sharing of resources and activities has been achieved. In the application, the description of each core is limited to 25 pages. Administrative Core (Mandatory) An Administrative Core is mandatory for all Centers and should manage the overall activities of the Center as well as assist in the development and coordination of efforts between the Center and the partnering institution. Its description should include the following: 1. A specified Director (a Co-Director at the partnering institution may also be designated); 2. A description of the administrative structure; and 3. A general description of activities and institutional support. It is expected that the Center Administrative structure will accomplish the following: 1. Coordinate and oversee the administrative functions between the majority institution and partnering institution; 2. Review utilization of funds, including funds for pilot/feasibility research studies, research mentoring, and any other core activities; 3. Manage the shared resources of the Center, such as research and research mentoring resources; and 4. Advise the Center Co-Directors on the activities of the Center. While the final administrative structure of the Center will, for the most part, be left to the discretion of the applicant institutions, NIH's experience has demonstrated that the effective development of Center programs requires interaction among the Co-Directors, the core leaders, the Principal Investigators of the research projects, appropriate institutional administrative personnel, and the staff of the awarding agency. To facilitate communication among the Center staffs, partnering institutions, and the NINR, NINR expects that each Center application must include funds for one (1) individual (the Center Director or Co-Director) to travel to an annual meeting in Bethesda, Maryland. In addition, the first year budget should include funds for the business/fiscal person from each institution to attend the annual meeting in Bethesda, MD. An Executive Committee, consisting of the heads of all cores, representatives from the partnering institutions, and appropriate business officials, should be established to assist the Director and Co-Director in the allocation of Center funds, the identification and selection of key personnel, and the planning and execution of the center activities. The complex nature of administrative requirements of the Center will necessitate the assistance of a person with business management expertise. It is important that such an official be identified and directly involved with the fiscal aspects of each institution's application and grant. An appropriate amount of this individual's time and effort should be committed for this purpose. The institutional business officials should be members of the Executive Committee. While budget formulation and planning will undoubtedly begin with the Director in collaboration with the scientific staff, the business officials should be involved in the process, provide consultation in matters of fiscal administration, and evaluate such issues as equipment on hand versus that requested for the core facilities. An External Advisory Committee should be established and composed of scientists and administrators with expertise and experiences relevant to the scientific program of the Center. The Advisory Committee will comprise individuals from the Center, the partnering institutions, and at least two (2) scientists from outside the institutions. This committee may also be used in evaluating the overall research programs of the Center, the effectiveness of communications within the Center, and any other activities in which problems arise for which expertise is required or desirable. The Advisory Committee should meet at least once annually. However, the nature of its responsibilities may require ad hoc meetings at more frequent intervals. A member of the NINR extramural program staff is to be invited to attend each meeting as an observer. Pilot/Feasibility Research Core (Mandatory) The Pilot/Feasibility Research Core should develop and manage activities related to the selection and successful completion of pilot studies. Its description should include: 1. A specified Director (a Co-Director at the partnering institution may also be designated); 2. A description of the core structure, activities, and processes; and 3. A description of potential participants in future pilot/feasibility studies. Pilot/feasibility research studies are mandatory for the Center application. These are intended to facilitate eligible investigators and students to explore the feasibility of a concept and to amass sufficient data to pursue it through other funding mechanisms. The funds provide modest research support for a limited time (one year or two years maximum, with clear justification for the length of the study). Eligible investigators include: 1. A new investigator who has not been a Principal Investigator in the past, or who is not currently funded by a DHHS research project grant (e.g., RO1 or R15); 2. Graduate students with an interest in conducting minority health/health disparities research; and 3. An established investigator who wishes to develop skill and expertise in conducting minority health/health disparities research, and for whom this area represents a clear and distinct departure from his/her ongoing research interests. Applications must propose a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of four (4) pilot and/or feasibility studies to be carried out during the first year. The reviewers must determine a minimum of two pilot/feasibility studies acceptable; each pilot study must include participants from each partnering institution. Standard guidelines for IRB/IACUC approval and educational training for the protection of human subjects apply. The theoretical basis for the pilot and/or feasibility study must be clearly explicated. Each pilot and/or feasibility study is limited to 10 pages of description for the Research Plan, Sections a. through d., which should delineate the question being asked, detail the procedures to be followed, and discuss how the data will be analyzed. The application must indicate how the proposed pilot/feasibility study addresses a minority health or health disparities topic. Subsequent pilot/feasibility studies, a minimum of three (3) ongoing each year, will be developed during the course of the award. A description of how the pilot/feasibility studies will be reviewed and selected in the future must be provided. Results of each pilot and/or feasibility study must be included in the Center's annual progress reports to NINR. Research Mentoring Core (Mandatory) A research mentoring core is mandatory for all Center applications. This core is intended to assist faculty and students at both institutions in developing skill and expertise in conducting health disparities research involving minority and underserved communities. Research mentoring components may have an undergraduate, graduate student, post-doctoral, or junior faculty focus, or may target one or more of these groups. Research mentoring initiatives should represent true collaborations that function across institutional boundaries. The description of the Research Mentoring Core should include: 1. A specified Director (a Co-Director at the partnering institution may also be designated); 2. A description of potential research projects; 3. A general description of mentoring activities and opportunities and related resources to support research mentoring; and 4. A general description of potential participants. The Research Mentoring Core is expected to: 1. Develop, implement, and evaluate research activities related to conducting health disparities research for participants at both institutions; 2. Provide mentoring on issues related to developing cultural competence in nursing research; and 3. Increase the number of potential minority nurse investigators. Research Outreach/Dissemination Core (Optional) A research outreach/dissemination core is optional for Center applications. This core is intended to assist faculty and students at both institutions in developing skill and expertise in implementing appropriate outreach needed to conduct health disparities research involving minority and underserved communities, and in disseminating the results of such research to diverse audiences including the communities involved. The description of this Core should include: 1. A specified Director (a Co-Director at the partnering institution may also be designated); 2. A community liaison committee; 3. A description of the activities and institutional support; and 4. A general description of potential outreach linkages. The Research Outreach/Dissemination Core is expected to: 1. Identify and coordinate activities related to successfully conducting and evaluating health disparities research involving community partnerships; 2. Identify and expand resources related to conducting community-based or community partnered research to reduce health disparities; 3. Develop skill and expertise in identifying and pursuing various venues for disseminating research findings including targeted communities and public and professional audiences; and 4. Identify strategies and opportunities to engage targeted communities in using research findings to enhance their health and well-being. Evaluation Plan (Mandatory) A plan for evaluating progress toward meeting the aims and goals of all cores and the overall Center is required. This plan should include the specific criteria and methods that will be used for the evaluation. The plan should specify the types of evaluation information that will be submitted in the Center's annual progress report. 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 sub-populations must be included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a clear and compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43). All investigators proposing clinical research should read the AMENDMENT "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research - Amended, October, 2001," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on October 9, 2001 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm. The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398; and updated roles and responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials that: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences. INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AS PARTICIPANTS IN 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 scientific and ethical 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 also may obtain copies of these policies from the program staff listed under INQUIRIES. Program staff may also provide additional relevant information concerning the policy. REQUIRED EDUCATION ON THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECT PARTICIPANTS NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH proposals for research involving human subjects. This policy announcement is found in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts Announcement dated June 5, 2000, at the following website: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html. 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. 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. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed research center, the name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator at each partnering institution, 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. Only one (1) letter of intent per partnership is requested. 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 NINR staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter of intent is to be sent by the letter of intent receipt date listed to: Dr. John E. Richters Chief, Office of Review National Institute of Nursing Research Building 45, Room 3AN-12 45 Center Drive, MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 Telephone: (301) 594-5971 FAX: (301) 451-5645 e-mail: jrichters@nih.gov APPLICATION PROCEDURES The PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001) at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html must be used in applying for these grants. This version of the PHS 398 is available in an interactive, searchable format. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone 301/710-0267, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov. 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 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 also available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf. 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 copies of the application must be sent to: Dr. John E. Richters Chief, Office of Review National Institute of Nursing Research Building 45, Room 3AN-12 45 Center Drive, MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 Telephone: (301) 594-5971 FAX: (301) 451-5645 e-mail: jrichters@nih.gov Applications must be received by 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. 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. The CSR will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of substantial revisions of applications already reviewed, but such applications must include an Introduction addressing the previous critique. The instructions for the Form PHS 398 do not entirely apply to the submission of these P20 grant applications. Accordingly, applicants are strongly encouraged to follow the SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS below, which have been adapted to accommodate the PHS 398 and the special requirements of this RFA. These instructions include all of the information that will be needed by the peer reviewers of these applications. These instructions are designed to facilitate the collaboration of the partnering institutions in the development of applications. Much of the narrative information will be identical in each partner's application. However, it is critical that this narrative clearly depict each institution's contributions to and involvement with activities in the development and implementation of the proposed Nursing Partnership Center on Health Disparities. SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS 1. Face Page: Use Form Page 1 as instructed in the PHS 398. On line 1. provide a title that is representative of the collaboration or partnership. This title should be the same for both partnering applications. For line 2. enter the number and title of this RFA. Remember to affix the RFA label that comes with the PHS 398 to the bottom of the Face Page. 2. Description, Performance Site(s) and Key Personnel: Use Form Page 2 of the PHS 398 and follow the instructions provided in the PHS 398. This page will be IDENTICAL IN BOTH PARTNERING APPLICATIONS. 3. Table of Contents: Provide a detailed Table of Contents organized as described below: This differs from Form Page 3 of the PHS 398. Content Page Number o Face Page o Description, Performance Sites and Key Personnel o Table of Contents, including List of all Tables and Figures o Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period o Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period o Overall Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period o Budgets Pertaining to Consortium/Contractual Arrangements (if applicable) o Budget Justification Pertaining to Consortium/Contractual Arrangements (if applicable) o Biographical Sketch of the Principal Investigator o Biographical Sketch of the Center Co-Director from the Partnering Institution(s) o Biographical Sketches of All Professional Personnel and Pilot Investigators o List of participating faculty/members of the Center o Resources o Overview of Center and Description of Research Base o Administrative Core, Budget, and Budget Justification o Pilot/Feasibility Research Core, Budget, and Budget Justification o Research Mentoring Core, Budget, and Budget Justification o Optional Core(s), Budget, and Budget Justification o References o Letters of Support o Pilot/Feasibility Study #1 o Pilot/Feasibility Study #2 o Pilot/Feasibility Study #3 (optional) o Pilot/Feasibility Study #4 (optional) o Consortium/Contractual Arrangements o Checklist o Appendix Material 4. Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period: Use Form Page 4 of the PHS 398 application kit. This budget should include direct costs for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. 5. Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period: Use Form Page 5 of the PHS 398 application kit. This budget should include direct costs for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY, for all years requested. Future pilot/feasibility studies to be identified should be budgeted as a block under "Other Expenses" in the Pilot/Feasibility Research Core. 6. Overall Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period: Use Form Page 5 of the PHS 398 application kit. This budget should include all direct costs for both partnering institutions, for all years requested. This page will be IDENTICAL IN BOTH PARTNERING APPLICATIONS. 7. Budgets Pertaining to Consortium/Contractual Arrangements: Use Form Pages 4 and 5. These budgets are included if consortium/contractual arrangements are needed, and reflect the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. 8. Budget Justification Pertaining to Consortium/Contractual Arrangements: if applicable. Provide for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. 9. Biographical Sketch of Principal Investigator (Center Director): Use the Biographical Sketch Format Page of the PHS 398 and follow the instructions in the application kit. 10. Biographical Sketch of Center Co-Director from the Partnering Institution: Use the Biographical Sketch Format Page of the PHS 398 and follow the instructions in the application kit. 11. Biographical Sketches of All Professional Personnel and Pilot Investigators: Use the Biographical Sketch Format Page of the PHS 398 as above. This section should include all professional personnel from both partnering institutions who are listed with a percent effort, including consultants and members of the External Advisory Committee. Biographical sketches are also required for those who are listed in the research base. Arrange the biographical sketches alphabetically. These pages should not be duplicated in the individual component cores or pilots. This section will be IDENTICAL IN BOTH PARTNERING APPLICATIONS. 12. Complete list (or table) of participating faculty/members of the Center and the External Advisory Committee: List members alphabetically by name, and include for each individual his/her degree, institution and department affiliation or equivalent, and research or other interest (e.g., research area, training, or education). This section will be IDENTICAL IN BOTH PARTNERING APPLICATIONS. 13. Resources: Using Resources Format Page in the PHS 398 application kit, describe the relevant resources for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. 14. Overview of Center and Description of Research Base: This section (25 pages maximum) will be IDENTICAL IN BOTH PARTNERING APPLICATIONS. The Specific Aims of the proposed center's (a) research, (b) mentoring, and (c) infrastructure development objectives should state concisely the scientific area of inquiry related to minority health/health disparities that will serve as the focus for the Center. The Background and Significance section should include a critical review and synthesis of relevant research, theory, and methods to establish the scientific and public health significance of the proposed Center's research, mentoring, and infrastructure objectives as described under Specific Aims. It should also provide a detailed rationale and justification for the proposed institutional partnership and shared resources, with emphasis on how each institution will contribute to and benefit from the proposed Center. Plans to develop productive collaborations among Center investigators at the partnering institutions should be highlighted, and criteria for designating an investigator as a Center participant (investigator) should be defined in terms of the responsibilities and privileges associated with a Center investigator. The Preliminary Studies section should provide a detailed description and discussion of funded research projects that constitute the proposed partnership center's Research Base, and indicate how these studies support the selected scientific theme. It is helpful to present the Research Base studies in table format, specifying for each funded study (a) the title and grant number, (b) funding organization, (c) period of committed support, (d) direct costs for project period, (e) current year annual direct costs, (f) names and institutional affiliations of the principal investigator and co- investigators, and (g) principal investigator's percent of committed effort. The Research Base studies and related resources should be described and discussed in sufficient detail to support an evaluation of their (a) relevance to minority-health/health disparities issues, and (b) strengths and limitations as a scientific foundation for pursuing the Specific Aims of the proposed partnership center. Applicants may want to provide similar tables depicting pending support for research projects related to minority health/health disparities and current support for research projects unrelated to minority health/health disparities. The focus and interrelationships of ongoing research and research interests for Center investigators at both partnering institutions should be documented. The Overview should also include a description of the qualifications of the Center Director and Co-Director, and general plans for collaboration between the partnering institutions (including existing Centers or available resources). 15. Administrative Core: Provide a Detailed Budget, a Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period, and Budget Justification for the Administrative Core: Use Form Pages 4 and 5 of the PHS 398 application kit. These should reflect direct costs for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. The narrative section (25 pages maximum) will be IDENTICAL IN BOTH PARTNERING APPLICATIONS. Provide a detailed description and discussion of the objectives, functions, organizational infrastructure, administrative procedures, key personnel (including the Core Director), and resources of the Administrative Core within the context of the overall center. The description should depict the relationships and lines of authority by appropriate officials at both partnering institutions; committee structures and membership; and plans for assistance of a business official for fiscal matters. A diagram of the interactions to be fostered by the Center is useful in depicting proposed interrelationships and collaborations between institutions, and among other institutional resources. Provide a general overall description of facilities and institutional commitment, including letter(s) of institutional commitment, and if applicable, a letter from the General Clinical Research Center Director. The composition and functions of the External Advisory Committee should be delineated. Also describe the criteria, methods, and other components of the comprehensive evaluation plan for the Center. 16. Pilot/Feasibility Research Core: Provide a Detailed Budget, a Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period, and Budget Justification for the Pilot/Feasibility Research Core: Use Form Pages 4 and 5 of the PHS 398 application kit. These should reflect direct costs for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. The narrative section (25 pages maximum) will be IDENTICAL IN BOTH PARTNERING APPLICATIONS. Provide a detailed description and discussion of the objectives, functions, organizational infrastructure, administrative procedures, key personnel (including the Core Director), and resources of the Pilot/Feasibility Research Core within the context of the overall center. The description should portray the relationships and lines of authority at both partnering institutions and any committee structures and membership. A detailed description of Core activities designed to facilitate the development and completion of joint pilot/feasibility studies should be provided, including the process used for selecting pilot studies included in this application, and for selecting future pilot studies. 17. Research Mentoring Core Provide a Detailed Budget, a Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period, and Budget Justification for the Research Mentoring Core: Use Form Pages 4 and 5 of the PHS 398 application kit. These should reflect direct costs for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. The narrative section (25 pages maximum) will be IDENTICAL IN BOTH PARTNERING APPLICATIONS. Provide a detailed description and discussion of the objectives, functions, organizational infrastructure, administrative procedures, key personnel (including the Core Director), and resources of the Research Mentoring Core within the context of the overall center. The description should include a discussion of relationships and lines of authority at both partnering institutions and any committee structures and membership. Also include a detailed description of Core activities, resources, and research opportunities designed to assist faculty and students in developing research skills and enhancing research career trajectories. Include a description of potential research mentoring participants and how they will benefit from core activities. 18. Optional Core(s): Provide information for any optional core modeled after the instructions above. 19. References: Follow the directions and instructions provided in the PHS 398 application kit. This list should be IDENTICAL IN BOTH PARTNERING APPLICATIONS. 20. Letters of Support: Provide letters of support for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. 21. Pilot/Feasibility Studies: For each proposed pilot/feasibility study, provide the information below. The information for each pilot/feasibility study will be IDENTICAL IN BOTH PARTNERING APPLICATIONS EXCEPT FOR THE DETAILED BUDGET (SECOND ITEM BELOW). o Description, Performance Site(s), and Key Personnel: Use PHS 398 Form Page 2. o Detailed Budget for the Pilot/Feasibility Study for the Initial Budget Period: Use Form Page 4 of the PHS 398 application kit. This budget should include direct costs for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. If the pilot/feasibility study is longer than one year in duration, also include Form Page 5 of the PHS 398 application kit, Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period. o Detailed Budget for the Pilot/Feasibility Study for the Initial Budget Period: Use Form Page 4 of the PHS 398 application kit. This budget should include all direct costs for BOTH PARTNERING INSTITUTIONS. If the pilot/feasibility study is longer than one year in duration, also include Form Page 5 of the PHS 398 application kit, Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period. o Budget Justification: Use PHS 398 Form Page 5. This justification should reflect the budget from BOTH PARTNERING INSTITUTIONS, and indicate clearly which components are allocated to which institution. If the pilot/feasibility study is longer than one year in duration, also include Form Page 5 of the PHS 398 application kit, Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period. o Justification of eligibility of the principal investigator according to the stated criteria. o Justification of the study as a pilot study (including where the project could lead) and how the study fits into the Center's scientific area of inquiry. o Scientific proposal as outlined in PHS 398 (including justification for core use if applicable): (10 pages maximum) See PHS 398 application kit, Research Plan, sections a. through d. o Information regarding human subjects or vertebrate animals as applicable. o Literature cited. 22. Consortium/Contractual Arrangements: Follow the directions and instructions provided in the PHS 398 application kit. Provide this information for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. 23. Checklist: Use Checklist Form Page in the PHS 398 application kit, and complete for the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. 24. Appendix Material: Follow the directions and instructions provided in the PHS 398 application kit. Include information appropriate to the APPLICANT INSTITUTION ONLY. 25. Personal Data on Principal Investigator/Program Director: Use Personal Data Form Page in the PHS 398 application kit. REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by CSR and responsiveness by NINR. Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Each partnership must be submitted as two applications, one from the majority institution and one from the MSI. The partnering institutions will be reviewed together and will receive the same priority score from the study section. 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 NINR 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, are discussed, assigned a priority score, and receive a second level review by the National Advisory Council for Nursing Research. 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 give careful consideration of the information in the SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS section of the RFA and the review criteria listed below in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed Center will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. Note that 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. Overall Center Grant Application 1. The overall scientific merit and the potential of the research program for making a significant contribution to achieving the goals of the NINR and NCMHD. 2. The scientific gain from linking the research projects in a center grant, i.e., the degree of interrelatedness and synergism among the components of the Center. 3. The qualifications of the Center Co-Directors and other key investigators and the commitment of participating investigators to a common goal and to collaboration. 4. The adequacy of the available resources and the quality of the research environment. 5. The commitment of the partnering institutions to the Center in terms of space, resources, administrative authority, and other necessary support, e.g., donated faculty time, use of equipment, and the extent to which the Center is recognized as a major element within the organizational structure of the institutions. 6. The plans for developmental activities, including recruitment and expansion, insofar as the proposed research program justifies these. 7. Evidence of prior partnering activities and documentation of the commitment of the institutions to this partnership. 8. Evidence of the extent to which the planning, organization, structure, and design of the proposed Center and activities reflect a genuine collaboration between the partners. 9. Appropriateness of the requested budget for the work proposed. 10. The appropriateness of distribution of the budget between the partnering institutions. Research Base 1. Focus and depth of funded investigations that are currently in progress. 2. Presence of current and emerging collaborations and interactions among investigators with common research interests in minority health or health disparities research. 3. Impact that funded investigators have made in their respective fields, as well as in the area of minority health or health disparities, as indicated by publications and other factors. 4. The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the Center investigators responsible for the individual research projects, and their willingness to interact with and mentor others. 5. The appropriateness of the investigators as participants of the Center, and whether their activities warrant core support. Administrative Core 1. The adequacy of the Administrative core to manage the overall activities of the Center. 2. The appropriateness and relevance of the proposed core and the modes of operation, facilities, and potential for contribution to ongoing nursing research and other activities at the partnering institutions. 3. Appropriate justification for the core, including the duplication of existing resources or services and anticipated future use of the core. 4. The adequacy of the multiple aspects related to the administrative structure for the center, including the provision of scientific and administrative leadership for the project; strategies to promote scientific planning, interaction, implementation, and evaluation; and arrangements for the fiscal management of the grant. 5. The qualifications of the Director (and Co-Director if applicable) of the Administrative core. 6. The proposed composition and functions of the Executive Committee to support the proposed activities of the Center. 7. The appropriateness of the plan to evaluate Center activities. Pilot and/or Feasibility Research Core 1. The appropriateness and relevance of proposed Core activities to facilitate successful pilot/feasibility studies. 2. Evidence of a strong commitment to, and plans to support, pilot investigators in successful completion of their studies. 3. The qualifications of the Director (and Co-Director if applicable) of the Pilot and/or Feasibility Research Core. 4. The process for selecting the pilot/feasibility studies which are included in the application. 5. The proposed process for reviewing and selecting future pilot/feasibility studies. Research Mentoring Core 1. Evidence of a strong commitment to, and plans to help foster and facilitate, the research career development of minority students and faculty. 2. The adequacy of plans to facilitate and monitor the research career trajectory and productivity of participants at both institutions. 3. The appropriateness of plans for assisting faculty and students in developing cultural competence in nursing research. 4. The adequacy of plans to identify and address ethical concerns related to conducting health disparities research. 5. Evidence of a sufficient number of potential research mentoring participants who will utilize these core resources. 6. The qualifications of the Director (and Co-Director if applicable) of the Research Mentoring Core. Research Outreach/Dissemination Core (Optional) 1. The adequacy of plans for establishing, sustaining, and evaluating research-related outreach with targeted communities. 2. A plan for disseminating health disparities research findings to participants, community groups, and lay and professional audiences 3. The qualifications of the Director (and Co-Director if applicable) of the Research Outreach and Dissemination Core. Pilot/Feasibility Studies 1. The scientific merit of the research proposed and the importance of the information sought to the mission of the NINR. 2. How well the pilot/feasibility study addresses a minority health or health disparities topic. 3. The justification for eligibility of the investigator(s) according to criteria listed in the RFA. 4. The feasibility and promise of the proposed methods. 5. The novelty or originality of the proposed study. 6. The training, experience, and research competence of the investigator(s). 7. The suitability of the facilities for the proposed research, including the availability of required special resources. 8. The appropriateness and justification of the requested budget for the proposed work. 9. Provisions for the protection of human subjects and the humane care of animals. 10. The inclusion of participants from each partnering institution. In addition to the above criteria, in accordance with NIH policy, all applications will also be reviewed with respect to the following: o The adequacy of plans to include both genders, minorities and their subgroups, and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated. o The reasonableness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research. o The adequacy of the proposed protection for humans, animals and the environment, to the extent they may be adversely affected by the project proposed in the application. Schedule Letter of Intent Receipt Date: April 15, 2002 Application Receipt Date: May 13, 2002 Peer Review Date: June/July 2002 Council Review: September 2002 Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2002 AWARD CRITERIA Award criteria that will be used to make award decisions include: o scientific merit (as determined by peer review) o availability of funds o programmatic priorities. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or answer questions from potential applicants is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Dr. Janice Phillips Program Director Office of Extramural Programs National Institute of Nursing Research Building 45, Room 3AN-12 45 Center Drive, MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 Tel: (301) 594-6152 Fax: (301) 480-8260 E-mail: phillipsj@mail.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding review issues to: Dr. John E. Richters Chief, Office of Review National Institute of Nursing Research Building 45, Room 3AN-12 45 Center Drive, MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 Telephone: (301) 594-5971 FAX: (301) 451-5645 e-mail: jrichters@nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Cindy McDermott Chief Grants Management Officer National Institute of Nursing Research Building 45, Room 3AN-12 45 Center Drive, MSC 6300 Bethesda, MD 20892-6300 Telephone: (301) 594-6869 FAX: (301) 451-5648 e-mail: mcdermoc@mail.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.361. Awards are made under authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and administered under NIH grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. 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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