and Human Services (HHS)
EXPIRED
Department of Health and Human Services
Participating
Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH), (http://www.nih.gov)
Components of
Participating Organizations
This FOA is developed
as an NIH Roadmap Initiative, http://nihroadmap.nih.gov. All NIH Institutes
and Centers are participating. This FOA is being
administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) on
behalf of NIH.
Title: 2009 NIH Director’s Pioneer
Award Program (DP1)
Announcement Type
This is reissue of RFA-RM-08-013.
Update: The following update relating to this announcement has been issued:
Request for Applications (RFA) Number: RFA-RM-09-001
NOTICE: Applications submitted in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Federal assistance must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov) using the SF424 Research and Related (R&R) forms and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED IN PAPER FORMAT.
This FOA must be read in conjunction with the application guidelines included with this announcement in Grants.gov/Apply for Grants (hereafter called Grants.gov/Apply).
A registration process is necessary before submission and applicants are highly encouraged to start the process at least four (4) weeks prior to the grant submission date. See Section IV.
Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance Number(s)
93.310
Key Dates
Release/Posted Date: October 27, 2008
Opening Date: April
15, 2009 (Earliest date an application may be
submitted to Grants.gov)
Letters of Intent Receipt
Date(s): Not
applicable.
NOTE: On-time submission requires that
applications be successfully submitted to Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m.
local time (of the applicant institution/organization).
Application Due Date(s): May 15,
2009
Reference Letter
Submission/Receipt Dates: April 15, 2009 5:00 pm (EDT) May 15, 2009
Peer Review Date(s): June
2009
Advisory Council to the Director Review Date: August 2009
Earliest Anticipated Start Date(s): September
30, 2009
Additional Information: To Be
Available Date (October 17, 2008): Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs) at http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/pioneer/faq.apsx
Expiration Date: May 16,
2009
Due Dates for E.O. 12372
Not Applicable
Additional
Overview Content
Executive Summary
Table of Contents
Part I Overview Information
Part II Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity
Description
1. Research Objectives
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism of Support
2. Funds Available
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
A. Eligible Institutions
B. Eligible Individuals
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria
Section IV. Application and
Submission Information
1. Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
A. Receipt, Review, and Anticipated
Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Submitting an Application
Electronically to the NIH
C. Application Processing
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
6. Other Submission Requirements and Information
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
A. Additional Review Criteria
B. Additional Review Considerations
C. Resource Sharing Plan(s)
3.
Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Section VI. Award Administration
Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
3.
Reporting
Section VII. Agency Contacts
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s)
2. Peer Review
Contact(s)
3. Financial/Grants
Management Contact(s)
Section VIII. Other Information -
Required Federal Citations
Part II
- Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1.
Research Objectives
The NIH Director’s Pioneer Award Program is a unique aspect of the NIH
Roadmap for Medical Research (http://nihroadmap.nih.gov). Pioneer Awards are designed to support individual scientists of exceptional creativity
who propose pioneering and possibly transformative approaches to major
challenges in biomedical and behavioral research. The term pioneering is used
to describe highly innovative approaches that have the potential to produce an
unusually high impact on a broad area of biomedical or behavioral research, and
the term award is used to mean a grant for conducting research, rather than a
reward for past achievements. To be considered pioneering, the proposed
research must reflect ideas substantially different from those already being
pursued in the investigator’s laboratory or elsewhere. Biomedical and
behavioral research is defined broadly in this announcement as encompassing
scientific investigations in the biological, behavioral, clinical, social,
physical, chemical, computational, engineering, and mathematical sciences. The
proposed research may be in any scientific area relevant to the mission of NIH
but need not be in a conventional biomedical or behavioral discipline. If the
individual’s experience is in non-biological areas, however, he/she must
demonstrate a commitment to exploring topics of biomedical or behavioral
relevance.
See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal
Citations, for policies related to this
announcement.
Section
II. Award Information
1. Mechanism of Support
This announcement utilizes the DP1 award mechanism. The Project
Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) will be solely responsible for
planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.
This FOA uses Just-in-Time information concepts.
2.
Funds Available
This is a Roadmap initiative. The NIH Common Fund has set
aside sufficient funds in FY2009 to provide at least 5-10 awards, contingent
upon the availability of funds and the submission of a sufficient number of
meritorious applications.
Awards will be for up to $500,000 in direct
costs each year for five years, plus applicable Facilities and Administrative
costs to be determined at the time of award.
Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs
requested by consortium participants are not included in the direct cost
limitation. See NOT-OD-05-004.
NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.
Section III. Eligibility Information
1.
Eligible Applicants
1.A.
Eligible Institutions
The following
organizations/institutions are eligible to apply:
Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply.
1.B. Eligible Individuals
Applicants
must have submitted a pre-application under PAR-09-012 to be
eligible to submit a full application in response to this FOA. The full
application may not be significantly different from what was proposed in the
X02 application. Significant differences between the full application and
the X02 may result in the full application not being reviewed.
Recipients of the Pioneer Award (DP1) are required to commit the major portion
(at least 51%) of their research effort to activities supported by the Pioneer
Award. Applicants who were not selected for an award in prior years may submit
pre-applications this year. There are no citizenship or residency requirements. NIH intramural investigators are
not eligible for support under this program.
2. Cost
Sharing or Matching
This program does not require cost sharing as defined in the current NIH
Grants Policy Statement.
3. Other-Special
Eligibility Criteria
Resubmissions of applications will not be
allowed under this FOA.
Renewals applications are not allowed under this FOA.
Applicants may submit only one application as a PD/PI in response to this FOA. There is no limit to the number of applications institutions may submit. All applications will be considered new applications, regardless of any previous applications to the Pioneer Award Program.
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
To
download a SF424 (R&R) Application Package and SF424 (R&R) Application
Guide for completing the SF424 (R&R) forms for this FOA, use the Apply for
Grant Electronically button in this FOA or link to http://www.grants.gov/Apply/ and follow
the directions provided on that Web site.
A one-time registration is required for institutions/organizations at both:
PDs/PIs should work with their institutions/organizations to make sure they are registered in the NIH eRA Commons.
Several additional separate actions are required before an applicant can submit an electronic application, as follows:
1) Organizational/Institutional Registration in Grants.gov/Get Registered
2) Organizational/Institutional Registration in the eRA Commons
3) Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) Registration in the NIH eRA Commons: Refer to the NIH eRA Commons System (COM) Users Guide.
Note that for this FOA, only one PD/PI will be allowed (i.e., no multiple PD/PIs).
Both the PDs/PI(s) and AOR/SO need separate accounts in the NIH eRA Commons since both are authorized to view the application image.
Note that if a PD/PI is also an NIH peer reviewer with an Individual DUNS and CCR registration, that particular DUNS number and CCR registration are for the individual reviewer only. These are different than any DUNS number and CCR registration used by an applicant organization. Individual DUNS and CCR registration should be used only for the purposes of personal reimbursement and should not be used on any grant applications submitted to the Federal Government.
Several of the steps of the registration process could take four weeks or more. Therefore, applicants should immediately check with their business official to determine whether their organization/institution is already registered in both Grants.gov and the Commons. The NIH will accept electronic applications only from organizations that have completed all necessary registrations.
1. Request Application Information
Applicants must
download the SF424 (R&R) application forms and the SF424 (R&R)
Application Guide for this FOA through Grants.gov/Apply.
Note:
Only the forms package directly attached to a specific FOA can be used. You
will not be able to use any other SF424 (R&R) forms (e.g., sample forms,
forms from another FOA), although some of the "Attachment" files may
be useable for more than one FOA.
For further assistance, contact GrantsInfo --
Telephone 301-710-0267; Email: [email protected].
Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY
301-451-5936.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Prepare all applications using the SF424 (R&R) application forms and in accordance with the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide for this FOA through Grants.gov/Apply.
The SF424 (R&R) Application Guide is critical to submitting a complete and accurate application to NIH. Some fields within the SF424 (R&R) application components, although not marked as mandatory, are required by NIH (e.g., the Credential log-in field of the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile component must contain the PD/PI’s assigned eRA Commons User ID). Agency-specific instructions for such fields are clearly identified in the Application Guide. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
The SF424 (R&R) application has several components. Some components are required, others are optional. The forms package associated with this FOA in Grants.gov/APPLY includes all applicable components, required and optional. A completed application in response to this FOA includes the data in the following components:
Required Components:
SF424 (R&R) (Cover
component)
Research & Related
Project/Performance Site Locations
Research & Related Other
Project Information
Research & Related Senior/Key Person
Optional Components:
Cover Letter Component: Note: Cover letters should be submitted only when submitting a Changed/Corrected Application after the
submission date, and should include an explanation for the late submission.
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS
Applications proposing
multiple PD/PIs are not allowed.
ADDITIONAL
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The application items include all those
required for the Pioneer Award pre-applications (X02) submitted under PAR-09-012. The
contents of these items must be substantially the same as those submitted in
the pre-application. In addition, applicants submitting full applications in
response to this FOA must arrange to have three letters of reference submitted
on their behalf and must submit information on human and animal subjects.
Because these applications and most NIH applications with receipt dates after January 1, 2009 must be submitted using Adobe forms, there may be minor changes to the
field numbers on the required application forms and to the location where
documents are uploaded. Detailed instructions for completing the required application
components indicated above will be included in a subsequent Notice.
The following instructions are specific to the Pioneer Award (DP1) applications and are exceptions to the general SF424 instructions. Applications that do not conform to the specific instructions detailed below will not be reviewed.
All of the following must be submitted on the SF424 (R&R) Other Project Information Component for the application to be considered complete. The text must be substantially the same as that submitted in the pre-application in response to PAR-09-012. Only minor changes, such as fixing typographical errors, will be allowed.
I. Abstract: The abstract text, which describes the goals of the project, must be substantially the same as that submitted for the pre-application in response to PAR-09-012. Only minor changes, such as fixing typographical errors, will be allowed. As indicated in PAR-09-012, the abstract must have no more than 300 words and must not exceed one page. The abstract must contain text only no figures, animations, or web links to provide further information.
II. Public Health Relevance Statement: A brief statement written in plain language about how the proposed research can positively impact public health.
III. Essay: The essay
text must be substantially the same as that submitted in the pre-application in
response to PAR-09-012. Only minor changes, such as fixing typographical
errors, will be allowed. For completeness, a description of the essay
requirements as indicated in PAR-09-012 follows. An essay of 3-5 pages that addresses the investigator's innovative
vision for, and the significance of, the biomedical or behavioral problem to be
addressed, and the investigator’s qualifications to engage in groundbreaking
research. The essay should describe the investigator’s view of the major
challenges in biomedical or behavioral research to which he/she can make
seminal contributions. The scientific plan should be provided in broad
terms because the research plan is expected to evolve during the tenure of the
grant. The essay should include the following in the
order given with the headings as shown:
1. Project Description: What is the scientific problem that will be addressed, and why is this important? What are the pioneering, and possibly high-risk, approaches that, if successful, might lead to groundbreaking or paradigm-shifting results?
2. Evidence of Innovativeness: What concrete evidence can you provide for your claim of innovativeness? For example, qualities common to many highly innovative people include an interest in, and the ability to integrate, diverse sources of information; an inclination to challenge paradigms and take intellectual risks; persistence in the face of failure; an ability to attract the right collaborators; and the energy and concentration necessary to plan and execute effective strategies for accomplishing goals.
3. How the Planned Research Differs From My Past or Current Work: Describe how the project represents a new and distinct direction for your research.
4. Suitability for Pioneer Award Program: Why is the planned research uniquely suited to the stated
goal of the Pioneer Award program, rather than a traditional grant mechanism?
Literature
references are not required but if included must fit within the five-page
limit. Figures and illustrations may be included but must also fit within the
five-page limit. Do no include links to websites to provide further
information. No animations (movies) are allowed in any documents.
Note that the description of the most significant research accomplishment and the human subjects/animal subjects information also will be attached using this item number.
IV. Summary of the Investigator’s Most Significant Research Accomplishment. The text must be substantially the same as that submitted in the pre-application in response to PAR-09-012. Only minor changes, such as correction of typographical errors, will be allowed. This is limited to one page. Publications or similar documents will not be accepted.
V. Biographical Sketch: A two-page biographical sketch for the PD/PI only. (Use the sample format shown in the URL in Section 4.5.2 of the Application Guide (omitting Section C, Research Support). Only the Biographical Sketch of the applicant should be submitted. No other persons should be designated as key personnel and no other biographical sketches should be uploaded.
VI. List of Current and Pending Research Support: A list of current and pending research support from all sources, including current year direct costs and percent effort devoted to each project. (Use the format shown in Section 3.1.1.8 of the Application Guide.) The effort commitment statement (described below) must be included in this document. Applicants must also provide a brief statement of the facilities to be used for the conduct of the research in this document.
VII. Effort Commitment: Awardees are required to commit at least 51% of their research effort to the project supported by the Pioneer Award. Applicants must include a statement to indicate that, if chosen to receive an award, the applicant will commit a minimum of 51% of his/her research effort to the project supported by the Pioneer Award. This statement must be included in the list of current and pending support.
VIII. Human Subjects / Animal Subjects: If applicable, provide information regarding human subjects
protection, inclusion plans, animal welfare, IRB, and IACUC assurance as
described in the SF424 instructions.
IX. Letters of Reference: Applicants must arrange to have three (and no more than three) letters of reference submitted on their behalf. Applications with fewer than three letters of reference may be considered non-responsive and may not be reviewed. Late letters will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for monitoring the submission of their letters to ensure that three letters have been submitted prior to the submission deadline. Applicants can check the status of their letters in the application grant folder in the Commons.
Referees may submit letters from April 15, 2009 to 5:00 pm (EDT), May 15, 2009 at https://public.era.nih.gov/commons/public/reference/submitReferenceLetter.do?mode=new (Note: The letter writer does not need a Commons account to submit a letter.)
To submit letters, referees will need the following information from the applicant:
Funding Opportunity Number (FOA) for this announcement RFA-RM-09-001;
The applicant’s Commons User Name (Note: Referees do not have to be registered in the Commons and do not need their own Commons User Name only the Commons User Name of the applicant is required);
The applicant’s last name (note the name must match exactly the applicant’s name in the Commons);
The URL to the letter submission page (https://public.era.nih.gov/commons/public/reference/submitReferenceLetter.do?mode=new)
Applicants are encouraged to send the instructions for referees at (http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/pioneer/LettersofReferenceFormat.aspx) to each of their referees along with the information above. Letters of reference are confidential. Applicants will not have access to the letters.
Email confirmations will be sent to the applicant and the referee. The confirmation sent to the applicant will include the referee’s name and the date and time the letter was submitted. The confirmation sent to the referee will include the referee and applicant’s names, a confirmation number, and the date and time the letter was submitted. Referees should record the confirmation number as it is required when submitting revisions to reference letters.
Note: Because email can be unreliable, it is the applicant’s responsibility to check the status of his/her letters of reference periodically in the Commons.
Applicants are encouraged to send the following instructions to their referees:
Instructions for Referees:
Letters may be submitted to the Commons at (https://public.era.nih.gov/commons/public/reference/submitReferenceLetter.do?mode=new)
beginning April 15, 2009, and must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. (EDT), May 15, 2009. Late letters will not be accepted and applications with fewer than three letters may not be reviewed. Letters must be submitted electronically paper copies will not be accepted.
The applicant’s name should be placed at the top of the letter. Although signatures are not required, the letter must include a signature block with the referee’s full name, title, institution, and contact information.
In two pages or less, describe the applicant s qualities that support his/her claim to scientific innovativeness and creativity. When possible, give specific examples that illustrate these qualities. Address the likelihood that the applicant will conduct groundbreaking research in the proposed research area.
The following information is required and must be entered on the letter submission page at the time of submission:
Note: The letter submission page can be accessed without signing into the Commons, and referees do not have to be registered in the Commons. Referees must provide the applicant’s Commons User Name and the other information detailed in this section.
Email confirmations will be sent to both the applicant and the referee following submission of the letter. The email confirmation will include a Confirmation Number that will be required when resubmitting letters. Please print the confirmation email for your records.
Note: If you submitted letters for Pioneer Award applicants in a prior year, you must submit new letters of reference this year. Previously submitted letters will not be retrieved.
Please see the detailed instructions on
submitting letters of reference at http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/pioneer/LettersofReferenceFormat.aspx and the Frequently Asked Questions at http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/pioneer/faq.aspx. Send questions to [email protected].
Special requirements for completing the SF424 (R&R) application are specified in Section IV.6, below. In addition:
Format specifications for Text (PDF)
Attachments: All
attachments must be in PDF format. Follow format specifications for PDF
attachments in the Application Guide (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/SF424_RR_Guide_General_Ver2.pdf)
3.
Submission Dates and Times
See Section IV.3.A. for details.
3.A. Submission, Review, and Anticipated Start Dates
Opening Date: April 15, 2009 (Earliest date an
application may be submitted to Grants.gov)
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): Not applicable.
Application Due Date(s): May 15, 2009
Reference
Letter Submission Dates: April 15, 2009 May 15, 2009
Peer Review
Date(s): June 2009
Advisory Council to the Director Review Date(s): August
2009
Earliest Anticipated Start Date(s): September 30, 2009
3.A.1. Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is not required for the funding opportunity.
3.B. Submitting an Application Electronically to the
NIH
To submit an application in response to this
FOA, applicants should access this FOA via http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp
and follow Steps 1-4. Note: Applications must only be submitted electronically.
PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
3.C.
Application Processing
Applications may be submitted on or after the opening date and must be
successfully received by Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. local time (of the applicant institution/organization) on the application due
date(s). (See Section IV.3.A. for all dates.) If an application is not submitted by the due date(s)
and time, the application may be delayed in the review process or not reviewed.
Once an application package has been successfully submitted through Grants.gov, any errors have been addressed, and the assembled application has been created in the eRA Commons, the PD/PI and the Authorized Organization Representative/Signing Official (AOR/SO) have two weekdays (Monday Friday, excluding Federal holidays) to view the application image to determine if any further action is necessary.
Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by the CSR and responsiveness by the IC. Incomplete and non-responsive applications will not be reviewed.
There will be an acknowledgement of receipt of applications from Grants.gov and the Commons. The submitting AOR/SO receives the Grants.gov acknowledgments. The AOR/SO and the PI receive Commons acknowledgments. Information related to the assignment of an application to a Scientific Review Group is also in the Commons.
Note: Since email can be
unreliable, it is the responsibility of the applicant to check periodically on
the application status in the Commons.
The NIH will not accept any application in response to this FOA that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. When a previously unfunded application, originally submitted as an investigator-initiated application, is to be submitted in response to a funding opportunity, it is to be prepared as a NEW application. That is, the application for the FOA must not include an Introduction describing the changes and improvements made, and the text must not be marked to indicate the changes from the previous unfunded version of the application.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This initiative is not
subject to intergovernmental
review.
5.
Funding Restrictions
All NIH awards are
subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations
described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Pre-award costs are
allowable. A grantee may, at its own risk and without NIH prior approval, incur
obligations and expenditures to cover costs up to 90 days before the beginning
date of the initial budget period of a new or renewal award if such costs: 1)
are necessary to conduct the project, and 2) would be allowable under the
grant, if awarded, without NIH prior approval. If specific expenditures would otherwise
require prior approval, the grantee must obtain NIH approval before incurring
the cost. NIH prior approval is required for any costs to be incurred more than
90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new or
renewal award.
The incurrence of
pre-award costs in anticipation of a competing or non-competing award imposes
no obligation on NIH either to make the award or to increase the amount of the
approved budget if an award is made for less than the amount anticipated and is
inadequate to cover the pre-award costs incurred. NIH expects the grantee to be
fully aware that pre-award costs result in borrowing against future support and
that such borrowing must not impair the grantee's ability to accomplish the
project objectives in the approved time frame or in any way adversely affect
the conduct of the project (see the NIH
Grants Policy Statement).
6. Other Submission Requirements and Information
PD/PI Credential (e.g., Agency Login)
The NIH requires the PD(s)/PI(s) to fill in his/her Commons User ID in the PROFILE Project Director/Principal Investigator section, Credential log-in field of the Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile component.
Organizational DUNS
The applicant organization must include its DUNS number in its Organization Profile in the eRA Commons. This DUNS number must match the DUNS number provided at CCR registration with Grants.gov. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
PHS398 Research Plan Component Sections
Not applicable.
Appendix Materials
Appendices are not allowed and will not be accepted. Applications that contain attachments other than those specified may be rejected during the agency validation process.
Resource Sharing Plan(s)The following resource sharing plans will be requested as just-in-time information if an award is being considered:
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria (Update: Enhanced review criteria have been issued for the evaluation of research applications received for potential FY2010 funding and thereafter - see NOT-OD-09-025).
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.
2. Review and Selection Process
Review of applications for this FOA will be conducted by an interview process. Investigators with outstanding submissions will be interviewed by a panel of distinguished external scientists. The interviews will be held in June 2009 on or near the NIH Campus in Bethesda, MD. A second level of review will be conducted, without further interviews, by the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD), NIH. The Director, NIH, will make the final selection of awardees based on the evaluations of the interview panel, the recommendations of the ACD, and programmatic considerations. Final selections will be announced publicly, and awards made, by the end of September 2009.
Applications that are complete and responsive to this FOA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group in accordance with NIH peer review procedures (http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/peer/), using the review criteria stated below.
Applications submitted in response to this FOA will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications submitted in response to this FOA. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
The goals of NIH supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, to improve the control of disease, and to enhance health.
Applications will be evaluated based on the likelihood that the applicant will pursue a pioneering approach to a problem of relevance to biomedical or behavioral research, In particular, reviewers will evaluate:
The following criteria also will be used in assessing the merit of applications:
Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well-integrated, well-reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?
Innovation: Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches or methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?
Investigator: Is the PD/PI appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator?
Environment: Do(es) the scientific environment(s) in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific environment(s), or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?
2.A.
Additional Review Criteria
In addition to
the above criteria, the following items will continue to be considered in the
determination of scientific merit and the rating:
Protection
of Human Subjects from Research Risk: The involvement of human
subjects and protections from research risk relating to their participation in
the proposed research will be assessed. See the Human Subjects Sections
of the PHS398 Research Plan component of the SF424 (R&R).
Inclusion of Women, Minorities and Children in Research: The adequacy of
plans to include subjects from both genders, all racial and ethnic groups (and
subgroups), and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the
research will be assessed. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects
will also be evaluated. See the Human Subjects Sections of the PHS398
Research Plan component of the SF424 (R&R)
Care and Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research: If vertebrate animals
are to be used in the project, the adequacy of the plans for their care and use
will be assessed. See the Other Research Plan Sections of the PHS398 Research
Plan component of the SF424 (R&R).
Biohazards: If materials or procedures are proposed that are
potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, determine
if the proposed protection is adequate.
2.B. Additional Review Considerations
For this FOA, only
overall costs and project duration are to be submitted with the application.
Will be expected if an award is considered likely, or an explanation of why sharing is not possible.
3.
Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Awardees will be notified in August 2009. Public announcement of
the awards will be made in September 2009. Awards will begin September 30,
2009.
Section VI. Award Administration Information
1.
Award Notices
If the
application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request
"just-in-time" information from the applicant. For details,
applicants may refer to the NIH
Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards,
Subpart A: General.
A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award
(NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization. The NoA is the
authorizing document. Once all administrative and programmatic issues have been
resolved, the NoA will be generated via email notification from the awarding
component to the grantee business official.
Selection of an application for award is not an
authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt of the
NoA are at the recipient's risk. These costs may be reimbursed only to the
extent considered allowable pre-award costs. See Section
IV.5., Funding Restrictions.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All NIH grant
and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the NoA. For these terms of award, see the NIH
Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards,
Subpart A: General and Part
II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions
for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities.
The following terms and conditions will be
incorporated into the NoA and will be provided to the PD/PI and the appropriate
institutional official at the time of award.
1. This award provides funding for an application submitted in response to RFA OD-09-001. This grant should be administered in accordance with the guidelines described in this specific announcement. These guidelines are in addition to the standard Terms and Conditions referenced in Section III of this Notice of Grant Award.
2a. When issuing statements, press releases, and other documents describing projects or programs funded as a NIH Director s Pioneer Award, please use the following acknowledgement: "This work was funded by the National Institutes of Health through the NIH Director's Pioneer Award Program, grant number DP1-OD-xxxxxx. Information on the Pioneer Award Program is at http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/pioneer/.
2b. As indicated in the FOA, awardees are expected to commit at least 51% of their research effort to the project supported by the Pioneer Award.
2c. Awardees are expected to attend an annual symposium in the Bethesda, MD, area.
3.
Reporting
Awardees will be required to submit a
scientific progress report on June 1 of each year describing the progress made
under this grant and to submit a final progress report, Final Invention
Statement, and Financial Status Report at the end of the budget/project period.
We encourage your inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/research (program), peer review, and financial or grants management issues:
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s):
Ravi
Basavappa, Ph.D.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institutes of Health
Building 45, Room 2As19e, MSC 6200
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6200
Phone: 301-594-0828
Email: [email protected] (e-mail
is the strongly preferred method for inquiries)
2. Peer Review Contact(s):
Ravi
Basavappa, Ph.D.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institutes of Health
Building 45, Room 2As19e, MSC 6200
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6200
Phone: 301-594-0828
Email: [email protected] (e-mail
is the strongly preferred method for inquiries)
3. Financial/Grants Management Contact(s):
Marcia F. Cohn
Grants Management Officer
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institutes of Health
Building 45, MSC 6200
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6200
Phone: 301-594-3918
FAX: 301-480-2554
Email: [email protected]
Section VIII. Other Information
Required Federal Citations
Use of Animals
in Research:
Recipients of PHS support for activities involving
live, vertebrate animals must comply with PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of
Laboratory Animals (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/PHSPolicyLabAnimals.pdf)
as mandated by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/hrea1985.htm),
and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm)
as applicable.
Human Subjects
Protection:
Federal regulations (45 CFR 46) require that
applications and proposals involving human subjects must be evaluated with
reference to the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of protection against
these risks, the potential benefits of the research to the subjects and others,
and the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained (http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm).
Data and Safety
Monitoring Plan:
Data and safety monitoring is required for all types
of clinical trials, including physiologic toxicity and dose-finding studies
(Phase I); efficacy studies (Phase II); efficacy, effectiveness and comparative
trials (Phase III). Monitoring should be commensurate with risk. The
establishment of data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) is required for
multi-site clinical trials involving interventions that entail potential risks
to the participants ( NIH Policy for Data and Safety Monitoring, NIH Guide
for Grants and Contracts, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).
Sharing Research Data:
Investigators submitting an NIH application seeking
$500,000 or more in direct costs in any single year are expected to include a
plan for data sharing or state why this is not possible (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing). Investigators should seek guidance from their
institutions, on issues related to institutional policies and local
institutional review board (IRB) rules, as well as local, State and Federal
laws and regulations, including the Privacy Rule. Reviewers will consider the
data sharing plan but will not factor the plan into the determination of the
scientific merit or the priority score.
Policy for Genome-Wide
Association Studies (GWAS):
NIH is interested in advancing genome-wide association
studies (GWAS) to identify common genetic factors that influence health and
disease through a centralized GWAS data repository. For the purposes of this
policy, a genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic
variation across the entire human genome that is designed to identify genetic
associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight), or the
presence or absence of a disease or condition. All applications, regardless of
the amount requested, proposing a genome-wide association study are expected to
provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data
repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the
repository is not possible. Data repository management (submission and access)
is governed by the Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or
Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Guide NOT-OD-07-088.
For additional information, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/
Sharing of Model Organisms:
NIH is committed to support efforts that encourage
sharing of important research resources including the sharing of model
organisms for biomedical research (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/model_organism/index.htm).
At the same time the NIH recognizes the rights of grantees and contractors to
elect and retain title to subject inventions developed with Federal funding
pursuant to the Bayh-Dole Act (see the NIH
Grants Policy Statement. Beginning October 1, 2004, all investigators
submitting an NIH application or contract proposal are expected to include in
the application/proposal a description of a specific plan for sharing and
distributing unique model organism research resources generated using NIH
funding or state why such sharing is restricted or not possible. This will
permit other researchers to benefit from the resources developed with public
funding. The inclusion of a model organism sharing plan is not subject to a
cost threshold in any year and is expected to be included in all applications
where the development of model organisms is anticipated.
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 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 funding opportunity 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.
Inclusion of Women And Minorities in Clinical Research:
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 "NIH Guidelines
for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html);
a complete copy of the updated Guidelines is 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 SF424 (R&R) application; 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 Clinical Research:
The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e.,
individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all clinical research,
conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical
reasons not to include them. 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 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm).
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 applications
for research involving human subjects and individuals designated as key
personnel. The policy is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.
Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC):
Criteria for Federal funding of research on hESCs can
be found at http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp and at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html.
Only research using hESC lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic
Stem Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding (http://escr.nih.gov/). It is the responsibility
of the applicant to provide in the project description and elsewhere in the
application as appropriate, the official NIH identifier(s) for the hESC line(s)
to be used in the proposed research. Applications that do not provide this
information will be returned without review.
NIH Public Access Policy Requirement:
In accordance with the NIH Public Access Policy, investigators
funded by the NIH must submit or have submitted for them to the National
Library of Medicine’s PubMed Central (see http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/), an electronic version of their final, peer-reviewed
manuscripts upon acceptance for publication, to be made publicly available no
later than 12 months after the official date of publication. The
NIH Public Access Policy is available at (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-033.html). For more
information, see the Public Access webpage at http://publicaccess.nih.gov/.
Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
issued final modification to the "Standards for Privacy of Individually
Identifiable Health Information", the "Privacy Rule", on August
14, 2002. The Privacy Rule is a federal regulation under the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 that governs the protection
of individually identifiable health information, and is administered and enforced
by the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Decisions about applicability and implementation of
the Privacy Rule reside with the researcher and his/her institution. The OCR
website (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/) provides
information on the Privacy Rule, including a complete Regulation Text and a set
of decision tools on "Am I a covered entity?" Information on the
impact of the HIPAA Privacy Rule on NIH processes involving the review,
funding, and progress monitoring of grants, cooperative agreements, and
research contracts can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-025.html.
URLs
in NIH Grant Applications or Appendices:
All applications and proposals
for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. For
publications listed in the appendix and/or Progress report, Internet addresses
(URLs) or PubMed Central (PMC) submission identification numbers must be used
for publicly accessible on-line journal articles. Publicly accessible
on-line journal articles or PMC articles/manuscripts accepted for publication
that are directly relevant to the project may be included only as URLs or PMC submission identification numbers accompanying the full reference
in either the Bibliography & References Cited section, the Progress Report
Publication List section, or the Biographical Sketch section of the NIH grant
application. A URL or PMC submission identification number citation may be
repeated in each of these sections as appropriate. There is no limit to the
number of URLs or PMC submission identification numbers that can be cited.
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 FOA 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 at http://www.cfda.gov/ and is not
subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372.
Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public
Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal
Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and
92. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and
other considerations described in the NIH Grants
Policy Statement.
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.
Loan Repayment Programs:
NIH encourages applications for educational loan
repayment from qualified health professionals who have made a commitment to
pursue a research career involving clinical, pediatric, contraception, infertility,
and health disparities related areas. The LRP is an important component of
NIH's efforts to recruit and retain the next generation of researchers by
providing the means for developing a research career unfettered by the burden
of student loan debt. Note that an NIH grant is not required for eligibility
and concurrent career award and LRP applications are encouraged. The periods of
career award and LRP award may overlap providing the LRP recipient with the
required commitment of time and effort, as LRP awardees must commit at least
50% of their time (at least 20 hours per week based on a 40 hour week) for two
years to the research. For further information, please see: http://www.lrp.nih.gov/.
Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
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