FUNCTIONAL HETEROGENEITY OF THE PERIPHERAL, PULMONARY AND LYMPHATIC 
VESSELS  

RELEASE DATE:  September 24, 2002

RFA:  HL-03-004

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
 (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov) 

LETTER OF INTENT RECEIPT DATE: January 14, 2003 

APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE:  February 14, 2003
 
THIS RFA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

o Purpose of this RFA
o Research Objectives
o Mechanism(s) of Support 
o Funds Available
o Eligible Institutions
o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators
o Special Requirements 
o Where to Send Inquiries
o Letter of Intent
o Submitting an Application
o Peer Review Process
o Review Criteria
o Receipt and Review Schedule
o Award Criteria
o Required Federal Citations:

PURPOSE OF THIS RFA

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites 
applications to address the functional heterogeneity of the arterial and 
venous sides of the peripheral and pulmonary vessels as well as the 
lymphatics. The purpose of this RFA is to support fundamental studies 
focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the 
functional differences which account for the heterogeneous nature of the 
adult peripheral, pulmonary and lymphatic vessels.  These studies are to 
be limited to non-coronary arteries, pulmonary vessels, and the venous 
and lymphatic circulations.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background
 
The economic and public health burdens of peripheral and pulmonary 
vascular diseases and diseases of the lymphatics are immense, 
contributing to increased morbidity and mortality especially as people 
age.  An important observation is that arteries, veins and lymphatics 
are structurally and functionally heterogeneous, at the regional, 
tissue, cellular and molecular levels.  Examples are the blood-brain 
barrier, the unique pulmonary circulation, blood flow regulation in the 
various vascular beds, and localized vascular lesions.  It is likely 
that these structural and functional similarities and differences 
contribute to the etiology of peripheral vascular, pulmonary and 
lymphatic diseases. It is here that functional heterogeneity becomes 
important physiologically, and especially in the treatment of the large 
numbers of vascular diseases.  Functional heterogeneity refers to the 
phenotype (from the tissue, cellular and to the molecular levels) that 
is unique to different vessels. These characteristics may be related to 
the diverseness of the endothelial cells, myocytes and other components 
of a particular vessel or even vascular bed, or may be regionally 
specific within the same vessel or vascular bed.  Understanding how all 
the vascular components interact and contribute to the functional 
heterogeneic nature of the vasculature is a neglected area in vascular 
biology.  New opportunities abound in unraveling this field with the 
tools and approaches that are currently available to the investigator.  
Therefore, a better understanding of the cellular and molecular factors 
that contribute to this heterogeneity should provide insight into the 
pathogenesis of peripheral vascular, pulmonary and lymphatic diseases, 
and would lead to new and more effective treatments. 

The derivation of vascular heterogeneity is multifaceted, beginning when 
the nascent vasculature is laid down in the embryo.  Structural and 
functional changes occur during organogenesis, driven by genetic, 
environmental, hormonal, hematologic and tissue specific factors, as 
well as by intralumenal hemodynamic forces, eventually resulting in the 
formation of the mature vessel.  Although the mechanisms that drive 
early vascular development are being actively pursued, very little is 
known about the mechanisms contributing to structural and functional 
remodeling of the nascent vessels that ultimately define the properties 
of the adult vascular tree.  Furthermore, most vascular studies focus 
primarily on the arterial side of the circulation with few addressing 
the venous and, fewer still, the lymphatic circulations.  
 
The heterogeneity of the vasculature is further exemplified in the 
interaction of blood proteins and cells with the vessel wall, where 
these interactions may be modified by different shear forces and 
inflammatory mediators of the disparate vascular beds.  On the arterial 
side, hemostatic balance is believed to be regulated by vascular bed-
specific endothelial cell signaling pathways, involving specific 
endothelial gene expression unique to the vessel and regulated by 
surrounding tissue.  While some progress has been made with coronary 
vessels, the peripheral arteries have been essentially neglected.   On 
the venous side, the etiology and risk factors for venous thrombosis are 
different from those contributing to arterial thrombosis.  Venous 
thrombosis is most common in the lower extremities and is favored in 
slow flow and low oxygen environments. The distinctive properties of the 
venous endothelium, its response to shear forces, and its interaction 
with blood proteins and cells leading to thrombus formation need to be 
better understood. 
 
Even within a specific vascular system, such as the pulmonary 
circulation where there are phenotypic and functional differences in 
vascular cells, the functional significance of these differences remains 
to be resolved.   Further still, the lymphatic circulation has a unique 
position in its relationship to the arterial and venous circulations in 
terms of vascular permeability, fluid transfer, macromolecular 
homeostasis and immunity in that there is no heart to provide 
hemodynamic pressure and propulsion, flow is obstructed easily, and 
collaterals may not form.  In congenital cases, lymphedema may be 
asymmetric, even though a mutation is present throughout the body. 
 
With respect to the vessel itself, the majority of studies continue to 
focus on the inner and medial layers of the vessel rather than on the 
outer wall.  The outer wall, which includes the adventitial layer and in 
certain vessels the vasa vasorum, has historically been assigned a 
passive role of simply providing nutrients to the medial and inner 
layers.  Now, these layers are felt to play a significant role in 
maintaining vessel integrity, and may contribute to the initiation and 
progression of certain types of vascular disease.  Little is known about 
the phenotypic differences in these outer layers and how they contribute 
to vascular functional heterogeneity.
 
The outcome of these studies ultimately should lead to better treatment 
of peripheral vascular, pulmonary and lymphatic diseases, and may also 
lead to the development of highly specific and dynamic imaging probes 
that will provide for more accurate diagnoses and assessments of 
treatment. 
 
Objectives and Scope

This RFA will support studies on the cellular and molecular mechanisms 
that contribute to the differences and functional heterogeneity of the 
adult peripheral, pulmonary and lymphatic vessels.  Although studies 
that compare functional differences between dissimilar vascular systems, 
such as pulmonary versus non-pulmonary vessels are encouraged, they are 
not required.  It is strongly encouraged that applicants propose studies 
that will relate findings to the functional differences unique to a 
particular vessel or vascular bed. Since there is little current 
research explicitly designed to study vascular heterogeneity, these 
studies may require interdisciplinary collaborations between vascular 
cellular and molecular biologists, hematologists, clinicians and 
vascular surgeons.  Research aims that would be considered responsive 
include, but are not limited to: 

o  studies on the factors involved with vessel maturation and remodeling 
in different organs

o  development and utilization of genetically engineered animal models 
to study hemodynamic forces and vascular heterogeneity and function
     
o  studies to differentiate the functional and genetic differences 
between arterial, venous and lymphatic endothelial and smooth muscle 
cells 
     
o  studies to address the metabolic and immunologic differences of the 
arterial, venous and lymphatic circulations     
     
o  studies on the mechanisms controlling the homing behavior of 
endothelial precursor cells and how this relates to vascular 
heterogeneity
      
o  mechanistic studies that focus on the role of the adventitia and vasa 
vasorum in maintaining vessel integrity and in the initiation and 
progression of disease

o  studies on the factors which cause lymphatic and vascular 
malformations

o  studies that focus on the molecular characteristics of the leg veins 
and their interaction with blood

o  studies that investigate the properties of the peripheral and 
pulmonary vascular signaling pathways and how perturbations lead to a 
prothrombic state

o  studies that address how specific differences in, for example, 
endothelial cell surface receptors and adhesion molecules, permeability 
and fluid transport properties, response to hypoxia or hyperoxia, or 
interactions with other vascular cells influence development and 
susceptibility to lung injury

o  studies using hypoxia, including intermittent hypoxia, to elucidate 
the basis of heterogeneity of different vascular beds
 
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
 
This RFA will use the NIH R01 (investigator-initiated research project 
grant) award mechanism.  As an applicant you will be solely responsible 
for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.  This RFA 
is a one-time solicitation.  Future unsolicited, competing-continuation 
applications based on this project will compete with all investigator-
initiated applications and will be reviewed according to the customary 
peer review procedures.  The anticipated award date is September 30, 
2003.  

This RFA uses just-in-time concepts.  It also uses the modular 
budgeting format. (see 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm).   
Specifically, if you are submitting an application with direct costs in 
each year of $250,000 or less, use the modular format.

FUNDS AVAILABLE
 
The NHLBI intends to commit approximately $4,000,000 in FY 2003 to fund 
8 to 10 new and/or competitive continuation grants in response to this 
RFA. An applicant may request a project period of up to four years and 
a budget for direct costs of up to $250,000 per year. Because the 
nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to 
application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award 
will also vary. Although the financial plans of the NHLBI to 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.

Since the total costs for a subcontract or consortium are included in 
the direct cost request, one additional module of $25,000 above the cap 
may be requested for the facilities and administrative costs associated 
with third party agreements.  A module requested for this purpose must 
be clearly identified in the budget justification section of the 
application, and will be restricted for this purpose only at the time 
of award.

ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS

You may submit (an) application(s) if your institution has any of the 
following characteristics:	
o For-profit or non-profit organizations 
o Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, 
hospitals, and laboratories 
o Units of State and local governments
o Eligible agencies of the Federal government  
o Domestic or foreign
o Faith-based or community based organizations 

INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS   

Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to 
carry out the proposed research is invited to work with their 
institution to develop an application for support.  Individuals from 
underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with 
disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH programs.   

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Grantees" Meetings

Upon initiation of the program, the NHLBI will sponsor annual meetings 
to encourage the exchange of information among investigators who 
participate in this program.  In the preparation of the budget for the 
grant application, applicants should factor in travel funds for the one 
meeting each year to be held in Bethesda, Maryland.  Applicants should 
also include a statement in the applications indicating their 
willingness to participate in such meetings. The first such meeting 
likely will take place within 3 months of award.

Restrictions and Exclusions

Although studies that compare functional differences between dissimilar 
vascular systems, such as pulmonary versus non-pulmonary vessels are 
encouraged, they are not required.  However, it is strongly encouraged 
that applicants must propose studies that will relate findings to the 
functional differences unique to a particular vessel or vascular bed. In 
this regard, studies addressing the coronary arterial vessels will not 
be considered responsive unless they focus on the adventitial layer or 
the vasa vasorum.  

Studies using human tissue will be considered responsive. 

General Clinical Research Center

Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research 
Center (GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center for Research Resources 
may wish to identify the GCRC as a resource for conducting the proposed 
research.  If so, a letter of agreement from either the GCRC program 
director or principal investigator should be included with the 
application.

WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES

We encourage inquiries concerning this RFA and welcome the opportunity 
to answer questions from potential applicants.  Inquiries may fall into 
three areas:  scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants 
management issues:

o Direct your questions about scientific/research issues to:

Dr. Stephen S. Goldman 
Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 
Rockledge 2 
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7956
Bethesda, MD  20892-7956
Telephone:  (301)435-0560 
FAX:  (301) 480-2858
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Dorothy B. Gail
Division of Lung Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 
Rockledge 2 
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7952
Bethesda, MD  20892-7952
Telephone:  (301)435-0222
FAX:  (301) 480-3557
Email: [email protected]

Dr. Pankaj Ganguly 
Division of Blood Diseases and Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 
Rockledge 2 
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7950
Bethesda, MD  20892-7950
Telephone:  (301)435-0070 
FAX:  (301) 480-1046
Email: [email protected]

o Direct your questions about peer review issues to:

Dr. Anne P. Clark
Chief, Review Branch
Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 7214, MSC 7924
Bethesda, MD  20892-7924 (20817 for express/carrier service)
Telephone:  (301)435-0270 
FAX:  (301) 480-0730
Email: [email protected]

o Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters 
to:

Mr. Owen O. Bobbitt
Grants Operation Branch
Division of Extramural Affairs
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 
Rockledge 2 
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7926
Bethesda, MD  20892-7926
Telephone:  (301)435-0177 
FAX:  (301) 480-0422
Email: [email protected]

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that 
includes the following information:

o Descriptive title of the proposed research
o Name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator
o Names of other key personnel 
o Participating institutions
o Number and title of this RFA 

Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does 
not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information 
that it contains allows IC staff to estimate the potential review 
workload and plan the review.

The letter of intent is to be sent by the date listed at the beginning 
of this document.  The letter of intent should be sent to Dr. Anne 
Clark at the address listed under WHERE TO SEND INQUIRES.

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant 
application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001).  The PHS 398 is 
available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in 
an interactive format.  For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, 
Telephone (301) 710-0267, Email: [email protected].
 
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR MODULAR GRANT APPLICATIONS:  All applications 
submitted to this RFA must use the modular budget format.  Applications 
requesting up to $250,000 per year in direct costs must be submitted in 
a modular grant format.  Applications requesting one module ($25,000) 
above the cap due to subcontract or consortium facilities and 
administrative costs associated with third party agreements must also 
be submitted in modular format and may request up to $275,000 per year 
in direct costs.  The modular grant format simplifies the preparation 
of the budget in these applications by limiting the level of budgetary 
detail.  Applicants request direct costs in $25,000 modules.  Section C 
of the research grant application instructions for the PHS 398 (rev. 
5/2001) at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html 
includes step-by-step guidance for preparing modular grants.  
Additional information on modular grants is available at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm.

USING THE RFA LABEL: The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 
5/2001) application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page 
of the application.  Type the RFA number on the label.  Failure to use 
this label could result in delayed processing of the application such 
that it may not reach the review committee in time for review.  In 
addition, the RFA title 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.

SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH: Submit a signed, typewritten 
original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed, 
photocopies, in one package to:

Center For Scientific Review
National Institutes Of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD  20892-7710
Bethesda, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application and 
five collated sets of appendix material must be sent to Dr. Anne Clark 
at the address listed under WHERE TO SEND INQUIRES.

APPLICATION PROCESSING: 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.

Principal investigators should not sent supplementary material without 
first contacting the Scientific Review Administrator (SRA).  The SRA 
will be identified in the letter sent to you indicating that your 
application has been received.  If you have not received such a letter 
within three weeks after submitting the application, contact Dr. Anne 
Clark at the address listed under WHERE TO SEND INQUIRES.

PEER REVIEW PROCESS  

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR 
and responsiveness by the NHLBI. Incomplete applications will be 
returned to the applicant without further consideration.  And, if the 
application is not responsive to the RFA, CSR staff may contact the 
applicant to determine whether to return the application to the 
applicant or submit it for review in competition with unsolicited 
applications at the next appropriate NIH review cycle.

Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be 
evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer 
review group convened by the NHLBI in accordance with the review 
criteria stated below.  As part of the initial merit review, all 
applications will:

o Receive a written critique
o Undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the 
highest scientific merit, generally the top half of the applications 
under review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score
o Receive a second level review by the National Heart, Lung and Blood 
Advisory Council or Board. 
 
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 discuss the 
following aspects of your application in order to judge the likelihood 
that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the 
pursuit of these goals: 

o Significance 
o Approach 
o Innovation
o Investigator
o Environment
  
The scientific review group will address and consider each of these 
criteria in assigning your application"s overall score, weighting them 
as appropriate for each application.  Your 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, 
you may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not 
innovative but is essential to move a field forward.

(1) SIGNIFICANCE:  Does your study address an important problem? If the 
aims of your application are achieved, how do they advance scientific 
knowledge?  What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or 
methods that drive this field?

(2) APPROACH:  Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and 
analyses adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the 
aims of the project?  Do you acknowledge potential problem areas and 
consider alternative tactics?

(3) INNOVATION:  Does your project employ novel concepts, approaches or 
methods? Are the aims original and innovative?  Does your project 
challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or 
technologies?

(4) INVESTIGATOR: Are you appropriately trained and well suited to 
carry out this work?  Is the work proposed appropriate to your 
experience level as the principal investigator and to that of other 
researchers (if any)?

(5) ENVIRONMENT:  Does the scientific environment in which your work 
will be done contribute to the probability of success?  Do the proposed 
experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific 
environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements?  Is there 
evidence of institutional support?

ADDITIONAL REVIEW CRITERIA: In addition to the above criteria, your 
application will also be reviewed with respect to the following:

o PROTECTIONS:  The adequacy of the proposed protection for humans, 
animals, or the environment, to the extent they may be adversely 
affected by the project proposed in the application.

o INCLUSION:  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.  Plans for the 
recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated. (See 
Inclusion Criteria included in the section on Federal Citations, below)

o BUDGET:  The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested 
period of support in relation to the proposed research.

RECEIPT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:     January 14, 2003
Application Receipt Date:          February 14, 2003
Peer Review Date:                  June/July, 2003
Council Review:                    September 4-5, 2003
Earliest Anticipated Start Date:   September 30, 2003

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.

REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS 

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 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:  The NIH maintains a policy 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 is available at 
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 proposals for research 
involving human subjects.  You will find this policy announcement in the 
NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts Announcement, dated June 5, 2000, at 

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.

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 PA in a public 
archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the 
distribution for an indefinite period of time.  If so, the application 
should include a description of the archiving plan in the study design 
and include information about this in the budget justification section 
of the application. In addition, applicants should think about how to 
structure informed consent statements and other human subjects 
procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under 
this award.

URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES: All applications and 
proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page 
limitations. Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation, Internet 
addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide information necessary to 
the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the 
Internet sites.   Furthermore, we caution reviewers that their anonymity 
may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010: The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to 
achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of 
"Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority 
areas. This RFA is related to one or more of the priority areas. 
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at 
www.health.gov/healthypeople. 

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.837, 93.838, and 93.839 and is not 
subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 
12372 or Health Systems Agency review.  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 described at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm
and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92 

The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-
free workplace and discourage the use of all tobacco products.  In 
addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits 
smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a 
facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, 
health care, or early childhood development services are provided to 
children.  This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and 
advance the physical and mental health of the American people.

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