EXTRAMURAL ASSOCIATES SPONSORED RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (SRIP)

RELEASE DATE: April 28, 2004

RFA NUMBER:  RFA-HD-04-008

EXPIRATION DATE:  June 18, 2004

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
 
PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
 (http://www.nih.gov/)

COMPONENT OF PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION:  
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) 
 (http://www.nichd.nih.gov/)

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER(S):  93.865

LETTER OF INTENT RECEIPT DATE:  May 18, 2004
APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE:  June 17, 2004

THIS RFA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

o Purpose of this RFA
o Research Objectives
o Mechanism 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 Extramural Associates (EA) Program, National Institute of Child Health and 
Human Development (NICHD), NIH, announces an initiative directed at scientific 
faculty and academic science administrators of women's colleges and of 
institutions with significant underrepresented minority (i.e., Black, 
Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, or Native American) student populations. 
This RFA describes the Sponsored Research Infrastructure Program (SRIP) and is 
intended for eligible institutions that award the Master's or the Ph.D. degree 
in the biomedical and/or behavioral sciences and/or other health-related 
professional degrees. In addition, it is expected that these institutions 
already have a modest research base of health-related research. 

The goal of this initiative is to increase the participation of these 
institutions in biomedical and behavioral research and research training 
through an integrated residency and institutional grant support program.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

The EA Program was established in 1978 at the NIH to promote the entry and 
participation of women and underrepresented minority institutions into 
biomedical and behavioral research. Overall, the program accomplishes this 
mission by providing EAs from women's colleges and underrepresented minority 
institutions with the opportunity to come to the NIH to gain the necessary 
understanding of the processes utilized by the NIH as well as other Federal 
agencies to provide funding to support biomedical and behavioral research and 
research training. The five-month SRIP winter residency program is for 
institutions with an individual wishing to establish or augment an Office of 
Research Development for the purpose of enriching faculty and student 
participation in biomedical and behavioral research activities. A successful 
applicant institution receives an Extramural Associates Research Development 
Award (EARDA); the individual from the awardee institution who participates in 
the residency EA Program is known as the Extramural Associate (EA).

Program Objectives

The objective of the SRIP program, through its five-month residency experience 
at NIH, is to enhance the research capacity of the awardee institution by 
providing the following resources: (1) administrative support for the 
development of grant applications and/or contract proposals; (2) updated 
information about the availability of funds to support biomedical and 
behavioral research and research training; (3) grantsmanship seminars for 
faculty; and (4) the resources to develop approaches to encourage faculty and 
students to participate in biomedical and behavioral research.

It is anticipated that the individuals participating in the residency program 
will be responsible for establishing or enhancing an office that provides 
administrative support for research and research training projects receiving 
external funding, and for implementing pilot studies that encourage faculty 
and students to engage in research from a broader perspective.

Scope

Candidates for the Extramural Associates Research Development Award (EARDA) 
must be full-time scientific faculty or academic science administrators at the 
applicant institution. If approved and invited to participate, they will be 
required to spend five months at the NIH in residency training. The program 
has the flexibility necessary to allow each EA to participate in activities 
that are consistent with the institution's concerns and interests in health-
related research. Upon entering the program, EAs are assigned a preceptor and 
participate in the regular EA Program curriculum. The EA's preceptor, a senior 
NIH or Public Health Service (PHS) official, is available for guidance with 
respect to working assignments and related activities to assure consistency 
with the Institutional Plan presented in the EARDA application. EAs attend an 
initial series of orientation sessions as well as in-depth seminars that 
prepare them to use their time effectively at the NIH. Working assignments are 
intended to provide in-depth exposure to the administration of NIH and other 
Federal extramural research programs. EAs have the opportunity to learn about 
the Federal legislative and budgetary processes, to study administrative 
procedures, and to observe staff meetings and scientific review meetings. 
During the course of the residency program, they visit other Federal agencies, 
and a nearby university's office of sponsored research. Opportunities may also 
be provided to observe NIH site-visits to grantee institutions. 

Residency Training Curriculum

The purpose of the residency training curriculum is to provide the EA with the 
skills needed to improve or enhance the research infrastructure at the 
participating institution. Toward this end, the curriculum will focus on eight 
core areas:  (1) The Organization and Function of the NIH; (2) Extramural 
Program Policies and Procedures; (3) Extramural Scientific Review Policies and 
Procedures; (4) Compliance and Regulatory Issues; (5) Project Administration 
and Financial Management; (6) Extramural Funding Mechanisms and Opportunities; 
(7) Other Federal Funding Programs and Opportunities; and (8) Grantsmanship 
Workshops and Seminars. Individual training specific to needs of the EAs or 
their institutions will be provided by their assigned mentors.

Upon completion of the program, the EAs have: (1) a comprehensive working 
knowledge of the range of Federal support of biomedical and behavioral 
research; (2) skills in preparation of research grant applications; (3) a plan 
to establish or expand the institution's "Office of Research Development;" (4) 
knowledge of the composition of an Advisory Committee with membership capable 
of reviewing, recommending for funding, and monitoring faculty pilot research 
projects; (5) a network of contacts to the NIH and other Federal agencies, so 
they can serve as a liaison for faculty and students to access NIH 
opportunities, as well as those of other Federal and private agencies; and (6) 
the embryonic stage of a meaningful partnership with a research intensive 
institution. 

Following the residency training, EARDA grant funds will be used for the 
purpose of improving the research infrastructure at participating institutions 
and providing seed money for faculty and student pilot research projects.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This RFA will use the NIH Extramural Associate Research Development Award 
(G11) award mechanism. As an applicant you will be solely responsible for 
planning, directing, and executing the proposed project. The anticipated award 
date is upon completion of the NIH residency training after  December 1, 2004.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

The NICHD intends to commit approximately $189,000 in total costs [Direct plus 
Facilities and Administrative (F & A) costs] in FY 2005 to support three to 
five new grants in response to this RFA.  An applicant may request a project 
period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $35,000 in 
the first year and up to $85,000 per year in subsequent years.  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 NICHD 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. 

ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS

You may submit an application if your institution has any of the following 
characteristics: 

o Domestic, private and public women's colleges and educational institutions 
with significant underrepresented minority student populations that offer 
programs in the biomedical or behavioral sciences. 

o Eligible women's colleges and underrepresented minority institutions that 
have never had a faculty member participate in the EA Program.

o Institutions that had EAs enrolled in the five-month NIH residency training 
program prior to 1994 and who have never received an EARDA grant are eligible 
to apply for this program. However, the proposed Principal Investigators from 
such institutions must agree to repeat the five-month NIH residency training 
program.

Institutions that have received a Research Centers in Minority Institutions 
(RCMI) award, if successful in applying for this award, may have their budget 
requests reduced if there is significant overlap in funding for infrastructure 
components.

Institutions that received an Extramural Associates Research Development Award 
(EARDA) in years 1994 through 2003 resulting from their response to 
RFAs OD-94-002, OD-94-003, OD-95-001, OD-96-001, OD-97-002, OD-98-004, OD-99-001, 
OD-00-001, HD-01-003, HD-02-007 or HD-03-07 are not eligible to apply under this 
announcement.

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 his/her 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.   

The Principal Investigator will serve as the Extramural Associate (EA) for the 
program.  Full-time science faculty, i.e., faculty who have earned degrees in 
the life sciences (biomedical and or behavioral sciences) or in the physical 
sciences (chemistry, mathematics, physics or engineering) are eligible to 
become Principal Investigators. Academic science administrators, or mid-level 
and senior level faculty, are preferable so long as they have the flexibility 
to participate in the residency training and carry out the expectations 
outlined in the RFA after completing the residency training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Institutional Commitment

Institutions may nominate only one Principal Investigator per cycle for 
participation in the program. In nominating the EA candidate, the sponsoring 
institution is expected to commit adequate resources to formulate and 
implement an Institutional Plan, which will build upon the EA's residency 
training experience. 

For the five-month residency program, this may include:

o a commitment to provide the EA with support, in the form of designated 
authority to develop or enhance an Office of Research Development upon his/her 
return to the institution.

o a statement in the proposed plan describing how the institution plans to 
continue the developmental research activity once EARDA support expires.

o the EA's residency training costs under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act 
(IPA). The institution should be prepared to provide advance travel and per 
diem for the EA during the first year of the EARDA.

Absence During Training 

The EA and the institution must be fully committed to the EA residency 
training. Specifically, because of the time and effort expended in scheduling 
and conducting the training, only in extreme cases will the EA be excused from 
any part of the training to engage in institutional responsibilities incurred 
prior to or during the residency training.

Allowable Costs

Funding for the program may be used to support the activities of the EA upon 
returning to the home institution. Such activities include equipping an 
office, support of small pilot research studies, conduct of student/teacher 
seminars and workshops to enhance research interest, and the establishment of 
consortium research arrangements. Other purposes for which funds may be used 
include, but are not limited to, the following: 

o Purchase of office supplies and equipment 

o Administrative assistance (Support for administrative assistance can be 
requested up to, but must not exceed, 50 percent FTE. Any request for 
administrative assistance greater than 50 percent FTE will be denied.) 

o Travel expenses for the EA to gain additional experience in carrying out the 
functions of the office 

o Membership dues in one professional organization whose function is related 
to the goals of the EA Program. 

Salary support for the EA during the five-month residency program will be 
provided through an IPA agreement mechanism described below, not through or 
from the EARDA grant itself. Therefore, salary should be requested for only 
seven months in the first 12-month budget period of the EARDA. The costs for 
the residency program are entirely separate from the EARDA award. Selected EAs 
will come to the NIH for the assignment under the IPA. The IPA enables 
temporary appointments to the Federal government by employees from academic 
institutions. Cost sharing is required. The IPA provides partial support for 
the EA while he/she is at NIH. Under the IPA arrangement, up to 67 percent of 
the cost of the EA's salary, while at the NIH, is reimbursed. Similarly, per 
diem (food and lodging) costs are reimbursed at 75 percent by NIH and the 
institution contributes 25 percent. The cost of relocating the EA from the 
home institution and any other costs incurred that are related to the 
residency program are reimbursed at 100 percent. Included in related costs are 
expenses to return to the home institution, for a one-week period, 
approximately mid-way through the five-month residency to meet with 
institution officials and faculty to discuss plans for implementing the 
institutional plan upon the EA's return. 

Although institutions with an existing Office of Research Development or 
similar office or with funding through programs such as the Research Centers 
in Minority Institutions (RCMI) may apply, adjustments in the final funding 
level for budgetary overlap will be made prior to the award.

Change of Principal Investigator

If a request to change the Principal Investigator (PI) of the EARDA is 
received at any time during the five-year grant, the NICHD may suspend support 
pending approval of a substitute Principal Investigator by the EA Program 
Director. Additionally, the new PI must attend a modified EA training course 
to be conducted by the EA Program staff. The expense for residency training 
for the new PI will be borne entirely by the grantee institution.

Inclusion of Pilot Research Projects 

Please do not include in this application any descriptions of pilot studies 
that will be conducted by faculty at your institution. These pilot studies 
will not be considered by peer reviewers of your grant application; therefore, 
such information will not influence the evaluation. Detailed instructions for 
submitting pilot studies for evaluation of scientific and technical merit, 
human subjects protection and animal welfare, and the inclusion of women, 
minorities and children can be accessed at: 
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/RFA/HD-04-008/HD-04-008.htm. 

Post-Award Monitoring

To insure the EA is making satisfactory progress in achieving the goals and 
objectives of the EA Program and is receiving appropriate institutional 
support, two EARDA assessments will be conducted during the five-year grant 
period. The first assessment will take place at the institution approximately 
18 months after the EARDA is awarded. The second one, a grantee interview, 
will take place at the NIH during the latter part of the fourth year or early 
in the fifth year of the grant and will include the EA and one or two 
designated institutional officials. Applicants should include in their budget, 
funds necessary to participate in the grantee interview at NIH. These 
assessments will be carried out in addition to the normal requirement for 
submitting annual Progress Reports to the NICHD.

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:  

Matthew Kinnard, Ph.D.
Director, Extramural Associates Program
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
6100 Executive Boulevard, 5E03, MSC 7510
Bethesda, MD  20892-7510
Telephone: (301) 435-2736
FAX: (301) 480-0393
Email: kinnardm@mail.nih.gov

o Direct your questions about peer review issues to:  

Robert Stretch, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Scientific Review
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 5B01, MSC 7510
Bethesda, MD  20892-7510
Telephone: (301) 496-1485
FAX: (301) 402-4104
Email: stretchr@mail.nih.gov

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

Ms. Myrtle Coleman
Grants Management Branch
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
6100 Executive Boulevard, 8A17, MSC 7510
Bethesda, MD 20892-7510
Telephone: (301) 402-4572
FAX: (301) 402-7827
Email:  colemama@exchange.nih.gov 

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 NICHD 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:  

Matthew Kinnard, Ph.D.
Director, Extramural Associates Program
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
6100 Executive Boulevard, 5E03, MSC 7510
Bethesda, MD  20892-7510
Telephone: (301) 435-2736
FAX: (301) 480-0393
Email: kinnardm@mail.nih.gov

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant application 
instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001). Applications must have a Dun and 
Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as the 
Universal Identifier when applying for Federal grants or cooperative 
agreements. The DUNS number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-5711 or 
through the web site at http://www.dunandbradstreet.com/. The DUNS number 
should be entered on line 11 of the face page of the PHS 398 form. The PHS 398 
document is available at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive 
format.  For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 435-0714, 
Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS: The instructions accompanying Form PHS 398 (rev. 
5/2001) must be followed, with the exceptions noted below:

Special Instructions for Research Plan 

For section I.C.9, Specific Instructions - Research Plan, use Continuation 
Pages to provide information on the three parts described below. The total 
length for these three parts combined should not exceed 15 pages. 

The Research Plan for a SRIP application consists of three parts. These parts 
are required and it is imperative that applicants fully address each point 
described in the outline below because they are reflected in the review 
criteria.

Part I: The Nominee

This part pertains to the nominee's background and potential as an EA. It 
should be prepared by the nominee and must include:

o Evidence of rapport with faculty and students, ability to motivate and 
advise others, and commitment to serve the institution.

o A description of the nominee's commitment to increasing and strengthening 
involvement of women and underrepresented minorities in biomedical and 
behavioral research at the institution. This description also should address 
his/her interest in and commitment to the objectives of the EA Program, the 
benefits that will accrue to the institution from his/her participation in the 
program, and the nominee's availability to participate in the five-month 
residency program at the NIH.

o The names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail 
addresses of three colleagues who have consented to submit letters of 
reference to the NIH attesting to the personal qualifications and potential 
effectiveness of the nominee. The reference letters must be included in the 
appendix. One of these letters should be from the President of the applicant 
institution. Reference letters should accompany the two applications sent to 
the NICHD (see SENDING AN APPLLICATION TO THE NIH, below). The reference 
letters must be received in the same package with the EARDA application. 
Otherwise, the application is considered incomplete and will be returned to 
the applicant without further consideration. In order to comply with this 
requirement, it is recommended that all reference letters be obtained from the 
referring individuals as far in advance of the application deadline as 
possible.

o A detailed description of the current status of the sponsored programs 
office or similar office at the institution and the nominee's plan to take the 
institution forward with regard to developmental research activities. 

Part II: The Institution

This part pertains to the institution's mission and goals related to the EA 
Program. It should be prepared by institutional officials and must include the 
following:

o Statement of interest in and plans to improve the health-related research 
capabilities of the institution.

o If applicable, a description of a current Office of Research Development or 
similar institutional unit.

o If applicable, a description of a current Sponsored Programs Office or 
similar institutional unit.

o A letter from the head of the Sponsored Programs Office or similar office, 
signed and dated, should be included in the Appendix. The letter should state 
explicitly that he or she is committed to working cooperatively with the 
Office of Research Development once established for the benefit of the entire 
institution.

o Statement of the institution's demonstrated past and potential contributions 
to the advancement of minorities and/or women in biomedical and behavioral 
research and training.

o Description of the current academic environment. This should include a 
history/accreditation, and profile of the student population, including a 
detailed categorization of the enrollment of minorities and women.

o Description of the research environment. Include a description of the 
science faculty and the research capability as indicated by: (1) number of 
faculty members in biomedical and behavioral science disciplines; (2) number 
of faculty engaged in biomedical and behavioral science research; (3) number 
of faculty with external research support; (4) evidence of presentations at 
local, regional, and national meetings; (5) evidence of faculty research 
collaborations with investigators at other institutions; (6) faculty involved 
in peer review activities, as members of standing or ad hoc review committees; 
(7) current student population in the sciences and follow-up data (e.g., 
graduate and post-graduate career profiles); (8) current and planned 
facilities for scientific research and training; and (9) current and planned 
Federal and non-Federal research support.

o Description of ongoing or planned cooperation and/or collaboration with 
other institutions or Federal or non-Federal organizations.

Part III: Institutional Plan 

The EA selected to participate in the SRIP will submit a preliminary plan that 
describes the establishment or enhancement of the institution's Office of 
Research Development. This plan should describe an approach for enhancing the 
research capabilities of the institution using the skills to be gained by the 
nominee. The plan also should include details about steps to be taken for 
identifying, funding, and monitoring progress of scientifically meritorious 
pilot research studies, as well as the development of seminars and workshops, 
and plans to involve students in research activities. This section should be 
developed by both faculty and administrators and should include:

o A statement of nominee's role, authority, and institution-wide accessibility 
upon return to the institution as well as a description of resources that will 
be made available to the nominee, including a detailed budget. 

o At least one advisory committee must be described and established. The 
purpose, function, and expectation of the committee should be described in the 
application, but specific members should not be appointed until after an award 
is made. This committee could serve as advisory to the EA in the establishment 
and maintenance of ongoing research development activities. This committee 
will also be responsible for the review, recommendation for funding, and 
monitoring of faculty pilot research studies. All other planned committees 
should be included in this section with a justification for the particular 
committee structure and function proposed and a description of the proposed 
membership.

o A description of plans to initiate or expand local or regional 
cooperation/collaboration in research activities. Particular emphasis is 
placed on partnering with foundations and with private companies and 
businesses.

o A preliminary plan, including the source of budgetary resources, for 
continuation of the program once NIH support expires.

Special Instructions for Appendix

The Appendix to the application should include the following items:

o Reference letters from colleagues identified.

o Letter from Director of Sponsored Programs Office.

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 all 
copies of the appendix material must be sent to:  

Robert Stretch, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Scientific Review
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 5B01, MSC 7510
Bethesda, MD  20892-7510
Rockville, MD 20852 (for express/courier service)

APPLICATION PROCESSING:  Applications must be received on or before the 
application receipt date listed in the heading of this RFA.  If an application 
is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without 
review.

Although there is no immediate acknowledgement of the receipt of an 
application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding 
assignment within eight weeks.

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.  
However, when a previously unfunded application, originally submitted as an 
investigator-initiated application, is to be submitted in response to an RFA, 
it is to be prepared as a NEW application.  That is, the application for the 
RFA must not include an Introduction describing the changes and improvements 
made, and the text must not be marked to indicate the changes from the 
previous unfunded version of the application.  

PEER REVIEW PROCESS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR and 
responsiveness by the NICHD.  Incomplete or non-responsive applications will 
be returned to the applicant without further consideration. 

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

o Undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the 
highest scientific merit, generally the top half of the applications under 
review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score
o Receive a written critique
o Receive a second level review by the National Advisory Child Health and 
Human Development Council.

REVIEW CRITERIA

I. The Nominee 

o Strength of personal qualifications as indicated by past training and 
experience;

o Evidence of ability to enhance the institution's effectiveness in involving 
women and underrepresented minorities in health-related research;

o Demonstrated interest and resourcefulness, and evidence that the nominee has 
the requisite experience and access to the science faculty and to the 
administration to accomplish the goals of the program;

o Ability to commit himself or herself to function as the EA, preferably for 
the duration of the EARDA grant but, at a minimum, for three full years.

II. The Institution 

In the context of the institution's history and stage of development:

o Quality of science education and potential for research and/or research 
training in biomedical and behavioral sciences;

o Evidence of commitment to preparing women and/or underrepresented minorities 
for careers in science;

o Evidence of potential for developing research and research training 
infrastructure;

o Strength and quality of faculty and students in health-related science 
departments; and

o Potential for conducting collaborative sponsored research and research 
training projects.

III. The Institutional Plan

o Evidence of a strong institutional commitment to implementing the plan;

o Evidence, as reflected in institutional statements and the budget, that the 
nominee will be provided sufficient resources to carry out the plan;

o Evidence that the nominee will have sufficient authority to carry out the 
plan;

o Coherence of the plan and evidence that there is adequate coordination among 
key faculty and administrators (i.e., composition and functioning of 
committees) in its development;

o Adequacy of the proposed Advisory Committee to review, fund, and monitor 
pilot research studies;

o The presence, strength, and viability of the proposed evaluation strategy; 
and

o The justification for establishing or expanding an Office of Research 
Development.

ADDITIONAL REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS 

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:  May 18, 2004
Application Receipt Date:  June 17, 2004
Peer Review Date:  July/August 2004
Council Review:  September 2004
Earliest Anticipated Start Date:  After December 01, 2004

AWARD CRITERIA

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

PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT:  The 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to 
provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA) under some circumstances.  Data that are (1) first produced in a 
project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited 
publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has 
the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA.  
It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope of this 
amendment.  NIH has provided guidance at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm.

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

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

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010:  The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to 
achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy 
People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas.  This 
RFA is related to one or more of the priority areas.  Potential applicants may 
obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.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 or Health 
Systems Agency review.  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 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 NIH Grants 
Policy Statement can be found at 
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm.  

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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