REANNOUNCEMENT OF NEI ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPLEMENTS TO SUPPORT DNA
MICROARRAY FACILITIES
Release Date: September 25, 2000
NOTICE: EY-01-001
National Eye Institute
On November 30, 1999, the National Eye Institute (NEI) announced a
program to assist institutions with establishing DNA microarray
facilities. At this time, the NEI is reannouncing the availability of
these administrative supplements to NEI-funded research projects (R01)
and MERIT Awards (R37). This announcement provides a second receipt
date for such applications and adds a fifth review criterion.
This administrative supplement program is issued in response to
recommendations developed at the recent NEI Functional Genomics
Workshop. The goal of the workshop was to provide NEI with a set of
recommendations for the development of genomic resources needed to
facilitate understanding of the normal visual system and its related
disorders and diseases. More information concerning the workshop can
be found at http://www.nei.nih.gov. In addition, information
regarding NEI programmatic interest in functional genomics is available
in NEI"s publication Vision Research, A National Plan: 1999-2003, which
is located at http://www.nei.nih.gov/resources/strategicplans/neiplan/.
Proposed facilities must be designed to support the application of
state-of-the art microarray technologies to innovative vision research
and must serve a minimum of five NEI-funded research projects. Requests
are limited to the purchase of equipment, supplies, and technical
personnel critical to the DNA microarray facility. Appropriate
equipment for which support may be requested includes, but is not
limited to, DNA arrayers and readers, robotic equipment for automation,
and, with strong justification, computers for informatics. Since these
administrative supplements are intended to assist institutions, it is
expected that the applicant institutions will support personnel,
equipment, and supplies associated with the establishment and operation
of the facility.
Institutions which have previously received an NEI administrative
supplement to support DNA microarray facilities may not apply again.
Revisions of unfunded applications will be accepted. All requests must
meet the following criteria: (1) the project period of the grant to be
supplemented must have at least two years remaining at the time of award
and (2) the work proposed must be within the scope of the research
originally recommended by peer-review for the grant to be supplemented.
Applicants may request up to two years of support, the requested budget
may not exceed $350,000 total costs over two years. Because funds are
limited, NEI will give highest priority to administrative supplement
requests that meet the following criteria:
1. The applicant provides a description of five NEI-funded R01 and/or
R37 research projects that will benefit from the presence of a
microarray facility, including how the array technology will enhance
ongoing research projects within the scope of the originally proposed
specific aims.
2. The applicant provides documentation of strong institutional
commitment to support the microarray facility, including continued
support for the facility and the technology after the time period of the
supplement. Applicants must document the resources and environment
available at the institution to effectively operate the facility,
including support for personnel, equipment, supplies, and availability
of laboratory space.
3. The applicant provides a detailed budget and budget justification for
the personnel, equipment or supplies requested.
4. The applicant provides a detailed description of the administration
and management of the DNA microarray facility. Important consideration
should be given to setting priorities for the facility and ensuring
access by the vision researchers.
5. The applicant provides a detailed description of bioinformatics
support and strategies for data management and interpretation.
A request for an administrative supplement under this program should
include a cover letter requesting the administrative supplement and
identifying this program.
The application should be developed using the PHS Form 398 (revised
4/98) Face Page, budget Form Pages 4 and 5, Biosketch of the Principal
Investigator, and resources Form Page 8. The Research Plan should
address points 1 through 5 above and should not exceed five pages.
This is a one-time announcement with requests submitted on or before
February 15, 2001. One copy of the request should be sent to:
Ellen S. Liberman, Ph.D.
Director, Lens and Cataract and Glaucoma Programs
National Eye Institute
Executive Plaza South, Suite 350
6120 Executive Blvd, MSC 7164
Bethesda, MD 20892-7164
Rockville, MD 20852 (for express/courier service)
The request for the administrative supplement will be evaluated by a
committee composed of NIH intramural and extramural staff. Awards will
be determined on the basis of scientific merit, program relevance, and
the availability of funds. The expected award date is May 1, 2001.
Funded applicants will be expected to provide progress reports at the
end of years one and two.
INQUIRIES
Inquiries concerning this notice are strongly encouraged. The
opportunity to clarify any issue or questions from potential applicant
is welcome.
Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:
Ellen S. Liberman, Ph.D.
Director, Lens and Cataract and Glaucoma Programs
National Eye Institute
Executive Plaza South, Suite 350
6120 Executive Blvd, MSC 7164
Bethesda, MD 20892-7164
Telephone: (301) 496-0484
FAX: (301) 402-0528
Email: ellenliberman@nei.nih.gov
Direct fiscal inquiries to:
William W. Darby
Grants Management Branch, NEI
National Eye Institute
Executive Plaza South, Suite 350
6120 Executive Blvd, MSC 7164
Bethesda, MD 20892-7164
Telephone: (301) 496-5884
FAX: (301) 496-9997
Email: wwd@nei.nih.gov