EXTRAMURAL ASSOCIATES RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AWARD (EARDA): FACULTY RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT SUPPORT PROGRAM (FRESP) Release Date: January 17, 2001 RFA: RFA-HD-01-004 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (http://www.nichd.nih.gov) Letter of Intent Receipt Date: March 1, 2001 Application Receipt Date: April 13, 2001 PURPOSE The Extramural Associates (EA) Program, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, (NICHD), NIH, announces two initiatives directed at scientific faculty and academic administrators of women's colleges and of institutions with significant underrepresented minority (i.e., Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, or Native American) student populations. The two initiatives target two different types of institutions. The Sponsored Research Infrastructure Program (SRIP), published in a companion RFA (HD-01- 003), is intended for EA- eligible institutions that award the Masters or the Ph.D. degree in the biomedical and/or behavioral sciences and/or other health- related professional degrees. In addition, it is anticipated that these institutions already have a modest research base of health-related research. This RFA describes the Faculty Research Enhancement Support Program (FRESP) and is intended for non-research intensive EA-eligible institutions granting the baccalaureate degree as the highest degree in the biomedical or behavioral sciences. Selected community colleges that have established collaborative research activities or bridge programs with institutions that award at least a baccalaureate degree are also eligible. The goal of these initiatives is to increase the participation of these institutions in biomedical and behavioral research and research training through an integrated residency and an institutional support program. The objectives of the FRESP program, with its ten-week NIH residency summer experience, are to: (a) enhance faculty opportunities to conduct biomedical and behavioral research and research training; (b) increase the EA's (i.e., participants in the residency EA Program) knowledge of the NIH and related agencies' research and research training funding opportunities; (c) develop skills in the fundamentals of preparing research grant applications, research contract proposals, training grant and fellowship applications; (d) aid undergraduate institutions and a selected group of community colleges in developing collaborative and consortium arrangements with other academic institutions; (e) assist EAs in increasing student participation in research; and (f) assist EAs in effectively guiding students toward careers in science and research. A major focus addresses strategies and processes for attracting women and underrepresented minority undergraduate students into research experiences that will lead to biomedical and behavioral research careers. It is anticipated that the individuals participating in the program will become the institutional focal point in promoting biomedical and behavioral research and research training activities among students and faculty and, where appropriate, establish or become a resource for an Office of Research Development at the applicant institution. HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010 The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 2010, a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This request for Applications (RFA) is related to one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may obtain Healthy People 2010 at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Applications may be submitted by domestic, private and public women's colleges and educational institutions with significant underrepresented minority (i.e., Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, or Native American) student populations that offer programs in the biomedical or behavioral sciences. Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators or Extramural Associates. [The terms Principal Investigator and Extramural Associate (EA) are used interchangeably in this document.] Preference will be given to those institutions that demonstrate the greatest need to establish or strengthen and develop research and research training infrastructure. The FRESP and its ten-week residency program is for eligible institutions that grant no degree in the biomedical or behavioral sciences higher than the baccalaureate, currently receive little or no research funding, and are interested in developing a focal point of information exchange about research and research training opportunities for faculty and students. Community colleges that have established significant collaborative research activities or bridge programs with institutions that award at least a baccalaureate degree are also encouraged to apply. Institutions that grant baccalaureate degrees as the highest degree in the health-related sciences, with a substantial research base and significant faculty involvement in sponsored research activities, may be eligible to apply for the SRIP, five-month program. At a minimum, however, such institutions must have received MBRS or MARC support, preferably both, and have current or prior support from two other Federal agencies other than the Department of Education. In addition, the science faculty, of which 70 percent must have terminal degrees, must have published in reputable scientific journals in the past three years. Other requirements include science faculty membership in organizations such as SRA, NCURA or NSPAA and a 25 percent rate of their science graduates gaining acceptance to either graduate or professional schools. Permission for these institutions to apply for the SRIP instead of the FRESP must be obtained in advance from the EA Program Office contact, listed under INQUIRIES, below. An institution may submit only one application for participation in the Program in response to this current RFA. Eligible women's colleges and underrepresented minority institutions that have never had a faculty member participate in the EA Program are strongly encouraged to apply. 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 infrastructure components. Institutions that received an Extramural Associate Research Development Award in years 1994 through 2000, 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 or OD-00-001, are not eligible to apply under this announcement. Institutions that had EAs enrolled in the ten-week NIH training program prior to 1994 and who have never received an EARDA grant are eligible to apply for this program. However, the proposed Principal Investigator from such institutions must agree to participate in the ten-week NIH residency training program. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Extramural Associate Research Development Award (G11) mechanism. The G11 mechanism is used to support institutional resources to improve the research infrastructure (including part-time professional and administrative staff, equipment, etc.) An award made to a successful FRESP applicant or to a successful SRIP applicant is termed an EARDA. Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed EARDA will be solely that of the applicant. FUNDS AVAILABLE The NIH intends to commit approximately $135,000 in total costs [direct plus Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs] in FY 2002 to fund three to five new FRESP grants in response to this RFA. Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs for these awards are fixed at eight percent of total direct costs. Applicants may request a project period of five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $25,000 for the first 12-month budget period. In Years 02 through 05, budgets up to $30,000 in direct costs may be requested for administration of a Research Development Office. Because the nature and scope of the effort proposed may vary, it is anticipated that the size of awards also will vary. Although this program is provided for in the financial plans of NICHD, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. TRANSITIONAL AWARDS Since a major goal of the program is to establish an Office of Research Development, applicants successful in receiving a five-year EARDA are expected to compete for a one-time, three-year Transitional EARDA Award which will be based on a cost-sharing arrangement. The purpose of the Transitional Award is to allow the institutions time to assume full financial responsibility for the Office of Research Development after eight years of EARDA grant support. It is expected that during the first year of the Transitional Award (Year 06, overall), NICHD would contribute 75 percent of the total costs. During the second year, NICHD and the institution would each contribute 50 percent, and in the third and final year, the institution would contribute 75 percent and NICHD would contribute 25 percent. Thereafter, the institution would assume full financial responsibility for the Office of Research Development. Applications for the Transitional EARDA will be solicited from eligible institutions at the appropriate time. PROGRAM 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 ten-week summer residency program is for institutions with an individual wishing to become a focal point for information about funding of biomedical and behavioral research, and to support training opportunities for undergraduate students leading to careers in biomedical or behavioral research. Scope Candidates (Principal Investigators) for the EARDA must be full time scientific faculty or academic science administrators at the institution. If approved and invited to participate, they will be required to spend 10 weeks 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 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. Associates 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. In the course of the program, they visit other Federal agencies, and a nearby university’s office of sponsored research. Opportunities are also provided to observe NIH site-visits to grantee institutions. 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) an assembled 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 a those of other Federal and private agencies; and (6) the embryonic stage of a meaningful partnership with a research intensive institution. The Residency Program It is anticipated that awards will be made during the NIH residency which begins the first week of June 2002. However, successful applicants will be notified following the September 2001 meeting of the National Advisory Child Health and Human Development Council so that the identified EA will have time to arrange for participation in the residency program during 2002. It is anticipated that the ten-week residency FRESP Program will begin the first full week of June, 2002 and end in mid-August. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Institutional Commitment In nominating the 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 ten-week summer residency program, institutional support may involve a commitment to provide authority for the EA to assume a key role as a focal point for information about research opportunities for faculty and students. A sign of institutional commitment is a statement in the proposed plan about how the institution plans to continue the developmental research activity once EARDA support expires. A contribution to the EA's training costs under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) is also considered a demonstration of the institution's commitment to the goals of the program. The EA and the institution must be fully committed to the EA residency training. Specifically, because of the time and effort devoted to 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 Funds may be requested for release time to serve as a focal point for research activities at the home institution upon completion of the residency program, for student/teacher seminars and workshops to enhance research interest and to establish consortia research arrangements. Funds may also be used for, but not limited to, the following: purchase of office supplies and equipment, administrative assistance, membership dues in the Society of Research Administrators (SRA) or another comparable organization, and travel expenses for the EA to gain additional experience in carrying out the functions of the office. Salary support for the EA during the ten-week 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 only for 42 weeks 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 the rate of 75 percent by NIH and the institution contributes 25 percent. The cost of relocating the EA from the home institution to the NIH and any other cost incurred that is related to the residency program are reimbursed at 100 percent. Although institutions with an existing Office of Research Development or similar office, or with funding through programs such as the RCMI, may apply, adjustments in the final funding level for budgetary overlap may be made prior to the award. Change of Principal Investigator If a request to change the Principal Investigator is received at any time during the five-year grant, support may be suspended pending approval of a substitute Principal Investigator by the EA Program Director. URLS IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. Unless otherwise specified in an NIH solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide information necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Reviewers are cautioned that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the name, professional status, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the proposed EA, and the 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 to Dr. Matthew A. Kinnard at the address listed under INQUIRIES, below, by March 1, 2001. APPLICATION PROCEDURES The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) is to be used in applying for these grants. These forms are available at most institutional offices of sponsored research, on the Internet at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html, and from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone 301-710-0267, E-mail: grantsinfo@nih.gov. Application Instructions The instructions accompanying Form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) must be followed, with the exceptions noted below: For section I.C.9., Specific Instructions - Research Plan, use Continuation Pages to provide information on the three parts described below under Special Instructions for Research Plan. The total length for these three parts combined should not exceed 15 pages. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESEARCH PLAN: The Research Plan for a FRESP application consists of three parts. These parts are required and it is imperative that applicants fully address each point described in the outline, below, since these points 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 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. It should also include 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 ten-week summer 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 EARDA application upon submission to the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) and to NICHD (see Submission Instructions 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 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 should include the following: o A brief description of the institution's mission and history with respect to preparing women and/or underrepresented minorities for careers in research. o A brief statement which imparts the institution's philosophy on the role of undergraduate education in fostering faculty and student research, as well as in preparing students for graduate studies in the sciences. o A description of the current academic environment, with emphasis on the institution's science departments and/or programs. Data on the composition of science faculty and student enrollment should be provided in this section. o A statement on the existing or potential quality of the institution's research and research training environment, providing information on campus-wide funded or pending grant support or collaborative research activities 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 support; (4) number of faculty with full-length publications (how many) in peer- reviewed journals; (5) number of faculty with publications in non-peer reviewed journals; (6) presentations at local, regional, and national meetings; (7) number of faculty collaborations; (8) faculty involved in peer review activities: ad hoc members or members of standing committees; (9) current student population in the sciences and follow-up data (e.g., graduate and post-graduate career profiles); (10) current and planned facilities for scientific research and training; and (11) current and planned Federal and non-Federal research support. A brief description of the current research facilities and research administration functions should also be included. o A detailed description of the current status of the Sponsored Programs/Research Office or similar office if one exists at the institution. A letter from the head of this office, if one exists, signed and dated and stating explicitly that he or she is committed to working in mutual harmony with the Office of Research Development, once established, for the maximum benefit of the entire institution. o A copy of the institution's course catalogue should be attached to the application in the Appendix. Part III: Institutional Plan Institutional representatives, including the President or equivalent, and the nominee must have jointly designed a preliminary plan that will allow the nominee to serve as a focal point for developing faculty and research capabilities at their institution. This part of the application pertains to the institutional plan for the EA's role and activities following completion of the EA ten-week residency summer program. It must provide: o A statement of the 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 An advisory committee: The purpose, function, and nature of expertise should be described but specific members should not be appointed until after an award is made. It is expected that at least one person external to the applicant institution will be a member of the advisory committee. This committee could play a key role in developing the EA application as well as in serving as advisors to the EA in the establishment and the ongoing research development activities. o A preliminary plan, including the source of funds, for continuation of the program once NIH support expires. o A justification for developing or expanding an Office of Research Development. o A plan for assessing the effectiveness of the overall institutional plan. Emphasis should be given to establishing collaborative arrangements and partnerships with private industry and businesses. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPENDIX: The Appendix to the application should include the following material: o Reference letters from colleagues identified. o A copy of the institution's course catalogue should be attached to the application. o Letter from Director of Sponsored Programs Office. Submission Instructions The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) application form must be stapled to the bottom of the face page of the application and must display the RFA number HD-01-004. A sample RFA label is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf. Please note this is in the pdf format. 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. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the Checklist, and three signed photocopies, and the original plus three photocopies of all reference letters, 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 reference letters should be sent to: L. R. Stanford, Ph.D. Director, Division of Scientific Review National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 5E03F, MSC 7510 Bethesda, MD 20892-7510 Rockville, MD 20852 (for express/courier service) Applications must be received by April 13, 2001. 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 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 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 REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by CSR and for responsiveness to the RFA by NICHD. Incomplete and/or nonresponsive applications will be returned to the applicant without further consideration. Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate review group convened by the Division of Scientific Review, NICHD, in accordance with the review criteria stated below, and will receive a second level review by the National Advisory Child Health and Human Development Council. As part of the merit review, all applications will receive a written critique, and also may undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific merit will be discussed and assigned a priority score. Review Criteria I. 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 minorities and women 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 Extramural Associate preferably for the duration of the EARDA grant but, at a minimum, for three full years. II. 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. 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 committee membership and structure to review, fund, and monitor pilot research and research training studies; o A budget that is appropriate for the plan and is adequately justified; and o The presence, strength, and viability of the proposed evaluation strategy. SCHEDULE Letter of Intent Receipt Date: March 1, 2001 Application Receipt Date: April 13, 2001 Peer Review Date: June 2001 Council Review: September, 2001 Earliest Anticipated Start Date: June 15, 2002 AWARD CRITERIA Applications will be selected for funding based on their merit as determined by peer review, availability of funds, and program priorities. INQUIRIES Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged. The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants concerning the EA Program or concerning the EARDA is welcome. Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to: Matthew A. Kinnard, Ph.D. Director, Extramural Associates Program National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institutes of Health 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6198, MSC 7910 Bethesda, MD 20892-7910 Telephone: (301) 435-2736 Fax: (301) 480-0393 E-mail: KinnardM@mail.nih.gov Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to: Ms. Myrtle Coleman Grants Management Branch National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 8A01, MSC 7510 Bethesda, MD 20892-7510 Telephone: (301) 496-5001 FAX: (301) 402-0915 E-mail: colemama@exchange.nih.gov AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS Awards are made under authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and administered under NIH grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-277, 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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