A CENTRAL DATABASE OF PROTEIN SEQUENCE AND FUNCTION
 
RELEASE DATE:  February 21, 2002
 
RFA:  RFA-HG-02-001

PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND CENTERS (ICs):
 
National Human Genome Research Institute
 (NHGRI; http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/)
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
 (NIGMS; http://www.nigms.nih.gov/)
National Library of Medicine
 (NLM; http://www.nlm.nih.gov)
National Institute of Mental Health
 (NIMH; http://www.nimh.nih.gov/)
National Center for Research Resources
 (NCRR; http://www.ncrr.nih.gov)
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
 (NIDCR; http://www.nidcr.nih.gov)
 
LETTER OF INTENT RECEIPT DATE:  March 19, 2002
APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE:       April 19, 2002
 
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 National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the National 
Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), the National Library of 
Medicine (NLM), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the 
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), and the National 
Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) jointly request 
applications to develop and maintain a central protein database 
(hereafter called "Database").  This Database will serve as a 
repository of curated protein sequences and will provide high quality 
annotation of both sequence and functional information.  This Database 
will allow many types of queries of the data and will coordinate with 
databases containing complementary data to facilitate queries across 
the databases. This Database is necessary to allow biologists to use 
the enormous amount of data from the Human Genome Project and from 
structural and functional genomics projects to understand human disease. 
 
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
 
Background

With the recent accumulation of genome sequences for many organisms, 
most notably the draft human sequence, attention is now turning to the 
identification and function of proteins encoded by these genomes.  At a 
basic level, scientists need a database of all proteins encoded by the 
genome of an organism to understand how these proteins function in 
making up a living cell.  However, the ability to use genome sequence 
to identify proteins and to understand protein function is complicated 
by several factors.  The number of different functional proteins often 
exceeds the number of genes due to the generation of protein isoforms 
by alternative RNA processing.  Also, covalent modification of proteins 
results in changes in protein function and stability. 

An increasing amount of effort is going into the identification of all 
of the different proteins in cells and the comprehensive study of 
protein interactions, modifications, and functions, defining the field 
of proteomics.  This effort is in part driven by the new information 
provided by the genome projects, and by technological advances in 
protein science.  Thus, techniques such as the yeast two-hybrid 
interaction screen and improved mass spectrometric methods have enabled 
scientists to address new questions about how proteins work and the 
composition of the molecular machines that perform the functions in a 
cell.  In addition, the Structural Genomics Initiatives  
(http://www.nigms.nih.gov/funding/psi.html) from NIGMS will generate 
new protein structural information that also will be important for 
understanding protein function.  With the increasing volume and variety 
of protein sequences and functional information, a central database of 
protein sequence and function will provide a cornerstone for the field 
of proteomics.  

In the future, proteomics will have an important role in the study and 
treatment of human disease.  Many Institutes and Centers (ICs) at the 
NIH consider proteomics to be important for the realization of their 
goals.  For basic research, proteomics is a resource for use in model 
systems to understand how cells and tissues function and to define 
regulatory networks of proteins within cells.  For the discovery of the 
causes of different diseases, proteomics provides a tool to investigate 
the precise molecular defect in diseased tissues.  For diagnosing 
disease states, proteomics helps develop reagents to precisely define 
the molecular characteristics of a particular disease.  Finally, for 
drug discovery, proteomics is a tool to identify new drug targets and 
to develop assays for new drugs.  With these goals in mind, a central 
database of protein sequence and function is needed as a resource to 
support proteomics.

Currently, several databases exist with different coverage of protein 
sequences and with various types of information annotated.  A central 
resource is necessary to ensure that scientists receive rich and non-
redundant information at a single location.  
 
Objectives and scope

The Database funded by this RFA is expected to be a stable resource 
that will enable a broad range of scientists to use the large amount of 
information becoming available about proteins and their functions.  The 
Database should provide a comprehensive resource of information 
concerning the protein products of genes.  The interface must be simple 
and easy to understand while the output should allow easy access to 
different levels of information.  This output should include Web-based 
links to other databases to facilitate the rapid exploration of 
additional information.  The Database should provide tools to 
facilitate the identification and analyses of many genes and their 
products.  These tools should include methods for complex queries and 
for retrieval of datasets for later analysis.  

A central database of protein sequence and function should have the 
following features, which applicants should address in their applications:

o  The Database should be curated, accurate, stable, and comprehensive. 

o  The Database must be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to the 
changing needs of the scientific community. 

o  The application should describe the strategy for deciding which 
protein sequences will be annotated and which types of information will 
be included.   

o  The Database should include information on protein sequences, 
nomenclature, isoforms translated from alternatively-spliced RNAs, 
computer-predicted and experimentally-determined covalent 
modifications, homology and paralogy relationships, domain 
identification, and protein family classifications. 

o  Additional information on gene function should be included, such as 
potential protein interactions, expression patterns, and pathways.  New 
data types should be incorporated as they arise. 

o  The data should be annotated using widely accepted biological 
ontologies, such as those provided by the Gene Ontology Consortium.

o  Annotation methods should include computational analyses and 
extraction of information from the literature.

o  The types of evidence and methods for the annotation along with 
attribution of their source should be included for all data. 

o  The quality of the data should be clearly indicated, for both 
experimental and computational data.
 
o  For protein sequence data, the original source of the sequence 
should be indicated.  All protein sequences obtained by conceptual 
translation of DNA must refer to the accession and version number of a 
GenBank or RefSeq entry, must provide specific coordinates for 
translation as well as a reading frame if this is partial, and must 
also refer to the proper genetic code for this gene.  If the protein 
sequence is different from the above-specified translation(i.e., 
translation exception information), then computable instructions for 
the proper additional transformation must also be provided.  

o  When publications are cited, the PubMed ID should be provided, if 
available, along with a link to the PubMed reference.

o  The schema used by the Database should be described along with the 
capacity of the Database to expand to accommodate an increase in 
database entries and types of information.  The schema should be 
provided on the Database Web site.

o  The Database should be easily accessible with multiple methods of 
querying, including simple Web interfaces for common standard queries 
and tools for more complex queries.  

o  All information in database records must be in an explicitly 
defined, parsable format such as XML conforming to a Document Type 
Definition (DTD).

o  The application should include information on how efficient and 
unencumbered access to the Database will be maintained.  A method of 
freely downloading large datasets from the Database should be included, 
so that users can acquire and analyze all or large parts of the data.

o  The Database should include a user support service to provide 
consultation and technical assistance in the use of the Database.

o  The Database should develop methods to speed up the annotation 
process and to incorporate large datasets.  

o  The Database must coordinate with related databases, including 
agreeing on controlled vocabularies and common data exchange formats.  
The output should include links to information in related databases. 

o  The application should provide specific plans on operating in a 
cost-effective manner.  

o  The application should discuss how the Database will set priorities 
to accomplish the requirements above within the limitations of the 
proposed budget.  Applicants should explain how the projects to be 
supported by this award will coordinate with related projects supported 
by other funding.  

o  The Database should release new data to the public in a timely 
manner.  The application should describe the plans for the release of 
data and schema to the user community.

o  At the end of the funding period, if the award is not renewed, all 
data accumulated during the award shall be provided to groups chosen by NHGRI.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
 
This RFA will use the NIH U01 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 
earliest anticipated award date is September 20, 2002.

The NIH U01 is a cooperative agreement award mechanism in which the 
Principal Investigator retains the primary responsibility and dominant 
role for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project, with 
NIH staff being substantially involved as a partner with the Principal 
Investigator, as described under the section "Cooperative Agreement 
Terms and Conditions of Award".

FUNDS AVAILABLE 
 
The participating ICs intends to commit approximately $5.0 million in 
FY 2002 to fund a single new grant in response to this RFA. An 
applicant may request a project period of up to 3 years and a budget 
for direct costs of up to $4.5 million per year. Although the financial 
plans of the ICs provide support for this program, awards pursuant to 
this RFA are contingent upon the availability of funds. 
 
ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS
 
You may submit an application 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
 
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 or 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.   
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS

Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award 

The following terms and conditions will be incorporated into the award 
statement of the cooperative agreement awarded under RFA HG-02-001 and 
will be provided to the Principal Investigator, as well as the 
appropriate institutional official, at the time of award.  The 
following special terms of award are in addition to, and not in lieu 
of, otherwise applicable OMB administrative guidelines, DHHS grant 
administration regulations at 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92 [Part 92 are 
applicable when State and local Governments are eligible to apply], as 
are other DHHS, NIH, and NHGRI grant administration policies: 

(1)  The administrative and funding instrument used for this program 
will be the Cooperative Agreement (U01).  The cooperative agreement is 
an "assistance" mechanism (rather than an "acquisition" mechanism), in 
which substantial NIH scientific and programmatic involvement by NHGRI 
program staff with the awardee is anticipated during the performance of 
the activity. Under the Cooperative Agreement, the NIH purpose is to 
support or stimulate the recipient's activity by involvement in and 
otherwise working jointly with the award recipient in a partner role, 
but it is not to assume direction, prime responsibility, or a dominant 
role in the activity. Consistent with this concept, the dominant role 
and prime responsibility for the Database as a whole will reside with 
the awardee, although specific tasks and activities in carrying out the 
project will be shared among the awardee and the NHGRI Program Director.

(2) P.I. Rights and Responsibilities: 

The P.I., the person who assembles the project, will have the primary 
responsibility for defining the details of the Database within the 
guidelines of RFA HG-02-001 and for performing the scientific 
activities. The P.I. will agree to accept close coordination, 
cooperation, and participation of NHGRI staff in those aspects of 
scientific and technical management of the project as described under 
"NHGRI Program Staff Responsibilities." 

The P.I. of Database will: 

o  Determine database schema, develop data acquisition procedures, set 
curatorial standards for annotation, and set project milestones;

o  Ensure that the Database meets the quality standards and costs 
agreed upon at the time of award; 

o  Ensure that the data accumulated under the Database are made 
publicly available and that procedures to allow the downloading of 
large datasets are available; 

o  Coordinate and collaborate with other U.S. and international groups 
managing related databases;

o  Attend the meeting of the SAP.

(3) NHGRI Program Staff Responsibilities: 

The NHGRI Program Director is a scientist of the NHGRI extramural staff 
who will provide normal stewardship of the award and, in addition, will 
have substantial scientific and programmatic involvement during the 
conduct of this activity through technical assistance, advice, and 
coordination.  However, the role of NHGRI staff will be to facilitate 
and not to direct the activities. It is anticipated that decisions in 
all activities will be reached by consensus between the Principal 
Investigator and NHGRI staff.  The Program Director will have the 
following substantial involvement: 

o  Serve as liaison, helping to coordinate activities for the awardee, 
including acting as a liaison to the NHGRI and the other ICs of the 
NIH, and as an information resource about extramural research activities;

o  Coordinate the efforts of the Database with other model organism 
databases and the Gene Ontology Consortium;

o  Periodically report on the progress of the Database to the NHGRI 
Director and other interested NIH ICs; 

o  Assist in promoting the use of the Database resources developed in 
the course of this project to the scientific community at large; 

o  Consult with program staff of other participating ICs on the 
direction of the Database.

(4) Collaborative Responsibilities
 
The awardee and NHGRI Program Director together will be responsible for:

o  Evaluating progress in meeting the research community's need for a 
comprehensive database of protein sequence and function;

(5) Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP)

The SAP is a panel that evaluates the progress of the Database and 
reports to the Director of NHGRI. The Advisory Panel is composed of 
four to eight senior scientists including experts in database 
methodology, researchers from related databases, and users of the 
Database.  The membership of the SAP may be enlarged permanently, or on 
an ad hoc basis, as needed.  NHGRI director will appoint the members of 
the SAP and NHGRI program staff will attend meetings.  NIH program 
staff from other participating ICs will attend meetings and provide 
input based upon their knowledge of other, related NIH-supported 
research and resource activities.  

The SAP will be responsible for evaluating the progress of the Database 
and its coordination with other related databases.  The SAP will 
evaluate the Database on the content and quality of the data, the 
flexibility of the query system, the presentation of the Web site, the 
availability of large datasets of exported files, and the overall 
responsiveness to user needs, as well as any other criteria that may 
arise during this project and are deemed critical by the SAP.  

At least once a year, the SAP will meet to review the progress of the 
Database and allow the SAP members to interact directly with the P.I. 
of the Database.  Funds for these meetings should be included in the 
budget request.  Annually, the SAP will make recommendations regarding 
progress of the Database and present advice about changes, if any, 
which may be necessary in the Database to the Director of NHGRI. 

(6) Arbitration Process 

Any disagreement that may arise on scientific or programmatic matters 
(within the scope of the award) between the award recipient and the 
NHGRI may be brought to arbitration.  An Arbitration Panel will be 
convened and will be composed of three members: (1) a designee of the 
awardee, (2) an NHGRI designee, and (3) a third designee with relevant 
expertise who is chosen by the other two.  The Arbitration Panel will 
help resolve both scientific and programmatic issues that develop 
during the course of work and that restrict progress.  This special 
arbitration procedure in no way affects the right of the awardee to 
appeal an adverse action that is otherwise appealable in accordance 
with NIH regulations 42 CFR Part 50, Subpart D and HHS regulation at 45 
CFR Part 16. 
 
(7) Yearly Milestones 

Applicants should define yearly milestones in their applications.  The 
awardee and NHGRI Program Director will have the opportunity to 
negotiate and possibly modify these milestones at the time of the 
award.  The negotiated milestones will then be included as an 
additional set of terms to the award.  The awardee's milestones will be 
provided to the SAP.  It is anticipated that the milestones may be 
adjusted, usually annually at the award anniversary dates, both to 
incorporate the awardee's scientific accomplishments and progress in 
the field in general, as well as to reflect the recommendations of the 
SAP.  In accordance with the procedure described above, the NHGRI 
program officer may recommend augmenting the Database, as discussed by 
the SAP, or reducing or withholding funds for any project that 
substantially fails to meet its milestones or to remain state-of-the-art.
 
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. Peter Good
National Human Genome Research Institute 
Building 31, Room B2B07
Bethesda, MD  20892-2033
Telephone:  (301) 435-5796
FAX:  (301) 480-2770
Email:  Peter_Good@nih.gov

Dr. James Cassatt
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
Building 45, Room 2AS.19C
Bethesda, MD  20892-6200
Telephone:  (301) 594-0828
FAX:  (301) 480-2004
Email:  cassattj@nigms.nih.gov

Dr. Carol Bean  
National Library of Medicine  
Rockledge One Building, Suite 301  
6705 Rockledge Drive  
Bethesda, MD  20892  
Telephone:  (301) 594-4882  
FAX:  (301) 402-2952  
Email:  beanc@mail.nlm.nih.gov 

Dr. Michael Huerta 
National Institute of Mental Health 
6001 Executive Blvd. Room 7202 
Bethesda, MD  20892-9645
Telephone:  (301) 443-3563 
FAX:  (301) 443-1731 
Email:  mhuerta@helix.nih.gov

Dr. Douglas M. Sheeley
National Center for Research Resources
6705 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD  20892-7965
Voice:  (301) 594-9762
Fax:  (301) 480-3659
Email:  sheeleyd@ncrr.nih.gov

Dr. Rochelle K. Small
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Natcher Building, Room 4AN-18D
Bethesda, MD  20892-6402
Tel:  301-594-9898
Fax:  301-480-8318 
email:  rochelle.small@nih.gov

o Direct your questions about peer review issues to:

Dr. Ken Nakamura 
Scientific Review Branch 
National Human Genome Research Institute 
National Institutes of Health 
Building 31, Room B2B37
Bethesda, MD  20982-2032
Telephone:  (301) 402-0838
FAX:  (301) 435-1580
E-mail:  Ken_Nakamura@nih.gov

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

Ms. Jean Cahill 
Grants Administration Branch 
National Human Genome Research Institute 
Building 31, Room B2B34
Bethesda, MD  20892-2031
Telephone:  (301) 402-0733 
FAX:  (301) 402-1951 
E-mail:  Jean_Cahill@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 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. Peter Good
National Human Genome Research Institute 
Building 31, Room B2B07
Bethesda, MD  20892-2033
Telephone:  (301) 435-5796
FAX:  (301) 480-2770
Email:  Peter_Good@nih.gov

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 https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in 
an interactive format.  For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, 
Telephone (301) 710-0267, Email:  GrantsInfo@nih.gov.
 
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: 
https://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 
must be sent to:
 
Dr. Ken Nakamura
Scientific Review Administrator 
Scientific Review Branch 
National Human Genome Research Institute 
Building 31, Room B2B37
Bethesda, MD  20982-2032
 
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.

PEER REVIEW PROCESS  
 
Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR 
and responsiveness by NHGRI.  Incomplete and/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 NHGRI 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 Advisory Council for 
Human Genome Research.
 
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, where appropriate? Are the aims original and innovative?  Does 
your project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies 
or technologies?  Does the project evaluate and use existing database 
methodologies where appropriate?  

(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 DATA SHARING:  The adequacy of the proposed plan to share data. 

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

o OTHER REVIEW CRITERIA: 

 - NEEDS ASSESSMENT:  The applicant is responsible for identifying the 
various user communities that will use the research capabilities to be 
provided by the project.  How is the balance of the component 
activities proposed consistent with the needs and opportunities 
presented by the potential user communities?  

 - PROJECT MAINTENANCE: How adequate are the plans to collect and 
maintain data?

 - DATABASE ACCESS:  How adequate are the plans to provide protein and 
genome researchers and other biomedical researchers access to the 
project's data resources, including plans to make available the entire 
database and database schema?  

 - SERVICE:  How adequate are the plans to provide consultation and 
technical assistance in the use of the Database?

 - OUTREACH:  How adequate are the proposed plans for informing the 
scientific community about the Database?

 - TRAINING:  How adequate are the proposed plans for providing 
educational programs to explain to members of the research community 
the use of the Database and its data in protein and genome research?

 - COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH:  If the proposal includes collaborative 
research projects involving personnel working with investigators 
outside of the awardee institution to increase its usefulness for 
protein and genome research, address the following:

o Scientific merit of the research and resources proposed, and how 
well they fit into the focus of the overall research project;
o Adequacy of the design and feasibility of the proposed methods;
o Novelty or originality of the proposal, as appropriate;
o Training, experience, and research competence of the 
collaborating investigator(s);
o Potential of the effort to lead to enhanced or expanded use of the 
project and to respond to unfulfilled needs of protein and genome 
research projects served by the project;
o Suitability of the facilities for the proposed research, including 
the availability of required special resources.

RECEIPT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:    March 19, 2002
Application Receipt Date:         April 19, 2002
Peer Review Date:                 July, 2002
Council Review:                   September, 2002
Earliest Anticipated Start Date:  September 20, 2002

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 


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 
https://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 for NIH 
funding must be as self-contained as possible.  Reviewers may need to 
look at Web pages to properly evaluate software applications.  Internet 
addresses (URLs) should be provided as needed. 

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 No. 93.172, 93.242, 93.121, 93.879, 93.371 
and 93.821 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 
https://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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