Part I Overview Information


Department of Health and Human Services

Participating Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH), (http://www.nih.gov)

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

Title: Mentored Career Development Award to Promote Faculty Diversity/Re-Entry in Biomedical Research (K01)

Announcement Type
This is a reissue of RFA-HL-05-015.

Update: The following update relating to this announcement has been issued:

Request For Applications (RFA) Number: RFA-HL-08-015

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s)
93.233, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839

Key Dates
Release Date: June 13, 2008
Letters of Intent Receipt Date: July 15, 2008
Application Receipt Date: August 15, 2008
Peer Review Date(s): October/November 2008
Council Review Date: January 2009
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: April 1, 2009
Additional Information To Be Available Date (Url Activation Date): Not Applicable
Expiration Date: August 16, 2008

Due Dates for E.O. 12372

Not Applicable

Additional Overview Content

Executive Summary

Table of Contents


Part I Overview Information

Part II Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Research Objectives

Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism(s) of Support
2. Funds Available

Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
A. Eligible Institutions
B. Eligible Individuals
2.Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other - Special Eligibility Criteria

Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
A. Receipt, Review and Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Sending an Application to the NIH
C. Application Processing
D. Application Assignment
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
6. Other Submission Requirements and Information

Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
A. Additional Review Criteria
B. Additional Review Considerations
C. Resource Sharing Plan(s)
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
3. Reporting

Section VII. Agency Contact(s)
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s)
2. Peer Review Contact(s)
3. Financial/ Grants Management Contact(s)

Section VIII. Other Information - Required Federal Citations

Part II - Full Text of Announcement


Section I. Funding Opportunity Description


1. Research Objectives

See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related to this announcement.

Section II. Award Information


1. Mechanism of Support

This funding opportunity will use the K01 award mechanism(s). The Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.

This FOA uses Just-in-Time information concepts. It also uses non-modular budget formats described in the PHS 398 application instructions (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html).

2. Funds Available

The estimated amount of funds available for support of eight to ten new projects awarded as a result of this announcement is $1.2 million for fiscal year 2009. The actual amount may vary, depending on the response to the FOA and availability of funds. Future year amounts will depend on annual appropriations.

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 IC(s) provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this funding opportunity are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

Facilities and administrative costs requested by consortium participants are not included in the direct cost limitation, see NOT-OD-05-004.

Funds will be provided for the reimbursement of facilities and administrative costs at a rate of 8% of the total direct costs of each award, exclusive of tuition, fees, and expenditures for equipment.

NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.

Section III. Eligibility Information


1. Eligible Applicants

1.A. Eligible Institutions

The following organizations/institutions are eligible to apply:

Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.

1.B. Eligible Individuals

Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the PD/PI is invited to work with his/her institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.

Current and former recipients of K12 support may apply for the K01 provided that they have no more than three years of K12 support by the time the K01 award is issued. The combined total of K12 plus K01 support must not exceed 6 years. A candidate for the K01 may not concurrently apply for or have an award pending for any other NIH career development award.

Former or current principal investigators of NIH Small Grants (R03) or Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21) are eligible.

To receive an award under this program, individuals must have been awarded a doctoral degree, such as the Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.V.M., or an equivalent degree at least two years prior to the award and have a full-time non-tenured faculty appointment (such as instructor or assistant professor) at an accredited college or university at the time of award. Candidates for this award must be either citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States or have been admitted lawfully to the United States for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of the Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or some other legal verification of such status) by the time of the award. Non-citizen nationals are generally persons born in outlying possessions of the United States (i.e., American Samoa and Swains Island). An individual admitted lawfully for permanent residence must submit with the application a notarized statement indicating possession of the Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

Diversity Candidates

For the purpose of this announcement, eligible applicants are faculty members who have been determined by the grantee institution to be underrepresented on faculty in biomedical and behavioral research on a national or institutional basis, such as individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Nationally, underrepresented groups in biomedical research careers include but are not limited to, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

A. Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (see http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd/). In addition, it is recognized that underrepresentation can vary from setting to setting, and individuals from racial or ethnic groups that can be convincingly demonstrated to be underrepresented by the grantee institution are eligible for support under this program.

B. Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

C. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who are defined as:

1. Individuals who come from a family with an annual income below established low-income thresholds. These thresholds are based on family size, published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census; adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index; and adjusted by the Secretary for use in all health professions programs. The Secretary periodically publishes these income levels at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml. For individuals from low-income backgrounds, the institution must be able to demonstrate that such candidates have qualified for federal disadvantaged assistance or they have received any of the following student loans: Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL), Loans for Disadvantaged Student Program, or they have received scholarships from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Scholarship for Individuals with Exceptional Financial Need.

2. Come from a social, cultural, or educational environment such as that found in certain rural or inner-city environments that have demonstrably and recently directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career. Eligibility related to a disadvantaged background as defined under this section (2.) is applicable to undergraduate candidates, but would be more difficult to justify for individuals beyond that level of academic achievement.

The candidates must have research experience (length of time may vary) and be committed to developing into independent biomedical investigators in research areas relevant to the mission of the NHLBI. The award will enable suitable faculty members holding doctoral degrees, such as the Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.V.M., or an equivalent, to undertake special study and supervised research under a mentor who is an accomplished investigator in the research area proposed and has experience in developing independent investigators.

Although candidates due to be appointed on faculty are eligible to apply, candidates must hold non-tenured faculty appointments (such as instructor or assistant professor) before the award is made. The faculty appointment must not be contingent on receipt of the award.

Ineligible individuals include current and former principal investigators on NIH research project grants (R01), Academic Career Awards (K07), comparable career development awards (e.g., K08, K22, K23), Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00), subprojects of program project (P01) or center grants (P50), or non-NIH equivalent grants/awards. An individual who has previously received support from the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC), Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) Program, Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA), or a diversity supplement is eligible to apply.

Re-Entry Candidates

Eligible candidates have experienced an interruption in their research careers. Applicants must demonstrate potential for a career as an independent investigator in basic or clinical research. The candidate must have a doctoral degree in a basic or clinical area related to cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders, and at least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience in basic and/or clinical science. The candidate must have interrupted his or her career for a period of at least 3 years but not more than 8 years. Examples of appropriate interruptions would include starting and/or raising a family, an incapacitating illness or injury, caring for an ill member of the candidate’s immediate family (spouse, child, parent), pursuing non-research endeavors that would permit earlier retirement of debt incurred in obtaining a doctoral degree, or performing military service.

The program is not intended to support additional graduate training and is not intended to support career changes from non-research to research careers for individuals without prior research training. Generally, at the time of application, a candidate should not be engaged in full-time paid research activities.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

This program does not require cost sharing as defined in the current NIH Grants Policy Statement.

3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria

Resubmission applications are not permitted in response to this FOA

Renewal applications are not permitted in response to this FOA.

Each applicant may submit one application.

Special Requirements

A. Applicant Institution: Applications will be accepted from domestic colleges or universities, medical schools, or comparable institutions. The application must include a plan that identifies personnel and other resources to be devoted to the candidate. In addition, evidence of institutional commitment to the candidate's research development and level of effort should be included in a statement from the institution. The statement should also address the institution's plans for the candidate during and following the tenure of the award. The statement should be signed by an institutional official (e.g., a dean) and the candidate's department chair.

B. Candidate: The candidate's academic background, previous experience, and career goals should determine both the necessary length and the kind of program that is appropriate. The Principal Investigator and an institutional official must provide a single, signed statement establishing the eligibility of the candidate for support under this program including information on citizenship, diverse background, the nature of the candidate's disability, or qualifications for re-entry.

For Diversity applicants: The statement must include candidate’s citizenship or description of candidate’s diverse background or nature of the candidate’s disability or disadvantage. The statement must also include a clear description of how the appointment of the candidate will impact the composition of faculty and expand diversity within science nationally or at the grantee institution. The NIH particularly encourages candidates from health disparities groups that are underrepresented in basic science, clinical, biomedical and behavioral health related research. Nationally, these groups include but are not limited to, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and rural Appalachians. Three sealed letters addressing the candidate's potential for a research career must also be submitted.

For Re-Entry applicants: The statement must include: candidate s citizenship, research objectives and career goals, research experience prior to onset of hiatus, period and length of career hiatus, reason for career hiatus, description of how the candidate has kept current or attempted to keep current in her/his field, identification of any steps already taken toward reentry (if any, such as attending scientific meetings, training or coursework). Three sealed letters addressing the candidate's potential for a research career must also be submitted.

C. Mentor: Each candidate must identify a mentor(s) who is an accomplished investigator in the proposed research area and has experience in developing independent investigators. The mentor is not required to be affiliated with the applicant institution. If the mentor is affiliated with another institution, appropriate documentation must be provided concerning the relationship of the applicant institution and the mentor's institution, as well as a clear delineation of the arrangements proposed for the research development program at a location distinct from the applicant institution.

D. Concurrent Applications: Applicant must be aware of the NIH policies associated with other federally sponsored support. The Mentored Career Development Award to Promote Faculty Diversity/Re-Entry in Biomedical Research applications may not be submitted or awarded concurrently with other NIH applications, such as the NIH research project grants (R01), Academic Career Awards (K07), comparable career development awards (e.g., K08, K22, K23), Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00), subprojects of program project (P01) or center grants (P50), or non-NIH equivalent grants/awards.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information


1. Address to Request Application Information

The PHS 398 application instructions are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. Applicants must use the currently approved version of the PHS 398. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 710-0267, Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov.

Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY 301-451-5936.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applications must be prepared using the most current PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms. Applications must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as the universal identifier when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-5711 or through the web site at http://www.dnb.com/us/. The D&B number should be entered on line 11 of the face page of the PHS 398 form.

The title and number of this funding opportunity must be typed in item (box) 2 only of the face page of the application form, and the YES box must be checked.

All individuals designated as PD/PI must be registered in the eRA Commons and must be assigned the PD/PI role in that system (other roles such as SO or IAR will not give the PD/PI the appropriate access to the application records). Each PD/PI must include their respective eRA Commons ID in the eRA Commons User Name field.

If budget allocation is planned, the distribution of resources to specific components of the project or the individual PDs/PIs should be delineated in the Leadership Plan. In the event of an award, the requested allocations may be reflected in a footnote on the Notice of Award.

Additional information is available in the PHS 398 grant application instructions.

3. Submission Dates and Times

Applications must be received on or before the receipt date described below (Section IV.3.A). Submission times N/A.

3.A. Receipt, Review and Anticipated Start Dates
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: July 15, 2008
Application Receipt Date: August 15, 2008
Peer Review Date(s): October/November 2008
Council Review Date: January 2009
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: April 1, 2009

3.A.1. Letter of Intent

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

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 in Section IV.3.A.

The letter of intent should be sent to:

Chief, Review Branch
Division of Extramural Research Activities
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7924
Two Rockledge Center, Room 7214
Bethesda, MD 20892-7924 (for express mail: Bethesda, MD 20817)
Telephone: (301) 435-0270
FAX: (301) 480-0730
Email:nhlbichiefreviewbranch@nhlbi.nih.gov

3.B. Sending an Application to the NIH

Applications must be prepared using the forms found in the PHS 398 instructions for preparing a research grant application. 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 (U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service; non-USPS service)

Personal deliveries of applications are no longer permitted (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-040.html).

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application and all copies of the appendix material must be sent to:

Chief, Review Branch
Division of Extramural Research Activities
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7924
Two Rockledge Center, Room 7214
Bethesda, MD 20892 -7924 (for express mail: Bethesda, MD 20817)
Telephone: (301) 435-0270
FAX: (301) 480-0730
Email: nhlbichiefreviewbranch@nhlbi.nih.gov

3.C. Application Processing

Applications must be received on or before the application receipt date described above (Section IV.3.A.). If an application is received after that date, the application may be delayed in the review process or not reviewed. Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by the CSR and for responsiveness by the reviewing Institute. Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications will not be reviewed.

The NIH will not accept any application in response to this funding opportunity that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending application.

Resubmission applications are not permitted in response to this FOA. However, when a previously unfunded application, originally submitted as an investigator-initiated application, is to be submitted in response to an FOA, it is to be prepared as a NEW application. That is, the application for the FOA 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.

Information on the status of an application should be checked by the Principal Investigator in the eRA Commons at: https://commons.era.nih.gov/commons/.

4. Intergovernmental Review

This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.

5. Funding Restrictions

All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. The Grants Policy Statement can be found at NIH Grants Policy Statement.

Pre-award costs are allowable. A grantee may, at its own risk and without NIH prior approval, incur obligations and expenditures to cover costs up to 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new award if such costs: (1) are necessary to conduct the project, and (2) would be allowable under the grant, if awarded, without NIH prior approval. If specific expenditures would otherwise require prior approval, the grantee must obtain NIH approval before incurring the cost. NIH prior approval is required for any costs to be incurred more than 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new award.

The incurrence of pre-award costs in anticipation of a competing or non-competing award imposes no obligation on NIH either to make the award or to increase the amount of the approved budget if an award is made for less than the amount anticipated and is inadequate to cover the pre-award costs incurred. NIH expects the grantee to be fully aware that pre-award costs result in borrowing against future support and that such borrowing must not impair the grantee's ability to accomplish the project objectives in the approved time frame or in any way adversely affect the conduct of the project (see NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part6.htm.)

Citizenship: Applicants must meet the citizen requirements as described in the Eligibility section of this announcement prior to award (Section III).

During the last two years of the K01 award, with prior approval from the NIH, the percent effort required may be reduced to no less than 50 percent and replaced by effort on a subsequent research award as the PI or director of a project on a multi-project award so that the total level of research commitment remains at 75 percent or more for the duration of the K01 award. Please refer to the NIH Guide Notice at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-04-007.html

6. Other Submission Requirements and Information

In addition to the Supplementary Instructions in the PHS 398 for Research Career Awards (Instructions, Part III) the following information must be included in the application:

Research Career Development Plan

All research development programs should be carefully tailored to meet the candidate's needs and must include a mentor(s) who will provide appropriate research guidance. All candidates must provide a full description of the research and career development plan for the period of the award. The proposed plan must include hands-on research experience, with either a clinical or a basic science focus, for the entire three-to-five-year period.

For candidates with some research experience, the research development program may be designed to begin with a creative and detailed scientific learning experience and progress to an intensive research activity under the guidance of an appropriate mentor(s). The first year or two of the program may incorporate any needed course work, seminars and other educational experiences necessary to prepare the candidate for the subsequent research program, but must include a hands-on research experience. The remainder of the development plan could include an intensive, fully-described research program and research projects that can be reasonably completed within the planned period. During this latter phase, the program should provide for progressive development of the individual into an independent investigator.

If the candidate has already acquired research experience, as might be obtained through a research fellowship, but needs further development under the guidance of an appropriate mentor(s), the candidate may propose a three-to-five-year program encompassing an advanced research experience focusing on a specific research project. Such a candidate may take additional courses or engage in special instruction in research techniques in other laboratories for a reasonable period of time if needed. During the latter phases of the award, the relationship of the mentor and candidate may more closely resemble that of collaborators.

Candidate

The candidate's academic background, previous experience, and career goals should determine both the necessary length and the kind of program that is appropriate. The Principal Investigator and an institutional official must provide a signed statement establishing the eligibility of the candidate for support under this program including information on citizenship and the nature of the candidate's disability, diverse background, or re-entry status. The statement must include a clear description of how the appointment of the candidate will impact the composition of faculty and expand diversity within science nationally or at the grantee institution. For re-entry candidates, the statement must describe how the award will promote the candidate s potential for independent research. Three sealed letters addressing the candidate's potential for a research career must also be submitted.

Mentor(s)

The mentor must submit a written plan for the development of the candidate and provide guidance during the preparation of the research project. A secondary mentor may also be proposed, but the primary mentor must continue to be involved throughout the award period. In some cases candidates may choose to have both a basic or clinical research mentor and a career development mentor. The mentor must submit a report each year on the candidate's progress, which should be included in the annual progress report.

A biographical sketch with relevant publications and a list of current research support must be included for all mentors. Mentors should also include a list of current and past research trainees (not more than the past 10 years) with information on their current positions.

Advisory Committee

A committee composed of the candidate's mentor(s) and two or three other senior faculty members should be identified and their biographical sketches submitted with the application. This Advisory Committee should meet with the candidate to review the research development plan and research project to evaluate the awardee's progress and to provide guidance for scientific career development. The roles and scheduled meeting frequency of the Advisory Committee should be described in the application.

Duration and Effort

The award is granted for three to five years depending on the needs of the candidate and the evaluation of the initial review group and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council. It is not renewable, and all funds must be used on behalf of the original candidate. Substitution of another mentor and/or a change of institution may be permitted with the prior approval of the NHLBI. A minimum of 9 person months (equivalent to 75%) full-time professional effort must be devoted to the research program. The remainder may be devoted to other clinical and teaching pursuits that are consistent with the program goals; i.e., the candidate's development into an independent biomedical scientist or the maintenance of the teaching and/or clinical skills needed for an academic research career.

The candidate must have a full-time appointment at the applicant institution. In general, candidates who have Veteran's Administration (VA) appointments may not consider that appointment as part of the VA effort toward satisfying the "full-time" requirement at the applicant institution. However, it is permissible for part or all of the research program to be conducted in a VA laboratory, for example, if the mentor has a VA appointment, so long as the above conditions are satisfied as they apply to the Mentored Career Development Award to Promote Faculty Diversity in Biomedical Research.

Allowable Costs

Salary - Individual compensation is based on the institution's salary scale for individuals at an equivalent experience level. The maximum salary for recipients of NHLBI K01 Career Awards is $75,000 per year plus commensurate fringe benefits for 9-12 person months (equivalent to 75 to 100%) full-time professional effort. The salary must be consistent with both the established salary structure at the institution and with salaries actually provided by the institution from its own funds to other staff members of equivalent qualifications, rank, and responsibilities in the department concerned. The NHLBI Research Career Development Award Programs require the recipients to devote a minimum of 9 person months (equivalent to 75%) full-time professional effort to the research plan being supported by the career development award; the remaining 25% effort should be devoted to research and research-related activities such as teaching, patient care, or other research-related activities. If 100% effort is to be devoted to the research program during the "summer months," the percent effort for the remainder of the year may be reduced provided that the effort over the course of the year is at least 75%. NIH permits supplementation of salary from non-federal sources.

Research and Development Costs - A maximum of $30,000 per year may be requested for research project requirements and related support (e.g., technical personnel costs, supplies, equipment, candidate travel, telephone charges, publication costs, and tuition for necessary courses).

Ancillary Personnel Support - Salary for mentors, secretarial and administrative assistance, etc., is not allowed.

Facilities and Administrative Costs - Funds will be provided for the reimbursement of facilities and administrative costs at a rate of 8% of the total direct costs of each award, exclusive of tuition, fees, and expenditures for equipment.

Reasonable Accommodations: As a part of this award, funds may be requested to make changes or adjustments in the research setting that will make it possible for an otherwise qualified employee with a disability to perform the essential functions associated with his/her role on the project. The accommodations requested under this program must be directly related to the performance of the proposed role on the research project and must be appropriate to the disabilities of the individual. Some types of accommodations that might be provided under this award include specialized equipment, assistive devices and personnel such as readers, interpreters, or assistants. In all cases, the total funds for accommodations requested must be reasonable. The funds requested for reasonable accommodations are excluded from the research and development cost limit of $30,000. Documentation of the disability should be included with the application when additional funds are requested for this purpose.

Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research

Applications must include a description of a program to provide formal or informal instruction in scientific integrity or the responsible conduct of research. Applications without plans for instructions in the responsible conduct of research will be considered incomplete and may be returned to the applicant without review. Although the NIH does not establish specific curricula or formal requirements, all programs are encouraged to consider instruction in the following areas: conflict of interest, responsible authorship, policies for handling misconduct, policies regarding the use of human and animal subjects, and data management. Applicants must follow the application instructions found on page 49 of the PHS-398 application package and refer to the NIH web site (http://bioethics.od.nih.gov/) for additional guidance.

Appendix Materials

All paper PHS 398 applications submitted must provide appendix material on CD only. Include five identical CDs in the same package with the application. (See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-031.html.)

Do not use the Appendix to circumvent the page limitations of the Research Plan component. An application that does not observe the required page limitations may be delayed in the review process.

Resource Sharing Plan(s)

NIH considers the sharing of unique research resources developed through NIH-sponsored research an important means to enhance the value of, and advance research. When resources have been developed with NIH funds and the associated research findings published or provided to NIH, it is important that they be made readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community. If the final data/resources are not amenable to sharing, this must be explained in Resource Sharing section of the application. See http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing/data_sharing_faqs.htm.

(a) Data Sharing Plan: Regardless of the amount requested, investigators are expected to include a brief 1-paragraph description of how final research data will be shared, or explain why data-sharing is not possible. Applicants are encouraged to discuss data-sharing plans with their NIH program contact. See Data-Sharing Policy or http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-032.html

(b) Sharing Model Organisms: Regardless of the amount requested, all applications where the development of model organisms is anticipated are expected to include a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organisms and related resources, or state appropriate reasons why such sharing is restricted or not possible. See Sharing Model Organisms Policy, and NIH Guide NOT-OD-04-042.

(c) Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): Regardless of the amount requested, applicants seeking funding for a genome-wide association study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the repository is not possible. A genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight) or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. For further information see Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Guide NOT-OD-07-088, and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.

Section V. Application Review Information


1. Criteria

Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.

2. Review and Selection Process

Applications that are complete and responsive to the FOA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by NHLBI and in accordance with NIH peer review procedures (http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/peer/), using the review criteria stated below.

As part of the scientific peer review, all applications will:

The following will be considered in making funding decisions:

The goals of NIH supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, to improve the control of disease, and to enhance health. In their written critiques, reviewers will be asked to comment on each of the following criteria in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. Note that an application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact and thus deserve a meritorious priority score. For example, an investigator may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward.

Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?

Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?

Innovation: Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?

Investigators: Are the investigators appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers? Does the investigative team bring complementary and integrated expertise to the project (if applicable)?

Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? If the institution of the mentor(s) is different from the applicant, is the quality and extent of interaction of the faculty in the basic and clinical sciences and the quality of the research and research training programs at the mentor’s institution adequate for the development of the candidate?

In addition to the above review criteria, the following criteria will be applied to applications in the determination of scientific merit and the priority score.

Candidate Is the candidate’s overall qualification demonstrated in the application by previous training and research performance, potential for a career as an independent researcher, and commitment toward pursuit of an academic research career?

Candidate’s Career Development Plan Is the quality of the research career development plan based on the candidate s past research experience, training, and career goals as demonstrated by such things as the research experience, the relevance of the proposed didactic training, structure of interaction with mentor, attendance at scientific meetings, and participation in journal clubs and research seminars?

Mentor(s) Does the application include the mentor’s accomplishments in the scientific research area(s) proposed, experience and record in training investigators, and commitment for the duration of a candidate’s research development? Does the biographical sketch for all mentors include relevant publications and a list of current research support for all mentors? Does the application include a statement from the Mentors that lists their current and past research trainees (not more than the last 10 years) with information on their current positions? If relevant, does the application include this information for the co-mentor?

Advisory Committee Does the application identify and include biographical sketches for a committee composed of the candidate's mentor(s) and two or three other senior faculty members? Does the application describe the roles and scheduled meeting frequency of the Advisory Committee?

2.A. Additional Review Criteria:

In addition to the above criteria, the following items will continue to be considered in the determination of scientific merit and the rating:

Protection of Human Subjects from Research Risk: The involvement of human subjects and protections from research risk relating to their participation in the proposed research will be assessed (see the Research Plan section on Human Subjects in the PHS 398 instructions).

Inclusion of Women, Minorities and Children in Research: 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 will be assessed. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated (see the Research Plan section on Human Subjects in the PHS 398 instructions).

Care and Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research: If vertebrate animals are to be used in the project, the five points described in the Vertebrate Animals section of the Research Plan will be assessed.

Biohazards: If materials or procedures are proposed that are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, determine if the proposed protection is adequate.

2.B. Additional Review Considerations

Budget: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period of support in relation to the proposed research and career development activities. The priority score should not be affected by the evaluation of the budget.

Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR): NIH initial review groups will assess quality of the proposed training in the responsible conduct of research.

2.C. Resource Sharing Plan(s)

When relevant, reviewers will be instructed to comment on the reasonableness of the following Resource Sharing Plans, or the rationale for not sharing the following types of resources. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed resource sharing plan(s) into the determination of scientific merit or priority score, unless noted otherwise in the FOA. Program staff within the IC will be responsible for monitoring the resource sharing.

The adequacy of the resources sharing plan and any related data sharing plans will be considered by Program staff of the funding organization when making recommendations about funding applications. The effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as part of the administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm). See Section VI.3. Reporting.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

Not Applicable

Section VI. Award Administration Information


1. Award Notices

After the peer review of the application is completed, the PD/PI will be able to access his or her Summary Statement (written critique) via the eRA Commons.

If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant. For details, applicants may refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General.

A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization. The NoA signed by the grants management officer is the authorizing document. Once all administrative and programmatic issues have been resolved, the NoA will be generated via email notification from the awarding component to the grantee business official (designated in item 12 on the Application Face Page). If a grantee is not email enabled, a hard copy of the Notice of Award will be mailed to the business official.

Selection of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk. These costs may be reimbursed only to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs. See Also Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the NoA. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part4.htm) and Part II Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part9.htm).

The following related administrative policies apply to NIH Research Career Award ( K ) programs:

A. Evaluation:

In carrying out its stewardship of human resource-related programs, the NIH may begin requesting information essential to an assessment of the effectiveness of this program. Accordingly, recipients are hereby notified that they may be contacted after the completion of this award for periodic updates on various aspects of their employment history, publications, support from research grants or contracts, honors and awards, professional activities, and other information helpful in evaluating the impact of the program.

B. Other Income:

Awardees may retain royalties and fees for activities such as scholarly writing; service on advisory groups; honoraria from other institutions for lectures or seminars; and fees resulting from clinical practice, professional consultation or other comparable activities, provided these activities remain incidental, are not required by the research and research-related activities of this award, and provided that the retention of such pay is consistent with the policies and practices of the grantee institution.

All other income and fees, not included in the preceding paragraph as retainable, may not be retained by the career award recipient. Such fees must be assigned to the grantee institution for disposition by any of the following methods:

The funds may be expended by the grantee institution in accordance with the NIH policy on supplementation of career award salaries and to provide fringe benefits in proportion to such supplementation. Such salary supplementation and fringe benefit payments must be within the established policies of the grantee institution.

The funds may be used for health-related research purposes.

The funds may be paid to miscellaneous receipts of the U.S. Treasury. Checks should be made payable to the Department of Health and Human Services, NIH and forwarded to the Director, Office of Financial Management, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Checks must identify the relevant award account and reason for the payment.

Usually, funds budgeted in an NIH-supported research or research training grant for the salaries or fringe benefits of individuals, but freed as a result of a career award, may not be re-budgeted. The awarding component will give consideration to approval for the use of released funds only under unusual circumstances. Any proposed retention of funds released as a result of a career award must receive prior written approval of the NIH awarding component.

C. Special Leave:

Guidelines for Special Leave: K01 Award recipients may take leave to train at another institution, take a leave of absence during the award period, or train at a lower level of effort for a longer period of time. K01 Award recipients should review a document describing the Special Leave Guidelines for Recipients of Mentored Career Awards, which summarizes NIH and NHLBI policies for these situations at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/funding/training/redbook/sl_guide.htm.

Leave to another institution, including a foreign laboratory, may be permitted if the proposed experience is directly related to the purpose of the award. Only local institutional approval is required if such leave does not exceed three months. For longer periods, prior written approval of the NIH awarding institute or center is required. Details on the process for submission of prior approval requests can be founds in the NIHGPS (rev. 12/03), Requests for Prior Approval, at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part7.htm#_Toc54600130.)

A copy of a letter or other evidence from the institution where the leave is to be taken must be submitted to assure that satisfactory arrangements have been made. Support from the K01 award will continue during such leave.

Leave without award support may not exceed 12 months. Such leave requires the prior written approval of the NIH component institute and will be granted only in unusual situations.

Support from other sources is permissible during the period of leave without award support. Such leave does not reduce the total number of months of program support for which an individual is eligible.

Under unusual and pressing circumstances, an awardee may submit a written request to the awarding component requesting a reduction in professional effort below 75 percent. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis during the award period. In no case will it be permissible to work at less than 50 percent effort. The nature of the circumstances requiring reduced effort might include medical conditions, disability, or pressing personal or family situations such as child or elder care. Permission to reduce the level of effort will not be approved to accommodate other sources of funding, job opportunities, clinical practice, or clinical training. In each situation, the grantee institution must submit documentation supporting the need for reduced effort along with assurance of a continuing commitment to the scientific development of the awardee. In addition, the awardee must submit assurance of his/her intention to return to at least 75 percent effort as soon as possible. During the period of reduced effort, the salary and other costs supported by the award will be reduced accordingly.

D. Termination or Change of Institution:

When a grantee institution plans to terminate an award, the Grants Management Specialist listed on the Notice of Grant Award must be notified in writing at the earliest possible time so that appropriate instructions can be given for termination. The Director of the NIH may terminate an award upon determination that the purpose or terms of the award are not being fulfilled. In the event an award is terminated, NIH shall notify the grantee institution in writing of this determination, the reasons therefore, the effective date, and the right to appeal the decision. If the grantee is moving to another eligible institution, career award support may be continued provided:

A relinquishing statement is submitted by the original institution and a transfer application is submitted by the new institution at least three months prior to the transfer in order to allow the necessary time for administrative review by the NIH awarding institute.

The awardee must establish in the transfer application that the specific aims of the research program to be conducted at the new institution are within the scope of the original peer-reviewed research program, and that a new sponsor has been identified who has the appropriate research expertise and support to provide adequate guidance to the awardee and research support for the awardee's research program.

All conditions of the award are met at the new institution.

The period of support requested is no more than the time remaining within the existing award period.

A change of grantee request normally will be permitted only when all of the benefits attributable to the original grant can be transferred, including equipment purchased in whole or in part with grant funds. In reviewing a request to transfer a grant, NIH will consider whether there is a continued need for the grant-supported project or activity and the impact of any proposed changes in the scope of the project. A change may be made without peer review, provided the PI plans no significant change in research and career development objectives and the facilities and resources at the new organization will allow for successful performance of the project. If these conditions or other programmatic or administrative requirements are not met, the NIH awarding office may require peer review or may disapprove the request and, if appropriate, terminate the award.

E. Changes in Research Program:

Individual awards are made for career development at a specific institution in a specific research program. A change in the specified scientific area of the research component of the career development program requires prior approval of the awarding NIH institute. A scientific rationale must be provided for any proposed changes in the aims of the original peer-reviewed research plan. The new research plan will be evaluated by staff of the awarding NIH component institute to ensure that the plan remains within the scope of the original peer-reviewed research program. If the new plan does not satisfy this requirement, staff could recommend that the award be terminated.

3. Reporting

Awardees will be required to submit the Non-Competing Continuation Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590) annually and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

A final progress report, invention statement, and Financial Status Report are required when an award is relinquished when a recipient changes institutions or when an award is terminated.

Section VII. Agency Contacts


We encourage your inquiries concerning this funding opportunity 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:

1. Scientific/Research Contacts:

Lorraine M. Silsbee, M.H.S.
Division of Prevention and Population Sciences
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Two Rockledge Center
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7936
Bethesda, MD 20892-7936
Telephone: (301) 435-0709
FAX: (301) 480-1455
Email: silsbeeL@nhlbi.nih.gov

2. Peer Review Contacts:

Chief, Review Branch
Division of Extramural Research Activities
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Two Rockledge Center, Room 7214
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7924
Bethesda, MD 20892-7924 (for express mail: 20817 )
Telephone: (301) 435-0270
FAX: 301-480-0730
Email: nhlbichiefreviewbranch@nhlbi.nih.gov

3. Financial or Grants Management Contacts:

Mr. Andre Walker
Division of Extramural Research Activities
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Two Rockledge Center, Room 7169
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7926
Bethesda, MD 20892 -7926
Telephone: (301) 435-0151
FAX: (301) 451-5462
Email: walkera@mail.nih.gov

Section VIII. Other Information


Required Federal Citations

Use of Animals in Research:
Recipients of PHS support for activities involving live, vertebrate animals must comply with PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/PHSPolicyLabAnimals.pdf) as mandated by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/hrea1985.htm), and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm) as applicable.

Human Subjects Protection:
Federal regulations (45CFR46) require that applications and proposals involving human subjects must be evaluated with reference to the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of protection against these risks, the potential benefits of the research to the subjects and others, and the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained (http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm).

Data and Safety Monitoring Plan:
Data and safety monitoring is required for all types of clinical trials, including physiologic toxicity and dose-finding studies (Phase I); efficacy studies (Phase II); efficacy, effectiveness and comparative trials (Phase III). Monitoring should be commensurate with risk. The establishment of data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) is required for multi-site clinical trials involving interventions that entail potential risks to the participants (NIH Policy for Data and Safety Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).

Sharing Research Data:
Investigators submitting an NIH application seeking $500,000 or more in direct costs in any single year are expected to include a plan for data sharing or state why this is not possible (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing).

Investigators should seek guidance from their institutions, on issues related to institutional policies and local IRB rules, as well as local, state and federal laws and regulations, including the Privacy Rule. Reviewers will consider the data sharing plan but will not factor the plan into the determination of the scientific merit or the priority score.

Policy for Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS):
NIH is interested in advancing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify common genetic factors that influence health and disease through a centralized GWAS data repository. For the purposes of this policy, a genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire human genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight), or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. All applications, regardless of the amount requested, proposing a genome-wide association study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the repository is not possible. Data repository management (submission and access) is governed by the Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Guide NOT-OD-07-088. For additional information, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.

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 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 funding opportunity 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.

Sharing of Model Organisms:
NIH is committed to support efforts that encourage sharing of important research resources including the sharing of model organisms for biomedical research (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/model_organism/index.htm). At the same time the NIH recognizes the rights of grantees and contractors to elect and retain title to subject inventions developed with Federal funding pursuant to the Bayh Dole Act (see the NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm). All investigators submitting an NIH application or contract proposal, beginning with the October 1, 2004, receipt date, are expected to include in the application/proposal a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organism research resources generated using NIH funding or state why such sharing is restricted or not possible. This will permit other researchers to benefit from the resources developed with public funding. The inclusion of a model organism sharing plan is not subject to a cost threshold in any year and is expected to be included in all applications where the development of model organisms is anticipated.

Inclusion of Women And Minorities in Clinical Research:
It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations must be included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a clear and compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43). All investigators proposing clinical research should read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm. The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398; and updated roles and responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials that: (a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and (b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences.

Inclusion of Children as Participants in Clinical Research:
The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all clinical research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them.

All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion of children as participants in research involving human subjects (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm).

Required Education on the Protection of Human Subject Participants:
NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH applications for research involving human subjects and individuals designated as key personnel. The policy is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.

Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC):
Criteria for federal funding of research on hESCs can be found at http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp and at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html. Only research using hESC lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding (http://escr.nih.gov). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide in the project description and elsewhere in the application as appropriate, the official NIH identifier(s) for the hESC line(s) to be used in the proposed research. Applications that do not provide this information will be returned without review.

NIH Public Access Policy Requirement:
In accordance with the NIH Public Access Policy (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-033.html) investigators must submit or have submitted for them their final, peer-reviewed manuscripts that arise from NIH funds and are accepted for publication as of April 7, 2008 to PubMed Central (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/), to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after publication. As of May 27, 2008, investigators must include the PubMed Central reference number when citing an article in NIH applications, proposals, and progress reports that fall under the policy, and was authored or co-authored by the investigator or arose from the investigator’s NIH award. For more information, see the Public Access webpage at http://publicaccess.nih.gov/.

Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued final modification to the "Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information," the "Privacy Rule," on August 14, 2002. The Privacy Rule is a federal regulation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 that governs the protection of individually identifiable health information, and is administered and enforced by the DHHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Decisions about applicability and implementation of the Privacy Rule reside with the researcher and his/her institution. The OCR website (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/) provides information on the Privacy Rule, including a complete Regulation Text and a set of decision tools on "Am I a covered entity?" Information on the impact of the HIPAA Privacy Rule on NIH processes involving the review, funding, and progress monitoring of grants, cooperative agreements, and research contracts can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-025.html.

URLs in NIH Grant Applications or Appendices:
All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. For publications listed in the appendix and/or Progress report, internet addresses (URLs) must be used for publicly accessible on-line journal articles. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide any other information necessary for 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 FOA 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.

Loan Repayment Programs:
NIH encourages applications for educational loan repayment from qualified health professionals who have made a commitment to pursue a research career involving clinical, pediatric, contraception, infertility, and health disparities related areas. The LRP is an important component of NIH's efforts to recruit and retain the next generation of researchers by providing the means for developing a research career unfettered by the burden of student loan debt. Note that an NIH grant is not required for eligibility and concurrent career award and LRP applications are encouraged. The periods of career award and LRP award may overlap providing the LRP recipient with the required commitment of time and effort, as LRP awardees must commit at least 50% of their time (at least 20 hours per week based on a 40-hour week) for two years to the research. For further information, please see: http://www.lrp.nih.gov.


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