EXTRAMURAL ASSOCIATES RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AWARD (EARDA):  SPONSORED RESEARCH 
INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (SRIP)

Release Date:  January 22, 2002

RFA:  RFA-HD-02-007

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

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  March 12, 2002
Application Receipt Date:       April 12, 2002

PURPOSE

The Extramural Associates (EA) Program, National Institute of Child Health and 
Human Development (NICHD), NIH, announces two initiatives directed at 
scientific faculty and academic administrators of women's colleges and of 
institutions with significant underrepresented minority (i.e., Black, 
Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, or Native American) student populations.  
The two initiatives target two different types of institutions.  The current 
RFA describes the Sponsored Research Infrastructure Program (SRIP) and is 
intended for eligible institutions that award the Master's or the Ph.D. degree 
in the biomedical and/or behavioral sciences and/or other health-related 
professional degrees.  In addition, it is expected that these institutions 
already have a modest research base of health-related research.  The Faculty 
Research Enhancement Support Program (FRESP), published in a companion RFA 
(HD-02-006), is intended for non-research intensive eligible institutions 
granting the baccalaureate degree as the highest degree in the biomedical 
and/or behavioral sciences.  Such institutions may include selected community 
colleges that have established collaborative research activities or bridges 
with institutions that award at least the baccalaureate science degree.

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

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

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

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion 
and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national 
activity for setting priority areas.  This Request for Applications (RFA) is 
related to one or more of the priority areas.  Potential applicants may obtain 
"Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by domestic, private and public women's colleges 
and educational institutions with significant underrepresented minority (i.e., 
Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, or Native American) student 
populations that offer programs in the biomedical or behavioral sciences.  
Racial/ethnic minority individuals, women, and persons with disabilities are 
encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators or Extramural Associates.  [The 
terms 'Principal Investigator' and 'Extramural Associate (EA)' are used 
interchangeably in this document.]

Preference will be given to those institutions that demonstrate the greatest 
need to establish or strengthen and develop research and research 
training infrastructure.

The SRIP is intended for institutions that offer programs in the biomedical 
and/or behavioral sciences leading to a Master's degree or higher, including 
health-related professional degrees.  These institutions are expected to have 
a modest research base already in place and to be interested in developing or 
enhancing a research infrastructure.  

In selected instances, schools that award the baccalaureate as the highest 
science or health-related degree may seek to qualify for eligibility to apply 
for the SRIP.  At a minimum, such institutions must have been supported by 
MARC or MBRS, preferably both, and have current or prior support from two 
other Federal agencies other than the Department of Education.  In addition, 
the science faculty, of which 70 percent must have terminal degrees, must have 
published in reputable scientific journals within three years of this RFA.  
Other requirements include faculty memberships in SRA, NCURA or NSPAA and a 25 
percent rate of their science graduates gaining acceptance to either graduate 
or professional schools.  However, permission for these institutions to apply 
for the SRIP must be obtained in advance from the EA Program Office contact 
listed under INQUIRIES below.

Institutions may nominate only one Principal Investigator per cycle for 
participation in the program.  Eligible women's colleges and underrepresented 
minority institutions that have never had a faculty member participate in the 
EA Program are strongly encouraged to apply.  Institutions that have received 
a Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) award, if successful in 
applying for this award, may have their budget requests reduced if there is 
significant overlap in funding for infrastructure components.

Institutions that received an Extramural Associates Research Development Award 
(EARDA) in years 1994 through 2001 resulting from their response to RFAs OD-
94-002, OD-94-003, OD-95-001, OD-96-001, OD-97-002, OD-98-004, OD-99-001, OD-
00-001 or HD-01-003 are not eligible to apply under this announcement.  
Institutions that had EAs enrolled in the five-month NIH residency training 
program prior to 1994 and who have never received an EARDA grant are eligible 
to apply for this program.  However, the proposed Principal Investigators from 
such institutions must agree to repeat the five-month NIH residency 
training program.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Extramural 
Associates Research Development Award (G11) mechanism.  The G11 mechanism is 
used to support institutional resources to improve the research infrastructure 
(including part-time professional and administrative staff, equipment, etc.).  
An award made to a successful FRESP applicant or to a successful SRIP 
applicant is termed an EARDA.  Responsibility for the planning, direction, and 
execution of the proposed EARDA will be solely that of the applicant.  

FUNDS AVAILABLE

The NICHD intends to commit approximately $190,000 in total costs [direct plus 
Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs] in FY 2003 to fund three to five 
new grants in response to this RFA.  Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs 
for these awards are fixed at eight percent of total direct costs.  Applicants 
may request a project period of five years and a budget for direct costs of up 
to $35,000 for the first 12-month budget period.  In Years 02 through 05, 
budgets for direct costs of up to $50,000 may be requested for administration 
of a Research Development Office.  In addition, up to $35,000 may be requested 
in these four years to support faculty pilot research projects, seminars, and 
student participation in research projects.  Thus, applicants may request up 
to $85,000 in direct costs per year in Years 02 through 05.  Because the 
nature and scope of the effort proposed may vary, it is anticipated that the 
size of awards also will vary.  Although this program is provided for in the 
financial plans of NICHD, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the 
availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of 
meritorious applications.

TRANSITIONAL AWARDS

Since a major goal of the program is to establish an Office of Research 
Development, applicants successful in receiving a five-year EARDA will be 
expected to compete for a one-time, three-year "Transitional EARDA Award."  
The maximum Transitional Award will not exceed $85,000 per year in direct 
costs.  The NICHD's annual contribution to the award will be gradually reduced 
over the life of the award.  The purpose of the Transitional Award is to allow 
the institutions sufficient time to assume full financial responsibility for 
the Office of Research Development after eight years of EARDA grant support.  
It is expected that during the first year of the Transitional Award (Year 06, 
overall), NICHD would contribute two-thirds of the total costs and the 
institution one-third.  During the second year, NICHD and the institution 
would each contribute 50 percent, and in the third and final year, the 
institution would contribute two-thirds and NICHD one-third.  Thereafter, the 
institution would assume full financial responsibility for maintaining the 
Office of Research Development.  Applications for the Transitional EARDA will 
be solicited from eligible institutions at the appropriate time.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Background

The EA Program was established in 1978 at the NIH to promote the entry and 
participation of women and underrepresented minority institutions into 
biomedical and behavioral research.  Overall, the program accomplishes this 
mission by providing EAs from women's colleges and underrepresented minority 
institutions with the opportunity to come to the NIH to gain the necessary 
understanding of the processes utilized by the NIH as well as other Federal 
agencies to provide funding to support biomedical and behavioral research and 
research training.  

Scope

Nominees (Principal Investigators) for the EARDA must be full-time scientific 
faculty or academic science administrators at the applicant institution.  If 
approved and invited to participate, they will be required to spend five 
months at the NIH in residency training.  The program has the flexibility 
necessary to allow each EA to participate in activities that are consistent 
with the institution's concerns and interests in health-related research.  
Upon entering the program, EAs are assigned a preceptor and participate in the 
regular EA Program curriculum.  The EA's preceptor, a senior NIH or PHS 
official, is available for guidance with respect to working assignments and 
related activities to assure consistency with the Institutional Plan presented 
in the EARDA application.  EAs attend an initial series of orientation 
sessions as well as in-depth seminars that prepare them to use their time 
effectively at the NIH.  Working assignments are intended to provide in-depth 
exposure to the administration of NIH and other Federal extramural research 
programs.  EAs have the opportunity to learn about the Federal legislative and 
budgetary processes, to study administrative procedures, and to observe staff 
meetings and scientific review meetings.  In the course of the program, they 
visit other Federal agencies, and a nearby university's office of sponsored 
research.  Opportunities are also provided to observe NIH site-visits to 
grantee institutions.  Upon completion of the program, the EAs have:  (1) a 
comprehensive working knowledge of the range of Federal support of biomedical 
and behavioral research; (2) skills in preparation of research grant 
applications; (3) a plan to establish or expand the institution's "Office of 
Research Development;" (4) knowledge of the composition of an Advisory 
Committee with membership capable of reviewing, recommending for funding, and 
monitoring faculty pilot research projects; (5) a network of contacts to the 
NIH and other Federal agencies, so they can serve as a liaison for faculty and 
students to access NIH opportunities as well as those of other Federal and 
private agencies; and (6) the embryonic stage of a meaningful partnership with 
a research intensive institution. 

The Residency Program

It is anticipated that awards will be made during the five-month NIH 
residency, which begins the first week of January 2003 and ends the latter 
part of May.  However, successful applicants will be notified following the 
September 2002 meeting of the National Advisory Child Health and Human 
Development Council so that the identified EA will have time to arrange for 
participation in the residency program during 2003.  
  
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS	

Post-award Monitoring

To insure that the EA, upon returning to the home institution, is making 
satisfactory progress in achieving the goals and objectives of the EA Program 
and is receiving appropriate institutional support, two EARDA assessments will 
be conducted during the five-year grant period.  The first assessment will 
take place at the institution approximately 18 months after the EARDA is 
awarded.  NIH staff and consultants will be included.  The second one, a 
grantee interview, will take place at the NIH during the latter part of the 
fourth year or early in the fifth year of the grant and will include the EA 
and one or two designated institutional officials.  Applicants should include 
in their budget, funds necessary to participate in the grantee interview at NIH.

Institutional Commitment

In nominating the EA candidate, the sponsoring institution is expected to 
commit adequate resources to formulate and implement an Institutional Plan 
which will build upon the EA's residency training experience.  For the five-
month residency program, this may include a commitment to provide the EA with 
support, in the form of designated authority, to develop or enhance an Office 
of Research Development upon his/her return to the institution.  A sign of 
institutional commitment is a statement in the proposed plan describing how 
the institution plans to continue the developmental research activity once 
EARDA support expires.  A contribution to the EA's residency training costs 
under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) is also considered a 
demonstration of the institution's commitment to the goals of the program.  

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

Allowable Costs

Funding for the program may be used to support the activities of the EA upon 
returning to the home institution such as equipping an office, support of 
small pilot research studies, student/teacher seminars, and workshops to 
enhance research interest and to establish consortia research arrangements.  
Funds may also be used for, but not limited to, the following:  purchase of 
office supplies and equipment, administrative assistance, travel expenses for 
the EA to gain additional experience in carrying out the functions of the 
office, and membership dues in one professional organization whose function is 
related to the goals of the EA Program.  Support for administrative assistance 
can be requested up to, but must not exceed, 50 percent.  Any request for 
administrative assistance greater than 50 percent will be denied.

Salary support for the EA during the five-month residency program will be 
provided through an IPA agreement mechanism described below, not through or 
from the EARDA grant itself.  Therefore, salary should be requested for only 
seven months in the first 12-month budget period of the EARDA.  

The costs for the residency program are entirely separate from the EARDA 
award.  Selected EAs will come to the NIH for the assignment under the IPA.  
The IPA enables temporary appointments to the Federal government by employees 
from academic institutions.  The IPA provides partial support for the EA while 
he/she is at NIH.  Under the IPA arrangement, up to 67 percent of the cost of 
the EA's salary while at the NIH is reimbursed.  Similarly, per diem (food and 
lodging) costs are reimbursed at 75 percent by NIH and the institution 
contributes 25 percent.  The cost of relocating the EA from the home 
institution and any other cost incurred that is related to the residency 
program are reimbursed at 100 percent.  Included in related costs are expenses 
to return to the home institution for a one-week period approximately mid-way 
through the five-month residency to meet with institution officials and 
faculty to discuss plans for implementing the institutional plan upon the 
EA's return.

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

Change of Principal Investigator

If a request to change the Principal Investigator is received at any time 
during the five-year grant, support may be suspended pending approval of a 
substitute Principal Investigator by the EA Program Director.

INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS

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 AMENDMENT "NIH 
Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical 
Research - Amended, October, 2001," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and 
Contracts on October 9, 2001 
(https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); 
a complete copy of the updated Guidelines are available at 
https://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 RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS
	
It is the policy of NIH that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) 
must be included in all human subjects research, conducted or supported by the 
NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them. This 
policy applies to all initial (Type 1) applications submitted for receipt 
dates after October 1, 1998.

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," published in the NIH Guide for Grants and 
Contracts, March 6, 1998, and available on the Internet at:  
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-024.html.

Investigators also may obtain copies of these policies from the program staff 
listed under INQUIRIES.  Program staff may also provide additional relevant 
information concerning the policy.

URLS IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES

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

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

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 proposals for research involving human 
subjects.  This policy announcement is found in the NIH Guide for Grants and 
Contracts Announcement dated June 5, 2000, at:  
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.

LETTER OF INTENT							

Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes 
the name, professional status, address, telephone number, and e-mail address 
of the proposed EA, and the number and title of this RFA.  Although a letter 
of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review 
of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows NICHD 
staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review.

The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. Matthew A. Kinnard at the address 
listed under INQUIRIES, below, by March 12, 2002.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

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.

Application Instructions

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

For section I.C.8., Specific Instructions - Research Plan, use Continuation 
Pages to provide information on the three parts described below under Special 
Instructions for Research Plan.  The total length for these three parts 
combined should not exceed 15 pages.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESEARCH PLAN:

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

Part I:  The Nominee

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

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

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

o  The names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail 
addresses of three colleagues who have consented to submit letters of 
reference to the NIH attesting to the personal qualifications and potential 
effectiveness of the nominee.  The reference letters must be included in the 
Appendix.  One of these letters should be from the President of the applicant 
institution.  Reference letters should accompany the EARDA application upon 
submission to the Center for Scientific Review (CSR) and to NICHD (see 
Submission Instructions, below).  The reference letters must be received with 
the EARDA application.  Otherwise, the application will be considered 
incomplete and returned to the applicant without further consideration.  In 
order to comply with this condition, it is recommended that all reference 
letters be obtained from the referring individuals as far in advance of the 
application deadline as possible.    

Part II:  The Institution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

o  Description of the research environment.  Include a description of the 
science faculty and the research capability as indicated by:  (1) number of 
faculty members in biomedical and behavioral science disciplines; (2) number 
of faculty engaged in biomedical and behavioral science research; (3) number 
of faculty with external research support; (4) number of faculty with full-
length publications in peer reviewed journals and number of publications per 
faculty member; (5) number of faculty with publications in non-peer reviewed 
journals; (6) presentations at local, regional, and national meetings; (7) 
number of faculty research collaborations with investigators at other 
institutions; (8) faculty involved in peer review activities:  membership in 
special or standing review committees; (9) current student population in the 
sciences and follow-up data (e.g., graduate and post-graduate career 
profiles); (10) current and  planned facilities for scientific research and 
training; and (11) current and planned Federal and non-Federal research support.

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

Part III:  Institutional Plan

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

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

o  A description of at least one Advisory Committee to be established.  The 
purpose and function of the committee should be described, and the nature of 
the expertise to be included should be outlined, but specific members should 
not be appointed until after an award is made.  It is expected that at least 
one person external to the applicant institution will be on the Advisory 
Committee.  This committee could play a key role in developing the EA 
application as well as in serving as advisors to the EA in the establishment 
of and the ongoing research development activities.  The committee will be 
responsible for the review, recommendation for funding, and monitoring of 
faculty pilot research studies.  All planned committees should be included in 
this section with a justification for the particular committee structure and 
function that is proposed and a description of the proposed membership.  

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

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

o  A plan for assessing the effectiveness of the overall institutional plan.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPENDIX:

The Appendix to the application should include the following material:

o  Reference letters from colleagues identified.

o  A copy of the institution's course catalogue. 

o  Letter from Director of Sponsored Programs Office.

Submission Instructions

The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 5/2001) application form must be 
stapled to the bottom of the face page of the application and must display the 
RFA number HD-02-007.  A sample RFA label is available at 
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf.  Please note this is 
in the pdf format.  Failure to use this label could result in delayed 
processing of the application such that it may not reach the review committee 
in time for review.  In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on 
line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked.

Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the 
Checklist, and three signed photocopies, and the original plus three 
photocopies of all reference letters, in one package to:

CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, ROOM 1040, MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD  20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD  20817 (for express/courier service)

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application and 
reference letters should be sent to:

Robert Stretch, Ph.D.
Acting Director, Division of Scientific Review
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 5E03F, MSC 7510
Bethesda, MD  20892-7510
Rockville, MD  20852 (for express/courier service)

Applications must be received by April 12, 2002.  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.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by CSR and for 
responsiveness to the RFA by NICHD.  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 
the Division of Scientific Review, NICHD, in accordance with the review 
criteria stated below.  As part of the initial merit review, all applications 
will receive a written critique, and may 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, assigned a priority 
score, and receive a second level review by the National Advisory Child Health 
and Human Development Council.

Review Criteria

I.  Nominee 

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

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

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

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

II.  Institution 

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

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

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

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

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

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

III.  Institutional Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to the above criteria, in accordance with NIH policy, all 
applications will also be reviewed with respect to the following:

o  The adequacy of plans to include both genders, minorities and their 
subgroups, and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the 
research.  Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also 
be evaluated.

o  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  Appropriateness of the proposed budget for the proposed plan and the 
adequacy of its justification. 

SCHEDULE

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:    March 12, 2002
Application Receipt Date:         April 12, 2002
Peer Review Date:                 July 2002
Council Review:                   September 2002
Earliest Anticipated Start Date:  February 1, 2003

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications will be selected for funding based on their merit as determined 
by peer review, availability of funds, and program priorities.		

INQUIRIES

Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged.  The opportunity to clarify any 
issues or questions from potential applicants concerning the EA Program or 
concerning the EARDA is welcome.  

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

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

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Ms. Myrtle Coleman
Grants Management Branch
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 8A01, MSC 7510
Bethesda, MD  20892-7510
Telephone:  (301) 402-7245
FAX:  (301) 402-7827
E-mail:  colemama@exchange.nih.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

Awards are made under authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public 
Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and administered under NIH 
grants policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.  
This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of 
Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.

The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free 
workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products.  In addition, 
Public Law 103-227, 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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