EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 

RELEASE DATE:  July 7, 2004
 
PA NUMBER:  PAR-04-122

EXPIRATION DATE:  December 16, 2004, unless reissued. 

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
 
PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION:  
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
 (http://www.nih.gov)

COMPONENTS OF PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION:  
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
 (http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
 (http://www.niaid.nih.gov)

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER(S): 93.389

APPLICATION RECEIPT DATES:  September 14, 2004; December 15, 2004
  
THIS PA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

o Purpose of this PA
o Research Objectives
o Mechanism of Support 
o Eligible Institutions
o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators
o Special Requirements 
o Where to Send Inquiries
o Submitting an Application
o Supplementary Instructions
o Peer Review Process
o Review Criteria
o Award Criteria
o Required Federal Citations

PURPOSE OF THIS PA  

The National Center for Research Resources is authorized under 
Sections 481A and 481B of the Public Health Services Act, as amended by 
Sections 303 and 304 of Public Law (PL) 106-505, to "make grants or contracts 
to public and nonprofit private entities to expand, remodel, renovate, or 
alter existing research or animal facilities or construct new research or 
animal facilities."  The facilities will be used for basic and clinical 
biomedical and behavioral research and research training.

In collaboration with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious 
Diseases (NIAID), NCRR also encourages applications for major alteration and 
renovation (A&R) projects that support the NIAID biodefense and emerging 
infectious diseases research agenda.  Activities that may be supported 
include major alteration and renovation of existing biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) 
laboratory/vivarium space, and the upgrade of BSL-2 laboratory/vivarium space 
to BSL-3 space in existing buildings.  Extensions to existing buildings will 
be considered.  The minimum project size must be 5,000 gross square feet.  
Biosafety level-2/3 A&R improvement projects that include Good Laboratory 
Practices (GLP) and biodefense-related aerobiology capabilities are 
encouraged.  These biodefense applications will not count toward the limit of 
two traditional C06 applications per institution.  Approximately 6-12 NIAID 
funded biodefense awards will be made in FY 2005 ($4 million maximum award).   

This grant mechanism may not be used for the purchase of stand alone 
equipment that does not include an alteration, renovation or new construction 
project component.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The principal objective of this program is to facilitate and enhance the 
conduct of PHS-supported biomedical and behavioral research by supporting the 
costs of designing and constructing non-Federal basic and clinical research 
facilities to meet the biomedical or behavioral research, research training, 
or research support needs of an institution or a research area at an 
institution.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT 

This PA will use the NIH research facilities construction grant mechanism 
(C06).  Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the 
proposed project will be solely that of the applicant.  The time limit for 
completion of the improvement project in response to this PA may not exceed 
five years and no facilities and administrative (F&A) costs or continuation 
costs will be awarded. The initial budget period is usually 24 months in 
length.  One-year no-cost extensions may be requested following this initial 
budget period. All funds must be obligated within five years from the date of 
award. The awards will be issued June through September. 

Except as noted below, matching funds ($1 to $1) will be required for the 
specific project awarded.  Matching funds must be non-Federal funds set aside 
for this project and must be "in hand" at the time the award is made. Under 
Section 481A, up to 50 percent of the necessary and allowable costs of a 
project may be awarded: grant funds may not be used for the acquisition of 
land or for off-site improvements. The maximum Federal award will be $4.0 
million for all applicants, including Centers of Excellence under section 736 
of the PHS Act as amended by Public Law 105-392.  The National Primate 
Research Centers (NPRCs) will be required to provide matching funds in a 
ratio of 1 to 4 ($1 for each $4 of Federal funds provided) for a maximum 
award of $4.0 million.  A description of the sources of non-Federal funding 
for the project (both matching funds and funds needed to complete the total 
project) must be provided with the application. A letter committing matching 
funds must accompany the application and provide assurance of commitment from 
an appropriate institutional official authorized to commit funds at the 
institution. 

Applications proposing a Federal share of less than $1.0 million or more than 
$4 million will not be accepted.  Because the nature and scope of the 
activities proposed in response to this PA may vary, it is anticipated that 
the size of awards also will vary.  In unusual and compelling circumstances, 
the Director, NCRR, may waive some or all of the requirement for non-Federal 
matching funds [Section 481A (e)(4) of the Public Health Service Act as 
amended by Public Law 106-505].  For additional information, please refer to 
URL: http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/resinfra/pawaiver.pdf.  

ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS 

An application may be submitted if an institution conducts biomedical and 
behavioral research and has any of the following characteristics:

o Non-profit organizations 
o Domestic public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, 
hospitals, and laboratories 
o Units of State and local governments
o Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.

Under Section 481A of the PHS Act, domestic, non-Federal, public and private 
non-profit institutions, organizations, and associations that conduct or 
support biomedical or behavioral research are eligible to apply, including, 
for example, allied health professional schools. In response to this PA, an 
institution, which has currently one or more PHS-supported basic or clinical 
biomedical or behavioral research projects, may submit two applications to 
the Research Facilities Improvement Program in the same fiscal year for 
projects that encompass different scopes and are from two different "stand 
alone" components that are uniquely identified subordinate organizational 
elements of the institution (for example, a medical school and a dental 
school within a university).

Applications are encouraged from institutions of emerging excellence, which 
are defined as recipients of a "Center of Excellence" award in the fiscal 
year preceding the fiscal year in which an application is submitted in 
response to this PA.  Centers of Excellence (COE) awards are made by the 
Division of Health Professions Diversity, Bureau of Health Professions, 
Health Resources and Services Administration, DHHS.  A list of the Centers of 
Excellence, and further information about this program can be found at URL 
http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/diversity/coe/default.htm.  The telephone number for 
additional information on the COE awards is 301-443-2982.  For this PA, the 
needs of smaller and developing institutions will be given special 
consideration.

INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

The Principal Investigator should be a highly placed institutional official, 
at the level of Dean or equivalent, who has responsibility for allocation of 
space for the biomedical or behavioral research and research training.  
Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as 
individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

ALLOWABLE COSTS: Facility construction that may be supported under this 
program includes construction of new facilities, additions to existing 
buildings, completion of uninhabitable "shell" space in new or existing 
buildings, and major alterations and renovations. The acquisition and 
installation of fixed equipment such as casework, fume hoods, large 
autoclaves, or biological safety cabinets are allowed. Support for 
instrumentation or equipment that usually would be requested as part of a 
research project grant will not be provided.  Note: The use of these Federal 
funds to build "shell" space or acquire land or make off-site improvements is 
not allowed.
   
WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES

Inquiries concerning this PA are encouraged and the opportunity to answer 
questions from potential applicants are welcomed.  Inquiries may fall into 
three areas: programmatic/technical, peer review, and financial or grants 
management issues:

o Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues, requests for application 
Standard Form 424, application supplemental instructions, and Single Point of 
Contact (SPOC) comments, if any, to:

Dr. Willie D. McCullough
Division of Research Infrastructure
National Center for Research Resources
National Institutes of Health/DHHS
6701 Democracy Blvd., Room 940
Bethesda, MD 20892-4874
Telephone:  (301) 435-0766
FAX:  (301) 480-3770
Email:  mccullow@mail.nih.gov

o Direct inquiries regarding technical programmatic issues (engineering and 
architectural) to:

Mr. Esmail Torkashvan, P.E. 
Division of Research Infrastructure
National Center for Research Resources
National Institutes of Health/DHHS
6701 Democracy Blvd., Room 928
Bethesda, MD 20892-4874
Telephone:  (301) 435-0766
FAX:  (301) 480-3770
Email:  torkashv@mail.nih.gov

o Direct your questions about peer review issues to: 

Dr. Sheryl K. Brining
Director, Office of Review 
National Center for Research Resources 
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6701 Democracy Blvd., Room 1074
Bethesda MD 20892-4874
Bethesda, MD 20817 (express/courier service)
301-435-0830/0811 
Fax:  301-480-3660 
Email:  sb44k@nih.gov 

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

Mr. George Booth
Office of Grants Management 
National Center for Research Resources
6701 Democracy Boulevard, Room 1053 
Bethesda, MD  20892-4874
Bethesda, MD 20817 (express/courier service)
Phone: 301-435-0839
Fax: 301-480-3777
Email: boothg@mail.nih.gov

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION 

Applicants must use Standard Form 424, "Application for Federal Assistance," 
modified in accordance with the instructions contained in the document 
"Application Information and Supplemental Instructions: Extramural Research 
Facilities Improvement Program Projects."  The applicant's full street 
address is required in column #5 of the Standard Form 424. Applications must 
have a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number 
as the Universal Identifier when applying for Federal grants or cooperative 
agreements. The DUNS number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-5711 or 
through the web site at http://www.dunandbradstreet.com/. The DUNS number 
should be entered in item 5 on the SF424 cover page.  Application forms and 
the supplemental instructions required for completing them may be 
requested from the program official listed under INQUIRIES or downloaded from 
our web site (http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/resinfra/resfac.pdf). Standard Form 
424 fillable forms are available at 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_forms.html. 

Interested individuals are advised to consult with appropriate officials at 
their institution before completing the application forms. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS

Appropriate margins and font size are described in the Application 
Information and Supplemental Instructions 
(http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/resinfra/resfac.pdf). 
 
SENDING AN APPLICATION TO THE NIH

The completed signed original and one exact photocopy (without appendices) of 
the signed application must be submitted 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 (express/courier service)
TELEPHONE: (301) 435-0715

At the time of submission, four additional copies of the application (with 
five sets of appendices, if any) must be sent under separate cover to:
 
Dr. Sheryl K. Brining
Director, Office of Review 
National Center for Research Resources 
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6701 Democracy Blvd., Room 1074
Bethesda MD 20892-4874
Bethesda, MD 20817 (express/courier service)
301-435-0830/0811 
Fax:  301-480-3660 
Email:  sb44k@nih.gov

APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be mailed on or before the 
September 14, 2004 and December 15, 2004 receipt dates.  The Center for 
Scientific Review (CSR) will not accept any application in response to this 
PA 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.

Although there is no immediate acknowledgement of the receipt of an 
application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding 
assignment within 8 weeks.

o  Intergovernmental Review -- Executive Order 12372

Applicants are required to comply with Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 as 
implemented by 45 CFR Part 100, Intergovernmental Review of Department of 
Health and Human Services Programs and Activities. E.O. 12372 sets up a 
system for state and local government review of proposed Federal assistance 
applications.  Applicants (other than federally recognized Indian tribal 
governments) should contact their State Single Point of Contact (SPOC) as 
early as possible to alert them to the prospective applications and receive 
any necessary instructions on the state process. For proposed projects 
serving more than one state, the applicant is advised to contact the SPOC of 
each affected state. 

A current list of SPOCs is located at  
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.  States without a SPOC do not 
participate in this process. The SPOC must be given 60 days to review a 
construction grant application.  Applicants are to provide the SPOC with a 
copy of the application not later than the time the application is submitted 
to the Center for Scientific Review (CSR), NIH. Applications submitted to NIH 
in response to this solicitation must contain either SPOC comments or 
documentation indicating the date on which the application was submitted to 
the SPOC for review. The SPOC comment period ends 60 days after the 
application receipt date. The granting agency does not guarantee to 
accommodate or explain state process recommendations it receives after that 
date. 

All SPOC comments must be forwarded to both the applicant and to the NCRR 
Program Official listed under INQUIRIES. If comments are provided by the 
SPOC, the applicant may wish to submit to the NIH a response to the comments 
and any appropriate changes in its application.  If no response is received 
from the SPOC by the end of the 60 days allotted for review of the 
application, the applicant must notify the NIH that no response was received. 

o  Public Disclosure

Applicants must make a public disclosure of the project by publication and 
describe its environmental impact at the time the SPOC is notified.  It is 
suggested that the notice be published in a large-circulation newspaper in 
the area. Include a copy of this public disclosure in the application.  This 
public disclosure is required by Section 102 of the National Environment 
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and by Federal Executive Order 11514. An example is 
provided in the "Applicant Information and Supplemental Instructions". 

o  Design Standards
Design requirements serve to protect the health and safety of persons using 
the proposed facility, assure that the new or newly renovated facility is 
accessible to and useable by the physically handicapped, control the 
project's impact on the natural environment, conserve energy resources, 
achieve economy in construction costs, and protect against natural disasters 
such as earthquake and flood.

o  Design Schedule Requirements

The NIH extramural research facilities construction grant (C06) requires all 
funds to be obligated within five years.  Following the receipt of a Notice 
of Grant award, the institution must sign and return the Terms and Conditions 
of the award to the Office of Grants Management, NCRR, to begin the 80
design phase of the award.  Because the award has a five-year time limit for 
completion of the construction project, the grantee is required to begin the 
design phase immediately following the return of the signed Terms and 
Conditions.  The grantee must complete the three design phases leading to the 
development of the construction document (CD) within the first budget period 
of the award (completion of the design phases in less than 24 months is 
acceptable).  Grantees should allow four to six weeks for the NIH review of 
each design submission.  Grantees must submit all design documents for 
approval by the NCRR/NIH and the grantees must adhere to the following design 
document approval schedule:

o  Schematic Designs  (35% complete):  6 to 12 months
o  Design Development (65% complete):  12 to 18 months
o  Construction Document (95% complete):  18 to 24 months

Failure to meet the above required design document approval schedule places 
the grantee in non-compliance with the requirement of the award and may 
jeopardize this and/or future awards.

PEER REVIEW PROCESS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR and 
responsiveness by the NCRR and NIAID.
  
Incomplete and/or non-responsive applications will be returned to the 
applicant without further consideration.

An appropriate scientific review group convened by NCRR in accordance with 
the standard NIH peer review procedures (http://www.csr.nih.gov/refrev.htm) 
will evaluate applications for scientific and technical merit. 
 
As part of the initial merit review, all applications will:
o Undergo a selection process in which only those applications deemed to have 
the highest scientific merit, generally the top half of applications under 
review, will be discussed and assigned a priority score
o Receive a written critique
o Receive a second level review by the National Advisory Research 
Resources Council and the National Advisory Allergy and Infectious Diseases 
Council. 

REVIEW CRITERIA

Review Considerations 

Applications that are complete and responsive will be reviewed for scientific 
and technical merit by the Scientific and Technical Review Board on 
Biomedical and Behavioral Research Facilities established for this purpose by 
the NCRR using the review criteria stated below.  All applications receive a 
written critique and a second level review by the National Advisory Research 
Resources Council.  Applications will be evaluated on the basis of criteria 
intended to assess the following overall questions: (1) To what extent will 
the proposed change in the research environment facilitate the applicant 
institution's ability to conduct, expand, improve, or maintain 
biomedical/behavioral research? (2) Explain how the proposed project will 
meet unmet national health needs for biomedical/behavioral research, research 
training and/or research support facilities.

Reviewers also will consider the following factors: 

o The specific impact of the proposed construction on existing and future 
PHS-supported biomedical and behavioral research, research training and/or 
research support activities related only to the NCRR-supported construction 
project described in the proposed application. 
o The impact of the proposed construction on the planned advancement or 
expansion of the research and research training activities at institutions 
with limited PHS support. 
o Appropriateness and suitability of the proposed facilities, including 
safety and biohazard aspects, for the research to be conducted and/or 
research support and training to be provided. 
o Specific deficiencies in the existing research facilities that would be 
remedied and the impact of the proposed project on current and future 
research activities. 
o The appropriateness of the proposed physical location and layout of the new 
facility and the reasonableness of the proposed time-course, cost and 
sequence for the construction. 
o Adequacy of the proposed administrative arrangements with respect to 
institutional commitment to use the space for biomedical/behavioral research, 
research training and/or research support and the capabilities of the 
Principal Investigator and staff in the scientific and fiscal administration 
of the facility. 

Facility design considerations:

Architectural:
o Conformance to NIH Guidelines, National Life Safety Code and local codes 
o Occupancy category 
o Site adjacency and National Fire Protection Agency compliance
o Building zoning/adjacency such as public, semi-private, private 
o Functional adjacency
o Proposed conceptual layout
o Net and gross square feet of proposed layout
o Biological Safety Level Category
o List of containment devices in each room
o Traffic pattern (users, material, animal, patients) 
o Hazardous waste management
o Waste management
o Pest management control
o Coordination across all disciplines

Mechanical:
o Proposed HVAC system (equipment, distribution)
o Proposed Hydronic system (equipment, distribution)
o Proposed room by room pressurization control
o Proposed vibration and noise control criteria 
o Proposed room-by-room temperature and humidity control 
o Proposed HVAC system operation during normal and emergency cycle
o Scientific program standard operating procedures (SOP) during HVAC system 
failure

Plumbing:
o Proposed specialty systems (water purification, animal water feed, and 
special liquid or gases)
o Proposed potable and non-potable water systems

Fire Protection:
o Proposed fire protection barriers
o Proposed sprinkler system 
o Proposed fire alarm system

Electrical:
o Conformance to National Electrical Code
o Proposed electrical distribution system (normal, emergency, UPS)
o Proposed room lighting 
o Proposed security system
o Proposed telephone/data/LAN distribution system
o Proposed equipment monitoring system

References for the design of facilities supported through the 
Research Facilities Improvement Program:

o NIH Design and Policy Guidelines,  
http://orf.od.nih.gov/policy/index.htm

o Primary Containment for Biohazards: Selection, Installation and Use of 
Biological Safety Cabinets, CDC/NIH

o Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, CDC/NIH 

o Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, National Research 
Council, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 1996

Specific Considerations in writing and the review of the C06 application:
 
Easy to read schematic line drawings must be part of the application. 
Drawings must clearly indicate all construction and renovations.  Safety 
aspects must be incorporated in the design. The facility location must be 
identified with regard to related research facilities.  The drawings must 
indicate egress routes and the relationship of rooms.  All related 
specialized facilities and the location of major equipment must be shown.
 
Provide an organizational chart of the institution that defines the 
administrative authority.  

Fully justify the cost of the construction. Provide precise cost estimates 
and vendor quotes when available.
 
Justify the space requirements for support staff.

Clearly describe the impact of the proposed construction on PHS-funded 
research for both existing and future research projects.  Provide a table 
that lists current and pending research grants and indicate the title, 
principal investigator, grant number, source and annual amount of funding, 
and start and end dates.  List only those grants which will be active from 
the start date on the application face page and will benefit directly from 
the improvement project.  Provide succinct descriptions of specific research 
activities that will benefit from the proposed construction. Do not provide a 
description of global research activities at the institution.  

The program narrative of the application is limited to 40 pages.  Line 
drawings must be included in the narrative, but are not counted against the 
40-page narrative limitation. 

Provide biographical sketches (four pages including other support) of only 
investigators who will be major users of the proposed facilities, the 
Principal Investigator and the program director. A table formatted as per the 
Supplemental Instructions that details the research support to benefit from 
the proposed improvement project is required in the application in addition 
to the four-page biographical sketches.
 
Limit appendices to only additional information relevant to the information 
outlined in the application for the construction of the proposed facility for 
which NCRR-support is sought.  Do not submit general institutional reports 
and strategic plans not directly related to the facility described in the 
application.  Examples of information to be included in the appendices, if 
applicable, are:
o Environmental Analysis Form
o Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care 
(AAALAC) Report 
o Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Report  
o Equipment specifications
o Occupational Health Program
o Rate charts
o Public disclosure

Special considerations specifically for an animal facility improvement 
project should include:  
o A detailed description of any biohazard issues.
o A description of the veterinary support.
o The training and continued education programs for veterinary staff.
o A detailed animal census.
o A description of the number and species that are used for each project.
o A description of the composition and procedures of the IACUC.
o A description of appropriate procedures to ensure that the facility will be 
used as intended.

It is recommended that the applicant review the requirements for the Animal 
Facilities Improvement Program (G20) to provide adequate information  for a 
thorough review of the animal care and improvement project (see Developing and 
Improving Institutional Animal Resources; 
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-077.html).

If animals are used by investigators who will benefit from the improvement 
project, a brief description of the animal care program for those animals 
must be included in the application.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications submitted in response to a PA will compete for available funds 
with all other recommended applications.  The following will be considered in 
making funding decisions:

o Scientific and technical merit as determined by peer review
o Availability of funds
o Relevance to program priorities

Applications submitted in response to this PA will compete for available 
funds with all other recommended applications.  Factors considered in making 
awards include the merit of the proposal as determined by peer review; the 
needs of the institution, with special consideration for small institutions 
as well as institutions designated as Centers of Excellence; the commitment 
by the institution of funds needed to complete the project; the availability 
of appropriated funds; prior receipt of a construction award from this 
program; and geographic distribution.
 
Award Conditions 

The grantee will begin a process of design approval with the NCRR staff after 
acknowledging receipt of the Notice of Grant Award. This consists of three 
stages of submission of design documents. Two sets each of Schematic Design, 
Design Development and Final Construction Design Documents will be submitted 
at Stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively.  The documents will include detailed 
cost estimates and are required for final review and approval by NCRR before 
bids and proposals can be solicited by the grantee for the construction 
contract. Advertisement for construction bids and construction may be 
initiated only after receipt of the construction grant award and subsequent 
approval of the working drawings and specifications by NCRR staff. 
Early in the design process, applicants are encouraged to review the "NIH 
Grants Policy Statement," which is available on-line at 
https://grants.nih.gov/archive/archive/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm.  The sections 
related to public policy requirements and construction (i.e. Part III) are 
particularly relevant. No requests to initiate construction, consistent with 
NIH policy, will be entertained prior to receipt of a construction grant 
award from NIH and subsequent approval of working drawings and specifications 
by NCRR staff. 

The facility must be utilized for at least 20 years beginning 90 days 
following completion of the construction project for the biomedical or 
behavioral research purposes for which it was constructed. Any lease 
agreement must cover a time period sufficient for the usage requirement and 
be a minimum of 20 years in length starting from the completion of the 
facility.  An annual progress report is required for 20 years Federal 
interest in the facility as a condition of this award and must include a list 
of publications originating from the use of this project facility.  This list 
should be limited to those scientific papers acknowledging NCRR support 
including grant numbers.  Failure to comply with the 20-year utilization 
requirement will result in recovery of the Federal share of the value of the 
facility in accordance with Federal Regulations at 45 CFR 74.32.

REQUIRED FEDERAL CITATIONS 

PUBLIC ACCESS TO RESEARCH DATA THROUGH THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: The 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to 
provide public access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA) under some circumstances.  Data that are (1) first produced in a 
project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) 
cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action 
that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed 
through FOIA.  It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope 
of this amendment.  NIH has provided guidance at 
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm.
Applicants may wish to place data collected under this PA in a public 
archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the 
distribution for an indefinite period of time.  If so, the application should 
include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include 
information about this in the budget justification section of the 
application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure 
informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the 
potential for wider use of data collected under this award.

URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICES: All applications 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.  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 PA 
is related to one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may 
obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.healthypeople.gov/.

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance (No. 93.389) at http://www.cfda.gov/. Awards are 
made under authorization of Sections 481A and 481B of the Public Health 
Services Act, as amended by Sections 303 and 304 of Public Law (PL) 106-505 
and administered under the NIH grants policies and administered under the NIH 
grants policies described at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm 
and Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Part 74.  Applicants are 
required to comply with Executive Order 12372 as supplemented by 45 CFR Part 
100, Intergovernmental Review of Health and Human Services Programs and 
Activities. 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 (NIHGPS) can be found at 
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm.  The NIHGPS relevant to 
construction projects is located at 
https://grants.nih.gov/archive/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.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.

Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices

	Office of Extramural Research (OER)			National Institutes of Health (NIH) 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland 20892			Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
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