SKIN DISEASES RESEARCH CORE CENTERS

Release Date:  September 13, 1999

RFA:  AR-99-009

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 

Letter of Intent Receipt Date: April 17, 2000
Application Receipt Date:  June 14, 2000

PURPOSE

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
(NIAMS) invites applications for research core centers (P30s) in skin
diseases.  The Skin Diseases Research Core Centers (SDRCs) will provide the
resources for a number of established, currently funded investigators, often
from different disciplines, to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to common
research problems in skin diseases and to ensure greater productivity than
from each of the separate projects.

HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000

The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion
and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000," a PHS-led national
activity for setting priority areas.  This Request for Applications (RFA),
Skin Diseases Research Core Centers, is related to the priority area of
chronic disabling conditions.  Potential applicants may obtain a copy of
"Healthy People 2000" at http://odphp.osophs.dhhs.gov/pubs/hp2000

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by domestic for-profit and non-profit
organizations, public and private, such as universities, colleges, hospitals,
laboratories, units of State and local governments, and eligible agencies of
the Federal Government.  Foreign institutions are not eligible for center
grants.   An established clinical and basic research program in skin diseases
must be present.  Applications from racial/ethnic minority individuals and
women and persons with disabilities are encouraged.
 
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This RFA will use the NIH Core Center Grant (P30).  Responsibility for the
planning, direction, and execution of the proposed center will be solely that
of the applicant.  Investigators are to request five years of support.  The
anticipated award date is April 1, 2001.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

The direct costs requested cannot exceed $400,000 each year.  The NIAMS
intends to fund up to two new and/or competitive continuation P30 applications
responding to this RFA in FY 2001, subject to the availability of resources
and receipt of sufficiently meritorious applications.  The estimated funds
(total costs) available for the first year of support of these centers are
$1.2 million.  

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Research in skin diseases is at a stage where a number of areas are making
broad advances that can be effectively fostered by research core centers. 
Examples of these areas include, but are not limited to:

o   stratum corneum: biochemistry, structure, function
o   epidermis: differentiation, keratinization, cellular constituents
o   dermal-epidermal junction: structure, functions, diseases
o   skin as an immunological organ
o   autoimmune skin diseases
o   dermis: structural components, diseases
o   molecular genetics and epidemiology of skin diseases

The choice of research area upon which the SDRC would focus is made by the
principal investigator and collaborating currently funded investigators. 
However, research focused on advanced skin cancers, including metastasis and
treatment, is not in the NIAMS research mission and should not be the research
basis of an SDRC.  Any questions with regard to cancer relatedness should be
directed for clarification to the Centers Program Director.

The SDRCs will provide support for:

1.  Core resources and facilities to be used by investigators of individually
supported research projects in order to enhance and coordinate their
activities.  This support may include personnel, equipment, supplies,
services, and facilities.

2.  Up to $100,000 yearly in direct costs for pilot and feasibility studies.

3.  Program enrichment activities.

4.  Administrative Core
 
A SDRC should be an identifiable organizational unit within a university-affiliated 
medical center.  An Administrative Core should be proposed to
coordinate the Center and administer the program enrichment activities.  Two
or more research cores must be proposed.  A research core is a facility shared
by two or more Center investigators that enables them to conduct their
independently funded individual research projects more efficiently and/or more
effectively.  Cores generally fall into one of four categories:  (1) provision
of a technology that lends itself to automation or preparation in large
batches (e.g., histology and tissue culture); (2) complex instrumentation
(e.g., electron microscopy); (3) animal preparation and care; and (4) service
and training (e.g., molecular biology, biostatistics).

A pilot and feasibility study program provides modest research support
($20,000 - $50,000 yearly) for a limited time (1 to 3 years) to enable
eligible investigators to explore the feasibility of a skin diseases-related
concept and amass sufficient data to pursue it through other funding
mechanisms.  An investigator is eligible only once every 5 years.  Eligible
investigators include: 

1.  an established investigator in skin diseases or related areas with a
proposal for testing the feasibility of a new or innovative idea that is skin
diseases-related but represents a clear and distinct departure from the
investigator's ongoing research interest;

2.  an established, supported investigator with no previous work in skin
diseases or related areas who is willing to test the applicability of his/her
expertise on a skin diseases-related problem; and 

3.  a new investigator who has not been a principal investigator in a past or
current NIH research project grant (R01, R29, P01) or a current R55 grant. 
New in  vestigators should be clearly independent and have a faculty
appointment higher than that of postdoctoral fellow or research associate. 

Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research Center
(GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center for Research Resources may wish to
identify the GCRC as a resource for conducting the proposed research.  Details
of the interactions of the SDRC staff with the GCRC staff and research
personnel may be provided in a statement describing the collaborative linkages
being developed.  A letter of agreement from the GCRC Program Director must be
included with the application.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The director and co-director should budget for an annual one-day meeting in
Bethesda, MD with NIAMS staff.

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 subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported biomedical and
behavioral research projects involving human subjects, unless a clear and
compelling rationale and justification is provided 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 research involving human subjects should read the
"NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical
Research,"  which was published in the Federal Register of March 28, 1994 (FR
59 14508-14513) and in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 23, No.
11, March 18, 1994, available on the web at:
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not94-100.html


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" that was
published in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, March 6, 1998, and is
available at the following URL address:
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. 

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by April 17, 2000, a letter of
intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed research, the name,
address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator, the identities of
other key personnel and participating institutions, and the number and title
of the RFA in response to which the application may be submitted.  Although a
letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the
review of subsequent applications, the information that it contains allows
NIAMS staff to estimate the potential review workload and to avoid conflict of
interest in the selection of reviewers.  The letter of intent is to be sent to
Dr. Julia B. Freeman at the address listed under INQUIRIES.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Special guidelines have been developed for Core Centers supported by NIAMS. 
These guidelines should be used in assembling the application. See INQUIRIES
for obtaining a copy of these guidelines.

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) is to be used in
applying for these grants.  Application kits are available at most
institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the
Division of Extramural Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes
of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone
301/710-0267, email: grantsinfo@nih.gov  and on the internet at
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms.htm

The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev. 4/98) application form must be
affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application.  The RFA label and
line 2 should both indicate the RFA number.   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, "Skin
Diseases Research Core Centers" and number, "AR-99-009" must be typed on line
2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked.

The sample RFA label available at:
https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf has been modified to
allow for this change.  Please note this is in pdf format.

Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the
Checklist, and three signed photocopies of the application 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, send two additional copies of the application to:

Review Branch
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 
Natcher Building, Room 5AS.25U - MSC 6500
Bethesda, MD  20892-6500
Bethesda, MD  20814 (for express/courier service)

Applications must be received by June 14, 2000.  If an application is received
after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review.  

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Applications for Core Center grants will first be screened for completeness by
the Center for Scientific Review and for responsiveness by NIAMS staff. 
Applications that are complete and responsive will be further evaluated for
scientific merit by a group of expert consultants convened by the Review
Branch of the NIAMS.  Each application should be complete in itself. 
Revisions will not be accepted after the receipt date. As part of the initial
merit review, a process will be used by the initial review group in which
applications receive written critique and undergo a process in which only
those applications deemed to have the highest 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 (IC) National Advisory Council or
Board.  Site visits are not anticipated.  It is strongly recommended that, if
appropriate,  Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care
and Use committee (IACUC) approval be secured before the application is
submitted.  Otherwise, it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure these
certifications are sent to the NIAMS Review Branch within 60 days of the
receipt date.  Applications failing to comply with this requirement will be
returned without review.  A second level of review will be performed by the
National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory Council.

Review criteria

Applicants should clearly demonstrate the ways in which the SDRC will build
the local research program, will support on-going projects and will attract
both senior and new investigators to skin diseases research.  Review criteria
that will be used by the initial review group (IRG) in the evaluation of the
Core Center applications are:

1.  Evaluation of Cores

A research core is evaluated on the facilities and or services provided. 
Important factors include:

Significance:  Will the core have utility to the Core Center research base
(minimum:  two independently funded investigators)? 

Approach: Is the quality of services high?  Are there procedures for quality
control?  Is the core cost effective?  How is cost reimbursement proposed? 

Innovation: Will the core likely promote interdisciplinary research?  Are
unique services offered?

Investigator:  Are the personnel appropriate?

Environment:  Are the facilities and equipment adequate?  Is there
institutional commitment to the core?

2.  Evaluation of Pilot and Feasibility Studies (P&Fs) 

For individual P&Fs:

Significance:  Will the proposed work likely yield meaningful preliminary data
leading to a research proposal?

Approach:  Are the experimental approaches adequate?

Innovation: Is the research topic one that promotes innovative new research
related to the core center?

Investigator:  Does the investigator meet one of the criteria for P&F
investigators?  (If not, the project should not be considered further.)

Environment: Is the project appropriate to the research base of the core
center?  Does one or more of the cores offer needed materials/assistance?

3.  Evaluation of the Administrative Core 

The Administrative Core is evaluated on the leadership provided.  Important
factors include:

Significance:  Does the proposed Core Center document coordination of ongoing
research between the separately funded projects and the Core Center including
mechanisms for internal monitoring?

Approach:  Is the management proposed appropriate for 1) fiscal
administration, procurement, property and personnel management, planning,
budgeting, etc.; 2) reviewing the use of, and administering funds for, the
pilot and feasibility program?  Are the Core Center budgets appropriate for
the proposed and approved work to be done in core facilities, for pilot and
feasibility studies, and for enrichment in relation to the total Core Center
program?

Innovation:  Is there a plan for the establishment and maintenance of internal
communication and cooperation among the Core Center investigators and for an
enrichment program that provides outside review and input?

Investigators:  Is there scientific and administrative leadership, commitment
and ability, and adequate time commitment of the Core Center Director and
Associate Director for the effective management of the Core Center program?

Environment:  Have institutional lines of authority and sanction been
documented for the Core Center?

4. Overall Core Center Evaluation

An overall priority score will be assigned to the application.  This score
will reflect not only the quality of the cores, administration, and pilot and
feasibility studies, but also the quality of the research base and how the
proposed Core Center will enhance the research base.

The following elements will be evaluated:

a.  The scientific excellence of the Core Center's research base as well as
the relevance and interrelation of these separately funded research projects
to the central themes of the Core Center and the likelihood for meaningful
collaboration among Core Center investigators.  Existence of a base of
established independently supported biomedical research of high quality is a
prerequisite for establishment of a Core Center.

b. The application must convey how the proposed Core Center will enhance
significantly the cited research base established at the host institution.  In
a competing continuation application, the application should document an
impact of the Core Center.  This includes the qualifications, experience, and
commitment of the Core Center investigators and their willingness to interact
with each other.  This also includes efficient and effective use and/or
planned use of enrichment funds including the contribution of these activities
in enhancing the realization of the Core Center concept.

c.  The appropriateness, quality and relevance of the proposed cores, and the
modes of operation, facilities, and potential for contribution to ongoing
research.

d.  The proposed management of the pilot and feasibility program and the
scientific merit of the pilot and feasibility projects for which funds are
requested from the Core Center grant.  The effectiveness of the proposed
program will serve as a basis for recommendations concerning the level at
which pilot and feasibility studies will be supported throughout the project
period.

e.  The overall environment for a Core Center.  This includes the
institutional commitment to the program, including lines of accountability
regarding management of the Core Center, and the institution's partnership
with the Core Center, and the institutional commitment to individuals
responsible for conducting essential Core Center functions. This also includes
the academic environment and resources in which the activities will be
conducted, including the availability of space, equipment, facilities, and the
potential for interaction with scientists from other departments and schools.

Since the NIAMS is interested in funding only the best research, individual
components of lesser quality may not be funded, even if approved, under the
"umbrella" of the Core Center grant mechanism.  It is primarily for this
reason that each component will be assigned a separate merit rating, taking
into consideration only its merit as an individual pilot and feasibility study
or core.  

AWARD CRITERIA

The anticipated date of award is April 2001.  The primary factors determining
the award will be the priority score and the availability of funds.

INQUIRIES

Inquiries are encouraged.  The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions
from potential applicants is welcome.  Inquiries regarding programmatic issues
and letters of intent may be directed to:

Dr. Julia B. Freeman
Centers Program, EP
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 
Natcher Building, Room 5AS.19F -  MSC 6500
Bethesda, MD  20892-6500
Bethesda, MD  20814 (for express/courier service)
Telephone:  (301) 594-5052
FAX:  (301) 480-4543
Email:  Julia_B_Freeman@nih.gov

Copies of the guidelines for the NIAMS CORE CENTER program may be obtained
from:

NIAMS Clearinghouse
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD  20892-3675
Telephone: (301) 495-4484
FAX: (301) 587-4352

Guidelines are also available on the internet:

http://www.nih.gov/niams/grants/ep7.htm

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Sally A. Nichols 
Grants Management Officer
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 
Natcher Building Room 5AS.49F - MSC 6500
Bethesda, MD  20892-6500
Telephone: (301) 594-3535
FAX: (301) 480-5450
Email:  nicholss@exchange.nih.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.
93.846, Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research.  Awards will be
made under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Title III, Section
301 (Public Law 410, 78th Congress, as amended, 42 USC 241) and administered
under NIH grants policies and Federal regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR
Parts 74 and 92.  This program is not subject to intergovernmental review
requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.

The PHS strongly encourages all grant and contract 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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