INTERNATIONAL MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH AND TRAINING PROGRAM

Release Date:  March 4, 1999 

RFA:  TW-99-002

P.T.

Fogarty International Center

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  April 1, 1999
Application Receipt Date:  May 18, 1999

PURPOSE

The Fogarty International Center (FIC) invites applications for the
International Maternal and Child Health Research Training program (IMCHRT) for
award in FY 1999.  This RFA precedes an RFA for a complementary international
collaboration research program to be issued by the National Institute of Child
Health and Human Development (NICHD).  Many of the applicants to this FIC RFA
are anticipated to be interested in applying to the new NICHD RFA when it
becomes available, and future training awards and areas of research training
will depend in large part upon successful competition for the NICHD research
awards.  The training and research capacity building efforts of the IMCHRT are
meant to facilitate the research to be undertaken under the NICHD's
International Collaborations in Maternal and Child Health (ICMCH) program.

The purpose of this FIC training program is to stimulate high quality training
and build research capacity in support of current and future collaborative
research on maternal and child health issues that are predominately endemic in
or impact upon people living in developing countries.  The intent of the
IMCHRT program is to provide training opportunities for foreign investigators
which will build research capacity and strengthen foreign and U.S. cooperation
related to maternal and child health.  Integration of the IMCHRT with the
future ICMCH enhances the purposes of both programs such that they will
mutually reinforce one another.

The IMCHRT will support training experiences for foreign scientists in the
context of the future ICMCH priority research areas.  There are three overall
objectives for the FIC IMCHRT:  1) to increase expertise of scientists in
developing countries in maternal and child health related biomedical,
behavioral, and prevention research; 2) to support collaborative training in
maternal and child health biomedical  and behavioral research between U.S.
based and foreign scientists; and 3) to establish or strengthen maternal and
child health biomedical and behavioral research and prevention centers of
excellence in the home countries of trainees.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with a variety of risk factors and
claim millions of lives each year.  The battle to improve maternal/child
health is particularly critical in developing countries and is becoming
increasingly important in Russia and newly independent states of the Former
Soviet Union.  This RFA is intended to address maternal/child health-related
training and capacity building for risk factors other than HIV infection.  In
this regard, however, in situations where there is a high prevalence of HIV
infection one must consider the totality of risk factors, both HIV and non-
HIV, which contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes and poor health status of
mothers and children.  Further, recent advances in interventions to improve
health outcome in HIV infection (e.g. nutritional supplements to pregnant
women to decrease adverse pregnancy outcome; vitamin A supplements to improve
health outcome in HIV-infected children; chlorhexidine vaginal cleansing at
birth to decrease neonatal sepsis and improve maternal health as well as use
of antibiotics to prevent and treat chorioamnionitis) may also have more
general health benefits for mothers and children in developing countries
regardless of HIV status.  Consequently, investments made in HIV/AIDS research
are now seen to provide general benefits to the health of HIV negative persons
in developing countries.  One of the most important factors contributing to
the survival and health status of young children is the health status of the
mother for children who become orphans of HIV-infected mothers are at greater
risk whether or not they are HIV-infected themselves.

The goal of this initiative is to strengthen and sustain, through
collaborative research and training, the capability of developing countries to
carry out research required to develop new strategies and to apply existing
knowledge through operational research to improve health outcomes for mothers
and children in developing countries.  The areas of potential research
training in this RFA are broad and programs are not expected to propose
activities in most let alone in all areas.  Applicants are encouraged to
propose programs only in those areas where they have the greatest expertise. 
Potential interventions include strategies to improve health outcomes in
mothers and infants such as; (a) improved management of risk factors and
complications associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, e.g. lack of
adequate prenatal care, prematurity and low birth weight, malnutrition, use of
alcohol, drugs and tobacco, pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational
diabetes; (b) prevention and treatment of infections associated with adverse
pregnancy outcomes with an emphasis on infections other than HIV/AIDS (with
HIV/AIDS-related issues being emphasized under other FIC programs), e.g. STDs,
bacterial vaginosis, chorioamnionitis, including such approaches as maternal
immunization, information/education, condom promotion, chlorhexidine vaginal
cleansing, use of antibiotics; (c) nutritional supplementation and (d)
research to assess and interventions to reduce developmental pediatrics
disorders.  Strategies to improve health status of children include such
approaches as enhanced prevention and treatment of diarrheal diseases through
improved sanitation and oral rehydration; strategies to more effectively
deploy existing vaccines against childhood infections; nutritional
supplementation; improved treatment and prevention of malaria and acute
respiratory infections including opportunistic infections associated with
HIV/AIDS; and prevention of accidental injuries and deaths.  Since this RFA is
considered to be a non-AIDS program, applicants planning to work in HIV/AIDS
endemic areas would be expected to consider HIV status in designing their
research and training programs and in this regard are encouraged to form
collaborations with FIC AIDS training and research programs working in common
countries of interest. 

The RFA requires the inclusion of training and research capacity building in
the responsible conduct of research.  The training program is intended to be
multidisciplinary, including biomedical as well as behavioral research which
is required in order to examine the social and cultural determinants of
health-related behaviors in various societies, for example, breast feeding,
sexual practices, smoking, and alcohol use.

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),
International Maternal and Child Health Research and Training Program, is
related to one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may obtain
a copy of "Healthy People 2000" at
http://www.crisny.org/health/us/health7.html.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by domestic for-profit and non-profit
organizations; public and private institutions, such as universities,
colleges, hospitals, and laboratories.  Only one application is allowed from
any applicant organization.  Applicants with a strong base of research support
from the NICHD or other parts of the NIH related to maternal and child health
are strongly encouraged to apply.  While for-profit and non-academic
organizations are eligible, they should establish linkages with academic
institutions to be able to offer the full range of training opportunities
included in the FIC IMCHRT.  Racial/ethnic minority individuals and women are
encouraged to apply as Principal Investigators.  The U.S. grantee institution
is responsible for developing an affiliations(s) with an established
institution (e.g. university, research institute, federal or state health
department, hospital) in the host country.  Applicants for the FIC IMCHRT
program are strongly encouraged to apply for an NICHD ICMCH award when that
RFA becomes available.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

Awards will be made by the Fogarty International Center under the
international training grants (D43) mechanism, which limits indirect costs to
eight percent.  The total project period for an IMCHRT application submitted
in response to this RFA may not exceed five years.  At this time, the FIC has
not determined whether and how this solicitation will be continued beyond the
present RFA.  FIC, with NICHD, will conduct a program evaluation by the end of
the fourth year of the IMCHRT.  The results will assist the NIH in determining
the re-issuance of the RFA. If, by the end of the fourth year of the award,
the FIC has not announced their intent, due to budget uncertainties or other
reasons, to reissue the RFA, incumbents should contact program staff before
preparing a recompeting application to seek advice on the most appropriate
method of application submission.

The applicant organization's administration must provide the necessary
management for the transfer of funds and material to the off-site component. 
Indirect costs will not be paid on any expense incurred by the foreign
institution(s) although expenses required to support in-country training and
training-related research such as access to facilities, library services, the
internet, can be charged as direct expenses when well justified.  Travel,
salaries, and fringe benefits will be subject to the applicant institution's
rules and regulations.

Grants will be made as D43 training grant awards for a project period of up to
five years.  Continued support during this period depends on satisfactory
performance of the FIC IMCHRT (as well as any companion NICHD ICMCH award that
may be made) as judged by: annual progress reports; site visits and meetings
of program directors; career progress of trainees (e.g., positions occupied in
home country, first author publications, presentations, research undertaken
and research awards received); and development of national capacity for
maternal and child health related research, and prevention, including the
establishment or strengthening of model maternal and child health research
centers of excellence in the home countries of trainees.  Assessment of
performance will be made jointly by FIC and NICHD.  Special program reviews
will be conducted by the FIC and NICHD.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

Approximately $500,000 is anticipated for support of this program in FY 1999
and an estimated $1,000,000 more for new awards in FY 2000 depending upon
availability of funds.  The maximum allowable support for the first year is
$200,000 (total costs including 8% facilities and administrative costs). 
Awards will be made in FY 1999 and in FY 2000 with the expectation that 3 new
awards can be made in FY 1999 and 6 additional new awards can be made in FY
2000 depending upon merit and availability of funds.  A budget increase of 3%
may be requested for years 02 to 05.  Depending on the availability of funds
for support of IMCHRT in the future, FIC will consider this requested increase
when making future-year awards.  Also, administrative supplemental budget
requests up to 20% may be requested in any one year to cover unusual, unique
scientific opportunities or emergency situations.  These requests will be
reviewed jointly by FIC and NICHD and awarded based upon merit and depending
upon available funds.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Scope of Training

A. Training Objectives

The integration of the FIC IMCHRT program and the future companion NICHD ICMCH
will facilitate training of foreign scientists in the context of ICMCH
research priority areas and facilitate sustainable collaborative research
between the U.S. and foreign countries.  The establishment and strengthening
of scientific linkages between U.S. and foreign investigators stimulates self-
sufficiency of the collaborating foreign institution and enhances the
scientific infrastructure for additional international collaborative
arrangements.  The linkage of the ICMCH research and the IMCHRT training and
research capacity building programs is a logical extension of collaborative
efforts between FIC and NICHD to build research capacity and support
interventions to improve the health of mothers and children in the developing
world, as well as in Russia and the newly independent states of the former
Soviet Union.

B. Training Plan

The training plan should include U.S.-based, long-term (usually a minimum of
two years) training leading to an advanced degree or to provide mentored
postdoctoral research training.  The IMCHRT will promote and facilitate
training courses targeted toward specific needs, such as learning laboratory
or social science or behavioral research techniques and transfer of medical
informatics, biotechnology and other methods required to support maternal and
child health research efforts in the home countries of the trainees involved
in the companion ICMCH research projects.  When a specific scientific course
is given by one IMCHRT program it is expected that this course will be open to
trainees of other IMCHRT award institutions with the expenses for this to be
included within the regular budgets for each program that intends to send its
trainees to such courses.  Training activities will be coordinated,
facilitated and monitored by networking meetings of IMCHRT Principal
Investigators, major foreign collaborators and the FIC and NICHD program
officers or their designees.

C.  Types of Training:

1. Pre-doctoral training in maternal and child health-related biomedical and
behavioral research disciplines, and data management and analysis in support
of that research, which may lead to an M.S. or Ph.D. or equivalent degree for
individuals with or without previous field research experience.  Programs
should relate directly to ICMCH research, and may range up to four years.  In
general, academic courses will be taken at the U.S. institution.  Field
studies and research may be conducted in the U.S. but, to the greatest extent
possible, should occur in the trainees' home country in the context of future
ICMCH projects.  Active involvement in on-going research and prevention
projects is vital for a successful research and/or public health training
experience.  Innovative ways to involve trainees in ICMCH research projects
conducted in their home countries is encouraged for awardees receiving both an
IMCHRT and future ICMCH award;
2. Postdoctoral research experiences including related clinical training as
needed, generally of two years duration for foreign health scientists;
3. Short-term training (either in the U.S. or in-country) of up to four weeks
in focused research methodologies, related to improvement of maternal/child
health outcomes;
4. Medium-term training of about three to six months duration conducted in the
U.S. in laboratory procedures and research techniques, for example,
development of pilot biomedical studies or development of behavioral research
instruments for individuals with M.S. and M.D. or Ph.D. as well as nurses and
nurse midwifery degrees;
5. One-time awards for advanced research training (1-2 years duration) upon
return to the home country (supported through this award or a companion ICMCH
award if available) at levels of funding specified under allowable costs in
this RFA;
6. Research training experiences for exceptionally promising pre- and
postdoctoral U.S. health science students (including medical students and
residents), with prior FIC approval.

D.  Trainees:

Trainees shall be individuals who are, or are expected to be, involved in
maternal and child health-related biomedical and behavioral research and
prevention activities in their home country.  The following categories of
foreign individuals are eligible for training:

1. Health professionals with doctoral degrees (M.D., D.D.S./D.M.D., Ph.D., or
equivalent);
2. Health professionals with a bachelors or masters degree in a basic or
health science, including nurses and nurse midwives;
3. Medical technicians and health care workers (short courses);
4. Allied health professionals such as behavioral scientists, and social
workers (short courses);
5. Current or former FIC trainees involved in advanced research training in
their home countries; and, in addition, with prior FIC approval,
6. Pre and post doctoral U.S. health science students.

Programs are strongly encouraged to give special emphasis to include women in
selecting foreign trainees and to insure adequate representation of women and
minorities in selecting U.S. trainees under this program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Each awardee will have a U.S. Principal Investigator (PI) and a Major Foreign
Collaborator (MFC). The PI and MFC will be responsible for the overall conduct
of the IMCHRT.

Training in Responsible Conduct of Research.  Applicants are required to
include training in responsible conduct of research as a part of the program. 
An award will not be made unless a description of such training is included.

Recruitment and Selection Plan.  The applicant institution must include a plan
describing the recruitment and selection procedures for trainees, a detailed
description of peer review for training-related and advanced in-country
research (re-entry grants), and plans for continued collaboration with former
trainees.  Degree candidates must meet all entrance requirements of the U.S.
degree granting institution. The grant applications should clarify and
completely specify:  (a) criteria and procedures for the selection of trainees
as, for example, by a committee composed of U.S. and foreign investigators at
participating institution(s) and (b) a mechanism for internal peer review of
applications to support in-country research projects.

Tracking System For Long Term Impact.  As part of their obligations under this
program, awardees are required to initially design as part of their
application and ultimately to implement a system to fully track and document
the long-term impact of this training program on:  (1) the careers of current
and former trainees; (2) research capacity in the home institution of
trainees; (3) types of positions the proposed trainees may assume upon
completion of training; (4) the contributions to future NIH international
maternal and child health research and prevention efforts; (5) the
establishment or strengthening of maternal and child health research centers
of excellence in the home countries of trainees; and (6) the impact of program
graduates in contributing to improving the health status of women and children
in their home countries.  Examples of such impact include how training
received under the program has allowed participants to assume more responsible
positions upon returning home, how continuing collaborations with former
trainees resulted in the funding of maternal and child health prevention or
collaborative research projects for which trainees were either principal
investigators or co-investigators, publications in which trainees were first
authors and which were based upon support under this program, and health
policies that were influenced or implemented by returning trainees in their
home countries.  After awards have been made, but before tracking of impact is
implemented, FIC will work with awardees to design a standardized tracking
system building upon the ideas in the original proposals combined with FIC
experience in other similar programs.  Once this standardized tracking system
has been agreed to it is expected to be implemented across all programs. 
Impact will be an important criteria for recompetition of this program.

Coordination and Collaboration.  Coordination and collaboration of the IMCHRT
Program with other FIC award programs and affiliated institutions, especially
when operating within the same country, will be of benefit to all partners. 
The coordination of activities among training sites will be facilitated by the
FIC, in conjunction with NICHD, and will include organization of joint
meetings to be held during international and regional scientific or public
health meetings.  Program applicants are strongly encouraged to include plans,
if possible for coordination and collaboration with other FIC training
programs:  these include the FIC AIDS International Training and Research
Program, the International Training and Research Program in Emerging
Infectious Diseases (and the related TB initiative), the International
Training and Research Program in Environment and Occupational Health, the
International Training and Research Program in Population and Health, the
Minority International Research Training Program (maternal and child health-
related activities), the International Medical Informatics Program as well as
with other NIH-sponsored programs when working in common countries and/or
regions.

Given the increased emphasis on maternal and child health research and
research training globally, FIC will also facilitate coordination and
collaboration with other government agencies (e.g., CDC, USAID, DoD, etc.) and
with bilateral and multilateral international organizations, including the
World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the
World Bank and in-country projects funded by NIH including those by NICHD and
other Institutes.

Allowable Costs

The following cost categories are allowable but serve only as a guide under
the research training program.  Programs are encouraged to be as cost-
effective as possible in implementing their activities.

A.  Stipend and Salary

1.  Living allowance (stipend) comparable to trainee's professional level, in
accordance with grantee institutional policies but not to exceed $45,000 per
annum while undergoing training in the U.S.;
2.  Living allowance (stipend) while conducting in-country dissertation
research or in-country advanced research training (re-entry grants) at a level
comparable to that received by similar professionals and compatible with
salary scales in-country, in accordance with grantee institutional policies,
but also not to exceed $45,000 per annum;
3.  Stipend support (not to exceed $45,000 per year) for foreign and (with
prior FIC approval) for U.S. postdoctoral researchers compatible with salary
scales in the U.S. and in-country;
4.  Up to 10 percent of annual salary (maximum of $10,000) for the program
director to administer the program and to enable U.S. faculty (including the
program director) to be involved in advanced research training activities
conducted in-country.  In addition, salary support for up to one FTE of
administrative support staff is allowable.

B.  Travel

1.  Round trip economy class air fare between the U.S. and home country (two
trips for M.S./Ph.D. candidates and advanced research trainees, one for all
others);
2.  Travel and per diem for the program director or selected faculty
colleagues to provide guidance to students conducting dissertation-related
field studies and/or advanced research training in their home countries;
3.  Travel and per diem for faculty presenting short-term, in-country courses;
4.  Travel for participation in networking and program coordination meetings.

C.  Tuition

Tuition for foreign trainees, not to exceed 15% of total direct costs. 
Exceptions to this policy require prior approval from the FIC.  Programs are
strongly encouraged to cost-share tuition costs, for example, by providing for
reduced tuition for long-term trainees and/or not charging tuition for short-
term courses in the U.S. and in-country, etc.

D.  Training-Related Expenses

1.  Allowance for the grantee institution of up to $600 monthly per student to
cover health insurance, scientific meetings, and incidental research expenses;
2.  Support of up to $10,000 as a one-time expense for in-country field
research in partial fulfillment of the M.S./Ph.D. training program;
3.  Research support of up to $10,000 per trainee to facilitate the conduct of
advanced research training (re-entry grants) in the home country conducted by
current and/or former FIC program trainees; the program director is expected
to have projects submitted for this funding peer reviewed for scientific as
well as ethical aspects by the U.S. institution (and collaborating foreign
institutions) in accordance with plans outlined in the grant application.

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 1, 1999, a letter of
intent that includes a descriptive title of the overall proposed research; the
name, address and telephone number of the Principal Investigator; the
country(ies) and possible institutions to which the U.S. institution will be
linked; and the number and title of this RFA.  Although the letter of intent
is not required, is not binding, does not commit the sender to submit an
application, and does not enter into the review of subsequent applications,
the information that it contains allows NIH staff to plan for the review in a
timely fashion for the benefit of the investigators and to avoid conflict of
interest in the review.  The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. Kenneth
Bridbord at the addresses listed under INQUIRIES

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications are to be submitted on the standard research grant application
form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98), using the instructions and forms for Institutional
National Research Service Awards.  Application kits are available at most
institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from the
Division of Extramural Outreach and Information, National Institutes of
Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone
(301) 710-0267, email:  grantsinfo@nih.gov

For purposes of identification and processing, item 2 on the face page of the
application must be marked "YES" and the RFA number "TW-99-002" and the words
"International Maternal and Child Health" must be entered on the face page.

Applications must be received by May 18, 1999.  The RFA label available in the
application form PHS 398 must be affixed to the bottom of the face page. 
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.  Initial funding is anticipated in September 1999.

Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the
checklist, and three signed, exact, single-sided photocopies, in one package
to:

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

At the time of submission, two additional exact copies of the grant
application and all five sets of any appendix material must be sent to Dr.
Charlotte Catz at the address listed under INQUIRIES.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the Center for
Scientific Review (CSR) and for responsiveness by FIC staff; those judged to
be incomplete or considered to be non-responsive will be returned to the
applicant without review.  

NICHD will conduct the initial scientific review on behalf of the FIC, as part
of the overall review of the IMCHRT applications.  Applications that are
complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and
technical merit by a peer review group convened by the NICHD in accordance
with the review criteria stated below.  As part of the initial merit review,
all applications will be discussed, assigned a priority score and receive a
written critique as well as receive a second level review by the FIC Advisory
Board.

Review Criteria

The scientific evaluation of each application will include assessment of the
linkage between proposed training and maternal and child health-related
research supported by NICHD and other components of the NIH.  Evidence of
support for the IMCHRT from collaborating institutions and host governments
must be submitted with the application.

A.  Significance

1.  The expected public health and scientific contributions of the proposed
activity; and
2.  The demonstrated capacity and/or potential to achieve sustained maternal
and child health-related research and training efforts, and to build
associated clinical and operational research and public health capacity within
a country.

B.  Approach

1.  Balance in the proposed training program to provide breadth of training
opportunities in the field of academic-based, maternal and child health-
related training in biomedical, and behavioral science, and clinical sciences
and prevention research;
2.  The mix of long- and short-term training to achieve the goals of this RFA,
including focused efforts to build long-term biomedical, behavioral, clinical
and operational research and public health capacity at a model maternal and
child health center of research excellence within a collaborating country;
3.  Adequacy of proposed procedures and criteria for 1) recruitment, review
and selection of trainees, and 2) peer review of research and related maternal
and child health prevention projects; and
4.  Adequacy of plans to include an adequate representation of women among
foreign trainees as well as women and minorities among U.S. trainees.

C.  Innovation

1.  Plans for trainees to become involved in maternal and child health
biomedical and behavioral research, and prevention projects conducted in their
home countries; and
2.  Adequacy and creativity of plans including use of the modern information
technology to facilitate access to scientific information, distance learning,
coordination and research collaboration.

D.  Investigator(s)

1.  Qualifications of the program director to lead and the named faculty to
participate in the proposed training and research program; and
2.  Active research support of the program director and participating faculty.


E.  Environment

1.  The strength of resources and training environment in-country as evidenced
by 1) the quality of teaching and the in-country research facilities and other
resources; 2) the availability of high-quality candidates chosen on the basis
of merit; and 3) past history of success of former trainees returning to their
home countries and their continued involvement in the program; for example,
the participation of past trainees in advanced in-country research and as
faculty and mentors for new trainees; and
2.  Training environment in the U.S., including the institutional commitment,
the caliber of preceptors, the quality of teaching and research facilities and
resources.

F.  The initial review group will also examine the adequacy of the process for
providing for the protection of human and animal subjects and the safety of
the research environment, and plans to include training in responsible conduct
of research and training in the operation of IRBs, data and safety monitoring
boards and community advisory boards as a part of the program.  IRBs in the
home countries of trainees will be responsible for determining the adequacy of
inclusion of women and minorities as well as children in research involving
human subjects in their countries.

Schedule

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  April 1. 1999
Application Receipt Date:       May 18, 1999
Scientific Review Date:         July 1999
FIC Advisory Board:             September 1999
Earliest Award Date:            September 1999

AWARD CRITERIA

In addition to the scientific merit as determined by peer review, the
following will be considered in making funding decisions:

1.  The extent to which NICHD currently supports research efforts in the
proposed collaborating countries and/or any future plans to make a companion
ICMCH award; and
2.  The extent and effectiveness of efforts made by applicants in developing
biomedical behavioral, and prevention research training programs necessary to
support maternal and child health research and related research efforts in the
home countries of trainees including efforts made to focus resources to build
long-term clinical research, operational research and public health capacity
at a model maternal and child health research center in the home country of
trainees;
3.  Cost-effectiveness of programs;
4.  Efforts made to collaborate with other NIH Institutes and Centers, CDC,
and USAID and WHO programs and institutions and with other organizations;
5.  The extent to which proposed training programs support and complement
other NIH international maternal and child health research efforts;
6.  Availability of funds including the capability to expand training and
research capacity building efforts should additional resources become
available for this purpose from FIC or other sources;
7.  Program balance among critical research and public health training areas
of emphasis; and
8.  Geographic distribution among countries included in applications under
consideration, including the need for a given program to work in a specific
country.

Before any funds can be expended from this award, the grantee institution must
show evidence of approval for collaborative research and training between the
U.S. and foreign countries and institutions included in the program through an
endorsement from the Minister of Health or Education or other appropriate
government official as well as from the collaborating institutions.

INQUIRIES

Written and telephone inquiries concerning this RFA are strongly encouraged. 
The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants
is welcome.

Direct inquiries regarding IMCHRT programmatic (training scope and
eligibility)
issues to:

Kenneth Bridbord, M.D.
Director, Division of International Training and Research
Fogarty International Center
31 Center Drive, Room B2C39, MSC 2220
Bethesda, MD  20892-2220
Telephone:  (301) 496-1653
FAX:  (301) 402-0779
Email:  ken_bridbord@nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding review issues and special instructions for
application preparation; and mail two copies of the application and all five
sets of appendices to:

Charlotte Catz, M.D.
Center for Research for Mothers and Children
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
6100 Executive Boulevard, Room 4B03
Bethesda, MD  20852
Telephone:  (301) 496-5576
FAX:  (301) 496-3790
Email:  cc87z@nih.gov

Direct inquiries regarding IMCHRT fiscal matters to:

Ms. Silvia Mandes
Division of International Training and Research
Fogarty International Center
31 Center Drive, Room B2C39, MSC 2220
Bethesda, MD  20892-2220
Telephone:  (301) 496-1653
FAX:  (301) 402-0779
Email:  silvia_mandes@nih.gov

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

Awards are made under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Title
IV, part A (Public Law 78-410, as amended by Public Law 99-158, 42 USC 241 and
285) and administered under PHS grants policies and Federal regulations 42 CFR
52 and 45 CFR Part 74.  This program is not subject to the intergovernmental
review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or to 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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	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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