To
support hypothesis, design, technology, or devise-driven research
relative to the discovery, design, development, translation and
assessment of technologies in biomedical imaging. The Biomedical
Imaging Program includes imaging device development, biomedical
imaging technology development, image exploitation, contrast agents,
informatics and computer sciences related to imaging, molecular
and cellular imaging, bioelectrics/biomagnetics, organ and whole
body imaging, screening for diseases and disorders, and imaging
technology assessment.
TYPES
OF ASSISTANCE:
Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition
USES
AND USE RESTRICTIONS:
Research Grant funds may
be used for salaries, consultation, equipment, travel and other
usual costs, subject to Federal regulations applicable to the grant.
Individual National Research Service Awards (NRSAs) are made directly
to individuals for research training in specified areas related
to the mission of NIBIB. Institutional NRSAs may be made to institutions
to enable them to accept individuals for research training. Each
individual who receives a NRSA postdoctoral fellowship or traineeship
is obligated upon termination of the award to comply with certain
service and payback provisions. Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) Phase I grants are to establish the technical merit and feasibility
of a proposed research effort that may lead to a commercial product
or process. Only Phase I awardees are eligible to apply for Phase
II support. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I grants
are to determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit
and feasibility of the proposed cooperative effort that has potential
for commercial application. Phase II funding is based on results
of research initiated in Phase I and scientific and technical merit
and commercial potential of the Phase II application.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant Eligibility:
Any corporation, public or private institution or agency, or other
legal entity, either nonprofit or for-profit, may apply for a research
grant. An applicant for an individual NRSA must be a citizen of
the United States or lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
Those on temporary or student visas are not eligible. An eligible
institution for an institutional NRSA must be capable of providing
predoctoral and/or postdoctoral research training opportunities
for engineers, bioengineers or other. SBIR grants can be awarded
only to domestic small businesses (entities that are independently
owned and operated for profit; are not dominant in the field in
which research is being proposed; and have no more than 500 employees).
Primary employment (more than one-half time) of the principal investigator
must be with the small business at the time of award and during
the conduct of the proposed project. In both Phase I and Phase II,
the research must be performed in the United States or its possessions.
To be eligible for funding, a grant application must be reviewed
for scientific merit and program relevance by a scientific review
group and a national advisory council. STTR grants can be awarded
only to domestic small business concerns (entities that are independently
owned and operated for profit, are not dominant in the field in
which research is proposed and have no more than 500 employees)
which "partner" with a research institution in cooperative research
and development. At least 40 percent of the project is to be performed
by the small business concern and at least 30 percent by the research
institution. In both Phase I and Phase II, the research must be
performed in the U.S. or its possessions. To be eligible for funding,
a grant application must be approved for scientific merit and program
relevance by a scientific review group and a national advisory council.
Beneficiary Eligibility:
Any nonprofit or for-profit organization, company, or institution
engaged in biomedical research.
Credentials/Documentation:
Each applicant for research projects must present a research plan
and furnish evidence that scientific competence, facilities, equipment,
and supplies are appropriate to carry out the plan. For an individual
NRSA, the applicant's academic record, research experience, citizenship,
and institutional sponsorship should be documented in the application.
For an institutional NRSA, the applicant organization must show
the objectives, methodology and resources for the research training
program, the qualifications and experience of directing staff,
the criteria to be used in selecting individuals for awards, and
detailed budget justification for the amount of grant funds requested.
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21,
Cost Principles for Educational Institutions and OMB Circular
No. A-87 for State and local governments. For-profit organizations'
costs are determined in accordance with Subpart 31.2 of the Federal
Acquisition Regulations. For other grantees, costs will be determined
by HHS Regulations 45 CFR, Part 74, Subpart Q. For SBIR and STTR
grants, applicant organization (small business concern) must present
in a research plan an idea that has potential for commercialization
and furnish evidence that scientific competence, experimental
methods, facilities, equipment, and funds requested are appropriate
to carry out the plan. Presently, grant forms PHS 6246-1 and PHS
6246-2 are used to apply for SBIR Phase I and Phase II, respectively
and grant forms PHS 6246-3 and PHS 6246-4 are used to apply for
STTR Phase I and Phase II, respectively. Beginning January 10,
2002, use of PHS 398 (Rev. 5/01; updated 8/8/01) and associated
forms are required for all applications submitted to the NIH.
Pre-application
Coordination: Not applicable. This program is
excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure:
Application Form PHS 398 (Rev. 5/01; updated 8/8/01) is the standard
form. Application kits are available at most institutional offices
of sponsored research and may be obtained from the Office of Extramural
Outreach and Information Resources, National Institutes of Health,
6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910, telephone
301/435-0714, E-mail: grantsinfo@nih.gov. Alternatively, the application
kit can be obtained on the World Wide Web, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html.
Completed applications should be submitted to the Center for Scientific
Review, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892. The
standard application forms, as furnished by PHS and required by
45 CFR, Part 92 for State and local governments, must be used
for this program. As of January 10, 2002, the same application
form will be used for all types of applications including training
(NRSA), both individual and institutional, and SBIR/STTR. The
training (NRSA) program is subject to the provisions of 45 CFR,
Part 92 for State and local governments and OMB Circular No. A-110
for nonprofit organizations. SBIR and STTR Grant Solicitations
and SBIR Contract Solicitation may be obtained electronically
through the NIH's "Small Business Funding Opportunities" home
page at www.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm on the World Wide
Web. A limited number of hard copies of these publications are
produced. Subject to availability, they may be obtained by contacting
the NIH support services contractor: phone: (301) 206-9385; Fax:
(301) 206-9722; e-mail: a2y@cu.nih.gov. The Solicitations include
submission procedures, review considerations, and grant application
or contract proposal forms. SBIR and STTR grant applications should
be submitted to the Center for Scientific Review, 6701 Rockledge
Drive, Room 1040 - MSC 7710, Bethesda, MD 20892-7710.
Award Procedure:
All applications for research or training are reviewed for scientific
merit by an appropriate initial review group and then by a national
advisory council. All applications favorably recommended compete
for available funds on the basis of scientific merit and program
emphasis. All accepted SBIR/STTR applications are evaluated for
scientific and technical merit by an appropriate scientific peer
review panel and by a national advisory council or board. All
applications receiving a priority score compete for available
SBIR/STTR set-aside funds on the basis of scientific and technical
merit and commercial potential of the proposed research, program
relevance, and program balance among the areas of research.
Deadlines:
Research Grants: February 1, June 1, and October 1. Renewals:
March 1, July 1, and November 1. Individual NRSAs: April 5, August
5, and December 5. Institutional NRSA's: January 10, May 10 and
September 10. SBIR or STTR: April 1, August 1, and December 1.
Range of Approval/Disapproval
Time: Research Grants: From 6 to 9 months.
NRSAs: From 6 to 9 months. SBIR/STTR: About 7-1/2 months.
Appeals:
A principal investigator (P.I.) may question the substantive or
procedural aspects of the review of his/her application by communicating
with the staff of the Institute. A description of the NIH Peer
Review Appeal procedures is available on the NIH home page www.nih.gov/grants/guide/1997/97.11.21/n2.html.
Renewals:
Research Grant applications submitted for renewal are reviewed
and selected for funding on a competitive basis. NRSA awards may
be made for 1 to 5 years. No individual may receive more than
5 years of aggregate NRSA support beyond the predoctoral level,
and no individual may receive NRSA support for more than 3 years
of support beyond the postdoctoral level. Institutional awards
may be renewed.
ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
Formula and Matching
Requirements: This program has no statutory
formula or matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing
of Assistance: Research Grant awards are usually
made annually with no project periods to exceed 5 years in length.
NRSA Institutional awards may be made for up to 5 years, and Individual
awards may be made for up to 5 years at the predoctoral level,
3 years at postdoctoral level, and 2 years at senior level. Normally
SBIR and STTR Phase I awards are for 6 months and Phase II awards
are for 2 years.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports:
Progress reports are required each year. An annual financial status
report is required 90 days after the end of the budget period. Special
reports may be requested by DHHS. Terminal reports are required
6 months after the end of the project period. Recipients of NRSAs
are required to file termination reports to ascertain compliance
with the service and payback provisions.
Audits:
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised,
June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit
Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance
of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a
program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities
that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt
from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted
in Circular No. A-133. In addition, grants and cooperative agreements
are subject to inspection and audits by DHHS and other Federal
officials.
Records:
Expenditures and other financial records must be retained for
3 years from the day on which the grantee submits the last financial
status report for the report period.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Account Identification:
75-0898-0-1-552.
Obligations:
(Grants) FY 01 $5,000; FY 02 est $20,103,000; and FY 03 est $30,103,000.
Range
and Average of Financial Assistance:
$5,000 to $2,120,000; Average: $225,876.
In fiscal year 2001, one
award was made through the National Center of Research Resources.
It is estimated that in both fiscal years 2002 and 2003, 217 total
awards will be made.
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND
LITERATURE:
42 CFR 52; 45 CFR 74;
45 CFR 92; PHS Grants Policy Statement, DHHS Publication No. (OASH)
94- 50,000, (Rev.) April 1, 1994. Grants will be available under
the authority of and administered in accordance with the PHS Grants
Policy Statement and Federal regulations at 42 CFR 52 and 42 U.S.C.
241; Omnibus Solicitation of the Public Health Service for Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant and Cooperative Agreement
Applications. Omnibus Solicitation of the National Institute of
Health for Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grant Applications.
INFORMATION CONTACTS:
Regional or Local
Office: Not applicable.
Headquarters Office:
Program Contact: Richard E. Swaja, Ph.D., National Institute of
Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of
Health, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Room 958, Bethesda, MD 20892. Telephone
Number: (301) 451-4779. Facsimile: (301) 480-4973 and Business
Contact: Chris Hollingsworth, National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, 31
Center Drive, Room 1B37, Bethesda, MD 20892. Telephone Number:
(301) 451-6773. Facsimile: (301) 480-4530. Use the same numbers
for FTS.
Web Site Address: http:/www.nibib.nih.gov
EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:
Physics of Ultrasound
Contrast Agents; High Resolution Gamma Camera; Statistical Methods
For Image Reconstruction In ECT; Simultaneous Dual Isotope Spect
W/Cross Talk Reaction; and Non-invasive Monitoring of NPC C Progression
and Therapy.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:
The major elements in
evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) Significance: Does
this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application
are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be advanced? What will
be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive
this field? (2) Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design,
methods, and analyses adequately developed, well-integrated, and
appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge
potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? (3) Innovation:
Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or method? Are
the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing
paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies? (4) Investigator:
Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to carry
out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience
level of the principal investigator and other researchers (if any)?
(5) Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work
will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed
experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific
environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there
evidence of institutional support? (6) the appropriateness of the
proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research;
(7) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives;
(8) the adequacy of plans to include both genders, minorities and
their subgroups, and children as appropriate for the scientific
goals of the research. Plans for the recruitment and retention of
subjects will also be evaluated; (9) the adequacy of the proposed
protection for humans or the environment, to the extent they may
be adversely affected by the project proposed in the application;
and (10) the adequacy of the proposed plan to share data, if appropriate.
The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific
and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1)
The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2)
the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting
staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the
proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for
commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested;
(6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research
environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances
detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal
subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse
effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed
based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase
I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific
and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase
II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal
investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technological
innovation, originality, or societal importance of the proposed
research; (5) the potential of the proposed research for commercial
application; (6) the reasonableness of the budget requested for
the work proposed; (7) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities
and research environment; and (8) where applicable, the adequacy
of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a)safeguarding human
or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing
any adverse effect on the environment.
