FEDERAL AGENCY:

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

AUTHORIZATION:

Public Health Service Act, Titles III and IV, Sections 301, 479, and 480, 481A and 481B as amended; National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act, Public Law 103-43, Public Law 78-410, Public Law 98-619, and Public Law 99-158, 42 U.S.C. 241 and 287a.

The Division of Research Infrastructure addresses the under representation of minority investigators; enhances the research environment at minority colleges and universities in the health sciences; broadens the geographic distribution of research grant funding to states with historically low NIH success rates; and improves biomedical research facilities through matching grants for construction and renovation.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program is designed to expand the national capability for research in the health sciences by providing grant support to predominantly minority institutions that offer the doctorate in the health professions or in a health-related science. Funding can be used for improvements to institutional infrastructure, including renovation of laboratories and animal facilities; recruitment of new faculty members; support staff; pilot projects; and updated technology and equipment. The RCMI Clinical Research Infrastructure Initiative (RCRII) has been established to expand and develop the appropriate infrastructure for clinical research at RCMIs with affiliated medical schools. The Centers of Clinical Research Excellence (CCRE) has been established to augment and strengthen the institutional clinical research capabilities at the RCMIs with affiliated medical schools by providing support to recruit magnet investigators and support junior faculty development. The Institutional Development Award (IDeA) broadens the geographical distribution of NIH funding to biomedical research institutions in states with historically low NIH success rates. The objectives of the IDeA Programs are carried out through two approaches: Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN) and Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE). The BRIN has been established to enhance the research capacity of institutions through collaborative partnerships to allow them to more fully participate in the competition for NIH awards. The Networks will develop the research resources and modern laboratories needed to attract established investigators, and develop the research skills of talented investigators and gifted students. The COBRE has been established to augment and strengthen the institutional biomedical research capabilities at biomedical research institutions, within IDeA eligible states, by providing support to expand and develop biomedical faculty research capability through support of a multi-disciplinary center, led by a peer-reviewed, NIH funded investigator with expertise central to the grant proposal. Research Facilities Improvement Program (RFIP) provides funds to expand, remodel, renovate or alter existing research facilities, or construct new research facilities for biomedical research and training. The Animal Facilities Improvement Program supports renovation of animal facilities for biomedical research.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   RCMI: Institutions with more than 50 percent minority enrollment that award an M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., or other doctoral degree in the health professions and/or a Ph.D. in the health-related sciences. This program is open only to institutions within the United States and its territories. RCRII: RCMI eligible institutions affiliated with medical schools. IDeA: Domestic public and private for profit and nonprofit institutions in States in which the success rate for applications to the NIH has been historically low. RFIP and Animal Facilities Improvement: Except where otherwise prohibited by law, any nonprofit organization competent to carry out biomedical research, e.g., universities, colleges, hospitals, public agencies and other nonprofit research institutions.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   RCMI, RCRII, CCRE: Institutions described above and the faculty of such institutions. IDeA: Institutions described above. RFIP and Animal Facilities Improvement: public and private nonprofit organizations or associations engaged in biomedical research.

Credentials/Documentation:   RCMI, RCRII, and CCRE: Applicants must certify eligibility (see Applicant Eligibility requirements). Refer questions to Program Director (see Headquarters Office listed below). Costs will be determined in accordance with HHS Regulations 45 CFR, Part 74, Subpart Q and OMB Circular No. A-21 for Educational Institutions. IDeA, and Animal Facilities Improvement: None. RFIP: Application should include a complete research program description (with staff curricula vitae), space requirements for projected program, an environmental summary of the impact of the proposed facility as detailed in Public Law 90-190, The National Environmental Policy Act, and listing of all relevant licenses, permits or other approvals required by State and local authorities. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments. For other grantees, costs will be determined in accordance with HHS Regulations 45 CFR 74, Subpart Q.

Pre-application Coordination:   RCMI and RCRII: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit draft proposals to the Program Director. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. CCRE, IDeA, Animal Facilities Improvement and RFIP: Written or telephone inquiries regarding these programs are encouraged and should be directed to the program Headquarters Office. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. RFIP: Preapplication assistance is available from the address noted below under Information Contacts. The standard application forms, as furnished by PHS and required by 45 CFR 92 for State and local governments, must be used for this program. An environmental impact statement and assessment is required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. l2372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires when applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   Except for RFIP, applications are to be submitted on the standard PHS research grant application Form PHS-398 (Revised May 1995). These forms are available from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910. Telephone (301) 435-0714; e-mail: ASKNIH@odrockml.od.nih.gov. Applicants must use supplemental instructions, available from the Research Infrastructure Director, for the RCMI and RCRII which are subject to OMB Circular No. A-110. Use current Request for Applications (RFA) or Program Announcement (PA) for IDeA, and Animal Facilities Improvement. RFIP: Construction applications are to be submitted on a Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance. This 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.

Award Procedure:   RCMI, RCRII, CCRE, IDeA, Animal Facilities Improvement, and RFIP: The initial review of applications from eligible investigators and institutions is reviewed by committees comprised of authorities in various fields of biomedical research and science education, as appropriate. Each application is given a peer evaluation for merit, and recommendations are forwarded to the National Advisory Research Resources Council for final review and recommendation.

Deadlines:   RCMI, RCRII: New, supplemental and competing continuation applications: February 1, June 1, and October 1. CCRE, IDeA, Animal Facilities Improvement, and RFIP: See current RFA or PA or contact Headquarters office listed below for deadline dates.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 6 to 12 months.

Appeals:   A principal investigator (P.I.) may question substantive or procedural aspects of the review of their application by communicating with the NCRR staff. A description of the NIH Peer Review Appeal procedures is available on the NIH home page nih.gov/grants/guide/1997/97.11.21/n2.html.

Renewals:   RCMI, RCRII: Renewals beyond the initial period of support are contingent on successful competition by the applicant institution and upon the appropriation of funds for this purpose. IDeA, Animal Facilities Improvement, RFIP: None.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   RFIP and Animal Facilities Improvement: The National Center for Research Resources will award up to 50 percent of the eligible costs, except for National Primate Research Centers for which the federal share is 80 percent. Up to 25 percent of appropriated funds are targeted to centers of excellence. Matching funds from nonfederal sources are required. Even though matching funds are required, in unusual and compelling circumstances the NCRR Director may waive some or all of the requirement for non-Federal matching funds. RCMI, RCRII, IDeA: None. However, for RCMI, and RCRII, research institutions are encouraged to provide from nonfederal sources, incentives for their scientists to participate in the programs. These incentives may include the awarding of sabbaticals, time released from other duties, or special institutional recognition to individuals to permit them to participate in the program.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   RCMI, RCRII, CCRE, IDeA: From 3 to 5 years. All others: Project periods are from 1 to 3 years. RFIP: Construction must be completed within the time specified in grant award. The initial budget period is usually 2 years in length, although extensions may be requested. All funds must be obligated within 5 years from the date of award.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Annual narrative progress and financial status reports are required. A final report is also required. RFIP: the grantee is responsible for performance of the contractor. The contractor must be covered by performance and payment bonds.

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 government 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:   75-0848-0-1-552.

Obligations:   (Grants) RCMI: FY 01 $39,570,000; FY 02 est $48,650,000; and FY 03 est $52,614,000. RFIP: FY 01 $75,000,000; FY 02 est $110,000,000; and FY 03 est $77,000,000. Animal Facilities Improvement: FY 01 $12,273,000; FY 02 est $8,943,000; and FY 03 est $14,272,000. IDeA: FY 01 $99,954,000; FY 02 est $160,000,000; and FY 03 est $185,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   RCMI: $289,906 to $2,054,581; Average: $2,177,666. Direct Costs: Up to $1,000,000 limit for core programs. Additional funds may be included for AIDS-related activities and other special initiatives. RCRII: $824,151 to $1,697,220; Average: $1,324,055. RFIP: $273,400 to $3,000,000; Average: $1,744,186, Animal Facilities Improvement: $232,795 to $700,000; Average: $613,650. IDeA: $431,530 to $2,308,669; Average: $1,885,924.

RCMI: In fiscal year 2001, 18 awards were made. In fiscal years 2002 and 2003, it is estimated that 18 grants will be awarded. In addition, five awards were made for clinical research infrastructure and three were made for centers of clinical research excellence in fiscal year 2001. It is estimated that the same numbers of awards will be made in fiscal years 2002 and 2003. RFIP: In fiscal year 2001, 43 awards were made. Animal Facilities Improvement: In fiscal year 2001, 20 awards were made. In 2002, it's estimated 22 awards and 32 awards will be made in 2003 respectively. IDeA: In fiscal year 2001, 53 awards were made. In fiscal years 2002 and 2003 it is estimated that 72 awards will be made.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

"Research Infrastructure Program Guidelines" revised May 1999, available from the National Center for Research Resources, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892; 45 CFR 38; PHS Grants Policy Statement, DHHS Publication No. (OASH) 94-50,000, (Rev.) April 1, 1994.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   Not applicable.

Headquarters Office:   Contact: Director, Research Infrastructure, National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892. Telephone: (301) 435-0788. Grants Management Contact: Grants Management Officer, Office of Grants and Contracts Management, National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892- 7965. Telephone: (301) 435-0844. Use the same numbers for FTS.

Web Site Address:   http://www.nih.gov

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

RCMI: (1) Research Center for Gene Structure and Function; (2) Cellular and Molecular Basis of Development Research Center; (3) Neuroscience Center; and (4) Research Infrastructure for Scientific Excellence. RCRII: Research Infrastructure for Clinical and Collaborative Research. IDeA: Human Genetics Research Enhancement. RFIP: Developing and Improving Institutional Animal Resources. Institutional animal resource improvement projects were supported to assist institutions in upgrading and developing centralized animal resource programs.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

RCMI, RCRII, and CCRE: The criterion for the evaluation of an application will be the direct impact that the proposed program will have on enhancement of the health sciences program of the applicant institution. The potential impact will be assessed by evaluating the proposed plan for achieving the stated goals. IDeA: Awards are made based on the impact of the proposed program on the institution(s) and the state and its potential to obtain additional NIH research support. RFIP: Factors considered in making awards include the merit of the proposal, the needs of the institution, with special consideration for institutions designated as centers of excellence, the commitment of the institution, the availability of funds, and the overall program priorities.