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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Program Descriptions

93.389:  Research Infrastructure

Popular Name:  (RCM1, RCRII, RIMI, Science Education Program, IDEA, Construction, Animal Facilities Improvement)

Objectives:  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; improves biomedical research facilities through matching grants for construction and renovation; facilitates collaboration between minority baccalaureate and masters degree granting institutions and research intensive universities; and improves pre-college science education and the public's understanding of science.

PROGRAM AND AWARD	FINANCIAL AND INFORMATION CONTACTS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS	FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO.
APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS	INFORMATION CONTACTS
RELATED PROGRAMS	ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS
PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS	POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS

93.389 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. RIMI: Institutions with nearly 50 percent minority enrollment that offer baccalaureate and/or masters degrees — but not doctorates — in health-related fields. Science Education Program: Public and private for-profit and nonprofit institutions, e.g., universities, colleges, professional organizations, school systems, scientific societies, science museums, research institutes, private foundations, and other organizations engaged in the conduct of, or concerned about, science education. 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. COBRE: Independent biomedical research institutions or biomedical research institutions that award doctoral degree in the health sciences or sciences related to health within IDeA eligible States. Construction 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 nonprofit research institutions.

Beneficiary Eligibility:  RCMI, RCRII, CCRE, SNRP, and RIMI: Institutions described above and the faculty of such institutions. Science Education Program: Investigators, educational professionals at the kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) levels, students at public and private profit and nonprofit institutions/organizations, and the general public. IDeA: Institutions described above. COBRE: Institutions described above. Construction and Animal Facilities Improvement: public and private nonprofit organizations or associations engaged in biomedical research.

Credentials/Documentation:  RCMI, RCRII, CCRE, SNRP, and RIMI: 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. Science Education Program, IDeA, COBRE, and Animal Facilities Improvement: None. Construction: 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.

93.389 APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:  RCMI, RCRII, and RIMI: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit draft proposals to the Program Director. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. CCRE, SNRP, Science Education Program, IDeA, COBRE, and Animal Facilities Improvement: Written or phone 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. Construction: 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 Construction, 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. Phone (301) 435-0714; e-mail: grantsinfo@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 the Science Education Program, IDeA, and Animal Facilities Improvement. There is no current announcement for RIMI. Construction: 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, SNRP, RIMI, Science Education Program, IDeA, COBRE, Animal Facilities Improvement, and Construction: Applications from eligible investigators and institutions are initially reviewed by review 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 review and final recommendations.

Deadlines:  RCMI, RCRII: New, supplemental and competing continuation applications: February 1, June 1, and October 1. CCRE, SNRP, Science Education Program, IDeA, COBRE, Animal Facilities Improvement, and Construction: 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, Science Education Program: 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. RIMI, IDeA, Animal Facilities Improvement, Construction: None.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals:  RCMI, RCRII, CCRE, SNRP, and RIMI: 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. Science Education Program: (1) Past Accomplishments: (a) presence of substantive health-related scientific content; (b) strength of the existing partnership arrangements, especially with the biomedical community or NIH funded investigators; outcomes of formative and/or summative evaluations; (d) program impact; and (e) dissemination efforts, if appropriate. (2) Proposed Program: (a) merit of the educational approach and the presence of substantive health-related scientific content and ties with the NIH funded community; (b) overall quality, feasibility, and adequacy of the design to achieve its specific aims and long term objectives; quality of the program leadership; (d) extent of educational and scientific partnerships and collaborations; evidence of commitment from critical partners; (e) relevance and impact on the enhancement of scientific literacy in the biomedical sciences; (f) potential impact of reaching a broad population; (g) merit of the program's evaluation plans effectiveness of the proposed methodologies and the data collection strategies; (h) Accessibility, feasibility, scope, and cost effectiveness of dissemination strategies; and (I) plans to sustain the program after the period of grant support ends. 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. Construction: 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.

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. RIMI: Center for Biomedical Research. IDeA: Human Genetics Research Enhancement. Science Education Program: (1) Improving the scientific knowledge base of current and prospective precollege teachers and teachers' instructional skills can be enhanced. (2) Developing innovative materials, techniques, and/or curricula where there is a demonstrated lack of suitable materials and a need for scientific advice. (3) Organizing and conducting programs to provide for laboratory experiences in the biological sciences for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) levels. (4) Preparation and/or presentation of materials for biomedical/behavioral science education or for a media program on science. Construction: Institutional animal resource improvement projects were supported to assist institutions in upgrading and developing centralized animal resource programs.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  RCMI: $298,545 to $1,842,196; $1,268,889. 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: $1,025,420 to $1,180,034; $1,125,333. Science Education Program: $86,1355 to $307,133; $224,738. Construction: $535,879 to $1,500,000; $991,133, Animal Facilities Improvement: $57,500 to $700,000; $384,716. IDeA: $24,000 to $400,000; $148,258.

93.389 RELATED PROGRAMS:

• 84.168 Eisenhower Professional Development: Federal Activities; and
• 93.392 Cancer Construction.

93.389 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

93.389 FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO:

Federal Agency:  NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Type of Assistance:  Project Grants.

Obligations:  (Grants) RCMI: FY 99 $34,364,000; FY 00 est $38,821,000; and FY 01 est $41,325,000. Science Education Program: FY 99 $6,321,000; FY 00 est $15,130,000; and FY 01 est $14,500,000. Construction: FY 99 $29,734,000; FY 00 est $72,500,000; and FY 01 est $72,500,000. Animal Facilities Improvement: FY 99 $6,618,000; FY 00 est $7,817,000; and FY 01 est $8,567,000. IDeA: FY 99 $9,785,000; FY 00 est $39,539,000; and FY 01 est $40,035,000.

Budget Account Number:  75-0848-0-1-552.

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.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature:  "Briefing Materials; Research Centers in Minority Institutions Program," revised May 1991, 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.

93.389 INFO 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. Phone: (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. Phone: (301) 435-0844. Use the same numbers for FTS.

(See Appendix IV for more contact info.)

93.389 ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:  Construction and Animal Facilities Improvement: The National Center for Research Resources will award up to 50 percent of the eligible costs, except for Regional 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. RCMI, RCRII, RIMI, Science Education Program, IDeA: None. However, for RCMI, RCRII, and RIMI, 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, SNRP, COBRE, and RIMI: From 3 to 5 years. All others: Project periods are from 1 to 3 years. Construction: Construction must be completed within time specified in grant award.

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. The Specialized Neuroscience Research Program at Minority Institutions (SNRP) has been established to strengthen the research capabilities of faculty, students, and fellows at minority institutions by supporting the development of new, and/or the enhancement of ongoing, basic and clinical neuroscience research projects and programs. The Research Infrastructure in Minority Institutions (RIMI) Initiative enables minority institutions to significantly enhance their capacity to conduct biomedical and behavioral research by developing and strengthening formal, collaborative agreements with research-intensive, doctoral degree-granting institutions, and by improving institutional research infrastructure. The objective of the Science Education Program is to encourage scientists to work with educators and community organizations to improve student (K-12) and public understanding of science, and increase the interest of students in science careers. 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 purpose of the Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) is 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. Construction grants provide 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.

93.389 POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:  Annual narrative progress and financial status reports are required. A final report is also required. Construction: Grantee is responsible for performance of contractor. 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 Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that receive 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.