NetNews Usenet Archive 1993 #3/NN_1993_3.iso/spool/bionet/scireso/303

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From: [e-mail] (Dave Kristofferson)
Newsgroups: bionet.sci-resources
Subject: NIH Guide, vol. 22, no. 3, pt. 1, 22 January 1993
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Date: 22 Jan 93 00:15:02 GMT
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NOTE: The NIH Guide may be split into more than one mail message to
avoid truncation during e-mail distribution.  The first message always
begins with the RFP/RFA summary sections followed by the appended
texts of the full RFP/RFAs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

$$XID NIHGUIDE 19930122 V22N03 P1O3 ************************************
X-comment: RFAS described: DK-93-16, RR-93-001, DA-93-02, AI-93-04, CA-93-17,
                            CA-93-18

NIH GUIDE - Vol. 22, No. 3 - January 22, 1993

$$INDEX BEGIN *******************************************************

               NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs)

$$INDEX R1 03/26/93 *************************************************

SERUM, URINE, AND SEMEN INDICATORS OF BENIGN PROSTATE DISEASE (RFA
DK-93-16)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
INDEX:  DIABETES, DIGESTIVE, KIDNEY

$$INDEX R2 04/13/93 *************************************************

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD (RFA RR-93-001)
National Center for Research Resources
INDEX:  RESEARCH RESOURCES

$$INDEX R3 04/16/93 *************************************************

SERVICES RESEARCH IN DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT (RFA DA-93-02)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
INDEX:  DRUG ABUSE

$$INDEX R4 04/22/93 *************************************************

NATIONAL COOPERATIVE VACCINE DEVELOPMENT GROUPS FOR ACQUIRED
IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (RFA AI-93-04)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
INDEX:  ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES

$$INDEX R5 05/07/93 *************************************************

BREAST CANCER EDUCATION SUMMITS (RFA CA-93-17)
National Cancer Institute
INDEX:  CANCER

$$INDEX R6 05/07/93 *************************************************

BREAST CANCER EDUCATION MINI-SUMMITS (RFA CA-93-18)
National Cancer Institute
INDEX:  CANCER

                        ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

$$INDEX P1 **********************************************************

NATIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE AWARDS FOR INDIVIDUAL PREDOCTORAL
FELLOWSHIPS (PAR-93-40)
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institute of Mental Health
INDEX:  ALCOHOL ABUSE, ALCOHOLISM; DRUG ABUSE; MENTAL HEALTH

$$INDEX P2 **********************************************************

MINORITY INVESTIGATORS IN ASTHMA AND ALLERGY (PA-93-41)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
American Academy of Allergy and Immunology
INDEX:  ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES; HEART, LUNG, BLOOD

$$INDEX P3 **********************************************************

CYTOKINES AND ADHESION IN ALLERGY AND INFLAMMATION (PA-93-42)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
INDEX:  ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES; HEART, LUNG, BLOOD

$$INDEX P4 **********************************************************

BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH SUPPORT SHARED INSTRUMENTATION GRANT (PAR-93-43)
National Center for Research Resources
INDEX:  RESEARCH RESOURCES

$$INDEX P5 **********************************************************

THE SPREAD OF TUBERCULOSIS AMONG DRUG USERS (PA-93-44)
National Institute on Drug Abuse
INDEX:  DRUG ABUSE

                               ERRATA

$$INDEX E1 **********************************************************

PATHOGENESIS OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AND CELIAC DISEASE (RFA
DK-93-15)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
INDEX:  DIABETES, DIGESTIVE, KIDNEY DISEASES

This publication is also available electronically to institutions via
BITNET or INTERNET.  Alternative access is through the NIH Grant Line
using a personal computer.  Contact Dr. John James at 301/496-7554
for details, or send an E-mail message to ZNS@NIHCU.

$$INDEX END *********************************************************

               NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFAs AND RFPs)

$$R1 BEGIN DK-93-16 FULL-TEXT ***************************************

SERUM, URINE, AND SEMEN INDICATORS OF BENIGN PROSTATE DISEASE

NIH GUIDE, Volume 22, Number 3, January 22, 1993

RFA AVAILABLE:  DK-93-16

P.T. 34; K.W. 0705075, 0785220, 0745020

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  February 18, 1993
Application Receipt Date:  March 26, 1993

THE REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) ANNOUNCED IN THIS NOTICE CONTAINS
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN APPLICATION.
POTENTIAL APPLICANTS MAY OBTAIN THE RFA FROM THE CONTACT NAMED IN
INQUIRES, BELOW.

PURPOSE

The Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases (DKUHD) of
the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK) is soliciting grant applications for support of research
studies on factors in serum, urine, and semen that indicate the
presence and progression of the benign diseases of the prostate,
specifically benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic
abacterial prostatitis (CAP).

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 RFA,
Serum, Urine, and Semen Indicators of Benign Prostatic Diseases, is
related to the priority area of diabetes and chronic disabling
diseases.  Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People
2000" (Full Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or "Healthy People
2000" (Summary Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402-9325 (telephone [phone]).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign, 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.
Minority individuals and women are encouraged to submit as Principal
Investigators.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

Support of this program will be through the NIH research project
grant (R01).  Responsibility for the planning, direction, and
execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the
applicant.  Awards will be administered under PHS grants policy as
stated in the PHS Grants Policy Statement.

This RFA is a one-time solicitation.  Generally, future unsolicited
competing continuation applications will compete with all
investigator-initiated applications and be reviewed according to the
customary peer review procedures.  The total requested project period
for applications submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed
five years.  Applicants must limit their requests to not more than
$160,000 direct costs for the initial budget period.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

For FY 1993, $1,000,000 will be committed by the NIDDK to fund
applications submitted in response to this RFA.  It is anticipated
that five to eight awards will be made by the NIDDK.  However, this
funding level is dependent upon the receipt of a sufficient number of
applications of high scientific merit.  Although this program is
provided for in the financial plans of the NIDDK, the award of grants
pursuant to this RFA is also contingent upon the availability of
funds for this purpose.

It is anticipated that the majority of awards made from this RFA will
be for the support of new projects.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this request is to solicit applications that propose
to investigate factors in the serum, urine, and semen that indicate
the presence of the benign diseases of the prostate growth, that can
quantify any changes in these benign diseases, and that can
differentiate between these benign diseases and malignant prostate
changes.

STUDY POPULATIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN
CLINICAL RESEARCH

For projects involving clinical research, NIH requires applicants to
give special attention to the inclusion of minorities in study
populations.  If minorities are not included in the study populations
for clinical studies, a specific justification for the exclusion must
be provided.  Applications without such documentation will not be
accepted for review.

LETTER OF INTENT

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of
intent by February 18, 1993.  The letter of intent need only include:
(1) names of the Principal Investigator/program director and
principal collaborators, (2) descriptive title of the potential
application, (3) identification of the organization(s) involved, and
(4) the number and title of the RFA in response to which the
application may be submitted.

The letter of intent is to be sent to:

Chief, Review Branch
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 605
Bethesda, MD  20892

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91) is to be used
to apply for these grants.  The form is available from most
institutional offices of sponsored research and from the Office of
Grants Inquiries, Division of Research Grants, National Institutes of
Health, 5333 Westbard Avenue, Room 449, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone
[phone].

The RFA label available in the application form 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.  In addition, the RFA title
and number must be typed on line 2a of the face page of the
application form and check the YES box.

Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including
the Checklist, and three signed, exact photocopies, in one package
to:

Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, MD  20892**

At time of submission, two additional copies of the application must
also be sent under separate cover to:

Chief, Review Branch
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 605
Bethesda, MD  20892

Applications must be received by March 26, 1993.  If an application
is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant.
The Division of Research Grants (DRG) will not accept any application
in response to this announcement that is essentially the same as one
currently pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the
pending application.  However, it is allowable to submit the same
project as both an R01 and as a component project of a program
project.  The DRG will not accept any application that is essentially
the same as one already reviewed.  This does not preclude the
submission of substantial revisions of applications previously
reviewed.  Such applications must not only include an introduction
addressing the previous critique but also be responsive to this RFA.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed by the DRG for
completeness.  Incomplete applications will be returned to the
applicant without further consideration.  Evaluation for
responsiveness to the program requirements and criteria stated in the
RFA is an NIDDK staff function.  If the application is not responsive
to the RFA, the staff will contact the applicant to determine whether
it should be returned to the applicant, or held until the next
regular receipt date and reviewed in competition with all other
applications.

Those applications that are complete and responsive will be evaluated
for scientific/technical merit by an appropriate peer review group
convened by the NIDDK.  Following this review, the applications will
be given a secondary review by the National Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases Advisory Council unless not recommended for
further consideration by the initial review group.

Review criteria for this RFA are generally the same as those for
unsolicited research grant applications.

INQUIRIES

Written and telephone inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged.
This is a notice of availability of an RFA.  Applicants are
encouraged to request a copy of the RFA from the NIDDK program staff
listed below.

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues and requests for the
RFA to:

Ralph L. Bain, Ph.D.
Deputy Director, Urology Program
Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 3A-05
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  [phone]

Inquiries regarding fiscal matters may be directed to:

Ms. Trude McCain
Grants Management Specialist
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 649
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  [phone]

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.849 (NIDDK).  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
Health Systems Agency review.

$$R1 END ************************************************************

$$R2 BEGIN RR-93-001 FULL-TEXT **************************************

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD

NIH GUIDE, Volume 22, Number 3, January 22, 1993

RFA AVAILABLE:  RR-93-001

P.T. 14; K.W. 0710030, 1014006

National Center for Research Resources

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  March 12, 1993
Application Receipt Date:  April 13, 1993

THE REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) ANNOUNCED IN THIS NOTICE CONTAINS
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN APPLICATION.
POTENTIAL APPLICANTS MAY OBTAIN THE RFA FROM THE CONTACT NAMED IN
INQUIRES, BELOW.

PURPOSE

The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) invites grant
applications for the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) IDeA is a merit-based, peer
reviewed program initiated in response to Congressional intent to
broaden the geographical distribution of NIH funding for biomedical
research.  Primary goals of the IDeA program are to:  (1) enhance the
competitiveness of investigators from research institutions in the
NIH eligible states within the peer review system and (2) to increase
the probability of long-term growth of NIH competitive funding to
investigators at institutions from the eligible states.  This RFA
describes a one-year planning and development program to increase,
strengthen, and sustain the biomedical research competitiveness of
institutions within selected states.  The program will be similar in
some aspects to the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research (EPSCoR) initiated by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
For example, all applications must be reviewed by state-based EPSCoR
committees or comparable committees to select eligible institutions
to submit applications on behalf of investigators.  Also, in response
to specific Congressional intent, all accredited Schools of
Chiropractic Medicine are invited to apply.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Because of the pilot nature of this activity and the limited amount
of funds available, eligibility will be limited to all NSF-EPSCoR
states and all those states with a total funding level of less that
$30 million from the NIH in FY 1992.  Eligible institutions include
domestic for-profit and non-profit organizations public and private,
such as universities, colleges, hospitals, research foundations, and
laboratories.  It is the responsibility of the State-EPSCoR
committees to select institutions in their states that have limited
NIH funding, but for which both the states and the institutions have
a mutual agreement and commitment to the development of the
biomedical research infrastructure.  Only one application can be
submitted per state.  IDeA eligible states under these criteria are
listed in Appendix 1.

Applications from Schools of Chiropractic Medicine do not have to be
reviewed at the state level but only one application can be submitted
per institution.  Eligible Schools of Chiropractic Medicine are
listed in Appendix 2.  Applications from institutions with
significant minority enrollments are especially encouraged.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This RFA will use the grant-in-aid for exploratory grants (P20).
Applicants will be responsible for the planning, direction, and
content of the proposed programs.  Awards will be administered under
Public Health Service (PHS) grants policy as stated in the PHS Grants
Policy Statement.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

This RFA is a one-time solicitation.  Up to $750,000 will be
available from NCRR in FY 1993 to support this initiative.  Subject
to the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications, it
is anticipated that approximately six to eight one-year awards will
be made.

Although the total project period for these applications may not
exceed one year, it is expected that institutional development goals
will be proposed beyond that period. Direct costs requested for this
one-year planning phase award should not exceed $100,000.  To ensure
that adequate resources are available, IDeA awards require a minimum
of one-to-one non-Federal match.  Each dollar of NIH support
requested must be matched by at least one dollar from state,
institutional, or private sector sources.  In-kind contributions
(faculty or technical support salaries, facilities, equipment) may
not be used to satisfy the one-to-one minimum matching funds
requirement.  This type of support is considered part of the
state/institutional commitment to achieve research competitiveness at
the national level.  Indirect costs will be provided.  The
anticipated award date is September 30, 1993.  This initiative is
provided for in the FY 1993 NCRR appropriation; future awards will be
contingent upon the availability of funds for the purpose.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

The mission of the NIH is to expand fundamental knowledge about the
nature and behavior of living systems, to apply that knowledge to
extend the health of human lives, and to reduce the burdens resulting
from disease and disability.  Through its institutes and centers,
each with its own research mission, the NIH provides funds for
research and research training activities to institutions.  Each
funding unit makes awards on a competitive basis after applications
are assessed for technical and scientific merit and program relevance
through a two-stage process of peer-review.

For many years, the NIH has made a special effort to stimulate
research in educational institutions that traditionally have not
received significant levels of funding through the NIH.  The Academic
Research Enhancement Award (AREA) program, initiated in 1985,
stimulates the research environment of institutions by providing
support to faculty at domestic institutions offering baccalaureate or
advanced degrees in the health-related sciences.

This program will address the same objectives, but on a state-wide
level.  NCRR acknowledges that, due to variability among potential
applications, the size and scope of the IDeA program will depend in
large part upon the current size and extent of the biomedical
research environment of the applicant institutions.  It is
recommended that, in order to achieve maximum impact of the available
funds, institutions propose innovative research activities that will
stimulate sustainable improvements in the capacities of institutions
in eligible states to compete successfully for NIH funds and to
enhance the research competitiveness of the institutions in future
years.

Example of activities include:

o  faculty development to develop and maintain competitiveness in
biomedical research within their institutions

o  mainstreaming of junior faculty into regular research programs of
the NIH

o  development of multidisciplinary approaches to building a
broad-based research infrastructure at the institution

In general, the applicant institution should provide evidence that an
IDeA award is necessary to enhance its capability for health-related
research and that there are state/institutional or other private
resources committed to improve and sustain their programs.

The research plan should provide sufficient information to allow the
reviewers to assess the program in terms of the stated Review
Criteria.  The narrative portion should provide:  (a) comprehensive
information about the institution's current involvement in biomedical
and health-related behavioral research; (b) biographical data for all
health scientists and related administrative personnel; (c) a
description of the long-range institutional research development
goals to be achieved; (d) a complete description of the specific
activities to achieve the goals of the program, including an
evaluation plan to measure the progress of the program and the
procedures to sustain the achievements obtained with IDeA funds after
termination of the award; (e) a description of the administrative
mechanisms to organize and oversee implementation of the plan; (f)
evidence of the institution's commitment to achievement of the
program goals; (g) a detailed budget explaining and justifying the
support requested; and (h) countersigned letters of commitment from
those persons whose cooperation is critical to the success of the
program including a statement from the institution's highest ranking
administrative authority explaining how the IDeA application is
consistent with the institution's (and/or the state's) long-range
objectives to enhance the biomedical research infrastructure and to
achieve research competitiveness at the national level.

Specific research projects (e.g., pilots studies, start-up support)
must be described in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of
scientific merit of each project.  This information is necessary to
justify an IDeA award and to provide evidence that the research that
will result from the award will be of high quality and be likely to
compete successfully for future federal funding.

Allowable Costs

In general, the direct costs listed in the PHS Grants Policy
Statement as allowable for research grants are also allowable for
IDeA applications.  Funds requested for the IDeA Program may be used
to support the following:

o  recruitment of research personnel, if consistent with applicable
cost principles
o  development of research data to be included in research grant
applications submitted to NIH for support through established support
mechanisms
o  development of research skills by investigators
o  research salary support of key investigators
o  consultants
o  establishment of research laboratories
o  central shared equipment and other research resources
o  alterations and renovations (modest level)
o  grant related support personnel
o  other direct costs of development of institutional research
capability

Costs Not Allowable

o  training
o  construction
o  salary for teaching and other non-research activities
o  institutional grants and contract office, central accounting, and
similar activities
o  research project support for established investigators unless
necessary for temporary start-up costs as in recruitment, or
relocation or initiation of new research directions

Support provided through the IDeA program may not replace existing
state, institutional or Federal research support.  IDeA support may
not be used to maintain current biomedical activities, but must be
used to develop innovative ways to enhance the quality and
competitiveness of the state institutional biomedical research base.

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit by March 12, 1993, a
letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed
program, the name, address, and telephone number of the Principal
Investigator, 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
contained is helpful in planning for the review of applications.  It
allows NIH staff to estimate the potential review workload and to
avoid possible conflict of interest in the review.

The letter of intent is to be sent to Dr. Marjorie A. Tingle at the
address listed under INQUIRIES.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications are to be submitted using form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91).
These forms are available in most institutional business and
sponsored program offices and may be requested from the Office of
Grants Inquiries, Division of Research Grants, National Institutes of
Health, 5333 Westbard Avenue, Room 449, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone
[phone].

Applications must follow the instructions provided in the PHS 398
form and the following:

Application Face Page -

The RFA label in the PHS 398 kit must be affixed to the bottom of the
face page of the application.  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 number
and title must be typed on line 2a of the face page form, the "YES"
box must be checked, and "P20" typed in item 2b.

Item 6 - Dates of Entire Proposed Project Period.  The total proposed
project period should begin on September 30, 1993, and may not exceed
one year in length.

Form Page 4 - Detailed Budget for Initial Budget Period

The budget presented should reflect the applicant's estimate of
activity costs for the one-year period.

Form Page 5 -

Budget for Entire Proposed Project Period - Not applicable; do not
complete.

Justification - Follow the instructions provided.

The signed, typewritten original of the application, including the
Checklist, and three exact photocopies of the signed application must
be submitted to:

Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, MD  20892**

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application
must also be sent to Dr. Marjorie A. Tingle at the address noted
below.

Applications must be submitted by April 13, 1993.  Applications
submitted after this date will be returned to the applicant.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Review Procedure

Review of IDeA applications for scientific and technical merit will
be performed by an ad hoc review committee convened by the Office of
Review, NCRR.  Applications will undergo a second level of review by
the National Advisory Research Resources Council.

Applications in response to this solicitation will be reviewed using
the usual NIH peer review procedures.

Criteria for review of applications include the following:

1.  What are the merits of the research development goals to be
achieved by the requested IDeA award?

2.  What are the merits of the plan proposed to achieve the research
development goals?

3.  What is the quality of the research to be conducted during the
award?

Criteria for review for pilot or start up studies include:

o  Significance and relevance of the proposed research problem;
potential for publishable results and continued future funding.

o  Appropriateness of research plan, including specific aims,
experimental design, methodology, consideration of alternatives, data
analysis, scope and timetable.

o  Adequacy of resources, including background and training of
principal investigator and other personnel, availability and
suitability of specialized facilities and equipment.

o  Relevance of proposed project to institutional plan for expansion
of biomedical research capacity.

4.  What are the research qualifications of existing and proposed
personnel related to the IDeA award?

5.  Is the requested time and budget justified?

6.  What are the administrative strengths of the applicant
institution?

7.  What is the evidence of the commitment of the applicant
institution and the state to the achievement of the research
development goals and to sustaining those achievements?

8.  What is the probability that the research development goals will
be achieved and sustained, and that high quality health research will
result?

Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of the proposed project
on the institution(s) and the state and its potential to obtain
additional NIH research support to continue and expand its
activities.

AWARD CRITERIA

In making funding decisions, NCRR will give consideration to ensure
program balance among the various types of programs and/or geographic
distribution.  Consideration will also be given to focus on reaching
minority, rural and other underserved and disadvantaged individuals.

INQUIRIES

Prospective applicants are advised to communicate with NCRR program
and grants management staff who are available to assist applicants to
ensure that the objectives, structure and budget format for the
proposal are acceptable.

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

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues and requests for the
RFA and appendices to:

Dr. Marjorie A. Tingle
Director, Biomedical Research Support Program
National Center for Research Resources
Westwood Building, Room 10A11
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  [phone]

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Ms. Mary V. Niemiec
Office of Grants and Contracts Management
National Center for Research Resources
Westwood Building, Room 849
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  [phone]

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

Awards will be made under authorization of the Public Health Service
Act, Title III, Part A (Public Law 78-410, as amended, 42 USC 241)
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
Health Systems Agency Review.

$$R2 END ************************************************************

$$R3 BEGIN DA-93-02 FULL-TEXT ***************************************

SERVICES RESEARCH IN DRUG ABUSE TREATMENT

NIH GUIDE, Volume 22, Number 3, January 22, 1993

RFA AVAILABLE:  DA-93-02

P.T. 34; K.W. 0404009, 0730050, 0408006

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  March 1, 1993
Application Receipt Date:  April 16, 1993

THE REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) ANNOUNCED IN THIS NOTICE CONTAINS
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN APPLICATION.
POTENTIAL APPLICANTS MAY OBTAIN THE RFA FROM THE CONTACT NAMED IN
INQUIRIES, BELOW.

PURPOSE

This RFA will support a program of health services research in the
field of drug abuse treatment.  Research should be directed toward
any of the following:  (1) understanding the impact of organization,
structure, financing, management, and staffing on the availability
and accessibility of treatment service resources, upon program
content and function, and upon treatment effectiveness; (2)
understanding the role of treatment program environment,
organization, structure, and operation on mechanisms of service
delivery as these are related to access to treatment, retention in
treatment, or compliance with treatment; and (3) improving the
ability of treatment programs to match clients with appropriate
levels of treatment and appropriate treatment services, to measure
the cost-effectiveness of treatment, and to deal with special
populations.

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 RFA,
Services Research in Drug Abuse Treatment, is related to the priority
area of alcohol and other drugs.  Potential applicants may obtain a
copy of Healthy People 2000 (Full Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00474-0
or Summary Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402-9325 (telephone [phone]).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by foreign and domestic, for-profit and
non-profit, public and private organizations such as universities,
colleges, hospitals, laboratories, units of State and local
governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government.  Women
and minority investigators are encouraged to apply.  Applications are
especially encouraged from State and municipal governments with
research units and/or State and municipal governments collaborating
with university-based research units.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) individual
research grant (R01).  Responsibility for the planning, direction,
and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the
applicant. Support will be provided for a period of up to five years
(renewable for subsequent periods) subject to continued availability
of funds and progress achieved.  This RFA is a one-time solicitation.
Future unsolicited competing continuation applications will compete
with all investigator-initiated applications and be reviewed
according to the customary peer review procedures.  Because the
nature and scope of the research proposed in response to this RFA may
vary, the size of an award will also vary.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

It is anticipated that approximately $3.0 million will be available
to support the first year of the services research program.  It is
anticipated that approximately 8 to 10 new awards will be made under
this announcement.

If required in support of research objectives, funds may be expended
on drug abuse treatment costs, rental and operation of facilities,
approved renovation and modification of facilities (subject to limits
and conditions specified in Public Health Service grant policy), and
other costs normally allowable under existing Public Health Service
grants policy.  Funds may not be used for new construction or to
replace existing treatment funding.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Program Description

Applicants are advised to review existing information relevant to
drug abuse treatment health services research and to design studies
using the most rigorous methodological and analytic designs feasible
to investigate the impact of treatment service structure and
organization, staffing, standards, financing, and management upon the
content, suitability, quality, cost, availability and accessibility,
and effectiveness of drug abuse treatment services.  A variety of
research strategies are appropriate, including those involving
primary data collection at the clinic, local area, or system level,
studies which make use of existing data bases, such as provider/payor
data bases (e.g., Medicaid or HMO), treatment outcome studies (e.g.,
Treatment Outcome Prospective Study), or clinic data archives, and
conceptual and methodological work.  A range of approaches is
appropriate, including individual and multi-disciplinary approaches
from fields including, but not limited to, economics, sociology,
criminal justice, psychology, public health, and other relevant
social sciences.  It is intended that this program of research
encourage innovation in research strategies, use of existing data in
ways that maximize its usefulness, and studies that have both
scientific and public policy relevance.  This program of research
emphasizes timely transfer of results.  Awardees will be encouraged
to participate in research coordination activities to maximize the
utility of the research, including review and dissemination
activities.  Areas of particular research interest include the
following:

Treatment Services Structure, Organization, and Delivery

o  Studies to define and characterize the organization, financing,
management, and quality of treatment services, in relation to
treatment content and the client populations and subgroups served.

o  Development and testing of models to improve the availability,
accessibility, and delivery of appropriate treatment services within
typical treatment contexts and environments.

o  Investigation of treatment program environment, organization,
structure, staffing, and operation on mechanisms of service delivery
as these are related to access to treatment, retention in treatment,
compliance with treatment, quality and comprehensiveness of services
received, and treatment outcomes.  For example, are outcomes better
for drug treatment combined with comprehensive services, and is it
more effective to deliver comprehensive services in the treatment
program than to provide referral to outside sources for such
services?

Financing of Services

o  Investigation of the effects of different models/mechanisms of
funding and financing on treatment service resources, the
organization, structure, management, staffing and function of
treatment programs,  treatment content, treatment service
utilization, the populations and subgroups served, the assessment of
client/patient need for services, and treatment effectiveness and
cost-effectiveness.

o  Investigation of minimally necessary services.  What is the
incremental value of increased levels of care and different
combinations of services, how do these differ among the populations
and subgroups served, and how may this be optimized with respect to
client characteristics?

Quality and Effectiveness of Services

o  Studies to describe the relationship between client/patient
characteristics and treatment program structure, organization, and
operation with respect to delivery of appropriate treatment services.
Development and testing of models to improve the appropriateness of
the services delivered and to increase the effectiveness of matching
and referral processes.

o  Investigation of availability, accessibility, suitability,
content, quality, cost, and effectiveness of drug abuse treatment
services and delivery systems for special populations, including
women, adolescents, and minorities.

o  Effectiveness of the structure and organization of outreach
services on entry into treatment.

o  Effectiveness of outreach service delivery systems explicitly
directed to reducing HIV risk behaviors of drug abusers.

o  Development and testing of measures of cost, effectiveness, cost-
benefits and cost-effectiveness of treatment services, including
standardized models which could be incorporated in a range of
research activities.

The importance of a sound research plan and qualified research staff
cannot be over-emphasized.  It is recommended that investigators use
the most rigorous methodology consistent with the purposes of the
research.  Where controlled trials are not feasible, other types of
controls may be used, including case controls, equivalent comparison
groups, regression-discontinuity, or other designs.

STUDY POPULATIONS

NIH POLICY CONCERNING INCLUSION OF MINORITIES AND WOMEN AS SUBJECTS
IN RESEARCH

For projects involving clinical research, NIH requires applicants to
give special attention to the inclusion of women and minorities in
study populations.  If women or minorities are not included in the
study populations for clinical studies, a specific justification for
this exclusion must be provided.  Applications without such
documentation will not be accepted for review.

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by March 1, 1993, 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 NIDA staff to estimate the potential review
workload and to avoid conflict of interest in the review.

The letter of intent is to be sent to:

Director, Office of Extramural Program Review
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10-42
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  [phone]

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applications received after the receipt date will be returned to the
applicant without review.

The RFA label in the PHS form 398 application kit must be affixed to
the bottom of the original face page.  Failure to use the RFA label
and to follow instructions could result in delayed processing of the
application such that it may not reach the review committee in time
for review.

Applications are to be submitted on the grant application form PHS
398 (rev. 9/91).  Application kits are available at most
institutional offices of sponsored research and may be obtained from
the Office of Grant Inquiries, Division of Research Grants, National
Institutes of Health, Westwood Building, Room 240, Bethesda, MD
20892, telephone [phone].  The title and number of this
announcement, "Services Research in Drug Abuse Treatment, DA-93-02"
must be typed in item 2a on the face page of the application, and the
"YES" box must be marked.

Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application and three
signed photocopies in one package to:

Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, MD  20892**

At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application
must also be sent to:

Director, Office of Extramural Program Review
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room l0-42
Rockville, MD  20857

REVIEW PROCEDURES

Applications received under this announcement will be assigned to an
NIDA initial review group (IRG) in accordance with established PHS
referral guidelines.  The IRGs, consisting primarily of non-Federal
scientific and technical experts, will review the applications for
scientific and technical merit in accordance with the standard NIH
peer review procedures.  Notification of the review recommendations
will be sent to the applicant after the initial review.  Applications
will receive a second-level review by an appropriate Advisory
Council, whose review may be based on policy considerations as well
as scientific merit.  Only applications recommended for further
consideration by the Council may be considered for funding.

Applications will be reviewed according to the following review
schedule:

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  March 1, 1993
Application Receipt Date:       April 16, 1993
Initial Review:                 June 1993
Advisory Council:               September 1993
Earliest Date of Award:         September 1993

INQUIRIES

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

Direct inquiries regarding programmatic issues to:

Frank M. Tims, Ph.D.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10A-30
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  [phone]

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Ms. Shirley Ann Denney
Chief, Grants Management Branch
National Institute on Drug Abuse
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 8A-54
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  [phone]

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.279.  Awards are made under authorization of the
Public Health Service Act, Section 301, and administered under PHS
policies and Federal Regulations at Title 42 CFR 52 "Grants for
Research Projects", Title 45 CFR Part 74 & 92, "Administration of
Grants" and 45 CFR Part 46, "Protection of Human Subjects". Title 42
CFR Part 2, "Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient
Records" may also be applicable to these awards.  This program is not
subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive
Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.

$$R3 END ************************************************************

$$R4 BEGIN AI-93-04 FULL-TEXT ***************************************

NATIONAL COOPERATIVE VACCINE DEVELOPMENT GROUPS FOR ACQUIRED
IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME

NIH GUIDE, Volume 22, Number 3, January 22, 1993

RFA AVAILABLE:  AI-93-04

P.T. 34; K.W. 0715008, 0740075

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  February 26, 1993
Application Receipt Date:  April 22, 1993

THE REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) ANNOUNCED IN THIS NOTICE CONTAINS
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN APPLICATION.
POTENTIAL APPLICANTS MAY OBTAIN THE RFA FROM THE CONTACT NAMED IN
INQUIRIES, BELOW.

PURPOSE

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
announces the availability of an RFA for funding of the National
Cooperative Vaccine Development Groups for AIDS (NCVDGs).  It is the
purpose of this RFA to invite applications aimed at the
conceptualization, development, and evaluation of vaccines designed
to effectively prevent the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
This research should stress creative, novel approaches to the
development of effective AIDS vaccines and should have the capacity
to rapidly translate these concepts into improved candidate vaccines.
The NCVDG can be focused in one or more vaccine areas and may pursue
studies of HIV-based vaccines or studies of relevant model viruses
(e.g., the Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses (SIV)).  The Group must
possess the expertise necessary to conduct adequate evaluation of the
proposed approach(s) in preclinical situations.  Further studies
required for development of identified new vaccines to clinical trial
may be a part of the work proposed by an applicant.  Alternatively,
an NCVDG may request that the NIAID conduct these developmental
tasks using contracts now in place (SIV Evaluation Units, Chimpanzee
Access via Interagency Agreement with the National Cancer Institute,
and AIDS Resources and Reagents Contract).  An NCVDG must form a
cohesive team, and is encouraged to include scientists from a
combination of academic, non-profit research, and commercial
organizations.  Applications which include research projects from the
private sector (e.g., pharmaceutical, chemical, or biotechnological
companies) are encouraged.

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 RFA,
National Cooperative Vaccine Development Groups for Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (NCVDGs), is related to the priority area
of HIV Infection.  Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy
People 2000" (Full Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or "Healthy
People 2000" (Summary Report:  Stock No.017-001-00473-1) through the
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402-9325 (telephone [phone]).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applications may be submitted by domestic and foreign for-profit and
non-profit organizations, public and private, such as universities,
colleges, hospitals, laboratories, companies, units of State and
local governments, and eligible agencies of the Federal government.
Applications from minority individuals and women are encouraged.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

Awards will be made as cooperative agreements (U01s).  The
cooperative agreement funding mechanism differs from the traditional
research grant in that the Government component (NIAID) awarding the
cooperative agreement anticipates substantial programmatic
involvement during performance.  The nature of NIAID staff
participation is described in the RFA.  However, it is the Principal
Investigator who defines his/her objectives in accord with his/her
interests and perceptions of approaches to AIDS vaccine research and
development.  Details of the NIAID/awardee interaction and their
respective responsibilities can be found in the RFA.

While the number of applicants can not be anticipated, both new
applications and successful recompeting applications are anticipated.

Applications with first-year budgets in excess of $1,000,000 total
(direct and indirect) should contact the program staff listed under
INQUIRIES for written approval.  Budget requests should be carefully
justified and commensurate with the complexity of the project.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

Because of the nature and scope of this RFA, the NIAID anticipates
making four to eight awards, based on highest program priorities, for
project periods of up to four years.  The NIAID has set aside $4.2
million total (direct and indirect) costs for first year funding.
This level of support is dependent on the receipt of a sufficient
number and diversity of applications of high scientific merit.
Although this program is provided for in the financial plans of the
NIAID, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent upon the
availability of funds for this purpose.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Background

The National Cooperative Vaccine Development Groups for AIDS (NCVDGs)
will provide assistance to talented scientists to interact, with
NIAID support, as a unit to carry out the research essential to
development of safe and effective AIDS vaccines.  The NIAID has
awarded thirteen NCVDGs, two of which have already expired and four
which are expiring in fiscal year 1993.  The purpose of this current
initiative is to maintain the total NCVDG network at ten groups aimed
at facilitating and accelerating efforts in AIDS vaccine development.
A listing of the active NCVDGs can be found in Appendix I of the RFA.

Goals and Scope

The principal goal of the NCVDGs for AIDS is the conceptualization,
development, and evaluation of vaccines designed to effectively
prevent the AIDS.  This research can focus on HIV or other
lentiviruses (e.g., SIV) that are appropriate models for AIDS vaccine
development and that may involve animal model studies of vaccine
immunogenicity and efficacy.

Applications for funding as an NCVDG should stress creative, novel
approaches to the development of effective AIDS vaccines and may
emphasize one or more of the general approaches outlined below.
Since the currently funded NCVDGs are also pursuing research in many
of these areas, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to
contact program staff to determine if their proposed  studies address
vaccine strategies not currently being funded.  Applications for
research on novel vaccine vectors, immunogen processing and
presentation, mucosal immunity, and creative methods to enhance
immunogenicity are encouraged.

Approaches may include, but are not limited to

o  live attenuated vaccines;
o  whole inactivated vaccines;
o  recombinant proteins or protein fragments;
o  novel recombinant viruses or other vectors (e.g., yeast Ty
elements, hepatitis B virus, salmonella);
o  synthetic peptides;
o  combination approaches;
o  DNA immunization.

Applications should address all aspects of the process from basic
research through subsequent developmental studies, scale-up and
production, evaluation in laboratory animals, protection of
appropriate species from infection or disease following virulent
challenge, and other considerations that relate to the acceptability
and utility of candidate vaccines.  Results from proposed research
should be used to identify and develop new potential vaccines worthy
of evaluation in Phase I human clinical trials.

NOTE:  For small pilot studies involving a few animals, the Principal
Investigator is expected to have access to a small number of animals
and to primate facilities.  For larger animal studies the applicant
may use NIAID resources such as the SIV Evaluation Units, Chimpanzees
via Interagency Agreement with the National Cancer Institute, and the
Resources and the Reagents Contract.

STUDY POPULATIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN
CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDIES

For projects involving clinical research, NIH requires applicants to
give special attention to the inclusion of women and minorities in
study populations.  If women or minorities are not included in the
study populations for clinical studies, a specific justification for
this exclusion must be provided.  Applications without such
documentation will not be accepted for review.

LETTER OF INTENT

Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by February 26, 1993, 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 project leaders and other key
personnel and their participating institutions, and the number and
title of the RFA (AI-93-04, National Cooperative Vaccine Development
Groups for AIDS (NCVDG)) 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 is helpful in planning for the review of expected
applications.  It allows NIAID staff to estimate the potential
workload for reviewers and to avoid possible conflict of interest in
the review process.  The letter of intent should be sent to Dr. Alan
Schultz at the address listed under INQUIRIES.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91) is to be used
in applying for cooperative agreements.  These forms are available at
most institutional offices of sponsored research and from the Office
of Grants Inquiries, Division of Research Grants, National Institutes
of Health, 5333 Westbard Avenue, Room 449, Bethesda, MD 20892,
telephone [phone].

Applications must be received by April 22, 1993.  If an application
is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant
without review. If the application submitted in response to this RFA
is substantially similar to a grant application already submitted to
the NIH for review, the applicant will be asked to withdraw either
the pending application or the new one.  Simultaneous submission of
identical applications will not be allowed, nor will essentially
identical applications to be reviewed by different review committees.
This restriction is superseded by an NIH policy permitting concurrent
submission of a duplicate R01 and a component of a multi-project
application.  The NIH policy however, further stipulates that should
both the R01 and the multi-project application be considered for
funding, the R01 will be relinquished in favor of the multi-project
application.

REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS

Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed by the Division of
Research Grants for completeness and by NIAID staff for
responsiveness.  Incomplete and non-responsive applications will be
returned to the applicant without further consideration.

Those applications considered responsive to the RFA may be subjected
to a triage review by an NIAID peer review group, before or during
the review committee meeting, to determine the scientific merit
relative to the other applications submitted in response to the RFA.
The NIAID will withdraw from further competition those applications
judged to be non-competitive for award and will notify the applicant
Principal Investigator and institutional official.

Those applications judged to be competitive will be reviewed for
scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review
committee convened by the Division of Extramural Activities, NIAID.
The second level of review will be provided by the National Advisory
Allergy and Infectious Diseases Council.

INQUIRIES

It is essential that prospective applicants obtain a copy of the RFA
before preparing an application.  Written and telephone requests for
the RFA and the opportunity to clarify issues or questions from
potential applicants are welcome.  Direct requests for the RFA and
appendices and inquiries regarding programmatic or scientific issues
to:

Dr. Alan M. Schultz
Vaccine Research and Development Branch, BRDP
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Solar Building, Room 2B-01
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  [phone]

Direct inquiries regarding fiscal matters to:

Ms. Jane Unsworth
Grants Management Branch, DEA
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Solar Building, Room 4B-22
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  [phone]

Direct inquiries concerning review and review requirements to:

Dr. Dianne Tingley
Scientific Review Branch, DEA
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Solar Building, Room 4C-16
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  [phone]

Applicants who use express mail or courier services are advised to
follow the carrier's requirements for showing a street address.  The
address for the Solar Building is:

6003 Executive Boulevard
Rockville, MD  20852

Schedule

Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  February 26, 1993
Application Receipt Date:       April 22, 1993
Scientific Review Date:         June 1993
Council Meeting Date:           September 1993
Earliest Award Date:            December 1993

AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance, 93.856 - Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research
and 93.855 - Immunology, Allergy and Transplantation Research. Awards
are made under the authority 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 Part 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.  This
program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements
of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency Review.

$$R4 END ************************************************************

$$R5 BEGIN CA-93-17 FULL-TEXT ***************************************

BREAST CANCER EDUCATION SUMMITS

NIH GUIDE, Volume 22, Number 3, January 22, 1993

RFA AVAILABLE:  CA-93-17

P.T. 34; II; K.W. 0715035, 0403004, 0502017

National Cancer Institute

Application Receipt Date:  May 7, 1993

THE REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) ANNOUNCED IN THIS NOTICE CONTAINS
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN APPLICATION.
POTENTIAL APPLICANTS MAY OBTAIN THE RFA FROM THE CONTACT NAMED IN
INQUIRIES, BELOW.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this RFA is to provide support for the planning,
implementation, and evaluation of Breast Cancer Education Summits.
The summits are intended to convey information and educational
materials about breast cancer to community organizations and
businesses and to stimulate these organizations and businesses to
establish breast cancer education and screening programs in the
community.  The aim is to motivate these organizations and businesses
to reach women in the community, to inform them about the risks of
breast cancer and the methods to achieve early detection, and how to
seek the best treatment.  The summits are intended ultimately to
reach all women in the community, placing special emphasis on women
at high risk of breast cancer and populations that are medically
underserved and/or hard-to-reach.  Special attention should be given
to encouraging the establishment of readily available, low-cost,
high-quality mammograms for underserved populations, such as at the
worksite, or off-site with accommodations made for time and cost
considerations.

These regional summits should follow the model of the national and
regional summits, including educational sessions and panel
discussions featuring successful community-based programs and
worksite screening efforts.

It is expected that grants awarded under this RFA will be used to
partially fund planning, implementation and evaluation of the summit
conference.  The summits will be sponsored by the National Cancer
Institute (NCI) and other non-profit organizations. Centers are
encouraged to obtain additional funding from local sources for any
costs not met by this grant.

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 RFA,
Breast Cancer Education Summits, is related to the priority area of
cancer.  Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People
2000" (Full Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or "Healthy People
2000" (Summary Report:  Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) through the
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402-9325 (telephone [phone]).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility for this RFA is limited to institutions with NCI P30
Cancer Center Support Grants, institutions with NCI P20 planning
grants for prospective cancer centers and other institutions with a
broad base of grant-supported research in basic, clinical and
prevention and control science.  NCI-designated comprehensive cancer
centers that received awards, or co-hosted summits with awardees in
1992 from applications in response to RFA CA-91-27 are not eligible
to apply under this RFA, but are encouraged to apply for RFA
CA-93-18, Breast Cancer Education Mini-Summits.

MECHANISM OF SUPPORT

The administrative and funding mechanism to be used to support these
summits will be the conference grant award (R13).  Responsibility for
the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will
be solely that of the applicant.  The total project period for
applications submitted in response to the present RFA may not exceed
one year.  No more than $20,000 in direct costs will be awarded to a
single institution.  The anticipated award date is July 30, 1993.

This RFA is a one-time solicitation.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

Approximately $140,000 in total costs will be committed specifically
to fund applications which are submitted in response to this RFA.  It
is anticipated that seven to eight awards will be made.  This funding
level is dependent on the receipt of a sufficient number of
applications of high scientific merit.  Although this program is
provided for in the financial plans of the NCI, the award of grants
pursuant to this RFA is also contingent upon the availability of
funds for this purpose.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The institutions that receive grants will be asked to coordinate
their meeting dates to ensure that the summits are well-spaced within
the time frame of October 1993 to July 1994.

Applicants are invited to attend a one-day workshop on planning and
conducting a breast cancer summit meeting that will be held in
Washington, DC on February 23, 1993.  Pre-registration is required
through the contacts named in INQUIRIES below.

The funds and resources provided by NCI must be used for information
and education purposes only and not for fund-raising activities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The research grant application form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91) is to be used
in applying for these grants.  These forms are available at most
institutional offices of sponsored research; from the office of
Grants Inquiries, Division of Research Grants, National Institutes of
Health,  Westwood Building, Room 449, Bethesda, MD 20892, telephone
301/496-7441; and from the NCI Program Director named below.
Applicants may find information on the requirements for conference
grants and supplemental instructions for application form PHS-398 in
the publication "Support of Scientific Meetings"  U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, August 1988, 8pp. which can be obtained
from the Office of Grants Inquiries and the Grants Management contact
noted below.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications will be selected for funding based primarily on their
technical merit.  However, location of the cancer centers will also
be considered to assure balanced geographic distribution of the seven
or eight summits funded under this RFA and the more focused
mini-summits to be funded under RFA CA-93-18, allowing the broadest
coverage of the U.S. population.

INQUIRIES

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

Direct requests for the RFA and inquiries regarding programmatic
issues to:

Linda M. Muul, Ph.D.
Special Assistant to OCC
Program Director, Cancer Centers Branch
Division of Cancer Biology, Diagnosis and Centers