kristoff@GENBANK.BIO.NET (Dave Kristofferson) (02/01/91)
NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 NOTICES TYPE SIZE IN PHS 398 APPLICATIONS ......................(165/199)........... 1 Division of Research Grants Index: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS STUDY OF GRANT APPLICATIONS TEXTS IN ELECTRONIC FORM ...(202/256)........... 1 Division of Research Grants Index: DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS NATIONAL WORKSHOPS ON "PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS" ...(259/375)........... 2 National Institutes of Health Food and Drug Administration Index: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES PROGRAM PROJECT GUIDELINES .............................(378/407)........... 3 National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Index: ARTHRITIS, MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES, SKIN DISEASES ANNOUNCEMENT OF HHS GRANTS AND CONTRACTS TRAINING COURSE ..(410/520)........ 4 Public Health Service Index: PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE SALARY LIMITATION ON GRANTS AND CONTRACTS .................(523/618)........ 5 National Institutes of Health Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration Index: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE, AND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE POLICY RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION OF UNIQUE RESEARCH RESOURCES PRODUCED WITH PHS FUNDING ..............(621/754)........ 6 Public Health Service Index: PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs) EVALUATION OF VACCINE PROPHYLAXIS AGAINST INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CHILDREN (RFP) ............................................(760/804)........ 8 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Index: ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES EVALUATION OF CONTROL MEASURES AGAINST INFECTIOUS DISEASES OTHER THAN AIDS (RFP) ...........................................(807/845)........ 9 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Index: ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES MATERNAL IMMUNIZATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN NEONATES AND INFANTS (RFP) ................................(848/885)........ 9 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Index: ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES DEVELOPMENT OF MODELS FOR PEDIATRIC AIDS (RFA AI-91-04) ...(888/992)........10 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (1925/2272) Index: ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES DEVELOPMENT OF MODELS FOR PLACENTAL AND PEDIATRIC METABOLISM, TOXICITY, AND TRANSPORT OF anti-HIV DRUGS (RFA AI-91-05) ..(995/1104, 2275/2619)......11 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Index: ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES HIV IN MOTHERS AND INFANTS: IMMUNITY AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS (RFA AI-91-06) ...12 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (1107/1234) Index: ALLERGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2622/3184) ANIMAL MODELS FOR SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (RFA HD-91-05) ..............14 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1237/1330) Index: CHILD HEALTH, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (3185/3542) INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE APPLICATION OF STATE-OF-THE-ART CANCER MANAGEMENT IN RURAL AREAS (RFA CA-91-05) ......(1333/1456, 3545/4035).......15 National Cancer Institute Index: CANCER KIDNEY AND UROLOGY RESEARCH CENTERS (RFA DK-91-03) ..(1459/1604, 4037/4420).17 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Index: DIABETES, DIGESTIVE DISEASES, KIDNEY DISEASES SCIENCE EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP AWARD (RFA AD-91-01) (RFA OD-91-01) ..........19 Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (1607/1801) National Institutes of Health (4822/5405) Index: ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE, AND MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH MULTICENTER COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR STUDYING NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS IN MUTANT MICE (RFA HD-91-01) ................(1804/1881, 4423/4819)........21 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Index: CHILD HEALTH, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ERRATUM ADDENDUM: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE - ANNOUNCEMENT AND GUIDELINES - AUGUST 1990 (PA-90-31) ..........(1887/1905)...................22 National Institute on Drug Abuse Index: DRUG ABUSE NOTICES TYPE SIZE IN PHS 398 APPLICATIONS P.T. 34; K.W. 1014006 Division of Research Grants In an effort to clarify the current guidelines and in response to some excellent suggestions, we have modified the current guidelines regarding the type size in the PHS 398 application kit. The following revised guidelines replace the paragraph under Specific Instructions - Section, (page 12, PHS 398, Rev. 10/88). They are effective with the February 1, 1991 application receipt deadline. "It is also essential that type size limitations be observed throughout the application, or the application will be returned without review. For the first (face) page, the type density must be 10 characters per inch (cpi). This limit is to assure that all data typed on this page can be captured for computer processing without truncation. For the rest of the application, the type must be standard size, which is 10 to 12 points (approximately 1/8 inch in height for capital letters). If constant spacing is used, there should be no more than 15 cpi, whereas proportional spacing should provide an average of 15 cpi. Finally, there must be no more than six lines of text within a vertical inch. Figures, charts, tables, figure legends, and footnotes may be smaller in size but must be clear and readily legible. Applications not meeting these requirements will be returned without review, or may be subject to deferral." If you have any questions, contact: The Referral Office Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Westwood Building, Room 248 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-7447 STUDY OF GRANT APPLICATION TEXTS IN ELECTRONIC FORM P.T. 34; K.W. 1014002, 1004008 Division of Research Grants The Division of Research Grants (DRG), as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of its review and data management functions, is studying the feasibility of computer-assisted indexing of grant applications. To conduct this special study, DRG needs a large data base, in electronic form, of the textual portions of applications. The application sections of interest are the 1) Abstract, 2) Specific Aims, 3) Background and Significance, and 4) Literature Cited (Section 2-I). Therefore, DRG is asking investigators who already have submitted a competing application for individual research grant support (R01) and who have the textual portions of their applications available in an electronic medium (i.e., stored in a computer or on a floppy disk) to send only these portions of their applications to: Dr. John B. Mathis Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Westwood Building, Room 2A-05 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 402-1464 The application sections listed above should be copied as separate files to a floppy disk (5 1/4" or 3 1/2"). It is most desirable that each file be converted to its ASCII ("DOS File") equivalent before copying. If this is not possible, please indicate on the disk label what word processing program was used to prepare the file. All data received will be handled as privileged communications and stored in controlled-access files in the NIH mainframe computer. No applicant names will be associated with any computer-based files (except as they may appear in the files themselves). The files will be identified and retrieved by their NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 1 code designations only. The DRG will take precautions to maintain the confidentiality of the information submitted. Please send only files from applications that have been submitted between August 1, 1989 and July 31, 1990. Indicate on the disk label 1) the application's title and 2) the study section and the Institute, Center or Division to which it was assigned. Note that this request for application information is entirely independent of the current review and award processes of any of the Institutes, Centers or Divisions of the Public Health Service, including DRG. Your response to this announcement should be considered entirely voluntary. Information received as a result of this announcement will not affect the review or funding of any grant application in any way. All information received will be used solely for the study of information management by DRG. All disks received will be returned to the sender if a return address is enclosed. NATIONAL WORKSHOPS ON "PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS" P.T. 42; K.W. 0783005 National Institutes of Health Food and Drug Administration The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are continuing to sponsor a series of workshops on the responsibilities of researchers, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), and institutional officials for the protection of human subjects in research. The workshops are open to everyone with an interest in research involving human subjects. The meetings should be of special interest to those persons currently serving or about to begin serving as a member of an IRB. Issues discussed at these workshops are relevant to all other Public Health Service agencies. The current schedule includes the following: I. WEST COAST WORKSHOP DATES: February 4-5, 1991 WORKSHOP SITE: Meridien Hotel 50 Third Street San Francisco, CA 94103 SPONSOR: University of California at San Francisco Box 0400 San Francisco, CA 94143 REGISTRATION CONTACT: Ms. Phyllis Colbert Workshop Contact Person University of California at San Francisco Box 0400 San Francisco, CA 94143 Telephone: (415) 476-1881 TOPIC: "The Use of Human Subjects in Research: AIDS as a Model of Complexity" II. MIDEAST WORKSHOP DATES: March 4-5, 1991 WORKSHOP SITE: Friday Center Laurel Hill Parkway Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1020 SPONSORS: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 300 Bynum Hall Chapel Hill, NC 27599-4100 Shaw University 118 E. South Street Raleigh, NC 27611 NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 2 REGISTRATION CONTACT: Mr. Al Dawson Director Friday Center Laurel Hill Parkway C. B. 1020 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1020 Telephone: (919) 962-1106 TOPIC: "Interpreting the Federal Code for the Protection of Human Subjects" III. MIDWEST WORKSHOP DATES: April 11-12, 1991 WORKSHOP SITE: Ramada Inn, Lakeshore 4900 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60615 SPONSORS: University of Chicago 970 East 58th Street Chicago, IL 60637 Chicago State University 95th Street at King Drive Chicago, IL 60628 REGISTRATION CONTACT: Mr. Arnold L. Aronoff Associate Director Faculty and Administrative Services University Research Administration University of Chicago 970 East 58th Street Chicago, IL 60637 Telephone: (312) 702-8669 TOPIC: "Cultural Diversity, Ethics, and Research: A Workshop on Human Subject Protection" NIH/FDA have planned national human subject protections workshops in other parts of the United States. For further information regarding these workshops contact: Darlene Marie Ross Executive Assistant for Education Division of Human Subject Protections Office for Protection from Research Risks National Institutes of Health 9000 Rockville Pike Building 31, Room 5B59 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-8101 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES PROGRAM PROJECT GUIDELINES P.T. 34; K.W. 0715010, 0715185, 0705050, 1014006 National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) announces the availability of revised guidelines for program project applications that are assigned to NIAMS by the Division of Research Grants (DRG). The limitation on direct costs requested will remain at $5 million over 5 years. These guidelines will be used as the basis for the review of applications received as of June 1, 1991, and thereafter. The following individual may be contacted for the guidelines and for specific questions related to such applications: NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 3 Dr. Michael Lockshin Director, Extramural Program National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 9000 Rockville Pike Building 31, Room 4C32 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-0802 ANNOUNCEMENT OF HHS GRANTS AND CONTRACTS TRAINING COURSE P.T. 34; K.W. 1014002, 1014006 Public Health Service COURSE TITLE: Orientation to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Grants and Contracts Activities for Applicants and Recipients of Awards COURSE DESCRIPTION: This two-day course has been designed to provide applicants for and recipients of HHS grants and contracts with a better understanding of the procedures that are to be followed and what is expected of them in applying for and in the accounting and stewardship of Federal funds. The first day of the course concentrates on the grants process; the second day is devoted to contracting. Students will be provided with a broad overview of how to conduct contract and grant business with HHS including: how the Department is organized, how the HHS contracts and grants processes are structured, how to identify grant and contract funding opportunities, how to submit effective applications and proposals and what to watch out for once a contract or grant has been awarded by HHS. TARGET POPULATION: Grant and contract staff of organizations that are presently doing business with HHS as grantees or contractors, and those that plan to submit applications for grants or proposals for contracts. The course is intended for new staff or staff inexperienced with HHS grant and contract activities. DATES AND LOCATIONS April 2-3, 1991, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm; Rockville, MD June 10-11, 1991; 8:30 am - 5:00 pm; Atlanta, GA (historically black colleges and universities only) August 19-20, 1991; 8:30 am - 5:00 pm; Boston, MA COURSE OUTLINE o Introduction to HHS Assistance (grants/cooperative agreements) and Acquisition (contracts): HHS Mission and Organizational Structure; Assistance vs. Acquisition (The Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act); HHS Grant and Contract Expenditures and Recipients; Introduction to Types and Purposes of HHS Grants; Roles of HHS Grants and Program Management Staffs. o Seeking and Applying for HHS Grants/Cooperative Agreements: Sources of Information; Understanding Program Announcements; The application Package; The Complete, Effective Application; Competition and Objective Review. o Negotiation and Award Process for Grants/Cooperative Agreements: Cost Analysis and Pre-Award Review; Negotiating-- Clarifying and Revising Proposed Activities; Contents of a Grant Award Document; Funding Outcomes; General and Special Conditions. o Grant/Cooperative Agreement Post-Award Issues and Concerns: Monitoring; Audit; Appeals; Progress Reports; Drawdowns; Financial Status Reports; Grant Budget Control; Cost Principles and Unallowable Costs; Purchasing; Property Management. o Seeking HHS Contracts: Identifying HHS Contracting Opportunities; The Legal Framework of HHS Contracting; Small Business Contracting Programs; Roles of HHS Contracting and Project Staffs. o Responding to Contract Solicitations: Small Purchases-$25,000 or less; Purchases Greater Than $25,000; Preparing the Technical Proposal; Preparing the Business Proposal. o Proposal Submittal, Contract Negotiation, and Award: Proposal Submission and Evaluation; Negotiation and Award. NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 4 o Contract Administration: Initial Contract Administration Steps; Significant Contract Administration Concerns. CLASS SIZE: Limited to 25 participants per session to maximize interaction. ATTENDANCE: Those accepted will be expected to attend the entire session, both full days of the course. COST: There will be no charge for this course. Travel and accommodations will be the responsibility of participants. Details on exact location of courses and suggested accommodations will be provided to those persons selected. TO APPLY: On employing organization's letterhead, submit a letter that provides the following information: Name of applicant Employing organization: name, address, and telephone number Position of applicant Years of experience in grants, contracts, or both Principal area of interest (grants, contracts, or both) Reason for wanting to take this course (100 words or less) Course session desired APPLICATION DEADLINES Selection will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Only one nominee will be selected per institution, per session, unless vacancies occur. SEND APPLICATION TO Training Coordinator Grants Policy Branch Division of Grants and Contracts Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 17A45 Rockville, MD 20857 Applicants will be notified as to their acceptance or nonacceptance for this course. SALARY LIMITATION ON GRANTS AND CONTRACTS P.T. 34; K.W. 1014006 National Institutes of Health Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration The purpose of this notice is to inform grant applicants and contract offerors of the Congressionally-mandated salary limitation provision for the second consecutive year. Section 213 of the Appropriations Act of the Department of Health and Human Services for fiscal year (FY) 1991 (October 1, 1990-September 30, 1991) (Public Law 101-517) restricts the amount of direct salary of an individual under a grant or contract award issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA) to a RATE of $120,000 per year. This requirement is the same as it was for FY 1990. (See NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS, Vol. 19, No. 3, January 19, 1990.) NIH and ADAMHA will apply the restriction to all grant and contract awards and to all funding amendments to existing grants and contracts made during FY 1991 and with FY 1991 funds. The salary limitation applies to amounts permitted to be INCLUDED in grant and contract awards as well as amounts allowed to be CHARGED to those awards. However, an individual's institutional salary, per se, is NOT constrained by this legislative provision. NIH and ADAMHA grant and contract awards that indicate direct salaries of individuals in excess of a RATE of $120,000 per year will include an appropriate notification, such as: According to the Appropriations Act, "None of the funds appropriated in this title for the National Institutes of Health and the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration shall NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 5 be used to pay the salary of an individual, through a grant or other extramural mechanism, at a rate in excess of $120,000 per year." The application/proposal for this project proposed a salary at a rate greater than $120,000 per year. This award has been reduced accordingly. Grant applications and contract proposals submitted to the NIH and ADAMHA should continue to request funding at the regular rates of pay of all individuals for whom reimbursement is requested. NIH and ADAMHA will make downward adjustments of direct salary amounts in excess of the ceiling rate and fringe benefits based upon the budget approved as part of the original award. Corresponding indirect costs will also be adjusted. Following is an EXAMPLE of this process: Individual's institutional base salary per year $150,000 Research effort requested on grant application or contract proposal 50% Direct salary requested $ 75,000 Fringe benefits requested (25% of salary) $ 18,750 Applicant organization's indirect costs rate 47% Amount requested - salary plus fringe benefits plus associated indirect costs $137,813 If a grant/contract is to be awarded, the amount included in the award for the above individual will be calculated as follows: Direct salary - restricted to RATE of $120,000 times effort (50%) to be devoted to project $ 60,000 Fringe benefits (25% of allowable salary) 15,000 Subtotal $ 75,000 Associated indirect costs at 47% of subtotal 35,250 Total amount included due to salary limitation $110,250 Amount of reduction due to salary limitation ($137,813 requested minus $110,250 awarded) $ 27,563 Grantee and contractor organizations are reminded of these important points: o The salary limitation provision does NOT apply to payments made to consultants under an NIH or ADAMHA grant or contract (however, as with all costs, such payments must continue to meet the test of reasonableness). o The salary limitation provision DOES apply to those subawards/subcontracts for substantive work under an NIH or ADAMHA grant or contract. o Unobligated funds from a prior grant/contract period "carried over" INTO a FY 1991 award period ARE subject to the salary limitation provision. o In a noncompeting continuation application (type 5) setting, a grantee organization is NOT permitted to either (1) redistribute an amount of "excess" salary among other budget categories nor (2) increase the Principal Investigator's effort on the project, in an attempt to apply for the full level of funding as previously recommended by the peer review process. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE POLICY RELATING TO DISTRIBUTION OF UNIQUE RESEARCH RESOURCES PRODUCED WITH PHS FUNDING P.T. 36; K.W. 0780010 Public Health Service This announcement is a revision of the one last appearing in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts on September 16, 1988, Vol. 17, No. 29, pages 1 and 2. This revised notice contains a number of changes in policy that the agencies of the Public Health Service (PHS) have determined should be implemented. Investigators conducting biomedical research frequently develop unique research resources. Categories of these resources include: synthetic compounds, organisms, cell lines, viruses, cell products, cloned DNA, as well as DNA sequences, mapping information, crystallographic coordinates, and spectroscopic data. Some specific examples are: specialized and/or genetically defined cell lines, including normal and diseased human cells; NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 6 monoclonal antibodies; hybridoma cell lines; microbial cells and products; viruses and viral products; recombinant nucleic acid molecules; DNA probes; nucleic acid and protein sequences; certain types of animals such as transgenic mice; and intellectual property such as computer programs. The PHS provides the following statement of policy concerning unique research resources developed through PHS awards. A. Policy on Distribution of Research Resources. The policy of the PHS is to make available to the public the results and accomplishments of the activities that it funds. Restricted availability of unique resources upon which further studies are dependent can impede the advancement of research and the delivery of medical care. Therefore, when these resources are developed with PHS funds and the associated research findings have been published or after they have been provided to the agencies under contract, it is important that they be made readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community. This policy applies to PHS intramural investigators as well as extramural scientists funded by PHS grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. Because of concern that some crystallographers are not making their coordinates available promptly (see Science, Vol. 245, p. 1179), one of the national advisory councils of the NIH and the executive committee of another institute recently adopted resolutions affirming the policy of the International Union of Crystallographers (IUCr) (Acta Cryst., A45: 658, 1989). The PHS has now adopted the IUCr policy that includes data from publications based on spectroscopic data such as nuclear magnetic resonance as well as crystallographic coordinates. The PHS encourages investigators who have such resources to consult the appropriate Program Administrators who may be of assistance in determining a suitable distribution mechanism. Such a mechanism should take into consideration all applicable Federal regulations including, but not limited to: those regarding human subjects, animal welfare, and use and handling of hazardous materials, where applicable. Investigators requesting materials should provide evidence of having the proper training, experience, and facilities to make use of the items they request. Program staff of the agencies will be available to assist in verification of credentials of requesters where such concern exists on the part of suppliers. Investigators who believe that they will be unable to implement this policy should promptly contact the appropriate PHS Program Administrator to discuss the circumstances, obtain information that might facilitate compliance with the policy, and reach an understanding in advance of the subsequent award. For research and development contracts, approval should be obtained from the PHS Contracting Officer before distribution of unique resources, unless the terms of the contract permit distribution without prior clearance of the Contracting Officer. In order to facilitate the availability of unique or novel biological materials and resources developed with PHS funds, investigators may distribute the materials through their own laboratory or institution or submit them, if appropriate, to entities such as the American Type Culture Collection or other repositories. In the case of unique biological information, such as DNA sequences or crystallographic coordinates, investigators are expected to submit them to the appropriate data banks because they otherwise are not truly accessible to the scientific community. When distributing unique resources, investigators are to include pertinent information on the nature, quality, or characterization of the materials. Investigators must exercise great care to ensure that resources involving human cells or tissues do not identify original donors or subjects, directly or through identifiers, such as codes linked to the donors or subjects. The goals of some programs, e.g., the Human Genome Program, are such that applicants for certain projects may be required to provide plans for the sharing of data and materials. These plans will undergo review by program staff and the national advisory council prior to award. B. Distribution Costs Institutions and investigators may charge the requester, if necessary, for the reasonable cost of production of unique biological materials, and for packaging and shipping, Such costs may include labor, supplies, and other directly related expenses. Investigators should note, however, that such a charge accrues as general program income. This should not be an impediment to the distribution of materials, but investigators and institutions are advised that: NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 7 a) for grants, the income is governed by 45 CFR Part 74 and it must be reported on the Financial Status Report. Questions regarding these policies and the treatment of income should be directed to the Grants Management Officer. b) for contracts, the income is governed by Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 45.610-3. Contracting Officers must be contacted before generating any revenues from the distribution of materials. Any contract under which research resources would be sold require specific contract instructions. Existing contracts may require an amendment and specific approval of the Contracting Officer to render them allowable. C. Inventions and Commercialization Federal policy encourages the commercialization of the products of research developed as a consequence of Federal funding; therefore, the intent of this policy is to not discourage, impede, or prohibit the organization that develops unique research resources or intellectual property from commercializing the products. Investigators may make their materials available to others for commercial purposes with appropriate restrictions and licensing terms as they and their institution deem necessary. Institutions are reminded that some of these products may be inventions subject to the various laws and regulations applicable to patents and must be reported to the Extramural Inventions Reports Office of the NIH. The terms for licensing of unpatented research products, such as cell lines, monoclonal antibodies, and other materials and products, should generally be no more restrictive than would have been the case had they been patented -- for example, only if there is full public disclosure of the invention/discovery, availability through a repository, and written agreement to end all fees and constraints after 17 years. When reporting is required, it should occur at the earliest possible time. (See 37 CFR 401 and NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Vol. 19, No. 6, February 9, 1990, page 2). NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs) EVALUATION OF VACCINE PROPHYLAXIS AGAINST INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CHILDREN RFP AVAILABLE: NIH-NIAID-DMID-91-33 P.T. 34; K.W. 0740075, 0715125, 0770005 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases The Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), requires a dedicated Pediatric Vaccine Prophylaxis against Infectious Diseases in Children. The Institute has supported efforts to evaluate control measures for infectious diseases during the past decade and supports Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units (VTEUs) to facilitate these efforts. These VTEUs have undertaken Phase I and Phase II clinical trials of bacterial and viral vaccines, other biologicals, and drugs as preventative and therapeutic measures against infectious diseases in people of all ages. With the accelerated development of new vaccines, particularly bacterial vaccines, against infectious diseases in children, the Institute wants to support a dedicated Pediatric Vaccine Evaluation Unit (PVEU). The major emphasis of the PVEU will be Phase I and Phase II evaluation of candidate bacterial vaccines in infants and children. The Contractor must have demonstrated experience in the clinical evaluation of vaccines and have demonstrated capacity to organize and administer a clinical study. This NIAID-sponsored project will take approximately five (5) years to complete. A Cost Reimbursement Level of Effort contract is anticipated and one award will be made. This is an announcement for an anticipated Request for Proposals (RFP). RFP-NIH-NIAID-DMID-91-33 shall be issued on or about February 4, 1991, with a closing date tentatively set for March 29, 1991. Requests for the RFP must be directed in writing to: Paul D. McFarlane Contract Management Branch National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH Control Data Building, Room 326P 6003 Executive Boulevard Rockville, MD 20852 NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 8 To receive a copy of the RFP, please supply this office with two self-addressed mailing labels. All responsible sources may submit a proposal that will be considered. All requests must be in writing. This advertisement does not commit the Government to award a contract. EVALUATION OF CONTROL MEASURES AGAINST INFECTIOUS DISEASES OTHER THAN AIDS RFP AVAILABLE: NIH-NIAID-DMID-92-1 P.T. 34; K.W. 0795003, 0715125 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases The Enteric Diseases Branch, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has a requirement for a Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit (VTEU). This VTEU will conduct Phase I and Phase II Clinical Trials to evaluate candidate vaccines and other prophylactic/therapeutic measures for infectious diseases other than AIDS. A VTEU provides volunteer populations, staff, facilities, and expertise to carry out such work that includes follow-up and focused surveillance. A variety of vaccine types (live, attenuated, inactivated, subunit, conjugated) for prevention of viral and bacterial illnesses are expected. This announcement is for recompetition of contract No. N01-AI-72629 currently held by the Baylor College of Medicine. The issuance of the Request for Proposals (RFP) will be on or about February 6, 1991, and proposals will be due by the close of business on April 3, 1991. One (1) award is anticipated, and it is expected that the resultant contract will be funded over a period of five years. Any responsible offeror may submit a proposal that will be considered by the Government. To receive a copy of RFP-NIH-NIAID-DMID-92-1, please supply this office with a written request, citing the RFP number together with two self-addressed mailing labels addressed to: Mr. Thomas C. Porter Contracting Officer National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases Contract Management Branch Control Data Building, Room 326P 6003 Executive Boulevard Bethesda, MD 20892 This advertisement does not commit the Government to make an award. MATERNAL IMMUNIZATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN NEONATES AND INFANTS RFP AVAILABLE: NIH-NIAID-DMID-91-32 P.T. 34; K.W. 0740075, 0775020, 0745027, 0715125, 0403020 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has a requirement to evaluate maternal immunization for prophylaxis against infectious diseases in neonates and infants. This NIAID-sponsored project will take approximately five (5) years to complete. A cost-reimbursement contract is anticipated. It is anticipated that one to two awards will be made. This is an announcement for an anticipated Request for Proposal (RFP). RFP-NIH-DMID-91-32 shall be issued on or about February 1, 1991, with a closing date tentatively set for April 1, 1991. Requests for the RFP shall be directed in writing to: John M. O'Brien Contract Management Branch 6003 Executive Boulevard Control Data Building, Room 326P National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-0195 NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 9 To receive a copy of this RFP, please supply this office with two (2) self-addressed labels. All responsible sources may submit a proposal that will be considered. This advertisement does not commit the Government to award. DEVELOPMENT OF MODELS FOR PEDIATRIC AIDS RFA AVAILABLE: AI-91-04 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715008, 0755020, 0770005 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: March 11, 1991 Application Receipt Date: April 22, 1991 The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is playing a central role in the investigation of methods to treat the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The disease that occurs in the pediatric population infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is different from that occuring in adults. Animal models of fetal and neonatal infection with lentiviruses related to HIV are needed to study aspects of HIV infection and therapeutic approaches unique to the pediatric population. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE NIAID invites applications for individual research project (RO1) grants to develop animal models and in vitro models for pediatric HIV infection and disease. Research considered responsive to this Request for Applications (RFA) will develop and use (i) an in vitro model of infection of placenta with HIV suitable for examining the regulation and pathogenesis of HIV and for identifying unique targets for new therapies; and/or (ii) an animal model of transmission of virus, studying transplacental transport of virus or infected cells, the mechanisms of infection and targets for therapies; and/or (iii) an animal model of lentivirus infection of fetal or neonatal animals for studying the pathogenesis of the virus, development of disease, and the action of therapies; and/or (iv) an animal model, using a lentivirus or relevant retrovirus, to define the viral and/or cellular factors that effect transplacental infection and that represent potential targets for new therapies. Investigators should plan to apply the models described above to the design and evaluation of anti-HIV therapies to prevent or interrupt the transmission of HIV from mother to offspring. In addition, use of HIV or a lentivirus such as the simian immunodeficiency virus is preferred. Use of other retroviruses may be considered responsive IF there is evidence presented that it models HIV disease closely. Research plans to (i) solely evaluate various compounds for their ability to cross the placenta in an animal model, (ii) evaluate vaccine-related therapies or immune responses, (iii) develop or use models using MuLV retroviruses, or (iv) develop or use transgenic models or models in which virus is injected directly into the fetus as a model of transmission are not considered responsive to this announcement. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the R01 grant mechanism. The NIAID has allocated $1,000,000 (total costs) for the initial year of funding applications received in response to this RFA. It is anticipated that three to five applications will be funded. The award of grants pursuant to this RFA is contingent upon the continuing availability of funds for this purpose and upon receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. This RFA is a one-time solicitation. Generally, future unsolicited competing continuation applications will compete with all investigator-initiated applications and be reviewed by a Division of Research Grants study section. However, if the NIAID determines that there is a sufficient continuing program need, the NIAID may announce a request for renewal applications. APPLICATION SUBMISSION Eligibility: Any domestic or foreign institution, university, medical college, hospital, and laboratory or other public, private, or for-profit institution is eligible. Letter of Intent: Prospective applicants are asked to submit by March 11, 1991, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title and a description (not to exceed one page) of the proposed research. NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 10 Submission: The regular research grant application form PHS-398 (rev. 10/88) must be used in applying. To identify responses to this announcement, check "yes" and type the RFA number and title [RFA AI-91-04, DEVELOPMENT OF MODELS FOR PEDIATRIC AIDS] in item 2 on page 1 of the grant application. The RFA label provided with the instructions must be affixed to the bottom of the face page. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of your application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. The completed original application and twenty three (23) copies must be mailed to: Division of Research Grants National Institute of Health Westwood Building, Room 240 Bethesda, MD 20892** Applications must be received by April 22, 1991. Awards will be based on scientific merit and the uniqueness of the proposed project. Funding around September 30, 1991, is anticipated. INQUIRIES A more detailed RFA may be obtained from: Polly R. Sager, Ph.D Developmental Therapeutics Branch Division of AIDS, NIAID, NIH 6003 Executive Boulevard, Room 244P Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-0636 FAX: (301) 480-5703 DEVELOPMENT OF MODELS FOR PLACENTAL AND PEDIATRIC METABOLISM, TOXICITY, AND TRANSPORT OF anti-HIV DRUGS RFA AVAILABLE: AI-91-05 P.T. 34; K.W. 0785170, 0715008, 0740012, 1007009, 0755025 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: March 11, 1991 Application Receipt Date: April 22, 1991 The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is playing a central role in the investigation of methods to treat the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Children born to HIV-positive mothers and HIV-infected women are now the fastest growing populations of AIDS patients. Traditionally, new therapies were available to children and pregnant women only after extensive clinical experience in other adult populations. Because of the magnitude and severity of the AIDS epidemic, therapies are now being tested in children and pregnant women early in clinical development. Animal and in vitro models are needed to assess the metabolism and transport of AIDS therapies in the placenta, fetus, and neonate. In addition, the mechanisms of toxicity of therapeutics to the placenta, fetus, and neonate must be examined. This information is critical to facilitate the design of clinical evaluations in HIV-positive pregnant women and their children. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE NIAID invites applications for individual research project (RO1) grants to develop and use: (i) in vitro models to assess the metabolism, transport, and mechanisms of toxicity of anti-AIDS therapies in the placenta; (ii) animal models to assess the transplacental transport of AIDS therapies and to determine pharmacokinetics parameters to serve as the basis for clinical trials in humans; (iii) animal models to assess the metabolism and distribution of AIDS therapies in the fetus and neonatal animals to serve as the basis for clinical trials in humans; (iv) animal models to assess mechanisms of toxicity relevant to use of drugs in pregnant women and very young infants. The emphasis should be on issues of pharmacology and toxicity that are specific to the use of AIDS therapies in pregnant women and children born to HIV-positive women. Animal models should be those where placental function or structure or developmental patterns most closely model humans. The Developmental Therapeutics Branch of the Division of AIDS will assist in identifying and providing therapeutic agents to be studied and, where possible, analytical methods for detection of drugs. Research plans to NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 11 evaluate standard teratology, reproductive toxicology, or pharmacokinetics in rodents are not considered responsive to this announcement. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This Request for Applications (RFA) will use the R01 grant mechanism. The NIAID has allocated $1,000,000 (total costs) for the initial year of funding applications received in response to this RFA. It is anticipated that three to five applications will be funded. The award of grants pursuant to this RFA is contingent upon the continuing availability of funds for this purpose and upon receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit. This RFA is a one-time solicitation. Generally, future unsolicited competing continuation applications will compete with all investigator-initiated applications and be reviewed by a DRG study section. However, should the NIAID determine that there is a sufficient continuing program need, the NIAID may announce a request for renewal applications. APPLICATION SUBMISSION Eligibility: Any domestic or foreign institution, university, medical college, hospital, and laboratory or other public, private or for-profit institution is eligible. Letter of Intent: Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by March 11, 1991, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title and a description (not to exceed one page) of the proposed research. Submission: The research grant application form PHS-398 (rev. 10/88) must be used in applying. To identify responses to this announcement, check "yes" and type the RFA number and title [RFA AI-91-05, DEVELOPMENT OF MODELS FOR PLACENTAL AND PEDIATRIC METABOLISM, TOXICITY, AND TRANSPORT OF anti-HIV DRUGS in item 2 on page 1 of the grant application. The RFA label provided with the instructions must be affixed to the bottom of the face page. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of your application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. The completed original application and twenty three (23) copies must be mailed to: Application Receipt Office Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Westwood Building, Room 240 Bethesda, MD 20892** Applications must be received by April 22, 1991. Awards will be based on scientific merit and the uniqueness of the proposed project. Funding around September 30, 1991, is anticipated. INQUIRIES A more detailed RFA may be obtained from: Polly R. Sager, Ph.D Developmental Therapeutics Branch Division of AIDS, NIAID, NIH 6003 Executive Boulevard Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-0636 FAX: (301) 480-5703 The full RFA is also available in the electronic version of the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, the E-Guide. HIV IN MOTHERS AND INFANTS: IMMUNITY AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS RFA AVAILABLE: AI-91-06 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715008, 0775020, 0403020, 0710070 National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: March 15, 1991 Application Receipt Date: May 7, 1991 NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 12 PURPOSE: Transmission of the acquired immunodeficiency symdrome (AIDS) virus to infants occurs in about 20-35 percent of children born of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infected mothers. Recent studies suggest that protective immunity may exist in some mothers that can interrupt viral transmission to the infant. In addition, preliminary data suggest that there may be cell-mediated immunity against HIV in infants of infected mothers. There is a pressing need to determine if an immune response on the part of either mother or infant can protect the infant from intrauterine or perinatal infection and/or predict which babies are infected. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Applications are invited that seek to develop innovative techniques for diagnosis prior to eight weeks of age and/or to determine the factors that influence perinatal transmission in order to design potential vaccines and immune-based therapy of infected mothers and/or their infants. Approaches to this question may include, but are not limited to, the following: o Identify in pregnant women the correlates of immunity that appear to be protective for their infants, particularly in relationship to the quantity and quality of virus infecting the mother, including humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. o Compare immune reactions to HIV-1 of infected and uninfected infants (less than eight weeks of age) born of HIV-infected mothers, including, but not limited to, humoral immunity, cell-mediated immunity, and identification and assessment of maternally derived cells in infants. o Develop and evaluate novel methods for early diagnosis during gestation and in infants less than eight weeks of age by means including, but not limited to, reliable and practical immunologic, virologic, and molecular-biologic techniques, safe and reliable methods for prenatal diagnosis of HIV infection, and evaluation of the timing and frequency of HIV transmission from mother to offspring during gestation and the intrapartum period. Collaboration between scientists and/or institutions is encouraged but not required for response to this announcement. Access to a patient population and, if appropriate, a pre-existing sample collection that is sufficient to allow evaluation of hypotheses must be demonstrated. The use of funds from these grants to support the actual conduct of clinical trials will be judged nonresponsive, but plans for immunologic and virologic assessment of samples from women and infants enrolled in epidemiology or therapy trials that are supported by other funds are encouraged. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDIES The following is a brief statement of the NIH and ADAMHA policy regarding the inclusion of women and minorities in study populations. Applications that are responsive to this RFA will, by definition, meet the requirement for inclusion of women. The inclusion of minorities must be addressed in application submitted responding to this RFA. 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 or adequately represented in the study populations for clinical studies, a specific justification must be provided. Applications without such documentation will not be accepted for review. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This RFA will use the R01 mechanism. The NIAID has allocated $3,000,000 (total costs) for the initial year of funding applications received in response to this RFA, with the relative level of support between epidemiologic and immunologic studies to be determined by Program Staff. The number of awards to be made is dependent upon receipt of a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit and upon the availability of funds. The earliest possible award date is September 27, 1991. If NIAID determines that there is a sufficient continuing program need, this RFA will be reissued. APPLICATION SUBMISSION Eligibility: Any domestic or foreign institution, university, medical college, hospital, laboratory or other public, private or for-profit institution is eligible. NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 13 Letter of Intent: Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by March 15, 1991, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title and a description (not to exceed one page) of the proposed research. Since applications that do not address areas of program relevance will be considered nonresponsive, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their research plans with program staff before completing their applications. Submission: The regular research grant application form PHS-398 (rev. 10/88) must be used in applying. These forms are available at most institutional business offices and from the Division of Research Grants, NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Westwood Building, Room 449, Bethesda, Maryland 20892. To identify responses to this announcement, check "yes" and put "HIV IN MOTHERS AND INFANTS: IMMUNITY AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS (RFA AI-91-06)" under item 2 on page 1 of the grant application. The RFA label provided with the instructions must be affixed to the bottom of the face page. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of your application so that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. The completed original application and twenty three (23) copies must be mailed to: Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Westwood Building, Room 240 Bethesda, MD 20892** INQUIRIES: A more detailed RFA may be obtained from: Patricia E. Fast, M.D., Ph.D. OR Rodney Hoff, M.D., M.P.H. Vaccine R. and D. Branch Epidemiology Branch Division of AIDS, NIAID, NIH DAIDS. NIAID, NIH 6003 Executive Blvd., Rm. 203E 6003 Executive Blvd., Rm. 241P Bethesda, MD 20892 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-8200 Telephone: (301) 496-6177 ANIMAL MODELS FOR SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME RFA AVAILABLE: HD-91-05 P.T. 34; K.W. 0755020, 0715205 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Application Receipt Date: May 15, 1991 PURPOSE The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is interested in expanding the scope of research conducted into the causes and pathologic mechanisms of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In this solicitation, the NICHD invites applications for studies using fetal and/or young developing animals to elucidate environmental factors and developmental mechanisms during pregnancy and early postnatal life that predispose the young animal to a SIDS-like event, (i.e., sudden death during a sleep period), or the inability to recover from hypoxic or other life-threatening stresses. Information derived from these animal studies is expected to elucidate potential mechanisms of SIDS under experimental conditions unavailable in human infants and lead to the development of diagnostic and preventive strategies. The Public Health Service is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 2000, a PHS-led national activity. This Request for Applications (RFA), "Animal Models for SIDS", is related to the priority area of "Maternal and Infant Health". RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The primary goals of this RFA are to support research investigations in intact animals or reduced preparations to examine the effects of relevant prenatal insults on the development and function of state-dependent regulatory and life-sustaining systems in infancy; to examine the effects of postnatal environmental challenges, i.e., insults or new stimuli; and/or to investigate animal model systems of developmental disorders/susceptibilities that mimic some aspects of the SIDS phenotype. In the context of these investigations, parallel studies of unperturbed development and function may be proposed. The extent of the normative studies should depend on the existing knowledge base. NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 14 Developmental studies that span the fetal and early postnatal period are encouraged. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT This program will be funded through the traditional individual research grant award program of NICHD. Grant applications will be reviewed at a single competition by an initial review group convened by NICHD. It is anticipated that eight (8) grants will be awarded under this program, contingent upon receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications and the availability of funds. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Applications must be submitted on Form PHS 398 (revised 10/88), available in business or grants offices at most academic research institutions and from the Division of Research Grants, NIH. The RFA label available in the 10/88 revision of Application Form 398 must be affixed to the bottom of the face page. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of your application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. The phrase "ANIMAL MODELS SIDS APPLICATIONS, RFA HD-91-05" must be typed in item 2 of the face page of the application. INQUIRIES Applicants may request a copy of the full RFA from: Marian Willinger, Ph.D. Health Scientist Administrator Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch Center for Research for Mothers and Children National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Executive Plaza North, Room 643 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-5575 The full RFA is also available on the electronic version of the NIH Guide, the E-Guide. Inquiries regarding grants management and administrative policy may be directed to: Douglas Shawver Supervisory Grants Management Specialist Grants Management Branch Office of Grants and Contracts National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Executive Plaza North, Room 505 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-1303 INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE APPLICATION OF STATE-OF-THE-ART CANCER MANAGEMENT IN RURAL AREAS RFA AVAILABLE: CA-91-05 P.T. 34; K.W. 0715035, 0403004 National Cancer Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: March 20, 1991 Application Receipt Date: May 20, 1991 INTRODUCTION The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for research projects aimed at strengthening the application of state-of-the-art cancer diagnosis and management practices in rural areas by enhancing links between rural health care providers and regional cancer specialists. The researchers are to test methods thath enhance the utilization of existing cancer expertise and resources by rural providers. The development and evaluation of interventions that are sensitive to the cancer problems in a selected rural area and are supported by rural practitioners are important. Researchers are encouraged to be innovative in the development of interventions. Outcomes should be designed to capture changes in cancer diagnosis and management. NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 15 BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To date, the treatment programs of the NCI have been designed to conduct state-of-the-art cancer treatment research through a network of cancer specialists in university centers and community programs. With this initiative, the NCI strives to reach practitioners who provide care in rural communities and link them with cancer specialists. Such ties are critical to assuring that patients in rural and remote areas have access to the full range of state-of-the-art cancer care. RESEARCH GOALS AND SCOPE The purpose of the project is to test ways of enhancing links between rural health care providers and cancer specialists. The NCI expects the interventions to be designed to strengthen associations between the rural generalist providers and regional cancer specialists, and may include targeted training, visiting specialists, and/or clinical trials participation. Evaluation should address indicators of changes in cancer diagnosis and management practices and efficiency of the intervention. Based on the characteristics of the health care providers and the patients in the rural area in which the research is to be conducted, the researchers are to test approaches to link rural providers and cancer specialists to enhance state-of-the-art cancer management practices of physicians and nurses in the selected rural area. The interventions should incorporate, as appropriate, established resources of the NCI, specifically the Cancer Information Service (CIS) or the Physicians' Data Query (PDQ) or Cancer FAX. Examples of possible interventions include: o review of screening and/or biopsy specimens; o computer-assisted diagnosis and/or management algorithms; o free telephone consultation between cancer specialist and generalist provider; o PDQ protocols for patient management with specialist consultation available; and o telephone hot-line service for consultation. The research design should consider both process and health outcome measures as appropriate. The researchers are to focus the intervention on aspects of current cancer patient management that are well described in the baseline data. For example, a pattern of head and neck cancer diagnosis at stages III and IV or the lack of appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer could be the focus. While mortality rate changes may be sought, NCI realizes that the research design may not have the power to discern such changes. An outcome of interest is the stage of cancer at diagnosis and the proportion of patients who receive state-of-the-art cancer management in the target rural area. Changes in practice are extremely important to document, as well as evaluation of the implementation techniques. Numerous direct and indirect indicators are possible. 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 or adequately represented in the study populations for clinical studies, a specific justification for this exclusion or inadequate representation must be provided. Applications without such documentation will not be accepted for review. LETTER OF INTENT Prospective applicants are asked to submit, by March 20, 1991, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of the proposed research, the name and address of the Principal Investigator, the names of other key personnel, the participating institutions, and the number and the title of the RFA in response to which the application is being submitted. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of subsequent applications, it is requested in order to provide an indication of the number and scope of applications to be reviewed. NIH GUIDE - Vol. 20, No. 5, February 1, 1991 - Page 16 The letter of intent should be sent to: Anne R. Bavier, M.N., F.A.A.N. Program Director, CORB, EDCOP, DCPC National Cancer Institute Executive Plaza North, Room 300-E Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-8541 INQUIRIES Written or telephone inquiries concerning the objectives and scope of this RFA or inquiries about whether or not specific proposed research would be responsive are encouraged and should be directed to the program director named above. The program director welcomes the opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential applicants. KIDNEY AND UROLOGY RESEARCH CENTERS RFA AVAILABLE: DK-91-03 P.T. 04; K.W. 0785095, 0785220, 0785055, 0785035, 0710030, 0745027, 0745070 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Letter of Intent Receipt Date: March 15, 1991 Application Receipt Date: July 16, 1991 The Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases (DKUHD) of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) invites applications for research center grants (P50) to be awarded in fiscal year 1992. NIDDK anticipates the award of up to six competitive center grants in fiscal year 1992. BACKGROUND Kidney and urologic diseases account for substantial and increasing morbidity and financial burden in the United States. They threaten the health, well-being, and longevity of over 13 million Americans and accounted for an estimated cost of at least $50 billion in 1990. Although considerable progress has been made in understanding the basic physiology and patho-physiology of the normal renal and urologic systems, there has been only limited progress in unraveling the mechanisms of those disease processes that lead to progressive deterioration in the function of these systems. Nevertheless, major progress has been made in the management of their clinical consequences. For example, renal dialysis and transplantation are life-saving procedures and the clinical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia has improved over the past several years. Unfortunately, these scientific advances have not led to the means to prevent or reverse these diseases, and their incidence is steadily increasing. The proposed multidisciplinary research centers, the George M. O'Brien Kidney and Urologic Diseases Research Centers, should provide the necessary and appropriate expertise to investigate topical areas of research related to the pathogenesis of kidney and urologic diseases such as: immunologically mediated diseases; diabetes mellitus and other endocrine and metabolic disorders; primary renal hypertension; genetic abnormalities; bladder physiology and pathophysiology; developmental and obstructive disorders; and nephrotoxins and toxic cell injury.