kristoff@GENBANK.BIO.NET (Dave Kristofferson) (02/23/90)
REQUEST FOR CONSTRUCTION GRANT APPLICATIONS RFA: OD-90-01 EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS P.T. 34; K.W. 1014002, 1014006 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH Letter of Intent Receipt Date: March 23, 1990 Application Receipt Date: May 7, 1990 I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Congress has recently addressed the issue of extramural research facilities construction through the Fiscal Year 1990 appropriations process. The DHHS Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1990, Public Law 101-166, states in part that the Secretary shall transfer $14,800,000 from "appropriations available to each of the Institutes which shall be available for extramural facilities construction grants if authorized in law and if awarded competitively including such amount as he may deem appropriate for research animal production facilities." As stated, the appropriations are available for grant awards under current construction grant authority. Conference language accompanying the Appropriations Act further states that such construction projects be "identified by the Director of NIH as being of urgent national importance." In addition, the conference language states, "The conferees have deleted the earmarks for seven extramural construction projects as proposed by the Senate without prejudice. The conferees believe that these are meritorious projects which should be well received in the normal competitive process." Subsequently, with enactment of Public Law 101-190, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is authorized to award a contract to "a public or nonprofit, private entity for constructing facilities for the purpose of the development and breeding of specialized strains of mice (including inbred and mutant mice) for use in biomedical research." The NIH intends to award a grant for this purpose either under its existing authority or pursuant to an amendment of Public Law 101-190 to authorize a grant award. Given the breadth of activities which may be appropriate for support in response to these Congressional actions, NIH is issuing two concurrent Requests for Applications (RFA's) to solicit construction proposals. RFA Number OD-90-01 will be limited to applications for the construction of facilities for biomedical research and/or services to support such research (which may include a laboratory animal component); RFA Number OD-90-02 will be limited to applications for construction of a large-scale, specialized, mouse production facility. The main objective of each is to facilitate the conduct of biomedical research by providing funds for construction of new facilities and for the purchase of fixed equipment essential for the operation of these facilities. The purpose of this RFA is to invite grant applications for the construction of research/research support facilities. There is statutory authority for the following types of construction grant awards: construction grants to carry out the National Cancer Program (section 413(b)(6)(B), PHS Act), construction grants to carry out the National Heart, Blood Vessel, Lung and Blood Diseases and Blood Resources Program (section 421(b)(2)(B), PHS Act), and construction grants for vision research facilities (section 455, PHS Act). II. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE Support may be requested for the costs of constructing non-Federal facilities to meet the biomedical research or biomedical research support needs of an institution, or of a research group at that institution or elsewhere which utilizes the resources of that institution. The purpose of the proposed facility must be within the scope of one of the statutes authorizing the awards. Those statutes authorize construction grants which would benefit the fields of cancer, vision, and heart, lung, and blood research. Associated fixed equipment necessary for operation of these facilities may also be requested as part of the application. Instrumentation which should normally be requested as part of a research project will not be provided as part of this construction award. Facility construction which may be supported under this program includes: o Construction of new facilities, o Additions to existing buildings, o Completion of uninhabitable "shell" space in new or existing buildings o Major alterations and renovations. III. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT A. Eligibility. Any domestic non-Federal institution, organization, or association that conducts or supports biomedical research is eligible to apply. Construction grant applications from non-Federal institutions, organizations, or associations, previously submitted to and peer-reviewed by NIH but which currently remain unfunded, will automatically be considered under this RFA without the submission of a new application if they are responsive to the objectives described in Section II above. Up to $2,000,000 of the $4,800,000 available under this RFA has been identified for funding of the highest rated of the applications in this category. The remainder of these applications will be considered along with the applications submitted in response to this RFA. However, if the design or plans for construction differ markedly from that which was peer reviewed, a new application will be required. These applicants are strongly encouraged to request a copy of this complete RFA and special instructions for completion of the application to determine their need to submit additional assurances and certifications, as well as other information they may feel relevant to their proposal in relation to this RFA. NIH staff will verify application and award eligibility. Those judged to be unresponsive or ineligible will be returned to the investigator. B. Award Mechanism. The award mechanism will be the construction grant award. Awards will be administered under Federal Regulation 45 CFR Part 74 - Administration of Grants, and 42 CFR Part 52b for cancer construction. Organizations operated for profit are directed to 45 CFR 74.710 for guidance regarding title to real property and equipment acquired under this program. C. Funding Participation. This one-time solicitation based on the Fiscal Year 1990 appropriation will make available $2,800,000 for this initiative. Up to 75 percent of the allowable costs of a project may be provided, not to exceed $2,800,000. Prior to a grant award, the applicant must provide an assurance of required matching funds and that other funds have been secured to meet any projected costs in excess of the award amount. Requests of less than $500,000 will not be accepted. No indirect costs will be awarded. No continuation costs will be awarded. D. Award Conditions. Advertisement for construction bids and construction can be initiated only after receipt of the construction grant award and subsequent approval of the working drawings and specifications by NIH staff, but not later than twelve months after the date of award. Therefore, no requests to initiate construction, consistent with Public Health Service policy, will be entertained prior to receipt of a construction grant award from NIH and subsequent approval of working drawings and specifications by NIH staff. The Principal Investigator should be a highly placed institutional official, at the level of Dean or equivalent, who has the responsibility for allocation of space for the program(s) of biomedical research/research support addressed in the submitted application and can provide the necessary assurance for the use requirement stated below. The facility must be utilized for the specific biomedical research and/or biomedical research support purposes for which it was constructed for at least twenty (20) years beginning ninety (90) days following completion of the construction project. NIH staff will evaluate use of the facility periodically to assure its continued use for the approved purposes. IV. REVIEW PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA Applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by appropriate special peer review group(s) which will be convened by the Division of Research Grants (DRG), NIH. The second level of peer review will be conducted by the National Cancer Advisory Board, or the advisory board or National Advisory Council appropriate for the statutory authority which is applicable to the application, in September 1990 to assess the relevance of all proposals to the objectives described above. In addition, each approved application will be reviewed by NIH staff and consultants for adherence to Government regulations and sound engineering practice. Awards will be made on or before September 30, 1990. In making funding decisions, NIH staff will be guided by the recommendations of the National Cancer Advisory Board. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of criteria intended to assess the following overall questions: 1) How will the proposed change in the research environment facilitate the applicant's ability to conduct or support biomedical research? 2) How will the proposed project meet national needs for biomedical research or support facilities? Thus, the reviewers will consider the following factors: o Appropriateness and suitability of the proposed facilities for the research to be conducted and/or research support to be provided. o The overall scope and quality of the ongoing research or research support programs of the applicant institution, as well as the expanded or proposed future research or research support activities. o The applicant's consideration of safety and biohazard issues in planning the construction and administering the facilities. o Specific deficiencies in the existing research facilities that would be remedied. o The proposed physical location and layout of the new facility. o Reasonableness of the proposed time-course and sequence for the construction. o Adequacy of the proposed administrative arrangements with respect to: Institutional commitment to use the space for biomedical research and/or biomedical research support. Safety and biohazard issues. Capabilities of the Principal Investigator and staff for scientific and fiscal administration of the facility. V. METHOD OF APPLYING A. Letter of Intent. Prospective applicants are asked to submit by March 23, 1990, a short letter of intent to the individuals noted below. The letter, requested for planning purposes only, should identify the RFA number noted above, the proposed Principal Investigator, and include a brief description of the proposed facility and the type(s) of research/research support to be conducted in the new facility. The letter of intent does not commit the sender to submit an application, nor is it a prerequisite for submission of an application. The original of the letter of intent should be addressed to: Mr. Kenneth Brow Chief, Research Facilities Branch Division of Cancer Biology and Diagnosis National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health Executive Plaza North, Room 300 Bethesda, MD 20892 A copy of the letter of intent should be addressed to: Anthony Demsey, Ph.D. Associate Director for Referral and Review Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Room 338, Westwood Building 5333 Westbard Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892 B. Pre-Application Instructions o Intergovernmental-Review -- Executive Order 12372 All applicants are required to comply with Executive Order 12372 as supplemented by DHHS 45 CFR Part l00, Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities. (The A-95 Clearinghouse System is no longer in effect.) Revised Standard Form 424 has been issued to meet the reporting requirements of Executive Order 12372. The purposes of this review are to: 1 Identify the relationship of any proposed project to State or area-wide comprehensive plans and evaluate the significance of these projects for the plans or programs of particular State agencies or local governments; and 2 Ensure that public agencies responsible for environmental standards and civil rights have an opportunity to review and comment upon proposed projects. Each applicant is encouraged to discuss projects with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) at the earliest time possible and to provide the SPOC with required information in a timely manner. (The State Single Point of Contact List is included as an attachment in the special instructions accompanying the application Standard Form 424 package.) The SPOC must be given 60 days to review a construction grant application. Applications submitted to NIH in response to this solicitation must contain either SPOC comments or documentation indicating the date on which the application was submitted to the SPOC for review. The SPOC comment period ends 60 days after the application receipt date. Applicants are to provide the SPOC with a copy of their application NOT LATER THAN the time the application is submitted to the Division of Research Grants, NIH. Applicants required to submit applications for review to a Health Systems Agency (HSA), or Statewide Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA), should contact the SPOC/HSA/SHPDA to determine what coordination has been agreed to by those agencies. NIH is required to notify the SPOC when they receive an application without an indication that the application has been provided to the SPOC for review. All SPOC comments should be forwarded to both the applicant and to the NIH Institute to which the application is assigned. If comments are provided by the SPOC, the applicant may wish to submit to the NIH a statement of its reaction to the comments and any appropriate changes to its application. If no response is received from the SPOC by the end of the 60 days allotted for review of the application, the applicant should notify the NIH that no response was received. o Public Disclosure Applicants must also make a public disclosure of the project by publication and describe its environmental impact at the time the SPOC is notified. It is suggested that the notice be carried in a large-circulation newspaper in the area. This public disclosure is required by Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of l969 and by Federal Executive Order 11514. One example of a suitable disclosure statement follows: "PUBLIC NOTICE "Notice is hereby given that the Uptown Medical School proposes to construct additional space, partially utilizing Federal funds. The proposed construction project is the addition of 2,700 square feet connected to the existing Allen Building, which is located at 5333 Main Street, Downtown, Ohio." "The Medical School has evaluated the environmental and community impact of the proposed construction. There will be construction noise and increased construction traffic during the construction period, 1991-1992. No significant permanent environmental impacts are foreseen. All building permits and zoning approvals have been obtained." "In accordance with Federal Executive Order 11514, which implements the NEPA of 1969, any individual or group may comment on, or request information concerning, the environmental implications of the proposed project. Communications should be addressed to the Office of Planning, Uptown Medical School, and be received by (date). The Federal grant application may be reviewed at the Office of the Dean, School of Medicine, 5333 Main Street, during working hours." o Design Standards Design requirements are imposed to protect the health and safety of persons using the proposed facility, control the project's impact on the natural environment, conserve energy resources, achieve economy in construction costs, and protect against natural disasters such as earthquake and flood. Therefore, the documents listed under REFERENCES at the end of the RFA must be consulted, and their design requirements incorporated in the review and evaluation of all drawings and specifications. C. Application Applicants must use Standard Form 424, "Application for Federal Assistance." Application forms and special instructions for completing the forms relevant to this RFA must be requested from the staff contact official noted below. Those responsible for preparing the application should consult with appropriate officials of their institution before completing the application forms. An institution may submit only one application in response to this specific announcement. However, applicants are directed to RFA number OD-90-02, published concurrently with this announcement, regarding a second construction grant initiative of NIH. An original and two copies of the application including appendices should be submitted to: Application Receipt Office Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Westwood Building, Room 240 Bethesda, MD 20892** Applications must be received at NIH by May 7, 1990. To insure against carrier delays, retain a legible proof-of-mailing receipt from the carrier, dated no later than one week prior to the receipt date. Applications received after the receipt date will not be accepted for review in this competition. The RFA label included in the Standard Form 424 package must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the original copy 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. VI. STAFF CONTACT For additional information and a copy of the complete RFA and application Standard Form 424 materials, please contact: Mr. Kenneth Brow Chief, Research Facilities Branch Division of Cancer Biology and Diagnosis National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health Executive Plaza North, Room 300 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-8534 VII. REFERENCES A. Policy "Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement." Department of Health and Human Services, DHHS Publication No. (OASH) 82-50,000. (Rev.) January 1, 1987. B. Animal Care "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." Department of Health and Human Services. Prepared by the Committee on Care and Use of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Academy of Sciences. DHHS Publication No. (NIH) 85-23, Revised 1985.* "Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." Revised as of September 1986. Prepared by the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR), National Institutes of Health.* C. Facility Design and Safety "Uniform Building Code" (for earthquake protection). International Conference of Building Officials, 5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California 9060l. Use current edition.* "Life Safety Code, NFPA 101." National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02ll0. Use current edition.* "Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, NFPA 56C." National Fire Protection Association, 1980.* "Safety Standard for Laboratories in Health-Related Institutions, NFPA 56C." National Fire Protection Association, 1980.* "National Electrical Code, NFPA 70." National Fire Protection Association. Use current edition. "Minimum Requirements of Construction and Equipment for Hospitals and Medical Facilities." DHHS Publication No. (HRA) 86-14500. (This publication is updated annually; therefore use the current publication.)* "Safety and Health Standards (29 CFR 1910), Department of Labor OSHA." Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA. Use current edition.* "General Services Administration Accessibility Standards" (41 CFR 101-19).* "ASHRAE Handbook - 1987 Applications/Systems, Chapter 30 - Laboratories." American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc.* "Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices." American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Use current edition. "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories." DHHS Publication No. (CDC) 84-8395.* "National Sanitation Foundation Standard No. 49 for Class II (Laminar Flow) Biohazard Cabinetry." National Sanitation Foundation, Revised May 1983.* "NIH Guidelines for the Laboratory Use of Chemical Carcinogens." Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. DHHS Publication No. (NIH) 81-2385, May 1981.* "Recombinant DNA Research, Revised Guidelines." National Institutes of Health. Federal Register, Vol. 48, June 1, 1983; pp. 24556-24581.* Uneconomical, hazardous, or unnecessary use of flood plains for construction - Executive Order ll296, 3l FR l0663 (August l0, l966). Flood insurance coverage - Section 202 of the Flood Protection Act of l973.* Provisions for potable water supply - Safety of Public Water Systems Act (Title XIV of the Public Health Service Act).* Preservation of historical and archeological sites - Section l06, National Historic Preservation Act of l966 and the Historical and Archeological Preservation Act of l960 as amended.* Tornadoes - There is no universally accepted national code requiring protection of life and property against tornadoes, even though this natural phenomenon results yearly in loss of life and damage to facilities costing millions of dollars. In geographic areas subject to periodic occurrence of tornadoes, the design of facilities should include special structural and other features to protect life and minimize damage to facilities from tornadoes. Plumbing - National Standard Plumbing Code: National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, l0l6 20th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.* Standard for Non-Flammable Medical Gas Systems, l973, NPA Bulletin No. 56F; National Fire Protection Association.* Radiation Protection - Handbook Reports No. 33 and 34: National Council of Radiation Protection (NCRP), P.O. Box 30l75, Washington, D.C. 20008.* Whenever State and local codes or requirements exceed the design requirements described above or standards incorporated in them, the more stringent requirements will be applied. State or local codes may be used as a basis for facility design in lieu of the above design requirements if a prior determination has been made by DHHS that the specific State or local code is equivalent to, or exceeds, DHHS requirements. *Mandatory Design Standard Grants for research facilities construction programs of the National Institutes of Health are subject to Executive Order 12372. All awards will be made under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Sections 413(b)(6)(B), 421(b)(2)(B), and 455, and administered under PHS grant policies and Federal Regulations 45 CFR Part 74 and 42 CFR Part 52b for cancer construction projects. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, Number 13.392, Cancer-Construction. REQUEST FOR CONSTRUCTION GRANT APPLICATIONS RFA: OD-90-02 CONSTRUCTION OF A MOUSE PRODUCTION FACILITY P.T. 34; K.W. 1002002, 1014002, 1014006 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH Letter of Intent Receipt Date: March 23, 1990 Application Receipt Date: May 7, 1990 I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Congress has recently addressed the issue of extramural research facilities construction through the Fiscal Year 1990 appropriations process. The DHHS Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1990, Public Law 101-166, states in part that the Secretary shall transfer $14,800,000 from "appropriations available to each of the Institutes which shall be available for extramural facilities construction grants if authorized in law and if awarded competitively including such amount as he may deem appropriate for research animal production facilities." Conference language accompanying the Appropriations Act further states that such construction projects be "identified by the Director of NIH as being of urgent national importance." In addition, the conference language states, "The conferees have deleted the earmarks for seven extramural construction projects as proposed by the Senate without prejudice. The conferees believe that these are meritorious projects which should be well received in the normal competitive process." Subsequently, with enactment of Public Law 101-190, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is authorized to award a contract to "a public or nonprofit, private entity for constructing facilities for the purpose of the development and breeding of specialized strains of mice (including inbred and mutant mice) for use in biomedical research." The NIH intents to award a grant for this purpose either under its existing authority or pursuant to an amendment of Public Law 101-190 to authorize a grant award. Given the breadth of activities which may be appropriate for support in response to these Congressional actions, NIH is issuing two concurrent Requests for Applications (RFA's) to solicit construction proposals. RFA Number OD-90-01 will be limited to applications for the construction of facilities for biomedical research and/or services to support such research (which may include a laboratory animal production component); RFA Number OD-90-02 will be limited to applications for construction of a large-scale, specialized, mouse production facility. The main objective of each is to facilitate the conduct of biomedical research by providing funds for construction of new facilities and for the purchase of fixed equipment essential for the operation of these facilities. The purpose of this RFA is to invite grant applications for the construction of a mouse production facility. II. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE Support may be requested for the costs of constructing non-Federal facilities dedicated to the breeding and production of specialized strains of mice, including inbred and mutant mice, necessary to meet the nation's needs in conducting biomedical research on a broad range of topics. Associated fixed equipment necessary for operation of these facilities may also be requested as part of the application. Instrumentation which should normally be requested as part of a research project will not be provided as part of this construction award. Facility construction which may be supported under this program includes: o Construction of new facilities, o Additions to existing buildings, o Completion of uninhabitable "shell" space in new or existing buildings o Major alterations and renovations. III. MECHANISM OF SUPPORT A. Eligibility. Any domestic non-Federal public or non-profit private institution, organization, or association that conducts or supports biomedical research is eligible to apply. NIH staff will verify application and award eligibility. Those judged to be unresponsible or ineligible will be returned to the investigator. B. Award Mechanism. The award mechanism will be the construction grant award. Awards will be administered under Federal Regulation 45 CFR Part 74 - Administration of Grants, and 42 CFR Part 52b for cancer construction projects. C. Funding Participation. This one-time solicitation based on the Fiscal Year 1990 appropriation will make available $10,000,000 for this initiative. Final amount to be determined based on the peer-review evaluation. Up to 75 percent of the allowable costs of a project may be provided, not to exceed $10,000,000. Prior to a grant award, the applicant must provide an assurance of required matching funds and that other funds have been secured to meet any projected costs in excess of the award amount. Requests of less than $500,000 will not be accepted. No indirect costs will be awarded. No continuation costs will be awarded. D. Award Conditions. Advertisement for construction bids and construction can be initiated only after receipt of the construction grant award and subsequent approval of the working drawings and specifications by NIH staff, but not later than twelve months after the date of award. Therefore, no requests to initiate construction, consistent with Public Health Service policy, will be entertained prior to receipt of a construction grant award from NIH and subsequent approval of working drawings and specifications by NIH staff. The Principal Investigator should be a highly placed institutional official, at the level of Dean or equivalent, who has the responsibility for allocation of space for the program(s) of biomedical research/research support addressed in the submitted application and can provide the necessary assurance for the use requirement stated below. The facility must be utilized for the specific biomedical research and/or biomedical research support purposes for which it was constructed for at least twenty (20) years beginning ninety (90) days following completion of the construction project. NIH staff will evaluate use of the facility periodically to assure its continued use for the approved purposes. If the grant award is made under Public Law 101-190, pursuant to an amendment, all the conditions set forth in that statute will apply, including the requirement that mice sold to the Department of Health and Human Services be reasonably priced in relation to the cost of the production of the mice and that the applicant contribute one dollar for each three dollars provided under the grant. If the grant award is made under the current statutory authority, the conditions set forth in Public Law 101-190 will be imposed except to the extent they are contrary to law or regulations. IV. REVIEW PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA Applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by appropriate special peer review group(s) convened by the Division of Research Grants (DRG), NIH. The second level of peer review will be conducted by the National Cancer Advisory Board in September 1990 to assess the relevance of all proposals to the objectives described above. In addition, each approved application will be reviewed by NIH staff and consultants for adherence to Government regulations and sound engineering practice. Awards will be made on or before September 30, 1990. In making funding decisions, NIH staff will be guided by the recommendations of the National Cancer Advisory Board. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of criteria intended to assess the following overall questions: Is the proposed facility suitable for the development and breeding of specialized strains of mice in numbers sufficient to assist in meeting the need for such mice in PHS-conducted or supported biomedical research? Thus, the reviewers will consider the following factors: o Appropriateness and suitability of the proposed facilities for the development and breeding of specialized strains of mice for use in biomedical research. o The overall scope and quality of the ongoing research or research support programs of the applicant institution, as well as the expanded or proposed future research and research support activities. o Assurance that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to maintain the facility for the purpose for which it is to be constructed. o The applicant's consideration of safety and biohazard issues in planning the construction and in its administration. o Demonstration that the proposed facility is large enough to produce specialized strains of mice in numbers sufficient to assist in meeting the need for such mice in biomedical research conducted or supported by the PHS. o Specific deficiencies in existing research facilities that would be remedied. o The proposed physical location and layout of the new facility. o The reasonableness of the proposed time-course and sequence for the construction. Adequacy of the proposed administrative arrangements with respect to: Institutional commitment to use the space for biomedical research and biomedical research support. Safety and biohazard issues. Capabilities of the Principal Investigator and staff for scientific and fiscal administration of the facility. V. METHOD OF APPLYING A. Letter of Intent. Prospective applicants are asked to submit by March 23, 1990, a short letter of intent to the individuals noted below. The letter, requested for planning purposes only, should identify the RFA number noted above, the proposed Principal Investigator, and include a brief description of the proposed facility and the type(s) of research/research support to be conducted in the new facility. The letter of intent does not commit the sender to submit an application, nor is it a prerequisite for submission of an application. The original of the letter of intent should be addressed to: Mr. Kenneth Brow Chief, Research Facilities Branch Division of Cancer Biology and Diagnosis National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health Executive Plaza North, Room 300 Bethesda, MD 20892 A copy of the letter of intent should be addressed to: Anthony Demsey, Ph.D. Associate Director for Referral and Review Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Room 338, Westwood Building 5333 Westbard Avenue Bethesda, MD 20892 B. Pre-Application Instructions o Intergovernmental-Review -- Executive Order 12372 All applicants are required to comply with Executive Order 12372 as supplemented by DHHS 45 CFR Part l00, Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities. (The A-95 Clearinghouse System is no longer in effect.) Revised Standard Form 424 has been issued to meet the reporting requirements of Executive Order 12372. The purposes of this review are to: 1 Identify the relationship of any proposed project to State or area-wide comprehensive plans and evaluate the significance of these projects for the plans or programs of particular State agencies or local governments; and 2 Ensure that public agencies responsible for environmental standards and civil rights have an opportunity to review and comment upon proposed projects. Each applicant is encouraged to discuss projects with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) at the earliest time possible and to provide the SPOC with required information in a timely manner. (The State Single Point of Contact List is included as an attachment in the special instructions accompanying the application Standard Form 424 package.) The SPOC must be given 60 days to review a construction grant application. Applications submitted to NIH in response to this solicitation must contain either SPOC comments or documentation indicating the date on which the application was submitted to the SPOC for review. The SPOC comment period ends 60 days after the application receipt date. Applicants are to provide the SPOC with a copy of their application NOT LATER THAN the time the application is submitted to the Division of Research Grants, NIH. Applicants required to submit applications for review to a Health Systems Agency (HSA), or Statewide Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA), should contact the SPOC/HSA/SHPDA to determine what coordination has been agreed to by those agencies. NIH is required to notify the SPOC when they receive an application without an indication that the application has been provided to the SPOC for review. All SPOC comments should be forwarded to both the applicant and to the NIH Institute to which the application is assigned. If comments are provided by the SPOC, the applicant may wish to submit to the NIH a statement of its reaction to the comments and any appropriate changes to its application. If no response is received from the SPOC by the end of the 60 days allotted for review of the application, the applicant should notify the NIH that no response was received. o Public Disclosure Applicants must also make a public disclosure of the project by publication, and describe its environmental impact at the time the SPOC is notified. It is suggested that the notice be carried in a large-circulation newspaper in the area. This public disclosure is required by Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of l969 and by Federal Executive Order 11514. One example of a suitable disclosure statement follows: "PUBLIC NOTICE "Notice is hereby given that the Uptown Medical School proposes to construct additional space, partially utilizing Federal funds. The proposed construction project is the addition of 2,700 square feet connected to the existing Allen Building, which is located at 5333 Main Street, Downtown, Ohio." "The Medical School has evaluated the environmental and community impact of the proposed construction. There will be construction noise and increased construction traffic during the construction period, 1991-1992. No significant permanent environmental impacts are foreseen. All building permits and zoning approvals have been obtained." "In accordance with Federal Executive Order 11514, which implements the NEPA of 1969, any individual or group may comment on, or request information concerning, the environmental implications of the proposed project. Communications should be addressed to the Office of Planning, Uptown Medical School, and be received by (date). The Federal grant application may be reviewed at the Office of the Dean, School of Medicine, 5333 Main Street, during working hours." o Design Standards Design requirements are imposed to protect the health and safety of persons using the proposed facility, control the project's impact on the natural environment, conserve energy resources, achieve economy in construction costs, and protect against natural disasters such as earthquake and flood. Therefore, the documents listed under REFERENCES at the end of the RFA must be consulted, and their design requirements incorporated in the review and evaluation of all drawings and specifications. C. Application Applicants must use Standard Form 424, "Application for Federal Assistance." Application forms and special instructions for completing the forms relevant to this RFA must be requested from the contact official noted below. Those responsible for preparing the application should consult with appropriate officials of their institution before completing the application forms. An institution may submit only one application in response to this specific announcement. However, applicants are directed to RFA number OD-90-01, published concurrently with this announcement, regarding a second construction grant initiative of NIH. An original and two copies of the application including appendices should be submitted to: Application Receipt Office Division of Research Grants National Institutes of Health Westwood Building - Room 240 5333 Westbard Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20892 Applications must be received at NIH by May 7, 1990. To insure against carrier delays, retain a legible proof-of-mailing receipt from the carrier, dated no later than one week prior to the receipt date. Applications received after the receipt date will not be accepted for review in this competition. The RFA label included in the Standard Form 424 package must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the original copy 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. VI. STAFF CONTACT For additional information and a copy of the complete RFA and application Standard Form 424 materials, please contact: Mr. Kenneth Brow Chief, Research Facilities Branch Division of Cancer Biology and Diagnosis National Cancer Institute National Institutes of Health Executive Plaza North, Room 300 Bethesda, MD 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-8534 VII. REFERENCES A. Policy "Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement." Department of Health and Human Services, DHHS Publication No. (OASH) 82-50,000. (Rev.) January 1, 1987. B. Animal Care "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." Department of Health and Human Services. Prepared by the Committee on Care and Use of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Academy of Sciences. DHHS Publication No. (NIH) 85-23, Revised 1985.* "Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals." Revised as of September 1986. Prepared by the Office for Protection from Research Risks (OPRR), National Institutes of Health.* C. Facility Design and Safety "Uniform Building Code" (for earthquake protection). International Conference of Building Officials, 5360 South Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California 9060l. Use current edition.* "Life Safety Code, NFPA 101." National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02ll0. Use current edition.* "Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, NFPA 56C." National Fire Protection Association, 1980.* "Safety Standard for Laboratories in Health-Related Institutions, NFPA 56C." National Fire Protection Association, 1980.* "National Electrical Code, NFPA 70." National Fire Protection Association. Use current edition. "Minimum Requirements of Construction and Equipment for Hospitals and Medical Facilities." DHHS Publication No. (HRA) 86-14500. (This publication is updated annually; therefore use the current publication.)* "Safety and Health Standards (29 CFR 1910), Department of Labor OSHA." Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA. Use current edition.* "General Services Administration Accessibility Standards" (41 CFR 101-19).* "ASHRAE Handbook - 1987 Applications/Systems, Chapter 30 - Laboratories." American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc.* "Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices." American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Use current edition. "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories." DHHS Publication No. (CDC) 84-8395.* "National Sanitation Foundation Standard No. 49 for Class II (Laminar Flow) Biohazard Cabinetry." National Sanitation Foundation, Revised May 1983.* "NIH Guidelines for the Laboratory Use of Chemical Carcinogens." Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. DHHS Publication No. (NIH) 81-2385, May 1981.* "Recombinant DNA Research, Revised Guidelines." National Institutes of Health. Federal Register, Vol. 48, June 1, 1983; pp. 24556-24581.* Uneconomical, hazardous, or unnecessary use of flood plains for construction - Executive Order ll296, 3l FR l0663 (August l0, l966). Flood insurance coverage - Section 202 of the Flood Protection Act of l973.* Provisions for potable water supply - Safety of Public Water Systems Act (Title XIV of the Public Health Service Act).* Preservation of historical and archeological sites - Section l06, National Historic Preservation Act of l966 and the Historical and Archeological Preservation Act of l960 as amended.* Tornadoes - There is no universally accepted national code requiring protection of life and property against tornadoes, even though this natural phenomenon results yearly in loss of life and damage to facilities costing millions of dollars. In geographic areas subject to periodic occurrence of tornadoes, the design of facilities should include special structural and other features to protect life and minimize damage to facilities from tornadoes. Plumbing - National Standard Plumbing Code: National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, l0l6 20th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.* Standard for Non-Flammable Medical Gas Systems, l973, NPA Bulletin No. 56F; National Fire Protection Association.* Radiation Protection - Handbook Reports No. 33 and 34: National Council of Radiation Protection (NCRP), P.O. Box 30l75, Washington, D.C. 20008.* Whenever State and local codes or requirements exceed the design requirements described above or standards incorporated in them, the more stringent requirements will be applied. State or local codes may be used as a basis for facility design in lieu of the above design requirements if a prior determination has been made by DHHS that the specific State or local code is equivalent to, or exceeds, DHHS requirements. *Mandatory Design Standard Grants for research facilities construction programs of the National Institutes of Health are subject to Executive Order 12372. All awards will be made either under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Section 413(b)(6)(B) as amended by Public Law 99-158 (42 USC 285a-2) and administered under PHS grant policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52b and 45 CFR Part 74, or under the authority of an appropriate amendment of Public Law 101-190 authorizing a grant award. This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, Number 13.392, Cancer-Construction.