Purpose:
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) invites applications for research core centers (P30s) for musculoskeletal disorders. The Core Centers for Musculoskeletal Disorders (CCMDs) will provide the resources for a number of established, currently funded investigators, often from different disciplines, to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to common research problems in musculoskeletal disorders and to ensure greater productivity than from each of the separate projects. This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) P30 award mechanism. As an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project. This RFA is a one-time solicitation. Future competing-continuation applications based on this project will be the subject of a future RFA. This RFA uses just-in-time concepts.
Term/Amount:
NIAMS intends to commit approximately $1.2 million in FY 2004 to fund up to two new and/or competing-continuation grants in response to this RFA. An applicant should request a project period of 5 years and a budget for direct costs of up to $400,000 per year. Although the financial plans of the NIAMS provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this RFA are contingent on the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
Contact:
We encourage inquiries concerning this RFA and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants management issues. The Guidelines for Core Centers are available at <http://www.niams.nih.gov/rtac/funding/grants/sdrcwww.htm>. General information about the NIAMS Core Center Program may be found at <http://www.niams.nih.gov/rtac/funding/grants/centers_programs.htm#P30>. Direct your questions about scientific/research issues to Dr. Julia B. Freeman, Centers Program, EP, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, One Democracy Plaza, 6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20892-4872 or Bethesda, MD 20817 (for courier service); tel: 301-594-5053; fax: 301-480-4543; e-mail: freemanb@exchange.nih.gov. Direct your questions about peer review issues to Dr. Cheryl A. Kitt, Director, Extramural Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, One Democracy Plaza, 6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20892-4872 or Bethesda, MD 20817 (for courier service); tel: 301-594-2463; fax: 301-480-4543; e-mail: kittc@mail.nih.gov. Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to Melinda Nelson, Chief Grants Management Officer, GMB, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, One Democracy Plaza, 6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20892-4872 (or 20817 for courier service) tel: 301-435-5278; fax: 301-480-5450; e-mail: nelsonm@exchange.nih.gov. Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: descriptive title of the proposed research; name, address, and telephone number of the principal investigator; names of other key personnel; participating institutions; and number and title of this RFA. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter of intent should be sent to Dr. Julia B. Freeman, Centers Program, EP, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, One Democracy Plaza, 6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20892-4872 (20817 for courier service); tel: 301-594-5053; fax: 301-480-4543; e-mail: freemanb@exchange.nih.gov.
Deadlines:
Letter of intent receipt date: April 13, 2003; application receipt date: May 13, 2003; peer review date: October/November 2003; council review: January 2004; earliest anticipated start date: April 1, 2004.
