SECTION I.
Preparing the Application

Use this application to apply for new and competing continuation (renewal)
Kirschstein-NRSA Individual Fellowships from NIH or AHRQ. Applications for Kirschstein-NRSA Individual Fellowships will not be accepted on other forms.

Further details on policies governing the Kirschstein-NRSA program are available on the NIH web site at http://grants.nih.gov/training/nrsa.htm, by contacting GrantsInfo@nih.gov, or by calling (301) 435-0714.

1.   Program Announcements and Requests for Applications

An NIH IC or AHRQ may issue program announcements (PAs) or requests for applications (RFAs) soliciting Kirschstein-NRSA Individual Fellowship applications. The PA/RFAs are available from the sponsoring IC or AHRQ and are issued in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/index.html).

Before preparing an application, applicants should thoroughly review the pertinent PA/RFA, noting the research area(s), eligibility requirements, application receipt date, award provisions, and service payback provisions.

2.   Authorization

NIH and AHRQ request the information described in these instructions pursuant to the statutory authorities contained in Section 487 of the PHS Act, as amended (42 USC 288). Therefore, such information must be submitted if an application is to receive due consideration for an award. Lack of sufficient information may hinder the ability to review an application and to monitor the awardee's performance.

Read and follow these instructions carefully to avoid delays, misunderstandings, and possible return of applications. In preparing the application, stay within the margin limitations indicated in the instructions and on the form and format pages. The print must be clear and legible. Use standard size, black letters that can be clearly copied.

In preparing the application, use English and avoid jargon. If terms are not universally known, spell out the term the first time it is used, with the appropriate abbreviation in parentheses. The abbreviation may be used thereafter.

1.   Format Specifications

Observe type size and format specifications throughout the application or processing and review of the application. See frequently asked questions (FAQs) (http://www.format.nih.gov/FAQ/FAQ.htm) for additional information related to format requirements. The application must be clear, readily legible, and conform to the following requirements:

1.     The height of the letters must not be smaller than 10 point; Helvetica or Arial 12 point is the suggested font.

2.     Type density, including characters and spaces, must be no more than 15 characters per inch (cpi). For proportional spacing, the average for any representative section of text must not exceed 15 cpi;

3.     No more than 6 lines of type within a vertical inch;

4.     Margins, in all directions, must be at least ½ inch.

Applicants should check the type size using a standard device for measuring type size rather than relying on the font selected for a particular word processing/printer combination. Figures, charts, tables, figure legends, and footnotes may be smaller in size but must be readily legible. The type size and format used throughout the application must conform to all four requirements. Small type size makes it difficult for reviewers to read the application; consequently, the application may be returned and further processing delayed until the application is conformed. Adherence to type size and line spacing requirements also is necessary so that no applicant will have an unfair advantage, by using small type, or providing more text in their applications.

Do not use photo reduction. Prepare all graphs, diagrams, tables, and charts in black ink. The application must contain only material that can be photocopied. Glossy photographs or other materials that cannot be photocopied must be submitted in three collated sets as appendices (see Section II.I.A.I.(4))

You may substitute computer-generated facsimiles for Government-provided forms; however, they must maintain the exact wording and format of the Government forms, including all captions and spacing. If additional space is needed to complete any of the items, use continuation pages. Blank continuation pages are provided with the form pages for both the applicant and the sponsor. Identify the application item number and title. Insert continuation pages immediately after the printed page it supports; then number the entire application consecutively. Do not use suffixes, such as 6a or 6b.

2.   Page Limitations and Content Requirements

All applications for NIH or AHRQ funding must be self-contained within the specified page limitations (see table below). Unless otherwise specified in an NIH or AHRQ  solicitationsPA or RFA, internet Web site addresses (URLs) may not be used to provide information necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Moreover, reviewers are cautioned that they should not directly access an Internet site as it could compromise their anonymity.

The Division of Receipt and Referral, Center for Scientific Review (CSR), is responsible for the final determination of legibility and has the authority to return applications. Questions should be directed to the Division of Receipt and Referral, CSR (301) 435-0715.

 

 

 

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