Submitting an application in response to a Program Announcement (PA) or Request for Application (RFA) that was issued through the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts?

October 12, 2004
If you are submitting an application in response to a PA or RFA announced through the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, you may not also submit an identical or essentially identical application under the Omnibus Solicitation for SBIR/STTR Grant Applications. See more information below.

Similar, Essentially Identical, or Identical Applications

The NIH will not accept similar grant applications with essentially the same research focus from the same applicant organization. This includes derivative or multiple applications that propose to develop a single product, process or service that, with non-substantive modifications, can be applied to a variety of purposes. Likewise, identical or essentially identical grant applications submitted by different applicant organizations will not be accepted. Applicant organizations should ascertain and assure that the materials they are submitting on behalf of the principal investigator are the original work of the principal investigator and have not been used elsewhere in the preparation and submission of a similar grant application. Applications to the NIH are grouped by scientific discipline for review by individual Scientific Review Groups and not by disease or disease state. The reviewers can thus easily identify multiple grant applications for essentially the same project. In these cases, application processing may be delayed or the application(s) may be returned to the applicant without review.

Contracts vs. Grants: What's the difference?

October 12, 2004
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports research using both grants and contracts. About 95% of NIH SBIR awards are made through the grant (assistance) mechanism, and about 5% of NIH SBIR awards are made through the contract (procurement) mechanism. Click Here for more information.

NIH Releases Program Announcement to Encourage Manufacturing-Related Submissions

October 5, 2004
n its commitment to support President Bush's Executive Order 13329 (PDF) which encourages innovation in manufacturing-related research and development, NIH has released Program Announcement PA-04-161 that focuses on our SBIR/STTR program to encourage biomedical research related to advanced processing, manufacturing processes, equipment and systems; or manufacturing workforce skills and protection. Small businesses may also be interested in reading a U.S. Department of Commerce 2004 report, "Manufacturing in America: A Comprehensive Strategy to Address the Challenges to U.S. Manufacturers (PDF)."

Registration is open for the National SBIR/STTR Conference (Nov. 1-4, 2004, Boise, Idaho)

September 21, 2004
Register now for the fall National SBIR/STTR Conference in Boise, Idaho (November 1-4, 2004). Take advantage of the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the Federal Program Managers! Whether you are new to the SBIR/STTR program or have received awards in the past, the sessions will help you enhance your participation in the SBIR/STTR Program. Click here for more information.

Use of Current PHS 398, 2590 and Related Forms (OMB No. 0925-0001)

June 17, 2004
The PHS 398 Research Grant Application and Related Forms (PHS-398 PHS-2590), OMB No. 0925-0001/ Exp. 5/2004, currently in use remain authorized until further notice in accordance with OMB regulations [5 CFR 1320.10.(e)(2)]. For more information click here http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-04-044.html.

All Federal wide Assurances (FWAs) expire 3 years after their approval date

June 14, 2004
All Federal wide Assurances (FWAs) expire 3 years after their approval date. Of course, updates to FWAs should be submitted throughout the 3 years whenever there are changes in the information provided on the approved FWA. To check your FWA expiration date, go to the OHRP website at http://ohrp.cit.nih.gov/search/asearch.asp#ASUR. If you need to renew your FWA, follow the instructions at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/assurance/renwfwa.htm, and fax the completed form to OHRP at (301) 402-0438. Questions? Please see the staff assignments at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/daqi-staff.html#DC or call the staff person toll-free at 866-447-4777.

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