Diversity Center for Genome Research (DCGR) program

Diversity Center for Genome Research (DCGR) program is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH). The DCGR program aims to establish Genomic Research Centers at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to support multi-investigator, interdisciplinary teams in genomic research.

Expired RFA-HG-22-026: Diversity Centers for Genome Research (U54 Clinical Trials Optional) This notice has expired. Check the NIH Guide for active opportunities and notices. Department of Health and Human Services Part 1.

Overview Information Participating Organization(s) National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) Components of Participating Organizations National Human Genome Research Institute ( NHGRI ) National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH ) National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities ( NIMHD ) Funding Opportunity Title Diversity Centers for Genome Research (U54 Clinical Trials Optional) U54 Specialized Center- Cooperative Agreements February 20, 2024 - Notice of Early Expiration of RFA-HG-22-026, "Diversity Centers for Genome Research (U54 Clinical Trials Optional)".

See Notice NOT-HG-24-017 December 12, 2022 - Notice of Change in Application and Submission Information-Page Limitations to RFA-HG-22-026: Diversity Centers for Genome Research (U54 Clinical Trials Optional).

See Notice NOT-HG-23-015 NOT-OD-23-012 Reminder: FORMS-H Grant Application Forms and Instructions Must be Used for Due Dates On or After January 25, 2023 - New Grant Application Instructions Now Available NOT-OD-22-190 - Adjustments to NIH and AHRQ Grant Application Due Dates Between September 22 and September 30, 2022 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number Companion Funding Opportunity Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Cooperative Agreement/Exploratory/Developmental Cooperative Agreement Phase II See Section III.

3. Additional Information on Eligibility . Assistance Listing Number(s) Funding Opportunity Purpose The Diversity Center for Genome Research (DCGR) program aims to establish Genomic Research Centers at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) as defined in Part 2, section III of the FOA.

The MSIs must have a mission to serve historically underrepresented populations in biomedical research that award doctorate degrees in the health professions or the sciences related to health, and have received an average of less than $50 million per year in NIH support and less than $25 million per year of R01 total cost of NIH support for the past three fiscal years.

Each DCGR award will support a multi-investigator, interdisciplinary team to develop 2-3 interrelated, innovative genomic research projects.

Each project should address one or more critical issues in genomics including: genomic technology and methods development; genome structure; genome function; genomics of disease; use and impact of genomic information in clinical care; genomic data science and computational genomics; ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research; and/or genomics and health equity.

Along with its scientific goals, the DCGR should expand the pool of diverse genomic scientists, clinician scientists, and researchers who can perform innovative genomics research by providing didactic, practicum and research activities and experiences that are aligned with the research projects.

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) Letter of Intent Due Date(s) 30 days prior to the application due date Renewal / Resubmission / Revision (as allowed) All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

New Date February 20, 2024 (Original Date: June 25, 2024) per issuance of NOT-HG-24-017 Required Application Instructions It is critical that applicants follow the Multi-Project (M) Instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide , except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts ).

Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions.

Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review. Part 1. Overview Information Part 2.

Full Text of Announcement Section I. Funding Opportunity Description Section II. Award Information Section III.

Eligibility Information Section IV. Application and Submission Information Section V. Application Review Information Section VI.

Award Administration Information Section VII. Agency Contacts Section VIII. Other Information Part 2.

Full Text of Announcement Section I. Funding Opportunity Description In 2020, the National Human Genome Research Institute engaged the scientific community to identify future research priorities and opportunities in human genomics, resulting in our 2020 Strategic Vision for Improving Health at the Forefront of Genomics ( https://www. genome.

gov/2020SV ) This vision outlined the guiding principles and values for human genomics, including championing a diverse workforce which includes individuals from backgrounds that are not well represented in biomedical research (see NIH Interest in Diversity: https://grants. nih. gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.

html ) , embracing interdisciplinary teams in genomic research, and increasing access to genomic medicine.

Investigators from different backgrounds bring different perspectives, exchange innovative ideas, and increase the objectivity in generating new data and in its interpretation, which leads to knowledge that is more reliable, but the scientific and biomedical workforce in the United States (U.S.) is not as diverse as the U.S. population, and this extends to the genomics research workforce.

This lack of diversity negatively impacts the scope, integrity, and applicability of research.

Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) with a mission to serve historically underrepresented populations have played an important role in supporting scientific research, particularly on diseases and conditions that disproportionately impact racial/ethnic minorities and other U.S. populations that experience health disparities, though they often lack sufficient capacity to conduct and sustain cutting-edge health-related research . .

R esearchers at these institutions are uniquely positioned to bring novel perspectives and broaden the field of genomics, e.g., by engaging racial and ethnic minority populations in research and helping to translate research advances into culturally competent, measurable and sustained improvements in health outcomes for underserved communities.

This initiative will champion a diverse genomics research workforce by supporting cutting-edge genomic research projects, capacity building and training in genomics at MSIs as defined in section III.

Overall Plans for the Center: The purpose of this program is to support the development of innovative genomic research projects through infrastructure building and the formation of interdisciplinary research teams at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) with a historical mission to serve underrepresented populations (see section III).

Through this initiative, genomic research capacity will be increased in MSIs; the diversity of the genomics research workforce will be enhanced; innovation and creativity will be amplified by bringing new researchers and thus novel ideas into the field of genomics; and participation of underrepresented populations and underserved communities that often experience health disparities will be increased in genomics research .

The primary goals of the Diversity Centers for Genome Research are to enhance diversity in genomics research by establishing Centers to carry out innovative, state-of-the-art genomic research studies; foster genomic research career development and enhancement for trainees and investigators at all career levels; enhance the genomic infrastructure, computational, analytical and ELSI research capability within eligible MSIs; establish sustainable partnerships and disseminate resources and findings.

The proposed Center is expected to support an Administrative Core, Genomic Workforce Development Core, Community Engagement Core, and two to three interrelated, innovative genomic research projects that address one or more critical issues in the following: genomic technology and methods development; genome structure; genome function; genomics of disease; use and impact of genomic information in clinical care; ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research; genomics and health equity; and/or computational genomics.

Program Governance: Awards made under this FOA will be cooperative agreements (see Section VI. 2. , Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award ).

A Consortium will be organized with the principal investigators, key personnel of the Centers funded under this FOA and the companion FOA ( RFA-HG-22-027 ), and NIH staff.

Full-scale Diversity Centers for Genome Research funded under this FOA will share experiences and disseminate best practices with developing Centers funded under the companion FOA ( RFA-HG-22-027 ) to provide them with lessons learned as they strengthen their research capacity and ability to accomplish the activities that will be necessary to execute their proposed full-scale Diversity Center for Genome Research.

The Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) from each Center will be responsible for the scientific direction of the Consortium and will meet in person as a Steering Committee (see Section VI. 2. , Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award ) two times per year and by conference call on a monthly basis.

The Steering Committee will develop best practices and explore opportunities for synergy among Centers. Working Groups may be established to facilitate collaborative work and explore new research collaborations. Center investigators, collaborators, students, and trainees are encouraged to attend Steering Committee meetings.

It is expected that resources and data will be shared within the consortium, as needed.

Required Components of the Diversity Center for Genome Research: The following components are required for each Center: Genomic Workforce Development Core Community Engagement Core Research Project(s): two to three projects External Advisory Committee Descriptions of Required Components The Administrative Core should be directed by the PD(s)/PI(s) of the Center.

This core will provide overall management in administrative, fiscal, and scientific aspects of the center including career enhancement activities for students, trainees, and faculty, and foster synergy with other ongoing genomic career development activities at the institution, including any funded through other NIH grants.

This core will also develop and monitor core and project milestones which including evaluating each proposed activity/core and the impact of the Center in terms of: 1) enhancing the institutional research capacity and environment necessary to facilitate genomic research; 2) increasing productivity of investigators in peer-reviewed publications and 3) increasing the institution's overall success in applying for and obtaining extramural research funding.

Successful applicants will be expected to work closely with NIH to develop and implement common metrics of Core and Project progress and share data on programmatic outcomes for each Center component.

The Centers PD(s)/PI(s) are expected to meet as a consortium with other awardees funded under this FOA and the UG3/UH3 FOA ( RFA-HG-22-027 ) twice per year in person to present research progress, discuss challenges, promote collaboration amongst Centers and share best practices for Center operations.

Centers PD(s)/PI(s) will also be encouraged to attend other research consortia and network meetings to increase collaborative opportunities. Genomic Workforce Development Core The goal of the Genomic Workforce Development Core is to provide genomic research experiences, genomic career development opportunities and genomic education enhancement activities within each research project.

NIH is committed to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility in the genomics research community. Applicants should strive to compose teams richly diverse in perspectives, backgrounds, and academic disciplines, and provide full opportunity and participation to individuals and groups underrepresented in genomics.

This FOA requires a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP) as part of the application (see Section IV below).

Applicants should take advantage of unique aspects of the research cores and projects, the investigators' talents, and other institutional resources to offer innovative, substantive educational, career development and research experience opportunities for K-12 students, undergraduate students, masters level students, pre-doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows, and other investigators to develop and/or enhance expertise in genomics.

Research enhancement activities include practical research experiences, seminars, courses, workshops, and other career enhancement activities that increase the recruitment, advancement, and retention of investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in genomic research careers.

Genomic career development opportunities include coordination with other genomic activities at the institution and in the geographic area, and development of the individual in a way that is tailored toward their career goals and needs. The core will also support collaborations with other researchers at the applicant institution as well as other institutions.

Community Engagement Core The Community Engagement core should facilitate engagement of the community in the development of materials for genomic education and training, research design, analyses, and outcome assessment.

This includes but is not limited to the development of the genomic research questions, identification of exposures of concern to that community, suitable cohorts, and specific needs of subpopulations; the translation and dissemination of study results, and development of methods for evaluating the success of the project.

The community includes but is not limited to population groups, stakeholders, interest groups, citizen groups, neighborhoods, advocacy groups, etc. The core should also coordinate dissemination activities with community members, partner organizations, and relevant service organizations or policymakers, as well as the scientific community, including presentation of findings from research projects to community stakeholders.

Core activities are expected to be incorporated within the research projects and strengthen community-engaged research approaches.

The Diversity Centers for Genome Research should be structured around two to three research projects that address one or more critical issues in the following: genomic technology and methods development; genome structure; genome function; genomics of disease; use and impact of genomic information in clinical care; ethical, legal, and social implications of genomics research; genomics and health equity; data science and/or computational genomics.

Projects may include applications to a particular disease area, but Centers should demonstrate that the methods and knowledge generated are broadly generalizable across disease areas. Studies focused on disease etiology or outcomes should examine the role of both genomic and non-genomic contributors to human health and disease.

All applications, regardless of focus, should explain how generalizable, broadly useful, and transformative the findings and approaches will be to the field of genomics. If the research project has areas of focus in clinical genomics, it should improve assessment and/or outcomes in all populations including underserved populations and/or include technological or computational methods for the production or analysis of diverse data sets.

The Centers should bring together different areas of expertise and different research approaches to provide synergy and allow each project to accomplish more than it would be able to on its own. The following list provides some examples of different types of topics that could be the focus of a Diversity Center for Genome Research.

Applicants should understand, however, that this list is meant only to provide guidance; it is not exhaustive and appropriate topics are not limited to the examples given. National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Genetic/environmental, including social determinants of health, contributors to disease.

A Center application may involve collection of new samples and/or the use of existing samples from one or more populations of interest to study the genetic epidemiology of a diseases or disorders that present a significant public health burden. The individuals from whom samples are collected or re-used should be well-phenotyped to ensure that the disease being studied has been properly diagnosed. Function Genomics.

Functional genomics includes an assessment of how the genome functions, how genomic variation affects genome function to influence phenotypes, and how processes in the body are influenced by genomic variation. An assessment of inherited diseases . An analysis of individuals affected by monogenic diseases or complex genetic disorders to identify causative mutations, modifier genes, and environmental risk factors during early development.

Pharmacogenomics . Pharmacogenomics research seeks to identify genetic factors that are responsible for individual differences in drug efficacy and susceptibility to adverse drug reactions as well as the role these individual differences may play in the development of antimicrobial resistance. Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI).

ELSI research seeks to identify, analyze, and address the ELSI of genomic technological and scientific advances for individuals, families, communities, and society. Genomic Medicine.

Genomic medicine is an emerging medical discipline that involves using genomic information about an individual as part of their clinical care (e.g. for diagnostic or therapeutic decision-making) and the health outcomes and policy implications of that clinical use. Bioinformatics .

Advances in tools and techniques for data generation are rapidly increasing the amount of data available to researchers, particularly in genomics requires researchers to rely more heavily on computational and data science tools for the storage, management, analysis, and visualization of data.

Projects could include research and development of transformative approaches and tools that maximize the integration of data (e.g., genomics data, environmental measures, phenotypes, and biomarkers) and data science into biomedical research. Genomic Technology Development.

Research in genomic technology development seeks to advance methods, technologies, and instruments needed to generate increasingly complex genomic data, including new and improved methods for sequencing nucleic acids, detecting genomic variation, and mapping epigenomic and epitranscriptomic features. Genome Structure and Function.

Research in genome structure and function utilizes high-throughput genomic methods to understand how the genome is organized, to detect structurally complex genome variation and 3D genome organization, to assess how the genome functions, and to assess how genomic variation affects genome function to influence phenotypes, including those related to human health and disease.

NHGRI is committed to maximizing the utility of genomics for all populations. Racial and ethnic minority populations, less privileged socioeconomic status (SES) populations, underserved rural populations, sexual and gender minorities (SGM), and other populations who experience poorer medical outcomes have been vastly underrepresented in genomic research to date.

The underrepresentation is widely recognized to seriously impair investigators' ability to interpret genomic variants and use them in clinical care across the spectrum of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, access to care, and health and morbidity.

Understanding and use of the vastness of human genetic variation for clinical diagnosis, prevention, and treatment require studies of genomic variation and its disease consequences across sociodemographic groups. For this reason, projects are strongly encouraged to include minority health and health disparities populations .

Where applicable, projects should emphasize the use of samples that are derived from individuals of diverse ancestry, that allow for consideration of sex as a biological variable, and that allow for the consideration of applications to diseases disproportionately affecting minority health and health disparities populations . Additional information about the research priorities of NHGRI is available at the following link: https://www.

genome. gov/research-funding/Funding-Opportunities .

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) NIMH is interested in research programs examining the contribution of genetic and genomic factors to risk and resilience in psychiatric disorders in ancestrally diverse minority health and health disparity populations as described in our strategic objectives: Specific interests include but not limited to the following: Discovery of genetic variants that are associated with serious mental illnesses in ancestrally diverse racial and ethnic minority populations Interaction of genetic and familial risk with and environmental (e.g., socio- economic, demographic factors) that may influence development of serious mental illness in these populations, including genetic risk for suicide Deep clinical characterization of cohorts from genetically diverse racial and ethnic minority populations for genetic studies.

Collection of a minimum set of clinical data and Common Data Elements is expected as per NOT-MH-20-067 ELSI research to address a range of ethical, legal and social issues for individuals from minority communities in psychiatric genetics research.

Examples of ELSI research include: outreach and community engagement in psychiatric genetics research study design and execution, research on how to avoid or mitigate against stigmatization, group harms, and unintended negative social implications/exacerbations of structural inequalities involving cognitive and behavioral traits, ethical and cultural issues surrounding informed consent, data sharing, and privacy for data collected in a heath care setting National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) The mission of NIMHD is to lead scientific research to improve minority health and reduce health disparities in populations that experience health disparities (i.e., African Americans/Blacks, Hispanic/Latinos, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asians, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, underserved rural populations, and sexual and gender minority populations).

NIMHD encourages projects that use approaches encompassing multiple domains of influence (e.g., biological, behavioral, sociocultural, environmental, physical environment, health system) and multiple levels of influence (e.g., individual, interpersonal, family, peer group, community, societal) to understand and address health disparities (see the NIMHD Research Framework, https://www. nimhd. nih.

gov/about/overview/research-framework. html , for more information).

Specific interest include but not limited to the following: Identify novel early diagnostic genetic biomarkers with clinical utility to assess risk, development, and progression of various diseases in populations with health disparities Examine the interplay of social, cultural, environmental, and biological factors (including genomics) that affect health disparities and health advantages among racial ethnic subpopulations Determine how do structural and interpersonal racism impacts genomic/biological pathways and health outcomes across the life course in various populations Examine how social contextual factors affect the epigenome and consequently downstream biological processes Identify genetic mechanisms of disease or resilience that contribute to differences in disease phenotypes among different populations with health disparities Conduct research to address a range of ethical, legal and social issues to avoid or mitigate stigmatization, group harms, and unintended negative consequences Awardees are expected to comply with the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy ( https://gds.

nih. gov/ ) as well as the NHGRI Genomic Data Sharing Policy ( https://www. genome.

gov/about-nhgri/Policies-Guidance/Genomic-Data-Sharing/data-standards#guidingprinciples ). Resources such as study protocols, informed consent form templates, aggregate results, and bioinformatic tools are expected to be made available through an open access section of a database such as dbGaP, AnViL, other public web sites, and/or publication in the scientific literature.

Centers are encouraged to get feedback from the communities in which the research will be performed regarding plans for sharing individual level data resulting from the research projects with the scientific community for research purposes.

Feedback and recommendations for data access, protection of participant and patient privacy and confidentiality, and management of health information should be integrated into the Center’s data sharing plan. Note that any project receiving NIH funding that collects or uses identifiable, sensitive information is automatically deemed issued a Certificate of Confidentiality ( CoC ).

This FOA will provide up to $500,000 in direct costs for genomic technology and equipment in addition to the overall cost cap, only in year one of the award period, as a one-time cost expenditure for the Center. If such research resources are requested, the technology and/or equipment should be relevant to the scope of the proposed research and the implementation of the genomic research projects.

Resources include but are not limited to laboratory equipment, supplies, statistical and bioinformatic software including computational equipment (e.g., workstations, servers) and cloud computing resources. Collaborations with research-intensive institutions, industry, and other stakeholders needed to obtain the expertise to perform the proposed research and carry out the aims of the cores can be included.

These collaborations in combination with the Research Center should provide the complete capacity needed to carry out the genomic research projects and the didactic and practicum experiences. Collaborations between the Diversity Centers for Genome Research funded through this FOA and RFA-22-027 and other NHGRI Consortia will be encouraged after funding.

Plan for Advisory Committees: Each Center must have an External Advisory Committee (EAC). The EAC should consist of at least six members from the target communities and external scientific advisors with expertise directly relevant to the theme of the Center. A representative from NIH will also serve as an ex officio member of the EAC.

Responsibilities of the EAC include but are not limited to: evaluating the progress towards the organization, development, implementation and evaluation of the genomic research center; evaluating protocols, procedures and the identification of appropriate equipment; assessing recruitment and retention of relevant faculty and trainees and plans for capacity building; assessing the solutions for logistical problems; and reviewing the outcomes of the tests and implementation of protocols and procedures.

The Center may also have an Internal Advisory Committee (IAC) comprising scientists not directly supported by the Diversity Center for Genome Research Award. The IAC is optional and cannot act as a substitute for the EAC. The EAC and IAC, if needed, should meet quarterly in Phase I.

Program Metrics and Evaluation: It is expected that the Diversity Center for Genome Research will keep track of Center success metrics.

These metrics should include, but are not limited to: Increased collaborative genomics research through implementation of pilot/developmental studies, NIH-funded studies and studies funded by other federal and non-federal agencies Development of additional research projects, analyses, and tools Dissemination of research and training products, as reflected by publications in high impact journals and presentations at scientific conferences Enhancement of institutional capacity for conducting genomics research including but not limited to capacity to support multidisciplinary research studies Institutional commitment and collaboration with other NIH funded programs or consortia Number of students, early-stage and experienced investigators, and investigators from various disciplines/departments and specialties exposed to genomic research experiences including those from underrepresented groups (e.g., racial, and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, or persons from disadvantaged backgrounds).

Trajectories toward successful genomic research careers of students, trainees and faculty exposed to workforce development activities Progress of the research projects Success of community engagement processes and outcomes NHGRI Program staff will perform a site visit (in person or virtual), before the initial award, to assess the environment relative to the Diversity Center for Genome Research aims and integration of the cores.

Non-responsive applications Applications with the following properties will be considered non-responsive, and will not be reviewed: Applications that do not have a primary focus on genomics research. Applications that do not include a clear scientific justification for the research projects proposed. Applications from ineligible organizations (see Section III below).

Applications that do not include an attachment to the Overall Component (see Section IV below) titled "Institutional Information" that describes the applicant institution's accomplishments in the education of students from backgrounds nationally underrepresented in biomedical research. Applications that do not include all required Components. Applications that propose only one or more than three Research Projects.

Applicants that propose research relevant to only one or a small number of diseases; research utilizing a small number of disease models for proof-of-concept studies may be acceptable when the findings or other outcomes are generalizable. Applications that do not include a Milestone Plan. Non-responsive applications will not be reviewed.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to the FOA scientific/research contact prior to submission to discuss whether their application is responsive. Technical Assistance Webinar NHGRI will conduct a Technical Assistance webinar for potential applicants on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Information about the webinar will be posted at: https://www.

genome. gov/event-calendar/diversity-centers-for-genome-research-FOAs-webinar . The webinar connections will open 15 minutes in advance of the start time.

During the webinar, program and grants management staff will give an overview of the FOA and application submission process and field questions from potential applicants. Please send questions in advance to Ebony Madden at [email protected] . Frequently Asked Questions Questions and answers from the webinar and other frequently asked questions can be found here: https://www.

genome. gov/event-calendar/diversity-centers-for-genome-research-FOAs-webinar/faq . See Section VIII.

Other Information for award authorities and regulations. Investigators proposing NIH-defined clinical trials may refer to the Research Methods Resources website for information about developing statistical methods and study designs. Section II.

Award Information Cooperative Agreement: A support mechanism used when there will be substantial Federal scientific or programmatic involvement. Substantial involvement means that, after award, NIH scientific or program staff will assist, guide, coordinate, or participate in project activities. See Section VI.

2 for additional information about the substantial involvement for this FOA. Application Types Allowed The OER Glossary and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on these application types. Only those application types listed here are allowed for this FOA.

Optional: Accepting applications that either propose or do not propose clinical trial(s). Need help determining whether you are doing a clinical trial? Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards NHGRI and partner components intend to commit up to an estimated total of $5 million in FY23 to fund 2-3 awards.

Center budgets are limited to $1,400,000 in annual Direct Costs. Significant justification is expected if requesting the maximum limit. This FOA will also provide up to $500,000 in Direct Costs for technology and equipment needs in addition to the overall total cost caps above, only in year one of the award period, as a one-time cost expenditure for the Center.

The technology and/or equipment should be relevant to the scope of the proposed research. The budget for subawards outside of the applicant institution is limited to 30% of the Direct Costs of the application. The scope of the proposed project should determine the project period.

The maximum project period is 5 years. NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made from this FOA. Section III.

Eligibility Information Higher Education Institutions Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education Private Institutions of Higher Education The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education: Hispanic-serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government U.S. Territory or Possession To be eligible for this FOA, the applicant institution must be a domestic institution located in the United States and its territories which: Has received an average of less than $50 million per year in NIH support and less than $25 million per year of R01 total cost of NIH support for the past three fiscal years; Awards doctorate degrees in the health professions or the sciences related to health; and Has a documented historical and current mission to educate students from any of the populations that have been identified as underrepresented in biomedical research as defined by the National Science Foundation NSF, see http://www.

nsf.

gov/statistics/wmpd/ ) (i.e., African Americans or Blacks, Hispanic or Latino Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, U.S. Pacific Islanders, and persons with disabilities) or has a documented record of: (1) recruiting, training and/or educating, and graduating underrepresented students as defined by NSF (see above), which has resulted in increasing the institution's contribution to the national pool of graduates from underrepresented backgrounds who pursue biomedical research careers and, (2) for institutions that deliver health care services, providing clinical services to medically underserved communities.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement , are allowed.

Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process