Applications are invited from investigators developing novel methodology, including but not limited to statistical methods, clinical trial design, statistical genetics, approaches to the integration of quantitative and qualitative data analysis (i.e., mixed methods), clinical informatics and bioinformatics methods relevant to translational research. The methodologic developments should have the potential for implementation and application by other researchers. Projects are required to utilize extant (i.e. pre-existing) data. Priority will be given to applications that develop innovative measurement and/or develop analytic methods addressing health challenges pertinent to the CCTS mission. Proposals focusing on the use of pre-existing statistical, computational or related methods and/or generation of new dataset(s) will not be reviewed and will not be considered for funding.

Full-time faculty, especially early career scholars, from any of the CCTS Partner Network institutions may apply. Trainees are encouraged to be members of the research team. More than one proposal may be submitted per faculty member serving as PI, but the faculty member is only eligible to receive one award as PI during a given funding cycle. Collaborations among CCTS Partners are encouraged but not required.

Applicants may request up to $20,000 (Direct). The CCTS will support up to three (3) proposals contingent on merit, funds requested and feasibility. Indirect costs will be made available to subawarded sites.

All regulatory approvals must be in place at the start of the award.

Applications requiring external data that would necessitate Data Use Agreements are expected to initiate the agreements well before the proposed award date. Applicants that require IRB/IACUC approval should initiate those protocol submissions no later than April 25, 2023. Earlier submissions are advised. No Cost Extensions/Carryover will not be available.

Applications should be prepared as a single PDF document using 11-point Arial font, ≥ 0.5” margins and contain the following elements:

1. Summary Page (1 page max)
   1. PI’s Name and Appointment Title
   2. Project Title
   3. If applicable, IRB or IACUC submission number and status.
   4. If applicable, Data Use Agreement number and status.
   5. Project Abstract (30 lines max)
2. Research Plan (3 page max). Succinctly explain a problem or critical barrier to progress. Address the work, if any, that has been done to address the problem. Present a research plan or solution(s) as testable hypotheses. If available, provide preliminary data. Clearly explain your research approach without using jargon. Define outcomes (explicit) and the analysis plan that will be used to assess the outcomes. Address how the outcomes of the proposed work fit into a longer, larger research plan.
3. Project Timeline (1 page max). Please address how the proposed work will be carried out June 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024. No Cost Extensions/Carryover will not be considered.
4. Budget (1 page max). Applicants should use the PHS398 Form Page 4: Detailed Budgets for Initial Budget Period to submit their budget.
   1. Allowable costs include:
      1. Salary/Fringe: Up to 10% effort for PI (or cumulative 10% for MPIs), up to the NIH Salary Cap. Other personnel as needed to fulfill the project aims. Graduate student effort and tuition according to the accounting policies of the PI’s institution.
      2. Supplies and Other Expenses
   2. Unallowable costs include travel, equipment, software licenses, consultant costs, alterations, renovations, and inpatient/outpatient care.
5. Budget Justification (1 page max)
6. NIH Biosketch (5 page max)

Please submit applications by 5pm CT on the posted deadline via RED-ASSIST.

Awards will be scored (1-9) on aspects of significance, research team, innovation, approach and overall impact. Additional review criteria address Human Subject/Animal Protection, Budget and Timeline, and Extramural Competitiveness.

1. Award Notices - Meritorious applications will receive formal award via a Notice of Selection (NoS). Any costs incurred before receipt of the NoS are at the recipient's risk. Awards resulting from this RFA will also be subject to NIH grant terms and conditions (Award Conditions and Information for NIH Grants). Awards made to partner institutions will be amended to the existing UL1 consortium contract. No Cost Extensions (NCEs) cannot be supported through this funding mechanism.
2. Project Action Teams - The CCTS will work with you to set up a Project Action Team. These teams will meet with you to discuss progress and help troubleshoot any barriers. This team will meet in the first week of the award period to outline all immediately urgent issues and quarterly thereafter.
3. NIH Progress Reports - In addition to meeting with your Project Team, you will be asked to submit scientific progress reports – a template and the deadline(s) of such reports will be provided.
4. Citing the CCTS: Anticipating the dissemination of results, publications that result from this award must include a specific acknowledgment of grant support (https://www.uab.edu/ccts/about/cite-ccts)
5. NIH Public Access Policy – Publications resulting from this award must fulfill expectations aligned with the NIH Public Access Policy. The staff of Lister Hill Library (LHL) can help investigators navigate the Public Access Policy processes. For help, please contact Jill Deaver (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), LHL liaison to the CCTS.