FAQs for RFA-HL-21-009
Q: Can an established SPARCO site apply with a new institution in the same country as an affiliate or satellite?
A: Yes, a new institution in the same country can be included in the application as a satellite site.
Q. Can the new satellite institution lead the application?
A: RFA-HL-21-009 is an open competition and is open to all institutions. Established SPARCO sites will compete against those who will apply to become one of the up to three new sites. Therefore, any eligible institution in SSA can apply to become a site, which could include an established site, although the work and experience that will have been achieved during the current phase by the established site would need to be clearly described to convince the reviewers. The reviewers may also have questions about the new institution both in scientific research environment and in management of NIH research grants.
Q: As a Sub-Saharan program, do you consider some priority to develop a center in Lusophone and Francophone African countries?
A: It is our hope that the funded SCD in SSA Network will be as representative as possible of the entire SSA region, including Lusophone and Francophone countries. At the same time, this will be a research program and certain consistency within the program will also be important. These aspects and importantly, how well applications are scored during peer review, will be taken into consideration in funding recommendations.
Q: What does the concept of satellite site mean to an existing site that already has many sites?
A: A primary institution is the institution NIH will award the grant to. A satellite site is a hospital or similar institution that is not part of the primary institution administratively but participates in the research activity as part of the grant that is awarded to the primary institution and such participation is reimbursed or compensated through a sub-award or sub-contract from the primary institution.
Q: May a country include a site from another country? For example, can Ghana bring in a site from Senegal or Cote d'Ivoire?
A: Yes, a site can include a site from another country if it is a satellite site.
Q: As a collaborative opportunity, when will NIH staff be involved? Will they need to be identified and included during proposal development or will they be assigned to successful applications only (i.e., no budget considerations necessary)?
A: NIH staff involvement has been specified in the FOA under Section VI. Award Administration Information: Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions of Award. If a PD/PI wants to involve an investigator from one of the intramural research units of NIH, there are specific NIH rules governing such collaborations.
Q: Is it possible for a consortium or network like REDAC to submit an application to a U01?
A: Please consult the FOA under Section III. Eligibility Information: Eligible Organizations and Required Registrations.
Q: Will the grant allow for the inclusion of MPhil or PhD training opportunities with sponsorship?
A: Graduate students and fellowship trainees can participate in research activities that will be funded through the U01 grants, although tuition fees cannot be paid out from the grants.
Q: NIH now advises that if there is a delay caused by the current coronavirus situation, then later submission is allowed. Can you comment?
A: Please see NOT-OD-20-083, point 10.