Developing and Improving Institutional Animal Resources (G20) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Developing and Improving Institutional Animal Resources (G20) funding opportunity?

It is an NIH funding opportunity (RFA-RR-10-011) issued by the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) to help biomedical research institutions strengthen the physical infrastructure that supports animal-based research by upgrading existing, non-federal institutional animal facilities.

What is the main goal of this program?

The main goal is to upgrade existing, non-federal institutional animal facilities so they can better support high-quality biomedical and/or behavioral research, with a focus on practical improvements that make animal resources safer, more functional, and better able to meet modern research and animal care needs.

What types of projects does this opportunity support?

This opportunity supports projects that renovate, repair, or improve individual animal resources within an institution. The supported work is centered on facility-level improvements within existing animal facilities rather than creating new, large construction projects.

What are the two main categories of support under this announcement?

The announcement describes two main categories: (1) Alterations and Renovations (AR) of animal facilities, and (2) improvements to animal care equipment within the facility.

What does "Alterations and Renovations (AR)" mean in this program?

AR refers to construction-related updates to existing animal facilities. Examples described include reconfiguring space, repairing worn or outdated areas, improving environmental controls, and updating rooms and layouts to better match current research and husbandry requirements.

What kinds of animal care equipment improvements can be funded?

The opportunity allows funding to replace or upgrade essential animal care equipment used to maintain appropriate animal health, sanitation, and daily operations within the facility.

Is this funding intended for new animal facility construction?

Based on the description provided, the program is aimed at upgrading existing, non-federal institutional animal facilities through renovation, repair, and equipment improvements, rather than new facility construction.

Are applicants expected to be ready to start quickly if awarded?

Yes. NIH emphasizes speed and readiness and expects funded institutions to spend award funds expeditiously. Proposals should be well-planned and capable of moving quickly once an award is made.

Does the program encourage sustainable or "green" renovation approaches?

Yes. The announcement explicitly encourages the use of green technologies and sustainable design approaches, indicating that energy efficiency and environmentally responsible renovations are strongly encouraged when feasible.

What is the grant mechanism used for this opportunity?

The award mechanism is the NIH G20 grant mechanism.

How much total funding was estimated to be available under this program?

The total funding available was estimated at $7,000,000.

What is the maximum award amount per grant?

The award ceiling is $500,000 per grant.

How many awards did NIH anticipate making?

NIH anticipated making approximately 14 to 18 awards.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as described in the announcement).

Are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) eligible?

Yes. HBCUs are explicitly included among eligible institution types.

Are Hispanic-Serving Institutions eligible?

Yes. Hispanic-Serving Institutions are explicitly included among eligible institution types.

Are Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) eligible?

Yes. TCCUs are explicitly included among eligible institution types.

Are Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions eligible?

Yes. Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions are explicitly included among eligible institution types.

Are Native American tribal governments eligible to apply?

Yes. Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) are explicitly included as eligible applicants.

Are tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. Tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments) are explicitly included as eligible applicants.

Is cost sharing or a matching contribution required?

No. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds.

What type of grant opportunity is this considered?

It is described as a discretionary grant opportunity.

What activity area is associated with this opportunity?

The activity area is listed as Education/Health.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The CFDA number provided is 93.389.

When was the announcement posted?

The announcement was posted on September 2, 2010.

What were the application due dates?

The original application due date and the final application due date were both November 4, 2010.

When was this opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on December 5, 2010.

Where were applicants directed to find the full announcement?

Applicants and interested parties were directed to the full announcement on the NIH grants site.

Who was listed for help with access or linking issues?

NIH's Office of Extramural Research (OER) provided a webmaster contact for access and linking issues.

What overall impact was this program intended to have?

The program was designed to enable focused, high-impact improvements to animal research environments, helping institutions modernize facilities and equipment so biomedical and behavioral research involving animal models can be conducted more effectively and responsibly.