Improving Physical Infrastructure to Enhance Animal Model Research: Revisions of Research Project Grants (R01) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the title and funding opportunity number for this grant?

The opportunity is titled "Improving Physical Infrastructure to Enhance Animal Model Research: Revisions of Research Project Grants (R01)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is RFA OD 16 008.

2) What type of funding announcement is this?

This is a discretionary NIH funding announcement that supports revision applications to existing, active NIH research project grants rather than funding brand-new, stand-alone projects.

3) Who is this opportunity designed for?

It is designed for investigators who already hold an active NIH R01 (or another qualifying active NIH research project award) and need targeted additional support to strengthen the physical infrastructure used in animal model-based research.

4) Does this grant fund new independent research projects?

No. The program is specifically for revision applications tied to an existing, active NIH research project grant. It is not intended to fund a new, separate project.

5) What is the main purpose of the funding?

The central goal is to improve facilities, spaces, and equipment that directly enable or enhance animal model research, with the expectation that these upgrades will increase research capability, reliability, and efficiency.

6) What kinds of infrastructure improvements can be requested?

The request types can vary widely based on the investigator's animal model research needs. The opportunity contemplates both equipment-related improvements (such as specialized equipment needed to conduct or upgrade animal studies) and larger physical improvements such as alteration and renovation of existing research environments.

7) Are equipment purchases allowed under this revision mechanism?

Yes. An applicant may request specialized equipment that is necessary to conduct or upgrade animal studies, improve monitoring or husbandry-related processes, or enable new capabilities that are closely tied to the aims of the parent award.

8) Are alteration and renovation (A&R) projects allowed?

Yes. The opportunity specifically contemplates alteration and renovation efforts, meaning physical changes to existing research environments to better support animal model research.

9) What kinds of problems is this FOA trying to address?

The FOA recognizes that barriers to high-quality animal model research are sometimes practical rather than scientific, such as outdated rooms, inadequate layouts, insufficient capacity, or missing infrastructure needed to properly run certain animal models or procedures.

10) How closely must the proposed changes relate to the parent award?

The proposal is expected to be tightly connected to the scientific goals of the parent grant and focused on concrete infrastructure needs that materially strengthen the animal model component of the ongoing NIH-funded research.

11) What is the sustainability expectation for proposed renovations or upgrades?

A notable emphasis is sustainability. Applicants are expected to propose sustainable designs and incorporate green technologies when planning renovations or infrastructure improvements, prioritizing energy-efficient and resource-conscious upgrades that reduce waste and improve long-term operational efficiency.

12) Does the summary list specific green building standards or certifications that must be used?

No. The information provided does not list specific green standards or certification requirements. It does state an expectation that reviewers and program staff will look for sustainable design choices that make sense for long-term environmental and cost impacts.

13) Who is the sponsoring agency?

The sponsoring agency is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11).

14) What is the activity category and CFDA number?

The activity category is Health, and the associated CFDA number listed is 93.351.

15) Which organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they meet the additional eligibility criteria referenced in the full announcement), and other organizations as described in the FOA's eligibility section.

16) Is eligibility limited to universities?

No. While institutions of higher education are eligible, the summary also indicates eligibility for nonprofit organizations (with and without 501(c)(3) status, subject to additional criteria) and other organizations as described in the FOA.

17) When was this opportunity posted and when was the deadline?

The announcement was created and posted on May 5, 2016. The application deadline was August 1, 2016, and the original and current closing dates match.

18) How many awards did NIH anticipate making?

NIH anticipated making around four awards under this opportunity.

19) Is there an award ceiling listed in the information provided?

No. The listing does not specify an award ceiling in the provided data. Typically, applicants would need to consult the full FOA text and NIH grants policy details for budget limits, allowable costs, and how revision funds should be justified relative to the parent award.

20) What should an applicant emphasize to be competitive based on the summary?

Based on the summary, a strong application would clearly show that improving physical infrastructure will materially strengthen the animal model component of the existing NIH-funded research, stay tightly aligned with the parent grant's scientific goals, address concrete facility/equipment needs, and incorporate sustainable design and green technology considerations appropriate for long-term use.