1. NRSA and Stuff Jeff Thurston, NIAMS (thurstoj@mail.nih.gov)
Monte Parham, NIAMS
Cynthia Dwyer, NCI

2. Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards
10/27/2002
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards
Jeff Thurston, NIAMS
Introductions
When we’ll take questions

3. Here is a chart of the NIH Institutes and Centers.
10/27/2002
Here is a chart of the NIH Institutes and Centers.
indicates a funding IC
indicates an IC that doesn’t issue awards
Each NIH IC receives a separate appropriation from Congress

4. 10/27/2002
New Name
Public Law , signed August 2, 2002 officially renamed this program the “Ruth L Kirschstein National Research Service Awards”
In recognition of her years of dedicated service to NIH & the NIH community, particularly for her years of support for NRSA training

5. 10/27/2002
Overview
Purpose of NRSA: To help ensure that a diverse and highly trained workforce is available to assume leadership roles related to the Nation’s biomedical & behavioral research agenda.

6. Two Support Mechanisms FY2002 Estimates
10/27/2002
Two Support Mechanisms FY2002 Estimates
Individual Fellowships (Fs)
$109,053,000, 2866 FTTPs
Institutional Training Grants (Ts)
$545,437,000, 13,843 FTTPs
F=Award to support a particular individual
T=Award to an institution to support a training program
Each mechanism will be discussed separately

7. FY 2002 Operating Budget $23,042 Million
10/27/2002
FY 2002 Operating Budget $23,042 Million

8. History/Timeline Policy Highlights:
10/27/2002
History/Timeline Policy Highlights:
Early 1970s: showed end of growth of training budget, culminating with the 1973 decision by the Administration to abolish
1974: Passage of National Research Service Award Act—reauthorized training grant programs, support restored. 4-year phase in/out period of old & new training programs. Predoc stipend = $3,900
1980: Stipend Inc--Predoc = $5,040 (29% increase)

9. 10/27/2002
Timeline (cont.)
1981: Omnibus Reconciliation Act: 1) increased emphasis on training of physicians; 2) abolished payback for prebaccalaureate trainees; 3) amended payback requirements by establishing 12-month legislative allowance & eliminating “alternate service” as an option.
1983: Stipend Inc.: Predoc = $5,292 (5%)
1985: Stipend Inc.: Predoc = $6,552 (24%)
1986: 1) Announced Minority Recruitment Guidelines for Ts. 2) Tax laws changed impacting taxability of stipends
1989: 1) Stipend Increase: Predoc = $8,500; 2) Federal Debt Delinquency Assurance Added. Individual Trainees & Fellows certify

10. 10/27/2002
Timeline (cont.)
1990: Announced Requirement for Responsible Conduct of Research
1991: Stipend Inc: Predoc = $8,800 (4%)
1992: NIH announces availability of short-term positions on T32s
1993: NIH Revitalization Act of 1993: further modified payback requirements: 1) abolished payback for predoctoral trainees appointed after June 10, 1993; 2) allowed 2nd year of postdoc NRSA support to payback 1st year of NRSA Postdoc; 3) no obligation for 3rd year.

11. 10/27/2002
Timeline (cont.)
1994: Stipend Inc.: Predoc = $10,008 (14%). Modified Leave Policy.
1996: 1) NIH implements new tuition reimbursement policy for competing Ts—100% for first $2,000, 60% of that over $2,000.
2) NIH receives deviation for 8% F&A (a.k.a.indirect) costs for Ts.
3) NIH announces modified guidelines for citizenship on Fs—is now time of award, not application.

12. Timeline (cont.) 1997: 1) Stipend Inc: Predoc = $11,496 (15%).
10/27/2002
Timeline (cont.)
1997: 1) Stipend Inc: Predoc = $11,496 (15%).
2) Increased Institutional Allowance for Fs.
3) Revised NRSA Guidelines published.
1998: 1) Stipend Inc: Predoc = $11,748 (2%)
2) NRSA Guidelines incorporated into NIH Grants Policy Statement
1999: 25% Stipend Inc. Predoc = $14,688
Program has evolved. New policies added. Existing ones modified.
Have shown many periods of flat-lined budgets, sporadic stipend increases (not always with increase in $$), yet increased tuition costs requests.

13. Timeline (cont.) FY2000 1) Stipend Inc: Predoc = $15,060
10/27/2002
Timeline (cont.)
FY2000
1) Stipend Inc: Predoc = $15,060
2) Family Health Insurance now allowable
3) Predoc Fs—Inst. Allow. increased from $2,000 to $2,500
4) Predoc Ts--Per Trainee Training Related Expenses increased from $1,500 to $2,000
5) Change in Per Trainee Tuition Formula for both F’s & T’s: Now 100% of the first $3, % of costs >$3,000.
Changes were effective for all FY2000 awards-competing & non-competing

14. 10/27/2002
Timeline (cont.)
FY2001
1) Cost-of-Living Increase for pre and postdoc Stipends. Predoc = $16,500
2) $1,000 Increase in Postdoc Institutional Allowance (to $5,000)
3) $1,000 Increase in Postdoc Trainee Related Expenses (to $3,500/trainee)
PD IA = $5,000
PD TRE = $3,500

15. Timeline (cont.) FY2002 1) Stipend Increase for all levels:
10/27/2002
Timeline (cont.)
FY2002
1) Stipend Increase for all levels:
Predoc = $18,156, Postdoc $31,092
2) Increase in Fellowship Institutional Allowance
Predoc = $2,750, Postdoc = $5,500
3) Increase in Ts “Trainee Related Expenses”
Predoc = $2,200/trainee , Postdoc = $3,850/trainee
4) New race/ethnicity reporting requirements implemented—2 tiered reporting system

16. Timeline (cont.) FY2002 (continued)
10/27/2002
Timeline (cont.)
FY2002 (continued)
5) Part-time training implemented—in cases of disability of pressing family need
6) New lexicon for Field of Training (FOT) introduced
7) Changes in review of Minority Recruitment Requirement (now partially a component within the priority score)
8) Revised 2271 published Spring 2002
Pt Time Training Requires NIH IC Prior Approval
Applicant Pool now includes a component on “selection of individuals for appointment to the training grant and that the assessment will include a consideration of the racial & ethnic diversity of the trainee pool.”
Mandatory Use of new 2271 for all appointment on/after June 1, Uses new race/ethnicity & FOT coding. See April 5, 2002 GUIDE Announcement

17. Timeline (cont.) FY 20002 (Continued)
10/27/2002
Timeline (cont.)
FY (Continued)
9) Revised NIH-wide T32 Program Announcement published 5/16/2002
10) Revised Fellowship Instructions & Forms (416-1 & 416-9) Fall 2002 (PDF-fillable)
11) Revised Termination Notice, Activation Notice & Payback Agreement published Fall 2002 (PDF-fillable)

18. FY2003 Proposed Budget & Policy Changes
10/27/2002
FY2003 Proposed Budget & Policy Changes
Proposed Stipend Increase--Proposing 10% for Predoc & entry level Postdoc. Smaller increases proposed for other Postdoc levels
Discussing Increase in Postdoc Institutional Allowance
Discussing potential change in tuition formula
Discussing potential change in leave policy
Any changes will be announced in the NIH Guide
Tuition Formula: 100% of the first $8, % > $8,000. Would be phased in with competing applications only
Leave Policy Changes: Considering establishing NRSA Minimum and aligning policies more with your Institutional Leave Policy

19. NRSA Policy Overview
Policies that apply to both Fellowships and Training Grants

20. Citizenship Requirements
10/27/2002
Citizenship Requirements
Must be Citizen, non-citizen national, or lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
Fs: Permanent residency is at the time of award
Ts: Permanent residency is at time of appointment
Non-citizen national = owes permanent allegiance to US. Generally persons born in outlying US possessions (America Samoa, Swains Island)
If lawfully admitted for permanent residency, must be possession of Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-551) or of legal verification of such status.

21. 10/27/2002
Degree Requirements
Predoc: Baccalaureate degree & be enrolled in doctoral program leading to Ph.D., comparable research doctoral degree or MD/Ph.D.
Postdoc: Ph.D. or M.D. or comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution

22. NRSA Limitations Predoc: 5 years Postdoc: 3 Years
10/27/2002
NRSA Limitations
Predoc: 5 years
Postdoc: 3 Years
Are aggregate limits, including any combination from individual and/or institutional awards

23. NRSA Limitations Exceptions/Waiver Physicians/Clinicians
10/27/2002
NRSA Limitations
Exceptions/Waiver
Physicians/Clinicians
Interruptions (break in service)
Other
Waiver requests require IC prior approval.
Physician/Clinician: combined degree students or clinician completing postdoc training
Interruption: (loss of preceptor, accident, illness, etc)
Other:
Request is from trainee, with endorsement from PD or sponsor

24. Stipends Subsistence Allowance to help defray living expenses
10/27/2002
Stipends
Subsistence Allowance to help defray living expenses
Not a salary, not considered employees of either Government or Institution
NIH publishes levels in NIH Guide when increases are approved
Grantees may supplement

25. Stipends (cont.) Predoc
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Stipends (cont.)
Predoc
One level for all individuals, regardless of years of experience
FY02 level = $18,156

26. Stipends (cont.) Postdoc
10/27/2002
Stipends (cont.)
Postdoc
Dependent on number of years of relevant experience (0 – 7)
For Fs, level set at time of award (not activation)
For Ts, level set at time of appointment
Once set, no change mid year
Subsequent year based on initial level + 1

27. Stipends (cont.) Years of Relevant Experience/FY02 Level 0 = $31,092
10/27/2002
Stipends (cont.)
Years of Relevant Experience/FY02 Level
0 = $31,092
1 = $32,820
2 = $38,712
3 = $40,692
4 = $42,648
5 = $44,616
6 = $46,584
7 = $48,852

28. 10/27/2002
Stipends (cont.)
Relevant experience may include research experience (including industrial) teaching assistantship, internship, residency, clinical duties, or other time spent in a health-related field beyond that of qualifying doctoral degree.
Relevant experience may include research experience (including industrial) teaching assistantship, internship, residency, clinical duties, or other time spent in a health-related field beyond that of qualifying doctoral degree.
Once appropriate stipend level has been determined, fellow must be paid at that level for entire grant year
Stipend for each additional year of support is next level in the stipend structure and does not change mid-year.

29. Stipend Supplementation
10/27/2002
Stipend Supplementation
Grantee determines amount according to formally established policies applied to all in similar training status
Non-Federal funds
Without obligation to trainee/fellow

30. Compensation Actual employment for services rendered
10/27/2002
Compensation
Actual employment for services rendered
Examples: teaching assistant, lab assistant
In these cases, individual receives a salary and it is not considered stipend supplementation

31. Can compensation be provided from an NIH grant?
10/27/2002
Can compensation be provided from an NIH grant?
Yes, limited part-time basis
May not be same research that is part of planned experience
Fellowship sponsor or Training Grant Program Director must approve
May not interfere with, detract from, nor prolong the approved NRSA training
“Limited Part-time” = up to 10 hours per week or 25%
Grantee Monitoring of this is important. Since NIH no longer requires itemized budgets (SNAP & eventually Modular Grants), close monitoring at the grantee is vital to avoid an audit disallowance

32. 10/27/2002
Stipend Taxability
IRS (not NIH) has domain over interpretation & implementation
Rules changed January 1, 1987; however interpretations seem to vary even among IRS offices
NIH Grants Policy Statement provide minimal guidance but individuals should really consult local IRS offices

33. 10/27/2002
Employee Benefits
Since stipends are not provided as a condition of employment, it is inappropriate and unallowable to charge NRSA grants for employee benefits—FICA, workman’s comp, unemployment insurance etc.

34. 10/27/2002
Leave
VACATIONS & HOLIDAYS: Both Pre- and Postdoctoral Fellows & Trainees may receive same vacations and holidays available to individuals in comparable training positions at the grantee or sponsoring institution. Will continue to receive stipends.

35. 10/27/2002
Leave (cont.)
SICK LEAVE : May continue to receive stipends for up to 15 calendar days of sick leave per year.
PARENTAL LEAVE: May receive stipends for up to 30 calendar days of parental leave per year for the adoption or birth of a child. In case of individual fellowships, use of parental leave requires approval of sponsor.

36. 10/27/2002
Leave (cont.)
Upaid Leave: Approval for leave of absence must be requested in advance from awarding component.
Fellowship: award will be revised extending term date by number of months of leave.
Trainee (T32): terminate & reappoint
Stipends may not be reimbursed during leave of absence.

37. Part-time Training
Allowed in unusual and pressing personal circumstances (e.g., medical conditions, disability, child or elder care)
NIH prior approval required
Program Director/Sponsor must submit written request, countersigned by trainee/fellow & authorized institutional official
Must continue to be at least 50%. Less than 50% would require leave-of-absence from NRSA support

38. INDIVIDUAL FELLOWSHIPS
10/27/2002
INDIVIDUAL FELLOWSHIPS
Predoctoral
F30: Individual predoctoral NRSA for MD/Ph.D. fellowships
F31: Individual predoctoral NRSA for minority students and students with disabilities & other announced initiatives
The F30 is an Individual Predoctoral NRSA fellowship for MD/PH.D students
This mechanism provides combined medical school and predoctoral Ph.D. support
The Purpose is to ensure that an adequate no. of trained physician/scientists will be available
The maximum number of years of support is six years
Several Institutes issued a joint announcement: NIMH, NIDA, NIAAA, NIEHS. Others have issued stand along announcements—NINDS, NIDCD
Research must fall within the mission of the participating Institute(s)
The F31 is also a predoctoral NRSA fellowship
It provides research training leading to Ph.D. or a combined MD/PH.D and support is available for 5 years.
There are several Types: 1) The NRSA Predoctoral Fellowship for Minority Students 2) The NRSA Predoctoral Fellowship Program for Students with Disabilities and 3) Some ICs have issued separate announcements using this mechanism for anyone (not just targeted populations)

39. Individual Postdoctoral
10/27/2002
Individual Postdoctoral
F32: Postdoctoral individual National Research Service Award
F33: National Research Service Award for senior fellows
The F32 is an Individual Postdoctoral NRSA fellowship
It provides postdoctoral research training to individuals in order to broaden scientific background and extend potential for research
Support is available on a full-time basis for up to three years
Revised F32 Program Announcement (to be) issued Fall 2002
The F33 is an NRSA fellowship for Senior Fellows
It provides opportunities for experienced scientists to make major changes in research careers and to acquire new research capabilities
The Candidates must have doctoral degree and at least 7 subsequent years of relevant research or professional experience
In addition, the Candidate must arrange for acceptance by an institution and sponsor
Support may be requested for a period of up to two years
The Stipend is determined individually at the time of award and is commensurate with base salary which the individual would have been paid by the institution. May not exceed NRSA stipend limit

40. Individual NRSA Fellowship Standard Receipt Dates
10/27/2002
Individual NRSA Fellowship Standard Receipt Dates
F32: April 5, August 5, December 5
F31: May 1, November 15
Generally 5- 6 month period for review
Check PAs for variations

41. Helpful Hints In Preparing Fellowship Applications
10/27/2002
Helpful Hints In Preparing Fellowship Applications
Carefully read the instructions in application kit (416-1, Revised 6/02) and the most recent supplementary program guidelines.
Page limitations
Research plan
Training site
Time requested
References page
Read Instructions Carefully (use 416-1, revised 6/02) and most recent supplementary program guidelines. Note new form pages are available on the NIH web in a PDF-fillable format (similar to what is now available for the 398 & 2590)
Stick to the Page Limitations
Summary of Research Experience and Doctoral Dissertation are limited to 1 page each
The Research proposal should not exceed l0 pages
and the Biographical Sketch is limited to 2 pages
The Research Plan should be a description of the proposal in the fellows own words – The Reviewers are looking for an understanding and approach to research, clarity, logic, and how the research will accomplish the training goals
For the Training Site: If the fellow proposes to train at doctorate or current institution, explain how it would broaden perspective
Time Requested:
Three years for postdocs is standard. One year is generally not appropriate. May be shortened depending on time already spent training with sponsor and/or prior NRSA support
Time proposed should be consistent with training goals in application
References:
Three references in sealed envelopes submitted with application – 4 preferred
One reference from thesis advisor

42. 10/27/2002
Helpful Hints (cont.)
Applicant should not be overly or inadequately trained.
Sponsor must demonstrate both the capability and commitment to provide the required training.
Applicant should not be overly or inadequately trained
If the applicant is well on the way to becoming an independent investigator they should submit an R01
If the applicant is inadequately prepared in research area of proposed project, reviewers may question potential for performing research independently
The Sponsor must demonstrate the capability and commitment to provide the training
The Sponsor and lab must be proficient in the research to be covered in the fellowship and
The Sponsor must demonstrate a willingness to provide sufficient time So
Selecting sponsor based only on prestige is not sufficient

43. 10/27/2002
Helpful Hints (cont.)
Applicant should describe precisely and succinctly the adequacy of the training facilities and environment.
Project should have merit as research and as training mechanism.
For revised applications, candidate should make sure the changes are significant and clearly identified.
The applicant should describe precisely and succinctly the adequacy of training facilities and environment
The training program described by sponsor should include not only lab experience but other approaches such as seminars, scientific meetings and courses.
There should be significant degree of interaction with other research scientists
Lab should be productive as illustrated by quality of publications
The project should have merit as research and as training mechanism
Description of the project and methodology should be precise and succinct
Discuss potential problem areas – possible alternative approaches – how will the results be interpreted
For revised applications, candidate should make sure the changes are significant and clearly identified. They should:
Analyze the Summary Statement
Include an explanation of the significant changes and
Document responses to the critique in the Summary Statement

44. Helpful Hints (cont.) Applicant should seek appropriate advice.
10/27/2002
Helpful Hints (cont.)
Applicant should seek appropriate advice.
Candidate should prepare application carefully.
The Applicant should seek appropriate advice:
He should get assistance from the sponsor
He may consider presubmission review at the sponsoring organization and
May consider contacting NIH staff for advice on application preparation
The candidate should prepare application carefully with
A clear, concise, scientific writing style using the active voice
Remember: editing and proofreading are important-a sloppy application will make a poor impression

45. Helpful Hints (cont.) Assurances & Certifications
10/27/2002
Helpful Hints (cont.)
Assurances & Certifications
Individual Fellow (signature on face pg)
Sponsoring Institution (Facilities & Commitment pg)
Human Subjects :
Assurance # & IRB approval date (IRB Approval is now Just-In-Time)
Education Requirement (New in FY2001)
Animal Subjects--IACUC date now Just-In-Time
Assurances & Certifications Required in Application
The signature of the applicant on the face page of the application verifies assurances and certification such as: Debarment and Suspension, Delinquent Federal Debt, Drug-Free Workplace
The Institutional assurances are made and verified by the signature of official signing for sponsoring institution
For Humans – The Sponsoring institution must file a written Assurance of Compliance with the Office for Human Research Protections, DHHS (formerly OPRR). The assurance number must appear on the application. – Also a certification of IRB approval of the proposed activity is required, not at time of application but prior to award. This has been changed recently - see NIH Guide Notice dated May 1, 2000.
Beginning with FY2001 awards there is a new education requirement on protection of HS --Like Research grants, a letter will be required prior to award. For Animals – The sponsoring institution must file an Animal Welfare Assurance with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), NIH – Also, a certification of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval of the proposed activity is required at time of application. Therefore, the assurance number and IACUC date must appear on the application. Unless IACUC approval is delayed - then put “pending” with approval to be submitted within 60 days of receipt date. This did not change from the previous practice.

46. Helpful Hints (cont.) Instruction in Responsible Conduct of Research
Required as part of all new & competing fellowship applications
See NIH F32 Program announcement issued

47. Review Considerations
10/27/2002
Review Considerations
Candidate
Sponsor and training environment
Research proposal
Training potential
Candidate
Extent and level of previous education including degrees, field, academic performance, mentor and institution
Dissertation topics
Previous postdoctoral research or clinical experience
Evidence of commitment to a career in research
Awards and honors, other relevant experience, prof. training and publications
Reference letters; considering both the numerical rankings and the text of the letters
Sponsor and training environment
Reviewers will assess qualifications and appropriateness of sponsor including research expertise and prior experience as a postdoctoral mentor
Reviewers will also consider environment of host laboratory and institution
Research proposal
Proposal should have scientific merit
It will be evaluated in light of candidate’s previous training and career development
Training potential
Reviewers will evaluate proposed training as it relates to preparation for an independent research career
Training potential will be considered in light of requested period of support

48. Eligibility Sponsorship
10/27/2002
Eligibility Sponsorship
Before submitting a fellowship application, candidate must identify:
A sponsoring institution - private (profit or nonprofit) or public, domestic or foreign;
An individual willing to serve as sponsor.
The applicant must identify a sponsoring institution and an individual who will serve as a sponsor and will supervise the training and research experience
The applicant’s sponsor should be an active investigator in the area of proposed research who will directly supervise candidate’s research
The sponsoring institution may be private (profit or nonprofit) or public, domestic or foreign, including NIH intramural programs and other federal laboratories.

49. 10/27/2002
Initiation Of Support
Awarding component will notify individual of intention to make an award.
The fellowship award will be issued.
Fellow must start training within six months of the award issue date.
In NIGMS there is a moratorium on activating between October 1 and November 15th. Because of difficulties in funding awards during this time frame. Other ICs are adopting similar policies

50. Initiation of Support (cont.)
10/27/2002
Initiation of Support (cont.)
The day Fellow begins training, Activation Notice and Payback Agreement (only for fellows in first 12 months of NRSA support) must be completed and submitted to awarding component.

51. 10/27/2002
PAYMENT
Domestic, non-Federal sponsoring institutions receive an award for stipends, institutional allowance, and tuition and fees (when applicable)
Domestic institutions directly pay fellow and disburse all other awarded costs
Funds may not be expended until the fellowship is activated
Use these additional notes only if audience include Federal or Foreign grantees:
Federal: Fellows training at Federal Labs are paid stipends and institutional allowance directly by the awarding component through the Office of Financial Management, NIH
Foreign: The stipend is paid by OFM to the fellow and the Institutional allowance to the sponsoring institution

52. 10/27/2002
Stipends
PREDOCTORAL: One level regardless of number of years of experience ($18,156)
POSTDOCTORAL: Stipend level determined by number of years of relevant postdoctoral experience at time of award.

53. Institutional Allowance
10/27/2002
Institutional Allowance
Domestic & Foreign, Nonprofit institutions:
Allowance is intended to defray such expenses as research supplies, equipment, travel to scientific meetings, and health insurance.
Family health insurance now allowable (if allowed for all in similar status regardless of source of support)
Institutional Allowance:
One should consult the NIH program announcement regarding specific level of allowance for predoctoral and postdoctoral support
The levels are published in NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts and are also in Appendix 1 of the Guidelines Handout
The type of sponsoring institution dictates what allowable costs may be charged to this category and how the funds are administered
For Non-Federal Public and Private Nonprofit institutions (Domestic and Foreign): The allowance is intended to defray such expenses for individual fellows as research supplies, equipment, travel to scientific meetings, health insurance, and to otherwise offset administrative costs of graduate training. Family health insurance is now allowable (If allowed for all in similar status regardless of source of support).

54. Institutional Allowance (cont.)
10/27/2002
Institutional Allowance (cont.)
Federal & For-Profit institutions:
Allowance is to cover scientific meeting travel, health insurance, and books.

55. Institutional Allowance (cont.)
10/27/2002
Institutional Allowance (cont.)
Individual postdocs (F32):
$5,500 – domestic & foreign nonprofit
$4, federal & for-profit
Includes health insurance
Tuition & fees separately reimbursed when applicable

56. Institutional Allowance (cont.)
10/27/2002
Institutional Allowance (cont.)
Individual predocs (F31& F30):
$2,750 –exclusive of health insurance and tuition/fees
Tuition/fees and health insurance awarded as a separate budget item
Individual Predoctoral fellowships (F30 and F31)
The IA is $2,500 (exclusive of tuition/fees and health insurance). This was increased in FY 2000.
Tuition and fees and health insurance are awarded separately using new formula established in FY 2000.
Health insurance
Is an allowable cost only if required of all persons in a similar training status regardless of the source of support and as stated previously can now provide for family health insurance under these same conditions.
Travel
Payment for travel to scientific meetings is appropriate when necessary for the individual’s training
Expenditure of Institutional Allowance:
Except for fellows at Federal training sites, sponsoring institution authorizes expenditure of the institutional allowance on behalf of the fellow

57. 10/27/2002
Tuition and Fees
POSTDOCS: Tuition limited for specific courses required by the training program. Health insurance is not included.
Reimbursement: 100% up to $3, % of costs above $3,000 – no escalation in future years
For Postdocs tuition and fees are limited to those for specific courses required by training program and must receive prior approval from the awarding component
The reimbursement formula which was effective FY 2000 is: 100% up to $3,000+60% of costs above $3,000 with no escalation in future years.
For purposes of calculating this budget item, health insurance is not included since it is still awarded as part of institutional allowance

58. Tuition and Fees (cont.)
10/27/2002
Tuition and Fees (cont.)
PREDOCS: Tuition reimbursement varies -specific programmatic guidelines should be consulted.
When tuition/fees and health insurance awarded as a separate cost, reimbursement: 100% up to $3, % of costs above $3,000 – no escalation in future years.

59. 10/27/2002
Reporting Procedures
Forms are now available in PDF-fillable format on web:
ACTIVATION NOTICE (FORM PHS 416-5): Immediately upon initiation of training, fellow completes and returns this form to the NIH awarding component.
Activation Notice: (Form PHS 416-5) – You can see Appendix 3 of Guidelines for a Sample
Immediately upon initiation of training, individual completes and signs Activation Notice, obtains signature of sponsoring institution officials, and forwards notice with Payback Agreement (postdoc in first 12 months of NRSA support) to the NIH awarding component
This form should be enclosed with all competing awards
Domestic Non-Profit: Activation Notice Required in initial year only
Foreign and Federal: Form must be submitted every year
Form may be submitted up to 30 days in advance; However, funds may not be released until individual has actually started training

60. Activation Notice Helpful Hints
Activation Date (Date Fellow Entered on Duty) must be > “Issue Date” on the Award
Activation Date must be < “Latest Activation Date” listed on the award
If more time is needed to activate, contact awarding IC to extend Latest Activation Date

61. Reporting Procedures (cont.)
10/27/2002
Reporting Procedures (cont.)
PAYBACK AGREEMENT (FORM PHS 6031): Must be signed by each person who is to receive an individual postdoctoral fellowship that covers their initial 12 months of NRSA postdoc support.
TERMINATION NOTICE (FORM PHS 416-7): For individual fellowships, this form is required upon completion of support.
Payback Agreement (Form PHS 6031)
See Appendix 5 of Guidelines for sample
Payback Agreement must be signed by each person who is to receive an individual postdoctoral fellowship that covers their initial 12 months of NRSA postdoc support.
Termination Notice (Form PHS 416-7)
See Appendix 6 of Guidelines (Handout)
The Termination Notice (along with Activation Notice and Fellowship Award) is the basis for establishing amount of payback obligations
For individual fellowships, a Termination Notice is sent to fellow by awarding component prior to scheduled termination date
For early terminations, Term Notice issued upon receipt of notification to the awarding component. Stipend should be prorated appropriately. Institutional Allowance may be adjusted as well if period of support < 6 months. Contact IC
Following Termination, no funds may be drawn down.
Invention Reporting: Not required for fellows or trainees
Forms can be obtained at website previously given

62. Termination Notice Helpful Hints
Dates in Item 6 must match totals in Item 7
List each year of support separately in Item 7 (must match levels on NGA)
Item 7 must reflect only the NRSA stipend. Do not include any supplementation from other sources
Item 10-vital particularly for postdocs that may have a payback obligation

63. 10/27/2002
CHANGES IN PROJECT
A transfer of the award to another institution or a change in sponsors requires the approval of the NIH awarding component. Should consult with NIH ASAP.
Any proposed change in the individual’s area of research training must be approved by the awarding component.
Change in sponsor
Considerations for change in Sponsor: Is new sponsor qualified
Will project change? If so, does training continue to be the originally approved area of research
Change in institutions
1. Relinquishing Statement or Term Notice with all $$ information/Application from new institution – like research T7
2. If transfer occurs before end of current award year, the initial institute may be requested to continue to pay stipend until end of current year or it may be handled like a research grant T7 with award actions transferring the funds between the two institutions. See more of the later option these days.
Disposition of Institutional Allowance negotiable between two sponsoring institutions
If there is a project change, it must be approved in writing by the awarding component to assure that the training continues to be an area that falls within the scientific area of the original peer reviewed application or it may have to undergo re-review.

64. PROGRESS REPORTS, FINANCIAL STATUS REPORTS
10/27/2002
PROGRESS REPORTS, FINANCIAL STATUS REPORTS
PROGRESS REPORTS: Progress reports are submitted annually when continued support is committed. For individual awards, a final progress report is required as part of the Termination Notice. A separate final progress report is not required.
Financial Status Report: A Financial Status Report is not required for individual fellowship awards.

65. Institutional NRSAs (a.k.a.) Training Grants
10/27/2002
Institutional NRSAs (a.k.a.) Training Grants
Purpose
To develop or enhance research training opportunities for individuals, selected by the institution who are training for careers in specified areas
Most or all of the information covered can be found in the NRSA Guidelines and/or the Application kits 398 & At the back of each kit there is a separate section for Institutional Training grants including special form pages.

66. Eligibility Application submitted by Institution (not individual).
10/27/2002
Eligibility
Application submitted by Institution (not individual).
Domestic, non-profit public or private institutions
Research training must fall within the mission of the NIH awarding components

67. 10/27/2002
Eligibility (cont.)
Applicants must have: 1) strong research program in the proposed area(s); and, 2) requisite staff & facilities to carry out proposed program
Program Director will be responsible for 1) overall direction, management, & administration of the training program; and 2) selection & appointment of NRSA eligible trainees

68. 10/27/2002
Eligibility (cont.)
Trainees must have opportunity to carry out supervised biomedical or behavioral research with the goal of developing or extending their research skills and knowledge

69. 10/27/2002
Eligibility (cont.)
Programs can consist of Predoc, Postdoc, or combination
Short-term: solely (T35) or in combination with pre & post T32
Prebaccalaureate
MARC USTAR—NIGMS
COR--NIMH
Some ICs allow only all pre or all post. Other ICs allow mix. Specific program announcements and/or IC staff should be contacted.
T35: Used to promote Health Professionals into Research

70. Review for T’s 2 Level review like R01s 1) Peer Review--Study Section
10/27/2002
Review for T’s
2 Level review like R01s
1) Peer Review--Study Section
2) IC Council
The following information is provided from the NRSA portion of the NIH Grants Policy Statement and the Instructions in the 398 Application kit. The NIH T32 Program Announcement and/or specific IC Program Announcements should also be consulted. Questions concerning review should be directed to the NIH program official or the SRA.

71. Review Criteria Past training record of program & preceptors
10/27/2002
Review Criteria
Past training record of program & preceptors
Objectives, design & direction of program
Caliber of preceptors
Quality of training environment for NRSA trainees and relationship of NRSA program to the broader training program.
Institutional environment and commitment
The 398 Application kit provides specific data that must be submitted; e.g., participating faculty--training grant support, other support, current & past trainees, trainee applicant pool data, trainee publications
Some NIH Institutes provide additional guidance with respect to “suggested table formats” for organizing the data. You are encouraged to contact the potential NIH IC for additional guidance.
Review Criteria itemized in recent T32 PA—5/16/2002
Quality & Size of Applicant Pool. This is the basis for the recommended number of trainee slots

72. Review Criteria (continued)
10/27/2002
Review Criteria (continued)
Quality of applicant pool, selection process for appointment to training grant. This now includes a consideration of the racial/ethnic diversity of the trainee pool
If postdoc, record of retaining postdoc health professionals for at least 2 yrs
When appropriate, the concomitant research training of health professionals w/basic science postdocs or linkages with basic science departments
Will be coupled with the Minority Recruitment & Retention efforts. But this means that minority recruitment will have some bearing on the priority score now.

73. Minority Recruitment & Retention
10/27/2002
Minority Recruitment & Retention
Recruitment & Retention of underrepresented minorities
All competing must include recruitment & retention plan
Competing continuations must also include report on outcomes of recruitment & retention during awarded period
Noncompeting progress reports (T-5s) must also include info on recruitment & retention
T32 PA includes specifics for what should be included in the report

74. Responsible Conduct of Research
10/27/2002
Responsible Conduct of Research
Required for all NRSA trainees
All competing grants must include description of formal & informal activities
NIH suggests: conflict of interest, responsible authorship, policies for handling misconduct, policies regarding use of animal and/or human subjects, data management, data sharing and institutional and individual responsibilities.
Requirement since 1990
Required for NRSA, “encouraged” for all students in the program
NIH “suggests” but has no specific requirements
Specifics should be geared to training program.
No additional “education” requirement is necessary for anyone involved in a training grant (PD, participating faculty and/or trainees).

75. Additional Notes for Both Requirements
10/27/2002
Additional Notes for Both Requirements
Plans evaluated by the IRG
In general, will not impact the overall priority score (except minority recruitment as it affects applicant pool)
Are discussed after score has been assigned
Information presented to IC staff as administrative notes in the summary statement
Councils will consider these areas in their recommendations
2 Official Ratings--Acceptable & Unacceptable
“Unacceptable” ratings = no funding
“Marginally Acceptable” ratings = perhaps restrictions, fewer years

76. Animal & Human Subjects
10/27/2002
Animal & Human Subjects
Can indicate “Indefinite” on face pg
In many cases, trainees will be participating in individual projects already reviewed
These grants (and their review/approval dates) should be identified in application
Grantee responsible for assuring proper approval is received prior to a trainee participating in any project involving either vertebrate animals and/or human subjects

77. Receipt Dates See T32 Program Announcement
10/27/2002
Receipt Dates
See T32 Program Announcement
January 10, May 10, Sept. 10
Varies among ICs--Many use only 1 or 2 dates
Applicants should contact specific ICs for guidance
Progress Report Receipt Dates Vary
For T-5s, may not the same as R01s (2 months before start date). If an early receipt is required, face page notifications are mailed early with specific instructions

78. Period of Support/Appointments
10/27/2002
Period of Support/Appointments
Trainees are considered full-time participants in the training program
month appointments
Less than 9 months not allowed unless completing a planned training program.
Appointment may begin anytime during the budget period
Appointment may not exceed 12 months from a single budget period
Initial < 9 months OK if promise to immediately reappoint

79. “Overlapping” Appointment
10/27/2002
“Overlapping” Appointment
An appointment period may overlap budget periods
Year Year 10
7/1/2001 – 6/30/ /1/2002 – 6/30/2003
Reminder that stipend level must correspond to the level provided from the support year. So if Year 10 includes a stipend increase, you’ll have trainees at 2 different levels. You can supplement to bring them in line but what is charged to the grant must reflect the level provided in that particular award year.
Appointment Period
1/1/2002 – 12/31/2002
Stipend & Tuition $$ (6-months reported as unliquidated obligation)

80. Costs: Stipends Subsistence Allowance Not condition of employment
10/27/2002
Costs: Stipends
Subsistence Allowance
Not condition of employment
Predocs--all one level
For postdocs, level set at time of appointment. Grantee institution determines level. This is double checked by NIH staff by reviewing the educational info provided on 2271
Must use the stipend level(s) in effect for the particular grant year

81. Costs: Tuition & Fees Grantees request full needs
10/27/2002
Costs: Tuition & Fees
Grantees request full needs
Health Insurance OK as fee if required of all trainees (Family HI allowable)
Formula used for award calculation only
Per trainee basis: 100% of first $3,000, 60% of that >$3,000
No escalation in future years
Grantees reimburse as needed
Tuition formula since FY96
Include all in-state, out-of-state mixes
Health Insurance OK as fee if required of all trainees in similar status, regardless of funding source--consistent treatment
Family HI now allowable
Future years flat-lined
Reimbursement not necessarily limited to formula (unless specifically restricted). Actual needs may vary greatly from that submitted in application

82. 10/27/2002
Costs: Trainee Travel
Usually per/trainee formula based, Varies among ICs
Scientific Mtgs OK
Not travel from residence to institution
Training experiences away from institution OK but require IC approval
Spend a minute on this last point since it’s one I’ve provided advice on a lot this year.
Each situation differs and that is why each should be reviewed separately. Consider:
support of mentor & program director;
distance away from “home” institution--plans for the trainee to continue to benefit from the other “training activities” provided at the home institution. This may be a particular issue for a early predoc, but not so much for a postdoc.
Special “skills” that may be acquired as a result of this away experience

83. Costs: Training Related Expenses (TRE)
10/27/2002
Costs: Training Related Expenses (TRE)
Formula based: $2,200/pre, $3,850/post
Formula is Per Trainee
Can be used for: Staff salaries, Consultant Costs, Equipment, Research Supplies, Staff travel, and Other Expenses directly related to the training program
First time this cost category has seen any increase since the 1980s.

84. 10/27/2002
Costs: F & A
8% rate
Base = TDC less tuition & fees

85. Rebudgeting No prior approval (unless otherwise restricted) for:
10/27/2002
Rebudgeting
No prior approval (unless otherwise restricted) for:
Stipends: Into Tuition & Fees only
Tuition: Into Stipends only
Trainee Travel: Anywhere
TRE: Anywhere
Prior approval required to rebudget stipends and/or tuition into travel or TRE
Caution on Moving Stipends into Tuition. May indicate inability to fill full compliment of trainees. May have negative impact on next review.
Caution on Moving Tuition into Stipends: May be restricted. May require prior approval
If in doubt, contact awarding IC

86. Statement of Appointment Form (PHS 2271)
10/27/2002
Statement of Appointment Form (PHS 2271)
Revised version available 4/2002
Available in PDF-fillable format on web:
Includes new ethnicity/race breakouts & Field of Training coding
Mandatory use of new form as of appointments beginning on/after 6/1/2002
Must mandate use of new version to be in compliance with OMB requirements for collecting race/ethnicity data
See 4/5/2002 GUIDE Notice

87. Statement of Appointment Form (PHS 2271)
10/27/2002
Statement of Appointment Form (PHS 2271)
Due on or before the start of appointment period
No stipend or other allowance may be paid until submitted
Delinquent forms may result in disallowance
Computer facsimiles OK
Reemphasize need for timely forms.
Delinquent forms may also mean no award
Send forms in throughout the year. Do not hold until all trainees have been appointed. But all forms pertaining to same trainee (2271, payback, citizenship) must be submitted together
Next revision available for use around November 2001

88. 2271s-Helpful Hints
Read instructions carefully & check for accuracy before mailing
Complete all required sections
Make sure you are appointing trainees to the correct grant year—check appointment start date & compare to budget period on NGA
For New-complete all sections
For Reappointment, skip the shaded areas unless changed
Citizenship--Proof of permanent residency must be submitted with 2271

89. 2271s-Helpful Hints (cont.)
Trouble spots
Incomplete Data--particularly degrees & prior NRSA support (Item 5)
Permanent Address (Item 9): Address NIH can use later (not a school address)
Period of Support (Item 13) and Stipend Dollars (Item 18) must match. If period of support is 10 months, stipend must also reflect 10 months

90. 2271s-Helpful Hints (cont.)
Item 18 must reflect NRSA T32 portion only
Do not include amount supplemented by Institution from other sources
For Postdoc Trainees: Initial stipend level must be based on number of years of relevant experience (listed in Item 14-Education)

91. Electronic 2271 Now “X-TRAIN”
10/27/2002
Electronic 2271 Now “X-TRAIN”
Electronic submission of 2271 data available through “X-TRAIN”, an application in the NIH Commons
X-TRAIN is currently in limited deployment
Will eventually be open to all Commons-registered institutions. Commons registration expected to re-open in FY2003
Electronic Termination Notices also being developed as part of X-Train. However it requires another layer of sophistication because of the need for a BO signature

92. Watch NIH GUIDE for announcement on opening up Commons Registration
10/27/2002
New Commons Interface
Watch NIH GUIDE for announcement on opening up Commons Registration
Right now U PA & CHOP are Commons Registered
Would need to register both your Institution & PD before using X-TRAIN
One of the features of the new Commons will be “Delegation”. A PD will be able to designate one or more individuals with the authority to do data entry.

96. Payback Agreement (PHS 6031)
10/27/2002
Payback Agreement (PHS 6031)
Required only for postdocs, entering their first 12-months of postdoctoral NRSA support
Available in PDF-fillable format on web:
No longer required of predocs--rules changed in 1993

97. Termination Notice (PHS 416-7)
10/27/2002
Termination Notice (PHS 416-7)
Required at time an appointment is ending
Reflects total support period & NIH amount only
If there was a hiatus of support, report only current period
Do not include support already reported on a prior Term Notice
Available in PDF-fillable format on web:
Required at the time an appointment is ending (if there is to be no reappointment)
Even if just a break of a month or 2, you must terminate and then reappoint
Include only NIH stipends—do not include amounts you may have “supplemented”
Electronic Submission of Term Notice being developed in X-Train

98. Termination Notice Helpful Hints
Completeness—Read instructions, fill in all items
Items 6 & 7--Dates & money must match what was reported on 2271s.
Item 7--Stipends reflect only amount charged to grant. Do not include any supplementation from other sources
If final year of support is being terminated early, need to submit an amended 2271 or include a note on Termination Notice indicating early termination

99. Termination Notice Helpful Hints (cont)
Item 8--Summary of training, may use an attachment
Item 10--Mailing Address--important particularly for postdocs
Item 12--Trainee Signature--May be submitted indicating “Trainee Unavailable for signature” but only after good faith effort to secure
Item 14-Business Official must verify $$

100. 10/27/2002
Form 1099
For tax purposes, stipends paid to trainees may be reported annually using the Form 1099—Statement of Miscellaneous Income (not a W-2)
Generated by Institutional Business Office
Note grantees are not required to report stipend income on a However, it does serve as a handy reminder for the trainee about their potential tax obligation.

101. Financial Status Report (SF 269)
10/27/2002
Financial Status Report (SF 269)
Required annually within 90 days of budget end date
Unliquidated obligations can be used to report any stipends and tuition charges for “overlapping” appointments.
Automatic Carryover of an unobligated balance is not generally allowed but awards should be footnoted either way
Generally unused TRE and/or Trainee Travel must be reported as part of the unobligated balance
HG & AI have granted this authority to Ts

102. 10/27/2002
Payback
Legislation requires some NRSA recipients to “pay back” the Federal Government through service
Rules changed dramatically in 1993

103. Payback (cont.) Predocs
10/27/2002
Payback (cont.)
Predocs
Eliminated payback for any predoc appointed on or after June 10, 1993
Any predoc receiving support prior to June 10, 1993 would still have an obligation

104. Payback (cont.) Postdocs
10/27/2002
Payback (cont.)
Postdocs
Obligation exists for first 12 months of postdoc NRSA support
The 13th and subsequent months of postdoc NRSA support can “payback” the postdoc obligation
Postdoc NRSA cannot be used to payback predoc obligation
If postdoc is supported for 2 or more years, no obligation

105. Acceptable Payback Service
10/27/2002
Acceptable Payback Service
Health-related biomedical or behavioral research
Health-related teaching
Direct administration or review of health-related research
Any combination of these activities

106. Acceptable Payback Service
10/27/2002
Acceptable Payback Service
Definition of Health-related has broadened
Range of activities related to the description, diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease
From the most basic biomedical/behavioral research to applied clinical research
Also includes agriculture, environmental sciences, biotechnology & bioengineering

107. Acceptable Payback Service
10/27/2002
Acceptable Payback Service
Activities must average > 20 hours per week
< 20 hours per week is allowable in cases of disability or other pressing personal circumstances
< 20 hour/week activity will be prorated
Exceptions are rare & require prior approval

108. Payback Reporting Requirements
10/27/2002
Payback Reporting Requirements
Annual Payback Activities Certification (APAC) [PHS Form ]
Mailed annually on the anniversary of termination of support
Report reflects activities performed during last 12 months
Service must begin within 2 years of termination

109. APAC Helpful Hints
Form is a retrospective reporting—what the individual has done over the last 12 months
Signatures—of recipient & supervisor--#1 missing item
Block 4, Description—Need details
Monitoring Payback at NIH is being consolidated. Contact NRSA Payback Service Center,

110. Financial Payback Can be voluntary or involuntary
10/27/2002
Financial Payback
Can be voluntary or involuntary
Amount owed is total stipend received (plus interest when applicable)

111. Waiver Rare & Requires NIH Director approval
10/27/2002
Waiver
Rare & Requires NIH Director approval
Permanent or Total Disability
Substantial hardship & against equity
Cancelled upon death

112. 10/27/2002
Information Sites
NIH Extramural Training and Research Career Development Programs:
NIH T32 Announcement, NIH Guide, 5/16/02:
The first site provides a wealth of information on Training, Fellowships and even K awards
T32 PA being revised. Check Guide for latest version

113. Information Sites (cont.)
10/27/2002
Information Sites (cont.)
NIH NRSAs for Individual Postdoctoral Fellows (F32), NIH Guide, 6/1/00:
NRSA T32 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
NRSA Fellowship FAQs:
F32 Should be revised in Fall 2002

114. Information Sites (cont.)
10/27/2002
Information Sites (cont.)
NIH Grants Policy Statement (Revised 3/2001)

115. 10/27/2002
Questions????