Translations: April 2009

April 7, 2009

This is a follow-up to February's column on the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), and an update of the information I have been sharing with faculty in meetings and announcements this past month.

First, I want to thank all faculty and staff members for their many efforts in response to this enormous challenge and potential opportunity for GUMC. So far, the individual investigator response that we have tallied is as follows:

• 20 probable RC1 “Challenge Grant” submissions
• 36 possible supplements to current R01 or other funding
• 9 highly scored but not previously funded projects in various stages of discussion with program officers including three which have been funded.
• 5 small equipment grants submitted
• 4 high-end equipment grants

NIH has made it clear that it intends these funds to be used to create jobs and to create measurable impact within a two-year period.

The Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) has yet to receive any guidance from NIH regarding electronic submissions using Grants.gov. As a result, we should expect considerable delays on and just before deadlines. To avoid these delays, OSR is requesting that all applications be submitted to their office 5 days prior to the NIH deadline.

Individual institutes appear to have considerable discretion in terms of amounts to be funded and even the exact application process for paper proposals. Please work closely with OSR and your program officers to ensure that proposals are processed properly.

Since NIH may opt to waive merit review for supplementary funding of existing RO1 grants, it is essential to communicate to program officers that your proposal meets the proper administrative qualifications.

We are working to coordinate GUMC efforts and have contracted with Jack Hartman, who some of you may know as the previous director of the OSR, to help streamline faculty efforts and to serve as a resource for faculty. Please contact him directly with questions at hartmanj@georgetown.edu. Visit the OSR website, http://gumc.georgetown.edu/osr/ for periodic updates and links to information from the NIH on ARRA funding.

In addition, an executive working group, headed by Andy Deubler, has been coordinating the efforts of sector leaders, department chairs, and faculty to craft and submit larger institutional grant applications that fit the criteria outlined in the ARRA. Currently, GUMC is drafting proposals for several facilities and renovation projects. Additional projects of interest include an electronic health record curriculum and a package of medical simulation training programs.

As you are well aware, our ability to quickly respond to new funding opportunities and “just-in-time” requests will be critical to our success with regard to the ARRA. Thank you for your efforts to respond quickly and comprehensively to these opportunities as they arise.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions at gumcexecofc@georgetown.edu.

Howard J. Federoff, M.D., Ph.D.



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