January 28, 2014
Since the last time I’ve written about our small business research programs, there have been a lot of important changes as a result of the Congressional reauthorization that mandated Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding requirements through fiscal year 2017. …. We have been working diligently alongside the Small Business Administration to put these changes into effect for NIH, as described on the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011: NIH Implementation of Key Changes website. As the 2014 HHS-wide SBIR and STTR Omnibus solicitations were announced last week, I thought it would be good to highlight some of these important reforms. ….
January 17, 2014
In February last year I blogged about the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s request for comments on proposed federal grant policy reforms. These policies, contained in multiple documents known as circulars, contain Fed-wide regulations on spending, not just for research grants. Many grantees and stakeholder organizations came forth and contributed comments. This information was taken into account by OMB to bring a number of these changes into fruition. The new guidance, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards”, was announced by OMB in December as one consolidated omnicircular. Here are just a few highlights:
November 14, 2013
I have seen the very recent report and follow-on discussions that NIH is considering asking institutions to limit grant applications as a way to control demand. Let me present the facts. You may remember the dialogue we had back in October 2011 on how NIH should manage science in fiscally challenging times. The option of limiting applications was raised at that time but was discarded at the outset and we are not pursuing it now. ….
October 22, 2013
My colleagues and I have heard from many of you since Friday, expressing significant concerns regarding delaying the review of applications to the May council round due to the Government shutdown. Applicants faced with a four month delay in a funding decision described serious consequences to their research programs. Additionally, many reviewers contacted us saying they are ready and willing to do anything to get these reviews done. In light of this feedback, our review staff have risen to the challenge, and will be working with reviewers to go the extra mile in exceptionally creative ways to reschedule as many of the 200+ missed October review meetings as possible.
October 18, 2013
As promised yesterday, I’m posting additional information on our efforts to restore the NIH extramural program. First, some context: the 16-day delay in operations had a major impact on our business of supporting extramural research. While our grantees could continue conducting vital research through their FY 2013 awards, NIH could not release any awards while we were closed. ….
October 17, 2013
Hi everyone! NIH is back up and running and we are here. I want to begin by thanking all of you for the incredible patience and support you displayed during the past tumultuous weeks. I kept in touch by reading social media, the press, and your own communications, and was amazed at the overarching support … Continue reading “Getting Research Back on Track”
October 1, 2013
Right now is a difficult time for the federal government and for the American people. We have been shut down due to lack of an appropriation. I provided guidance to our grantee community through a direct email to principal investigators, signing officials at institutions with active awards, and reviewers. That guidance is also available in … Continue reading “Federal Government Shut-down”
September 27, 2013
Proper award management and fiscal oversight are critical to maintaining scientific integrity and public trust in stewardship of federal funds. To this end, all HHS operating divisions, including NIH, are making changes that will affect how grantees manage their grant funds. One such change involves a shift from pooled account payments to subaccount payments. ….
September 9, 2013
I have detected conversation swirling in our community about a rumored change in NIH’s policy for granting no-cost extensions. The thought is that no-cost extensions should not be sought because if funds remain at the end of the project period then NIH will take money back from the grantee. ….
August 21, 2013
The inclusion of women, different racial and ethnic groups, and children is extremely important in clinical research to understand who is affected by a given disease or condition and to develop the appropriate treatments. …. I’m bringing this topic to your attention because there has been some confusion about the distinction between race and ethnicity and how to report this information to the NIH. ….
2 Comments