How do I submit my Other Transactions Award (OTA) application?
OTA applications must be submitted through the ASSIST system. See full instructions.
How is NIH using input from the RFI and Virtual Forum?
We used feedback from the RFI and Virtual Forum to inform the development of this Research Opportunity. The feedback we received will also help plan future stakeholder engagement and phases of the AIM-AHEAD program.
Does NIH expect multi-institutional teams to be fully formed by the time they submit LOIs?
Applicants do not need to have fully formed multi-institutional teams when submitting the Letter of Intent. Teaming arrangements can be proposed in the full applications. Furthermore, through the Other Transaction Authority, NIH may select components from the applicant pool to form teams that best meet the needs of the program.
What if the details in my Letter of Intent change? For example, what if I form new partnerships after the Letter of Intent is submitted?
The LOIs are not binding so changes between the LOI and full application are permissible.
Will NIH consider proposals that were submitted by the deadline but not invited?
No. NIH will only consider invited applications.
NIH will use the Letter of Intent to decide whether to invite a full application. When will NIH notify those who have submitted LOIs?
NIH will review the LOIs and aims to send notifications and invitations to submit a full proposal within a few days of the LOI submission deadline. The exact dates are still tentative.
How will the consortium be formed?
The Leadership/Administrative Core will collaborate with other cores in the A-CC to recruit and establish the consortium during this award period.
What is the definition of a Core Mission?
Demonstration of a core mission may include dedicated programs or activities focused on unique needs of these groups.
Do all cores have to be led by an institution with a core mission is to serve under-represented or underserved groups impacted by health disparities?
NIH is particularly interested in applications led by institutions and organizations that have a core mission to serve under-represented or underserved groups impacted by health disparities.
The PI (or contact PI) for the Leadership/Administrative Core should be from such an institution or organization.
What is the annual budget for this award?
The annual budget for the entire program is $50,000,000.
Some of this will support the Coordinating Center institutions themselves. It’s expected that most of these funds will be used by the Coordinating Center to support engagements, investment, and projects with or for the consortium.
Can applicants apply for more than one core?
Yes, applicants may apply for one core. Applicants may submit a Letter of Intention (LOI) for each core to which they wish to apply. For example, an applicant who wishes to apply for the Leadership\Administrative and Infrastructure cores should submit two LOI: one for the Leadership\Administrative core and one for the Infrastructure core. If this applicant were invited to make full proposals for both cores, the applicant would submit two proposals: one for the Leadership\Administrative core and one for the Infrastructure core. Each proposal has a 12-page limit, i.e., the Leadership\Administrative core proposal page limit is 12 and the Infrastructure proposal page limit is 12.
Will there be other opportunities under this ROA in the future?
Yes, there will be additional opportunities to participate as a consortium member and receive funding. The AIM-AHEAD program is designed to progress in phases and this ROA is only the beginning of the first phase of the program.
What do we need to include in the budget? How much should we be budgeting/estimating per core?
There are two aspects of the budget that applicants should consider. The first aspect is the estimated direct cost of the personnel and resources applicants expect to spend. To estimate this aspect of the budget, applicants would follow their institutional/internal instructions to budget their own spending. The second aspect is the estimated cost of engagements with consortium members. For example, what is the estimated cost of recruiting 10 consortium members? What is the estimated number of meetings and the estimated cost of those meetings? Estimating the first aspect of the budget will be more accurate than the second aspect. For the second aspect, applicants should include their assumptions for their good faith estimates, for example, the number of engagements your estimate would support. Applicants should also remember that all costs will be negotiated prior to award.
Will NIH be expecting multi-institutional teams to be fully formed by the time they submit LOIs?
Applicants do not need to have fully formed multi-institutional teams when submitting the Letter of Intent.
We would like to apply to more than one core. Should we submit a LOI and cover letter for each core or may we submit one Letter of Intent that describes all the cores we to which we would like to apply?
NIH strongly encourages applicants who wish to apply to more than one core to submit a Letter of Intent and cover letter for each core.
Is there any restriction to be involved in multiple proposal submissions for AIM-AHEAD program? For example, may someone be a team member in one proposal and as a PI in another proposal?
The same organizations and individuals may appear multiple proposal submissions.
