RFA-CA-27-012-Full-Announcement.html

Department of Health and Human Services

Part 1. Overview Information

Participating Organization(s)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Components of Participating Organizations

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Note: Not all NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) participate in Announcements. Applicants should carefully note which ICOs participate in this announcement and view their respective areas of research interest at the ICO-Specific Scientific Interests website. ICOs that do not participate in this announcement will not consider applications for funding.

Funding Opportunity Title

Metastasis Research Network (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Activity Code

U54 Specialized Center- Cooperative Agreements

Announcement Type

Reissue of

RFA-CA-20-029

Related Notices

Funding Opportunity Number (FON)

RFA-CA-27-012

Companion Notice of Funding Opportunity

None

Number of Applications

See Section III. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility.

Assistance Listing Number(s)

93.396

Notice of Funding Opportunity Purpose

Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) solicits applications for research on developing a comprehensive and cohesive understanding of cancer metastasis. Towards this goal, the NCI will support U54 Specialized Centers that together will continue to serve as the hub of the Metastasis Research Network (MetNet). Each MetNet Center should propose an overarching scientific theme that will be pursued through two or three scientific inter- and multidisciplinary basic research projects. The projects should use integrative system level approaches to elucidate and integrate a mechanistic understanding of the non-linear, dynamic, and emergent processes in metastasis. Overarching themes should encompass the interplay between at least two central elements in the metastatic process such as early dissemination, cellular, soluble and/or physical microenvironment crosstalk, dormancy, or mechanisms of responses by metastatic cells to therapies. Studies on all types of cancer are welcome, including rare and pediatric metastatic cancers.

Research proposed by MetNet Centers is expected to advance our understanding towards a more comprehensive appreciation of metastasis as a whole body, systems-level problem.

Funding Opportunity Goal(s)

To provide fundamental information on the cause and nature of cancer in people, with the expectation that this will result in better methods of prevention, detection and diagnosis, and treatment of neoplastic diseases. Cancer Biology Research includes the following research programs: cancer cell biology; cancer immunology, hematology and etiology; DNA and chromosomal aberrations; tumor biology and metastasis; and structural biology and molecular applications.

Key Dates

Posted Date

June 04, 2026

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date)

August 25, 2026

The following table includes NIH standard due dates marked with an asterisk.

September 25, 2026 *

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

July 2027

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

Expiration Date

September 26, 2026

Due Dates for E.O. 12372

Not Applicable

Required Application Instructions

It is critical that applicants follow the Multi-Project (M) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide, except where instructed to do otherwise (in this NOFO or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts). Conformance to all requirements (both in the How to Apply - Application Guide and the NOFO) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the How to Apply - Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.

Table of Contents

Part 1. Overview Information Key Dates Part 2. Full Text of Announcement Section I. Notice of Funding Opportunity Description Section II. Award Information Section III. Eligibility Information Section IV. Application and Submission Information Section V. Application Review Information Section VI. Award Administration Information Section VII. Agency Contacts Section VIII. Other Information

Part 2. Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Notice of Funding Opportunity Description

Purpose The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to encourage applications that will contribute to developing a comprehensive and cohesive understanding of cancer metastasis. Towards this goal, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) will support several U54 Specialized Research Centers that together will form the hub of the Metastasis Research Network (MetNet). Each MetNet Center should propose an overarching scientific theme that will be pursued through two or three inter- and multidisciplinary basic research projects. The projects should use integrative systems approaches to elucidate a mechanistic understanding of the non-linear, dynamic, and emergent processes in metastasis. Overarching themes should encompass the interplay between at least two central components in the metastatic process such as early dissemination; cellular, soluble and/or physical microenvironment crosstalk; dormancy; or mechanisms of metastatic cell responses to therapies. This research is expected to advance our understanding towards a more comprehensive appreciation of metastasis as whole body, system-level problem.

Background Complexity of Metastatic Dissemination. Metastatic cancer accounts for a majority of cancer-associated deaths from solid tumors. Our understanding of the mechanisms associated with metastasis is complicated by the fact that some genetically distinct cancer cells can disseminate early, and, for some cancers, before progression to clinically defined invasive stages of the primary cancer. Dissemination occurs in the context of a multitude of complex reciprocal and emergent interactions among the tumor and its soluble and physical microenvironments that can promote dynamic crosstalk between multiple organ systems. Despite increased understanding of many of the individual steps in metastasis, less is known about how each step is influenced by or influences distant tissues and the whole organism. Dissemination can also occur non-linearly, via multiple concurrent, partially overlapping routes that require the acquisition of cell autonomous and microenvironment-mediated metastasis-promoting phenotypes. Because the molecular requirements are distinct for growth in different organs and environments, defining such phenotypes is challenging. However, use of integrative approaches that incorporate the host micro- and macroenvironment, immune-mediated events, and crosstalk among the primary tumor, pre-metastatic and metastatic sites can aid in shedding light on the complexity and dynamic nature of metastasis.

Understanding the Spectrum of the Metastatic Process. Metastasis research has often focused on discrete elements of the metastatic process, such as the acquisition of an invasive and migratory phenotype with experimental systems mimicking intravasation and extravasation using advanced stage tumor models or accelerated metastasis models in murine systems. Although these systems may use human cells, the extent to which these models reflect the mechanisms of metastasis in patients is unclear. Improving physiologically relevant models that capture the entire metastatic process and further developing probes to track and monitor the in vivo dynamics of metastatic cell states would help facilitate understanding of the spectrum of metastasis. In patients with cancer, metastatic cells lie dormant or quiescent at the secondary site for weeks, months, or years, only to recoup proliferative ability and develop overt metastases that appear later in clinical progression and/or after primary treatment. The molecular, cellular, and tissue-level mechanisms that contribute to early dissemination, dormancy, and eventual growth of detectable metastatic lesions are not well understood and definitive in vivo measures of early metastasis and metastatic dormancy are needed to continue to propel the field to the next level. Also, it is of high clinical importance that we improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying responses of metastatic cells to cancer therapy, which depend not only on the genetics of the metastatic lesion, but also on the emergent properties of the physical, chemical, and cellular microenvironment of the metastatic site.

Metastasis as a whole-body, systems-level challenge. The cooperation between the host and multiple cellular phenotypes leading to metastasis and supporting metastatic outgrowth makes metastasis research a whole-body, systems-level/physiology challenge. Therefore, undertaking metastasis research using dynamic, holistic systems-level approaches –taking an integrated perspective that considers the whole organism –could generate mechanistic models that encompass dynamic biological scales, and provide opportunities to derive a more comprehensive picture of metastasis. Such approaches incorporating the complexities associated with the dissemination of cancer cells from a primary lesion to establishment and growth at a distal site will help identify common/unique components across cancers and tissues, and identify potential dependencies that may be vulnerable to perturbation or intervention.

Research Objectives Overarching goal of the MetNet: The MetNet Research Centers will continue to serve as hub for the MetNet research program. These Centers will involve multi-investigator teams working in distinct but functionally related areas of metastasis. Each center should use multi-and/or inter-disciplinary approaches drawn from, but not limited to, cancer biology, cell biology, physiology, bioengineering, physics, systems biology, and/or bioinformatics. MetNet Centers must incorporate robust experimental approaches and analytical technologies that bridge multiple molecular, cellular, and organ-level processes towards a systems-level view addressing critical questions related to the non-linear, dynamic and emergent processes of metastasis. MetNet Centers should place emphasis on understanding two or more core components:

The acquisition of, maintenance of, or emergence from metastatic dormancy; and

The response of metastatic cells, including those that are dormant, to therapies and the development of therapeutic resistance.

Through this NOFO, NCI invites applications in which each MetNet Center identifies an overarching theme that serves to integrate the individual center projects towards understanding the interplay and crosstalk between two or more of the bulleted topics above and ensures that the results of the research are greater than the sum of its parts.

Examples of individual research center project topics that could be integrated towards a systems-level understanding of metastasis include, but are not limited to:

Development of clinically relevant experimental and/or in silico models that concurrently address multiple dynamic and plastic steps in the metastatic process, including the role of the macroenvironment (i.e., large-scale and long-term environment and conditions that affect an organism);

Development of tools to identify and track metastatic cells in vivo, including metastatic dormant cells or other micro- or macro- metastatic lesions;

Determination of cell intrinsic and/or microenvironmental factors that facilitate early tumor cell dissemination including microbial components or angiogenic, immunogenic, neurogenic and other stromal cells and structural proteins;

Definition of molecular and phenotypic signatures and organ-specific tumor microenvironments that define the dormant state in various secondary organs or metastatic sites and how those molecules and phenotypes act in concert with the mechanisms underlying metastatic dormancy;

Determination of cell intrinsic, microenvironmental, and/or systemic factors that support maintenance of a dormant state, dynamic phenotypic switching, and/or exit from dormancy;

Mechanisms by which cancer cells evade the immune system during metastatic processes;

Definition of the evolutionary dynamics, selective pressures, and seeding routes promoting the dissemination of rare cancers, such as pediatric cancers.

Determine how metastatic cells develop resistance to therapies;

Quantification of the dynamics of tumor-micro/macroenvironment interactions, including local or systemic tumor cell interactions with distant cells, tissues, and/or organs.

Organization of Individual MetNet Research Centers MetNet Research Center Expertise: This NOFO requires applicants assemble collaborating teams with principal expertise in metastasis. The Center should consist of a research team of investigators with complementary expertise organized around a metastasis research theme, such as those described in the Research Objectives section above. Expertise could involve basic cancer biology, cell biology, engineering, physics, physiology, development or application of novel technologies and approaches to data integration. Consequently, the MetNet Centers will require leadership having the ability to manage and understand the various approaches needed.

Each Center will consist of the following components:

Organization of the Network of Research Centers Overall Network organization: The overall network will consist of the centers funded through this initiative, pilot projects initiated in the out years (2nd through 5th years of funding), and individual research projects funded through the MetNet U01 research project NOFO. The MetNet will function as a collaborative network encouraging individual Centers to share resources and data, model systems, cross validate ideas and observations, and integrate data.

Governance of the MetNet: The MetNet Centers will be governed by the MetNet Steering Committee. Details on the composition and functions of the MetNet Steering Committee are provided in Section VI, Terms and Conditions of Cooperative Agreement.

Evaluation of the Program: As the efficiency of the funded research is an important priority for the NIH and NCI, MetNet Centers will be required to participate in an external evaluation process of the MetNet program coordinated by NCI Program staff (see Section VI, Terms and Conditions of Cooperative Agreement.)

Non-Responsive Projects The following types of projects are non-responsive for this NOFO, and applications meeting these criteria will not be reviewed:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants uncertain whether their intended project meets the requirements of this NOFO are encouraged to contact the Scientific/Research Contact listed below in Section VII.

See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.

Section II. Award Information

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement: A financial assistance mechanism used when there will be substantial Federal scientific or programmatic involvement. Substantial involvement means that, after award, NIH scientific or program staff will assist, guide, coordinate, or participate in project activities. See Section VI.2 for additional information about the substantial involvement for this NOFO.

Application Types Allowed

New

The OER Glossary and the How to Apply - Application Guide provides details on these application types. Only those application types listed here are allowed for this NOFO.

Clinical Trial?

Not Allowed: Only accepting applications that do not propose clinical trials. Note: Applications may propose activities involving human subjects that are not deemed clinical trials.

Need help determining whether you are doing a clinical trial?

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards

NCI intends to commit $6.8M in FY 2027 to fund 4 awards.

Award Budget

Application budgets may not exceed $1.3M per year in direct costs.

Award Project Period

The maximum project period is 5 years.

NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made from this NOFO.

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Eligible Organizations

Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education

For-Profit Organizations

Local Governments

Federal Governments

Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government

U.S. Territory or Possession

Other

Independent School Districts

Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities

Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)

Faith-based or Community-based Organizations

Regional Organizations

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations)

Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are eligible to apply.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.

Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

NIH will no longer issue awards (i.e., new, renewal, or non-competing continuation) to domestic or foreign entities that involve foreign subawards/subcontracts. All NIH-funded research involving foreign subawards/subcontracts must be submitted in response to a NOFO that is specifically designated for funded international collaborations. See NIH Grants Policy Statement 16.8 Collaborative International Research Awards.

Applications involving foreign subawards/subcontracts submitted in response to this NOFO will be deemed noncompliant and will not be considered for funding. This policy applies to all monetary international collaborations resulting in foreign subawards/subcontracts, however, it does not preclude unfunded international collaborations or foreign components, funding for foreign consultants, or procurement of unique equipment or supplies from foreign vendors.

Required Registrations

Applicant organizations Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the How to Apply- Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as possible. Failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a late submission, please reference NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2.3.9.2 Electronically Submitted Applications for additional information.

System for Award Management (SAM) – Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, which requires renewal at least annually. The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code. Foreign organizations must obtain a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code (in lieu of a CAGE code) in order to register in SAM. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)- A UEI is issued as part of the SAM.gov registration process. The same UEI must be used for all registrations, as well as on the grant application.

Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s)) All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account. PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons. If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.

All PD(s)/PI(s) must be registered with ORCID. The personal profile associated with the PD(s)/PI(s) eRA Commons account must be linked to a valid ORCID ID. For more information on linking an ORCID ID to an eRA Commons personal profile see the ORCID topic in our eRA Commons online help.

Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Investigator)

Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an application for support.

For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the How to Apply - Application Guide.

2. Cost Sharing This NOFO does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 1.2- Definitions of Terms.

3. Additional Information on Eligibility Number of Applications

Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct.

The NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time per NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2.3.7.4 Submission of Resubmission Application. This means that the NIH will not accept:

A new (A0) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of an overlapping new (A0) or resubmission (A1) application.

A resubmission (A1) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of the previous new (A0) application.

An application that has substantial overlap with another application pending appeal of initial peer review (see NIH Grants Policy Statement 2.3.9.4 Similar, Essentially Identical, or Identical Applications).

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Requesting an Application Package The application forms package specific to this opportunity must be accessed through ASSIST or an institutional system-to-system solution. A button to apply using ASSIST is available in Part 1 of this NOFO. See the administrative office for instructions if planning to use an institutional system-to-system solution.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission It is critical that applicants follow the Multi-Project (M) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide, except where instructed in this notice of funding opportunity to do otherwise (in this NOFO, in a policy notice, or other notice from NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts) and where instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide are directly related to the Grants.gov downloadable forms currently used with most NIH opportunities. Conformance to the requirements in the How to Apply - Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.

Page Limitations All page limitations described in the How to Apply- Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.

Required

Required

Optional

Required

Instructions for the Submission of Multi-Component Applications

The following section supplements the instructions found in How to Apply- Application Guide and should be used for preparing a multi-component application.

Overall Component When preparing the application, use Component Type 'Overall'.

All instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions, as noted.

SF424(R&R) Cover (Overall) Complete entire form.

PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement (Overall) Follow standard instructions.

Research & Related Other Project Information (Overall) Follow standard instructions.

Project Summary /Abstract: Succinctly describe the overall research theme of the MetNet Center and how the individual Research Projects contribute to an integrated, systems-level understanding of metastasis.

Project Narrative: State how the outcomes of the MetNet Center will contribute to a more comprehensive picture of metastasis, and the potential impact on public health. A project narrative is only required for the overall component.

Facilities & Other Resources: In addition to the information required in the standard instructions, highlight available facilities and/or services dedicated specifically to metastasis research (e.g., microscopy facilities, comparative medicine cores, etc.). Indicate on what basis these resources will be available to other MetNet investigators (e.g., in-lab, freely available, fee-for-service, etc.).

Project/Performance Site Locations (Overall) Enter primary site only.

A summary of Project/Performance Sites in the Overall section of the assembled application image in eRA Commons compiled from data collected in the other components will be generated upon submission.

Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Overall) Include only the Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) and any multi-PDs/PIs (if applicable to this NOFO) for the entire application.

A summary of Senior/Key Persons followed by their Biographical Sketches in the Overall section of the assembled application image in eRA Commons will be generated upon submission.

Budget (Overall) The only budget information included in the Overall component is the Estimated Project Funding section of the SF424 (R&R) Cover.

A budget summary in the Overall section of the assembled application image in eRA Commons compiled from detailed budget data collected in the other components will be generated upon submission.

PHS 398 Research Plan (Overall) Introduction to Application: For Resubmission and Revision applications, an Introduction to Application is required in the Overall component.

Specific Aims: State the overall vision and goals for the MetNet Center. The Specific Aims should be overarching, at a high level, and distinct from the aims of the individual components. The Specific Aims should identify the themes being addressed and how their successful completion will lead to a more comprehensive picture of the non-linear, dynamic, and emergent processes of metastasis.

Letters of Support: In addition to standard items included in letters of support, applicants must provide letters from the respective leadership official(s) in the lead institution(s) documenting specific institutional commitments to the proposed center.

Resource Sharing Plan:

Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans as provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide.

A Resource Sharing Plan should describe the biological models that are expected to be generated and shared, consistent with achieving the goals of the MetNet.

Other Plan(s):

All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions:

Appendix:

Only limited items are allowed in the Appendix. Follow all instructions for the Appendix as described in How to Apply- Application Guide; any instructions provided here are in addition to the How to Apply - Application Guide instructions.

PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information (Overall) When involving human subjects research, clinical research, and/or NIH-defined clinical trials follow all instructions for the PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form in the How to Apply - Application Guide, with the following additional instructions:

If you answered "Yes" to the question "Are Human Subjects Involved?" on the R&R Other Project Information form, there must be at least one human subjects study record using the Study Record: PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form or a Delayed Onset Study record within the application. The study record(s) must be included in the component(s) where the work is being done, unless the same study spans multiple components. To avoid the creation of duplicate study records, a single study record with sufficient information for all involved components must be included in the Overall component when the same study spans multiple components.

Study Record: PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information All instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide must be followed.

Delayed Onset Study

Note: Delayed onset does NOT apply to a study that can be described but will not start immediately (i.e., delayed start). All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed.

PHS Assignment Request Form (Overall) All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed.

Administrative Core When preparing your application, use Component Type 'Admin Core.' All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions, as noted.

SF424 (R&R) Cover (Administrative Core) Complete only the following fields:

PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement (Administrative Core) Follow standard instructions.

Research & Related Other Project Information (Administrative Core) Human Subjects: Answer only the 'Are Human Subjects Involved?' and 'Is the Project Exempt from Federal regulations?' questions.

Vertebrate Animals: Answer only the 'Are Vertebrate Animals Used?' question.

Project /Performance Site Location(s) (Administrative Core) List all performance sites that apply to the specific component.

Note: The Project Performance Site form allows up to 300 sites, prior to using additional attachment for additional entries.

Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Administrative Core)

Budget (Administrative Core) Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.

Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.

PHS 398 Research Plan (Administrative Core) The most commonly referenced Research Plan attachments are listed below for your convenience. NOFO–specific instructions are required for the Specific Aims and the Research Strategy in each component.

Specific Aims: Outline the specific goals of the Administrative Core.

Research Strategy: The Administrative Core is expected to have appropriate and effective administrative and organizational capabilities to: support metastasis research; foster synergy and integration of the Research Center; and support planning and evaluation activities. Applications must describe the structure of the Administrative Core using the following subsections (instead of the standard sub-sections).

In lieu of the standard Research Strategy subsection (Significance, Innovation, Approach) use the sub-sections defined below to present a concise overall vision and plan for the proposed MetNet Center:

Sub-section A.

Center logistics and communication: Describe the strategies for communication across the Research Center leadership (multiple PD(s)/PI(s)) and key Research Center investigators, and between project teams consisting of multidisciplinary investigators. Describe the Center's strategy to work and communicate with the other Centers that will be part of the MetNet, and with the NCI. State who will be the lead for each level of communication. Provide a strategy for integration of new and early-stage investigators into the Research Center structure and environment.

Sub-section B.

Center Pilot Projects: Describe how the Administrative Core will coordinate the solicitation, evaluation, and support of 1-year Center pilot projects in years 2-5. Indicate how pilot projects will be solicited and prioritized to ensure that they address and advance the overall research theme of the Research Center. Outline the evaluation process of the proposed pilot project, including specific details, e.g., what body/panel will review the application, who will be in charge of final project selection and communication to NCI program staff, and how the pilot project progress will be evaluated within the Center. Final approval of pilot project selection will be at the discretion of NCI Program Staff and required to remove any restriction on pilot project fund use. Note: Do NOT propose any pilot projects in the application. However, the description may signal anticipated general directions and/or circumstances when pilot projects may be deemed particularly needed (e.g., the emergence of new knowledge or technology that creates a new opportunity to advance the theme of the Research Center but not covered by the full research projects).

Sub-section C.

External Advisory Committee: Each awarded MetNet Center will recruit external experts (from outside of the Center) who will serve as scientific advisors to the MetNet Center leadership. External Advisory Committee members may be derived from the primary Center institution. Describe the anticipated general composition of the external advisory panel, the range of expertise to be sought, and how the panel might be expected to contribute to the Center's activities. It is important that no potential External Advisory Committee members be contacted or recruited before the review of the application has been completed.

Letters of Support: Include letters of support as appropriate.

Resource Sharing Plan: Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans as provided in the How to Apply- Application Guide.

Other Plan(s): All instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions:

Do not include a Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan within this Component. If a DMS Plan is required for this NOFO, it must be included within the Overall Component.

Appendix: Only limited items are allowed in the Appendix. Follow all instructions for the How to Apply- Application Guide; any instructions provided here are in addition to those in the How to Apply- Application Guide instructions.

PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information (Administrative Core) When involving human subjects research, clinical research, and/or NIH-defined clinical trials follow all instructions for the PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form in the How to Apply- Application Guide.

If you answered "Yes" to the question "Are Human Subjects Involved?" on the R&R Other Project Information form, you must include at least one human subjects study record using the Study Record: PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form or a Delayed Onset Study record.

All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed.

Delayed Onset Study Note: Delayed onset does NOT apply to a study that can be described but will not start immediately (i.e., delayed start). All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed.

Shared Resource Core (Optional) When preparing your application, use Component Type 'Core.' All instructions in the How to Apply- Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions, as noted.

SF424 (R&R) Cover (Shared Resource Core) Complete only the following fields:

PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement (Shared Resource Core) Follow standard instructions.

Research & Related Other Project Information (Shared Resource Core) Human Subjects: Answer only the 'Are Human Subjects Involved?' and 'Is the Project Exempt from Federal regulations?' questions.

Vertebrate Animals: Answer only the 'Are Vertebrate Animals Used?' question.

Project /Performance Site Location(s) (Shared Resource Core) List all performance sites that apply to the specific component.

Note: The Project Performance Site form allows up to 300 sites, prior to using additional attachment for additional entries.

Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Shared Resource Core)

Budget (Shared Resource Core) Budget forms appropriate for the specific component will be included in the application package.

The Core Lead(s) must each commit and maintain through the life of the award a minimum of 0.6 calendar-months per year of effort. If there are multiple Core Leads, it is not necessary that each commit equal effort to the project.

Note: The R&R Budget form included in many of the component types allows for up to 100 Senior/Key Persons in section A and 100 Equipment Items in section C prior to using attachments for additional entries. All other SF424 (R&R) instructions apply.

PHS 398 Research Plan (Shared Resource Core) The most commonly referenced Research Plan attachments are listed below for your convenience. NOFO–specific instructions are required for the Specific Aims and the Research Strategy in each component.

Specific Aims: Outline the specific goals of the Shared Resource Core, including which projects are supported by the Shared Resource Core, and how the goals will enhance the MetNet Center and metastasis research.

Research Strategy: The Shared Resource Cores may be physical or virtual…