Research and Development

In accordance with the provisions of Title 38 U.S.C. 7303, this part sets forth the mechanism for VA medical facilities to submit applications for VA employees to conduct research for the purpose of improving Veterans' health and well-being. Investig

In accordance with the provisions of Title 38 U.S.C. 7303, this part sets forth the mechanism for VA medical facilities to submit applications for VA employees to conduct research for the purpose of improving Veterans' health and well-being. Investigator-initiated research proposals is the foundation to achieving the Office of Research and Development (ORD) mission to discover knowledge, develop VA researchers and health care leaders, and create innovations that advance health care for our Veterans.

The Principal Investigator (PI) and any Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) must have employment status of at least 25 hours per week (5/8ths) and activities that demonstrate a primary professional commitment to VA, including research, patient care, teaching, committee work, etc. The eligibility of each prospective PI (and Co-PI) must be established prior to the funding of a research proposal.

VA Research's fundamental mission is to advance the healthcare of Veterans.

The VA research program is an intramural program. The ORD allocates appropriated medical and prosthetic research funds to VA medical facilities for scientifically meritorious research related to the high-priority health care needs of Veterans to be conducted by VA employees. VA does not have the statutory authority to make research grants to colleges and universities, cities, states, or any other non-VA entity.

The VA research program is an intramural program. The ORD allocates appropriated medical and prosthetic research funds to VA medical facilities for scientifically meritorious research related to the high-priority health care needs of Veterans to be conducted by VA employees. VA does not have the statutory authority to make research grants to colleges and universities, cities, states, or any other non-VA entity.

The review and selection criteria are dependent on the funding mechanism and will be provided in the funding opportunity announcement/request for applications.

Applications submitted in response to a VA-ORD NOFO will be reviewed through a two-tier system. The first level of review will be performed by a Scientific Review Group (SRG) composed of scientists who have expertise in relevant scientific disciplines and current research areas. The purpose of the SRG is to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of applications. The SRG does not make funding decisions. The second level of review will be performed by VA-ORD, based not only on considerations of scientific merit (as judged by the SRGs), but also on the relevance of the proposed study to the mission, programs, and priorities of VA-ORD and the awarding Service. Final funding decisions are made at the discretion, and approval, of the awarding Service Director. VA-ORD uses a Just-in-Time process to ensure all VA regulations and policies are met prior to making a final award.

Renewal applications are not accepted for all award types. The NOFO will specify if renewal applications will be accepted.

The appeals process is intended to ensure that the scientific review of all applications is fair and equitable. It is not intended as a means to resolve differences in scientific opinion, to adjust funding decisions, or to circumvent the peer review process. The basis for an appeal and the procedure for submitting an appeal will be detailed in the NOFO.