NIEHS Superfund Hazardous Substances – Basic Research and Education

The NIEHS Superfund Basic Research and Training Program is authorized through the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986. This includes the following research and training areas directed towards understanding and attenuating the

The NIEHS Hazardous Substance Basic Research and Training Program utilizes the Hazardous Substances Basic Research Grants Program (NIEHS) to support basic research and training directed towards understanding and attenuating the public health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. Areas of research must be within scope of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and may include: 1) advanced techniques for detection, assessment and evaluation of the effects on human health of hazardous substances; 2) methods to assess risks to human health presented by hazardous substances; 3) methods and technologies to detect hazardous substances in the environment and 4) basic biological, chemical, and physical methods to reduce the amount and toxicity of hazardous substances. This program utilizes the P42 mechanism for broad-based, multi-disciplinary research Centers which integrate biomedical research projects with environmental science/engineering disciplines (such as engineering, hydrogeology, ecology and epidemiology). The grant can provide support for shared resources used by the Center (e.g., research support, administrative, data sharing, training opportunities). This includes support for the development of commercializable technologies through the SBIR programs.

An accredited institution of higher education, as defined in the Higher Education Act, 20 U.S.C. (annotated) 3381, may submit an application and receive a grant for support of research by a named principal investigator. Subcontracts may be made with public and private organizations, including: generators of hazardous wastes; persons involved in the detection, assessment, evaluation, and treatment of hazardous substances; owners and operators of facilities at which hazardous substances are located; and State, local and Tribal governments. Nonprofit organizations which are incorporated under 501(c)(4) are prohibited from receiving grants. Organizations applying for a grant under the SBIR/STTR programs must qualify as a U.S.-owned Small Business Concern (SBC).

Any accredited institution of higher education engaged in biomedical research and/or engineering and ecological research. SBIR awards are restricted to small business that meet NIH's criteria for SBC. Tribal entities that meet these requirements are eligible to apply.

Research grants are intended to support the direct costs of a project, in accordance with an approved budget, plus an appropriate amount for indirect costs. Grants made under this program are for university-based programs, and the objective is to establish and maintain coordinated research efforts that link basic biomedical research with related engineering, hydrogeological and ecological studies. In addition, the Superfund Research Program supports small business research through the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. The award and use of funds are subject to applicable provisions of basic statutory authorities, appropriations acts, pertinent regulations, and operating policies of the National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Research Grants for the multi-project, individual investigator, research education program may be awarded for up to 5 years, generally in 12-month budget periods. Small Business Innovative Research grants may be awarded for up to 1 year for Phase I grants and up to 2 years for Phase II grants. Time-sensitive grants may be awarded up to two years. Conference grants may be awarded up to one year.

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to program mandates and the stated program objectives. For renewal applications, additional criteria include the progress made in the prior grant period. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technological innovation, originality, or societal importance of the proposed research; (5) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (6) the reasonableness of the budget requested for the work proposed; and (7) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment.

Grants are awarded on the basis of a dual review by peer groups of all applications. For all applications except for SBIR, the first level of review is by a Special Emphasis Panel of peers for scientific merit. For SBIR applications, the first level of review is by a study section for scientific merit. In addition, a national advisory council provides a secondary level of review for all applications. As required by P.L. 109-482, the NIH Health Reform Act of 2006, all research grant and cooperative agreements must undergo Advisory Council/Board review and approval prior to funding. Review of Individual NRSA applications by an Advisory Council/Board is not required. Final approval of these recommendations and decisions concerning funding are made by the Director, NIEHS.

From 9 to 12 months.

Renewal requests are subject to the same criteria as new applications.

A principal investigator may question the substantive or procedural aspects of the review of his/her application by communicating with the staff of the Institute. A description of the NIH Peer Review Appeal procedures is available on the NIH home page http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-11-064.html.