Research on Healthcare Costs, Quality and Outcomes

To support research and evaluations, demonstration projects, research networks, and multidisciplinary centers and to disseminate information on health care and on systems for the delivery of such care involving: (1) The quality, effectiveness, effici

To support research and evaluations, demonstration projects, research networks, and multidisciplinary centers and to disseminate information on health care and on systems for the delivery of such care.

Federal, State or local government agencies, federally-recognized Indian Tribal Governments, U.S. Territories, non-government organizations,public or private institutions of higher education, and other public or nonprofit private agencies, institutions, or organizations. For-profit organizations are eligible to apply for these grants only if "cooperative agreement" is the designated funding mechanism. Organizations described in section 501(c)4 of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying are not eligible.

Federal, State or local government agencies, federally-recognized Indian Tribal Governments, public or private nonprofit institutions, U.S. territories, Native American organizations, consumers, students, minority groups, specialized groups, health or education professionals, individuals, scientist/researchers, and the general public.

The research should contribute to the health services knowledge base from which empirically based information can be derived by policymakers, both immediately and over the coming decades. Grants include funds for direct costs (such as personnel, travel, equipment, or supplies) necessary to carry out an approved project as well as funds for the reimbursement of applicable indirect costs (also referred to as facilities and administrative costs). Unallowable costs are indicated in the HHS Grants Policy Statement.

Grants may be approved for project periods of up to 5 years, depending on the grant program and based on the availability of funding. Refer to the FOA of interest for information regarding the maximum duration of the project period. Awards are made on an annual basis and it is expected that obligations will be made within the budget period awarded. After awards are issued, funds are released in accordance with the payment procedure established by the grantee institution with DHHS, which may be an Electronic Transfer System or a Monthly Cash Request System.

The proposals must first be reviewed by review groups of peers and recommended for approval on the basis of scientific and technical merit. This includes consideration of the qualifications of the principal investigator and staff to conduct the research using appropriate methodology and budget. Those approved proposals which are most relevant to the identified program priority issues of the AHRQ are funded to the extent that funds are available.

Applications are reviewed for scientific merit by a committee including nonfederal consultants who are selected from appropriate scientific fields. AHRQ considers the recommendations of the review committee, program interest, and the availability of funds in the final selection of grant applications for funding. When such decisions are made, applicants are notified and a Notice of Award is issued.

If additional support is desired to continue a project beyond the approved project period, an application for competing continuation must be submitted for review in the same manner as a new application.