Research Infrastructure Programs

The Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP) is a program office in the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI) dedicated to supporting research infrastructure and related research resource programs. OR

ORIP advances the NIH mission by supporting infrastructure for innovation. This support is focused on research resources, including research models for human diseases, cutting-edge scientific instrumentation, construction and modernization of research facilities, and research training opportunities for veterinary scientists.

Institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other institutions and organizations, both nonprofit and for-profit, seeking to establish, continue, or enlarge programs consistent with the objectives of the program. To be eligible for instrumentation and equipment programs, applications must be Private nonprofit institutions/organizations, Public nonprofit institutions/organizations. Applicants for NRSA must be citizens of the United States or be admitted to the United States for permanent residency. Applicants must be nominated and sponsored by a public or private nonprofit institution with staff and facilities suitable for the proposed research training. Nonprofit domestic organizations may apply for the institutional NRSA. Research Career Development: Applications may be submitted on behalf of candidates by domestic, nonfederal organizations, public or private institutions of higher education.

Private nonprofit institutions/organizations, Public nonprofit institutions/organizations are eligible for instrumentation and equipment programs. Biomedical investigators at any nonprofit organization or institution engaged in biomedical research.

The Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) helps meet the needs of biomedical researchers for high-quality, disease-free animals and specialized animal research facilities as well as supports the development of the biomedical workforce, specifically scientists with a background in veterinary medicine. Additionally, DCM seeks to increase small business participation in federally supported research and development as well as the private-sector commercialization of technology developed with federal support. It does this through the federal government's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The Division of Construction and Instruments: This Division supports programs to expand the Nation's capacity for the conduct of biomedical research by offering grants for the acquisition of state-of the-art biomedical research instrumentation and integrated instrument systems, advanced biomedical laboratory equipment, and, when specially appropriated funds are available, grants for construction and modernization of biomedical and biobehavioral research facilities.

All programs: 1 to 5 years. Research Grants, Cooperative Agreements, Center Grants, and NRSA Institutional grants may be awarded for up to 5 years, generally in 12-month budget periods and may be extended through a competitive renewal. SBIR: Normally, Phase I awards are for 6 months; normally, Phase II awards are for 2 years. STTR: Normally, Phase I awards are for 1 year; normally, Phase II awards are for 2 years. Shared Instrumentation Grants are awarded for 12 months. The Council of Councils may recommend funding for periods ranging from 1 to 5 years. Funding commitments are made annually. Award length may vary depending on the recommendation of the scientific review group, the national advisory council, successful annual performance, and availability of funds. A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: An Electronic Transfer System is used for transferring

Contact the headquarters, as appropriate.

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 announced program objectives. The major elements in evaluating proposals for scientific instruments include assessments of (1) the need for the instruments; (2) technical expertise in the requested technology; (3) advancements of research projects when the novel technology is available; (4) administration of the usage of the instrument and (5) institutional support for the long term maintenance and the usage of the instrument.

The initial review of applications from eligible investigators and institutions is reviewed by committees comprised of authorities in various fields of biomedical research and science education, as appropriate. Each application is given a peer evaluation for merit, and recommendations are forwarded to the NIH Council of Councils for final review and recommendation.

Renewal applications are reviewed in the same manner as new applications.

From 60 to 90 days, the institutional official (and the principal investigator) may communicate questions related to the substantive or procedural aspects of the review of their application by communicating with the NIH staff. Additional information on the appeals of initial review can be found in the NIH Guide Notices NOT-OD-11-064: Appeals of NIH Peer Review, and NOT-OD-18-197: NIH/AHRQ Application Submission/Resubmission Policy