Cancer Cause and Prevention Research

To identify cancer risks and risk reduction strategies, to identify factors that cause cancer in humans, and to discover and develop mechanisms for cancer prevention and preventive interventions in humans. Research programs include: (1) chemical, phy

To identify cancer risks and risk reduction strategies, to identify factors that cause cancer in humans, and to discover and develop mechanisms for cancer prevention and preventive interventions in humans. Research programs include: (1) chemical, physical and molecular carcinogenesis; (2) screening, early detection and risk assessment, including biomarker discovery, development and validation; (3) epidemiology; (4) nutrition and bioactive food components; (5) immunology and vaccines; (6) field studies and statistics; (7) cancer chemoprevention and interception; (8) pre-clinical and clinical agent development; (9) organ site studies and clinical trials; (10) health-related quality of life and patient-centered outcomes; and (11) supportive care and management of symptoms and toxicities. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program: To expand and improve the SBIR program; to stimulate technical innovation; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development funding; to increase small business participation in Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and socially/economically disadvantaged persons. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program: To stimulate and foster scientific and technological innovation through cooperative research and development carried out between small business concerns and research institutions; to foster technology transfer through cooperative research and development between small business concerns and research institutions; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development funding, and foster participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and socially/economically disadvantaged persons.

The awardee will be a university, college, hospital, public agency, nonprofit research institution or for-profit organization that submits an application and receives a grant or cooperative agreement for support of research by a named principal investigator. SBIR grants can be awarded only to domestic small businesses (entities that are independently owned and operated for profit, are not dominant in the field in which research is proposed, and have no more than 500 employees). Primary employment (more than one- half time) of the principal investigator must be with the small business at the time of award and during the conduct of the proposed project. In both Phase I and Phase II, the research must be performed in the U.S. and its possessions. To be eligible for funding, a grant application must be approved for scientific merit and program relevance by a scientific review group and a national advisory council. STTR grants can be awarded only to domestic small business concern (entities that are independently owned and operated for profit, are not dominant in the field in which research is proposed and have no more than 500 employees) which "partner" with a research institution in cooperative research and development. At least 40 percent of the project is to be performed by the small business concern and at least 30 percent by the research institution. In both Phase I and Phase II, the research must be performed in the U.S. and its possessions. To be eligible for funding, a grant application must be approved for scientific merit and program relevance by a scientific review group and a national advisory council.

Any nonprofit or for-profit organization, company, or institution engaged in biomedical research on cancer.

Grants and cooperative agreements may be made to eligible institutions for the support of cancer research projects. The grants and cooperative agreements may be used for personnel, consultant costs, equipment, supplies, travel, patient costs, animals, alterations and renovations, miscellaneous items, and indirect costs. Restrictions are imposed against the use of funds for entertainment, foreign travel (unless specifically authorized), office equipment, and other items not normally necessary for the effective prosecution of such research. SBIR Phase I grants (of approximately 6-months' duration) are to establish the technical merit and feasibility of a proposed research effort that may lead to a commercial product or process. Phase II grants are for the continuation of the research initiated in Phase I, and that are likely to result in commercial products or processes. Only Phase I awardees are eligible to receive Phase II support. STTR Phase I grants (normally of 1-year duration) are to determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility of the proposed cooperative effort that has potential for commercial application. Phase II funding is based on results of research initiated in Phase I and scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of Phase II application. The SBIR Fast-Track Initiative provides additional assistance to applicants by expediting the decision and award of SBIR Phase II funding for scientifically meritorious applications for projects that have a high potential for commercialization. Fast-Track is a parallel review option whereby Phase I and Phase II projects are reviewed concurrently with the aim of reducing or eliminating the funding gap between Phase I and Phase II.

Grants and Cooperative Agreements: Average 3 to 4 years, maximum of 5 years. Renewals may be awarded for additional periods of up to 5 years based on competitive peer review. Funding is provided through Monthly Demand Payment System or Letter of Credit. 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.

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 following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR 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; (7) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (8) 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.

Grant applications are evaluated by scientific authorities for scientific and technical merit. Applications must also be reviewed by the National Cancer Advisory Board. All competitive applications compete for available funds on the basis of scientific and technical merit, program relevance, and program balance, consistent with NCI and NIH priorities and strategic plans. Initial award provides funds for the first budget period (usually 12 months) and Notice of Grant Award (Form PHS 1533-2) indicates support recommended for the remainder of the project period, allocation of Federal funds by budget categories, and special conditions, if any. All accepted SBIR/STTR applications are evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate scientific peer review panel and by a national advisory council or board. All applications receiving a priority score compete for available SBIR/STTR set-aside funds on the basis of scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the proposed research, program relevance, and program balance among the areas of research.

(Grants) Approximately 10 months. SBIR/STTR: About 7-1/2 months.

Applications submitted for renewal must be reviewed and selected for funding on a competitive basis.

A principal investigator (P.I.) 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 online through the NIH home page at http://www.grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not97-232.html