Frequently Asked Questions

Can the generation of new (primary) data be supported through any of these mechanisms?
In general, the scope of work should be limited to informatics technology development. However, small scale, validation studies may be proposed.
How is the Special Emphasis Panel (SEP) reviewing proposals selected? At what point after submission of my proposal can I learn who is on the panel?
SEP members are selected based on the topic areas represented for each round of applications received. The tentative roster is available hereat approximately 6-8 weeks after the receipt date.
Can you provide examples of the kinds of technologies this initiative is interested in supporting?
Listed below are some examples that are relevant to all four funding mechanisms of the ITCR Program.
- experiment design and execution
- data collection
- data processing and analysis
- data quality assessment
- data integration
- data presentation and visualization
- text mining and natural language processing
- data compression, storage, organization, transmission
In addition, please refer to the Specific Research Objectives in Section I of the Funding Opportunity Announcements for additional examples specific to each mechanism. These are not exhaustive lists; other informatics technologies might also be of interest to NCI. Please refer to the Program Contact listed on this website to discuss.
If I intend to apply to PAR-15-333 and will be proposing a budget greater than $500,000 Direct Costs in any year, what steps do I need to take prior to submission of my application?
As stated the Funding Opportunity Announcement for PAR-15-333:

Applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs in any year (excluding consortium F&A) must contact a Scientific/ Research Contact at least 6 weeks before submitting the application and follow the Policy on the Acceptance for Review of Unsolicited Applications that Request $500,000 or More in Direct Costs as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.

The following will need to be submitted to the Scientific/Research Contact:
1. A letter requesting approval to submit a grant application in which the subtotal direct costs equal or exceed $500,000 in any year. The letter should also include the following details:
- Grant application title. If the ARA is for a resubmission, please include the grant number.
- Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Please include the FOA number.
- Scientific Impact. Brief discussion of the potential impact on the related field of research.
- Budget. Subtotal direct costs and total costs for each year.
- Tip: Do not include subcontract facilities and administrative (F&A) expenses in the subtotal direct cost calculations for the ARA. View the NIH policy on applications that include consortium and contractual facilities and administrative costs.
- Cost-Reduction Measures. Explanation of why the subtotal direct costs per year equal or exceed $500,000, and what cost-reduction measures are being applied to the proposed study (e.g., how you are trying to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the research).
1. Draft budget pages with budget justification. Note:
- The PHS398 or SF424 budget page template should be used. View NIH forms and applications.
- Subtotal direct costs, total direct costs, and total costs are required for all years proposed.
- It is not necessary to have institutional sign-off at this point.
1. Abstract and specific aims, and project timeline, preferably in a Microsoft Word format.
Which announcement should I choose?
Choose PAR-15-334 (R21) if you are a computational scientist and want to develop a novel algorithm or method with the potential for significant value to cancer research.

Choose PAR-15-332 (U01) if you are a computational scientist and want to collaborate with multiple cancer researchers in the development of new informatics technologies for cancer research.

Choose PAR-15-331 (U24) if you are a computational scientist and want to further develop an existing informatics technology for enhanced functionality and utility and for broader impact in cancer research.

Choose PAR-15-333 (U24) if you have developed an informatics technology resource has made a demonstrated impact on cancer research and require support to sustain this resource.
Do I have to get an R21 award under ITCR before I can apply for a U01 award, or a U01 before I can apply for a U24?
No, your existing technology does not have to be supported by NCI to apply for any of the U awards.
I am an NIH intramural scientist. Am I eligible to apply?
NIH intramural investigators are eligible to apply as co-investigators or collaborators without funds requested for their components.
Can for-profit entities apply for funding through this Initiative?
Commercial organizations, including small businesses with strong capabilities in informatics research and development, can submit proposals in response to the program's funding opportunity announcements. Public-private collaboration in informatics technology development and dissemination is encouraged.
Are foreign institutions eligible to apply?
Yes, foreign institutions may apply to all of the mechanisms. See NOT-CA-16-045 and NOT-CA-16-044.
Regarding the Software Dissemination Plan, do I have to share source code developed previously with other sources of funding?
No. Only code developed with ITCR support is expected to be released as described in the funding announcement.
What is the page limit for applications responding to the ITCR FOAs?
The Research Strategy section is limited to 6 pages for the R21 FOA and 12 pages for the U01 and U24 FOAs.
What are the NCI Divisions involved in the ITCR program?
ITCR is a trans-NCI program with all four extramural divisions participating in the program: Division of Cancer Biology (DCB), Division of Cancer Control and Population Science (DCCPS), Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP), Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD). Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT) is coordinating program activities across the divisions.
I still have other questions that are not answered here. Whom should I contact?
Please contact Juli Klemm.

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