The NICHD distributes its resources among many diverse programs and mechanisms. The institute is committed to funding the largest number of meritorious projects possible, while allowing flexibility to support selected program priorities and respond to emerging scientific opportunities.
When the President signed the NIH Appropriation (P.L. 115-31), funds for new and competing renewal research grant applications were allocated for this fiscal year. The Institute established general guidelines for funding based on this allocation, allowing for necessary adjustments throughout the year to reflect directives from Congress and the NIH, as well as emerging program priorities.
The following information represents the NICHD guidelines and operating procedures for FY2017.
New Investigators
NICHD is committed to the goal of supporting new investigators on R01 and R01-equivalent awards at success rates equivalent to those of established investigators. To achieve this goal, applications submitted by new and early stage investigators are usually given special funding consideration. Therefore, NICHD will include new investigator status as one of the program priorities when considering funding of R01's. In addition, similar consideration may be given to research project grant applications submitted by new and early stage investigators who have been supported by NICHD Career Development (K) Awards.
Adjustments to Requested Budget Levels
In the interests of awarding as many grants as possible, adjustments to the requested budget may be necessary for some grant mechanisms, in part due to the following factors:
- A significant increase in the number of applications submitted
- A significant increase in the size of budget requests
- A large and growing commitment base for ongoing grants
- Limited growth in the NICHD budget to accommodate the first three factors.
Competing Grant Applications
Research Project (R01) Grants:
For all new competing R01 applications selected for funding, the NICHD will reduce applications (Type 1) on average by 17 percent below the peer review recommended level of support. The final reductions may vary depending on factors such as research scope, comments in the summary statement, availability of other support, and program priorities.
There is no fixed payline for R01 applications. NICHD will consider scientific merit, program priorities, portfolio balance, and availability of funds in making funding decisions.
Program Project (P01) Grants:
For program project grants, the NICHD sets a baseline for new competing applications (Type 1) at approximately 17 percent below the recommended level of support. This baseline may serve as a benchmark for discussion regarding the award level. Renewal (Type 2) applications are funded at a level not to exceed ten percent above the last non-competing (Type 5) award.
The 2017 payline for P01s is the 3rd percentile.
Small Grants (R03) and Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21):
There is no fixed payline for R03/R21 applications. NICHD will consider scientific merit, program priorities, portfolio balance, and availability of funds in making funding decisions.
AREA (R15):
The 2017 payline for R15 awards is Priority Score 26
STTR and SBIR (R41, R42, R43, and R44):
The 2017 payline for Phase I and Phase II SBIR applications is Priority Score 36 (NCMRR to the Priority Score 30).
The 2017 payline for Phase I and Phase II STTR applications is Priority Score 26.
Career Development Awards (K01, K02, K07, K08, K12, K22, K23, K24, K25, K30, K99):
The 2017 payline for competing K applications is Priority Score 19 with a differential payline for K99 applications of Priority Score 30.
Conference/Workshop (R13/U13):
There is no fixed payline for R13/U13 applications. NICHD will consider scientific merit, program priorities, portfolio balance, and availability of funds in making funding decisions.
Individual Fellowships (F30, F31, F32, and F33):
The 2017 payline for F30 is Priority Score 29 and parent F31 Fellowship applications is the 23th percentile. The 2017 payline for Diversity F31 Fellowship applications is the 30th percentile.
The 2017 payline for F32 Fellowship applications is the 30th percentile.
Institutional Training (T32 and T35):
The 2017 payline for T32s is Priority Score 24. The payline for T35s is Priority Score 20.
Non-competing Continuation Grants (Type 5)
The non-competing FY 2017 level of support is presented on the FY 2016 award notice and generally reflects no cost of living/inflationary adjustments. The NICHD will support FY2017 awards at 100%.
Non-competing (Type 5) Fellowship (F) and Training (T) grants will be adjusted to reflect FY 2017 Postdoctoral Stipend levels, per NOT-OD-17-003. The Predoctoral Stipends will be adjusted per https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-17-072.html.
Other NICHD Funding Considerations
- The legislated salary limitation for grants applies to both competing and non-competing grants. The limitations currently in effect were published in December 2014 (NOT-OD-16-045).
- Future Year Commitments on FY2017 New and Competing Renewal Awards:
- As in recent fiscal years (see NOT-OD-13-064) inflationary increases for future year commitments are no longer provided for all competing and non-competing research grant awards issued by the NICHD. However, adjustments for special needs (such as equipment and added personnel) continue to be accommodated whenever possible.
- Modular grants do not receive escalation in future years. Additional information on modular applications and awards is posted at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm.
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