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**GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR PREPARING AN APPLICATION FOR THE**

**BIOMEDICAL LABORATORY RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SERVICE (BLR&D) AND
CLINICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SERVICE (CSR&D)**

**RESEARCH CENTERS**

> **Described in Information Letter
> [xx-2005-xxx](http://www.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/BL_CS_Center_RFA.pdf)**

**CONTENTS**

**Page**

I. [Instructions for Intent to Submit
Notification](#instructions1)..........................................2

II\. [Center Program
Description](#ii.-center-program-description)..............................................................3

III\. [Calendar for Center Review and
Funding](#instructionsIII)...........................................9

IV\. [Instructions for Preparation of Center
Applications](#instructionsIV)
\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....10

V. [Checklist for Center
Applications](#v.-checklist-for-center-applications)......................................................16

VI\. [Expectations for Research Center
Program](#instructionsVI).......................................17

[]{#instructions1 .anchor}**[I. INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTENT TO SUBMIT
NOTIFICATION]{.underline}**

[An E-mail attachment from the VA research office]{.underline} (ACOS for
Research or Administrative Officer), with the Subject line "Intent to
Submit Notification", should be sent to: <vhacocenter@va.gov>, with the
following information:

 

\(a\) Scientific Director Name, Degree, and VA appointment (in eighths),

\(b\) Proposed time commitment (Center Director) to the Center,

\(c\) VA Medical Center

\(d\) Title of Center proposal

\(e\) Keywords (up to six covering major topics areas and any special
methodology)

\(f\) List of Qualifying VA investigators: Include names, laboratory
locations, and VA or other funding that establishes eligibility of at
least four qualifying investigators (for definition of qualifying
investigators, see II.2).

\(g\) Proposed focus of the Research Center (limit one page,
single-spaced)

\(h\) If applicable, any request for exception (e.g., off-site,
clinician as Qualifying Investigator).

**Due Date**: The email notification of intent to submit must be
received by BLRD/CSRD by January 20, 2006.

 

A confirmation e-mail acknowledging receipt of intent to submit
information will be sent to the local research office. This confirmation
[must be included as the last page of the full proposal when
submitted.]{.underline}

 

Intent to submit notification from anyone other than the local facility
research office personnel (e.g. the Center Director, Qualifying
Investigator, etc.) [will not be accepted or acknowledged.]{.underline}

 

***This information will be reviewed for responsiveness to the scope of
the solicitation, for eligibility, and to plan for expertise needed in
the review process.***

# [II. CENTER PROGRAM DESCRIPTION]{.underline}

**1. [Research Focus]{.underline}.** Each Center needs to have a central
unifying intellectual theme focused on research related to a specific
medical problem of veterans as specified in the solicitation**.**
Applications focusing on translational and/or clinical research relating
to treatment advances are particularly encouraged. The establishment of
new collaborations between pre-clinical and clinical scientists is also
encouraged. VA medical centers with research Centers funded from other
sources need to describe a research focus in this application that is
distinct from their other funded programs.

**2. [Qualifying Investigators]{.underline}**

a\. To apply for Center support there must be at least **four** VA
Qualifying Investigators. A Qualifying Investigator is defined by
fulfilling one of the following criteria:

(1) VA Merit Review funded Principal Investigator (BLR&D, CSR&D, Health

Services Research and Development (HSR&D) or Rehabilitation Research and
Development (RR&D) at the time of application submission; or

\(2\) BLR&D/CSR&D Research Career Scientist; or

\(3\) VA Career Development awardee at the advanced Career Development
level; or

\(4\) VA clinician investigator with a history of Merit Review funding
and meaningful participation in VA research activities, and current
National Institute for Health (NIH) or other Federal competitive
research support.

b\. If there are at least three Qualifying Investigators who fulfill the
preceding criteria, BLR&D/CSR&D may consider accepting, as a fourth
Qualifying Investigator, a full-time VA clinician with a history of
meaningful participation in VA research activities and skills highly
relevant to the translational research proposed by the Center.
Acceptance of a clinician as a Qualifying Investigator is made
administratively by BLR&D/CSR&D, based on information supplied in the
intent to submit notification. This exception is intended to facilitate
the important goal of translational research.

*NOTE: To maintain funding, each Center must have at least four
Qualifying Investigators throughout the funding period. If at any time
the number of Qualifying Investigators falls below four, BLR&D/CSR&D
must be informed.*

**3. [Director]{.underline}.** The Center Director is responsible for
the coordination of all Center activities. The VA Medical Center and the
Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) must support the Center
application and agree to provide a minimum of 25 percent time for the
Center Director to coordinate Center activities. The Director on a
Center application may not be the Director or Principal Investigator
(PI) in any other ongoing BLR&D/CSR&D-supported Center or Research
Enhancement Award Program (REAP).

**4. [Collaborating Investigators]{.underline}.** In addition to the
Qualifying Investigators, other VA and non-VA basic science or clinical
investigators may be included if they contribute to and strengthen the
Center\'s research focus. These investigators are to be referred to as
"Collaborating Investigators." If an investigator's research has been
primarily focused on diseases, disorders, or processes other than the
Center's focus, the nature of the contribution to research in the Center
needs to be clearly defined.

**5. [New Initiatives (Pilot Projects]{.underline}).** Pilot projects
explore new and innovative research ideas, promote new research
collaborations, and provide a platform for training new investigators.
Carefully conceived pilot projects are encouraged to explore the next
generation of solutions to medical problems at the pre-clinical,
translational, and/or clinical levels. Pilot studies are a vehicle to
demonstrate collaboration of qualifying investigators, supporting
investigators, and trainees. It is expected that some pilot studies will
lead to new research funding. NOTE: Non-VA investigators or
non-collaborating investigators may not serve as principal investigators
on pilot studies.

[]{.mark}

**6. [Training]{.underline}.** Training of junior investigators is one
of the major goals of the Center initiative. Centers will be evaluated
on their plans for training VA and non-VA supported trainees and for
integrating trainees into VA career tracks. It is expected that Center
funds will be used to support Associate Investigator (AI) trainees or
the first level Career Development award. ***NOTE:** Each
Center-supported trainee must be approved by BLR&D/CSR&D Services (see
VHA Handbook 1201.2, Associate Investigator Program, for instructions).*
No additional funds will be provided for Center supported trainees.
Involvement of other VA and non VA-supported trainees in the Center is
also encouraged and may be an alternatively acceptable plan. Involvement
of trainees supported by VA funding mechanisms such as Career
Development is particularly encouraged. Qualifying Investigators need to
have prior success in training and mentoring pre- and post-doctoral
fellows, junior investigators, and be able to present plans for
recruiting, training and retaining new VA investigators.

**7. [Core Facilities]{.underline}.** Centers may support core
facilities and shared equipment. Core facilities may be supported from
Center funds for the benefit of multiple investigators within the
Center. The goal of Center-supported Core Facilities is to enhance
collaborative interactions between Center investigators and trainees.
Specialized equipment for the core may be requested (see Paragraph 10).
Core facilities may be laboratory cores or clinical cores. Clinical
cores may be for study monitoring, data management and analysis, policy
analysis, or other related activities to be used by multiple clinical
studies supported by other sources. Laboratory core(s) used by multiple
investigators for tissue banking, genetics, or molecular virology, etc.,
may be proposed.

**8. [Coordination of Activities]{.underline}.** While the Center
Director is responsible for the oversight, planning and scientific
leadership, each Center is expected to establish an internal executive
or steering committee to coordinate decisions on initiation and
termination of pilot projects, selection of trainees and other
personnel, allocation of Center resources, and/or other matters related
to the achievement of Center goals. *NOTE: Establishment of an external
advisory committee to evaluate Center goals and progress is also
strongly encouraged.*

**9. [Funding]{.underline}.** Center applicants may request recurring
costs of up to \$300,000 per year for 4 years. Funds may be requested
for:

a\. Pilot Projects (see Paragraph 5),

b\. Center supported trainees (see Paragraph 6),

c\. Core facility technical personnel and supplies (see Paragraph 7),

d\. Other miscellaneous expenses.

## Note: Center funds may not be used for salaries of the PI or Director, computers and Information Technology.

**10. [Core Equipment and/or Facilities.]{.underline}** In addition to
recurring costs, up to \$100,000 may be requested in the first year for
specialized Core Equipment and/or Core Facilities to be utilized by
multiple Center investigators and trainees. Requests for Core Equipment
and/or Facilities should be well justified and include documentation of
a dollar-for-dollar match in direct contributions and/or in-kind
partnering by the VA Medical Center, VISN, affiliated institution, or
other source.

a.  [Direct contributions]{.underline} include monetary contributions
    from all sources other than VA Central Office. Direct contributions
    from investigators who will share the requested equipment need to be
    clearly identified. If ownership of the requested equipment will be
    shared (i.e., shared between the VA medical Center and its academic
    affiliate), a sharing agreement or memorandum of understanding,
    signed by all parties, must be approved by the VA Central Office.

b.  [In-kind partnering]{.underline} includes, but is not limited to,
    the cost of minor renovations to allow installation of the equipment
    and/or provision of dedicated technician(s) to operate the requested
    equipment.

**11. [Restrictions.]{.underline}**

a\. A VA Medical Centers may have a total of up to three
BLR&D/CSR&D-supported Centers/REAPS combined. For this solicitation, a
VAMC may not submit more than two Center applications.

b\. A Center must be distinct in research focus from other Centers
and/or ongoing REAPS at the VA Medical Centers.

c\. The Director on a Center application may not be the Director or PI
on any other ongoing BLR&D/CSR&D-supported Center or REAP.

d\. Activities supported by the Center are to be performed in VA
facilities unless specific approval of off-site work is obtained in
advance of submission, in conjunction with the LOI.

**12. [Evaluation.]{.underline}** Center applications are evaluated on
the basis of the following major components:

a\. Compliance with eligibility criteria;

> b\. Strength of the focus and approach of the Center in relation to
> the specified problem under investigation. The focus must be clearly
> relevant and significant to the veterans' healthcare needs;
>
> c\. Scientific qualifications of the Director and Qualifying
> Investigators, and the strength of new collaborative activities
> between all investigators;
>
> d\. Plans to develop new innovative research programs via pilot
> projects and/or core activities and the strength of the integration of
> pilot projects, training program and/or core activities;
>
> e\. Strength of the plan for providing research training to new
> investigators, and the ability to orient trainees towards VA careers.
> The strength of the research training history will be considered;
>
> f\. Plans to integrate pre-clinical, clinical and translational
> research approaches, where appropriate;
>
> g\. Strength of proposed Center administration, including fiscal plans
> and scientific oversight;
>
> h\. Commitment to the Center by the VA Medical Center, VISN, and
> affiliated institution.

**13. [Competitive Renewal]{.underline}.**

a\. Previously funded Centers in the areas of this solicitation are
allowed to apply for competitive renewal. BLRD/CSRD will notify those
Centers currently eligible to apply for renewal. In addition to the
evaluation criteria in Paragraph 12, renewal applications will be
evaluated on the following:

\(1\) Enhancement of the existing program, i.e., conceptual expansion
rather than simply extending or continuing current projects.

> \(2\) Success of the existing program according to measures in

Paragraph 13.

***Note**: the success of the training program will be measured in terms
of retaining VA investigators.*

> \(3\) Success of collaborative interactions within and beyond the
> Center group.

\(4\) Success of core facilities and functions.

> \(5\) Development and refinement of new techniques or models (funding
> for [new]{.underline} Core Equipment and/or Facilities may be
> requested).

\(6\) Development of collaborations between institutions.

\(7\) Movement towards one or more translational research modes.

\(8\) Other indications of the potential for added value.

b\. Centers that are not renewed may request phase-out funding to
support completion of existing Associate Investigator or first level
Career Development traineeships.

*NOTE: It is expected that successful Core Facilities will have
leveraged support for continuation; thus, re-funding for core functions
will be very limited.*

**14. [Annual Performance Review]{.underline}.** Each Center is required
to submit to VA Central Office an annual research performance report.
Performance measures include:

a\. Importance of major research findings from the Center;

> b\. Productivity as indicated by the number of publications and new
> funding awards directly attributable to Center pilot projects and/or
> core activities;
>
> c\. Peer-reviewed funding of Center Investigators in comparison to
> their pre-Center funding levels;
>
> d\. Status of the training program, including the role of trainees in
> Center pilot projects and/or core activities, and trainee's progress
> towards the next stage in a VA career;
>
> e\. Status of pilot projects including ongoing, new, concluded, and
> those leading to new funding awards;
>
> f\. Evidence of local, national, and international recognition of the
> Center and/or its members; and

g\. Recommendations and/or report from External Advisory Committee.

**NOTE**: Unsatisfactory performance will result in probationary status
or termination of funding.

[]{#instructionsIII .anchor}**[III. CALENDAR FOR CENTER REVIEW AND
FUNDING]{.underline}**

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Intent to Submit Deadline         | January 20, 2006                  |
|                                   |                                   |
| E-mail to:                        |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| <vhacocenter@va.gov>              |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Full Application Deadline         | April 1, 2006                     |
|                                   |                                   |
| Send to:                          |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Department of Veterans Affairs    |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| BLRD/CSRD, Mail Code 121F         |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| **Attn: Research Center           |                                   |
| Application**                     |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| 810 Vermont Avenue, NW            |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Washington, DC 20420              |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Scientific Review                 | May/June 2006                     |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Funding Start Date                | October 1, 2006                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

[]{#instructionsIV .anchor}**[IV. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF CENTER
APPLICATIONS]{.underline}**

1\. Submit the original application plus twelve copies of the
application, duplicated on 8.5 x 11 inch white paper. Except for the
original, which needs to be duplicated face only, all forms and
narrative material need to be duplicated back-to-back. Use a blank sheet
of paper as a continuation sheet for the forms where necessary.
BLR&D/CSR&D, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Office uses the
original as the master file copy. Type material single-spaced, leaving a
1 inch margin at each edge of each sheet. Do not use small fonts, submit
applications prepared from a dot matrix printer, and do not use photo
reduction. Type the name of the principal investigator in the lower
right portion of each numbered page.

2\. The application needs to be complete and comprehensive as submitted.
Applications are considered incomplete and returned if they are
illegible, fail to follow instructions, or if the material presented is
insufficient to permit an adequate review. Center applications must
conform to a standardized format as outlined so that each application
contains all of the pertinent information. This is critical to a
comparative review of the applications. Limit the narrative to [twenty
pages]{.underline} (see Roman numerals I-VIII). Do not submit copies of
funded or pending research applications of investigators. Each
Qualifying Investigator may submit up to two reprints representing their
most important work. Submit six collated sets of these reprints.

3\. The first pages of the application should be Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) Form 10-1313-1, Merit Review Application, and VA Form
10-1313-2, Summary Description of Program, followed by a Table of
Contents with page numbers. Instructions for preparation of the 10-1313
forms may be obtained from Appendix A of the draft VHA Handbook for
BLR&D/CSR&D Merit Review at the following website:
<http://www1.va.gov/resdev/resources/policies/docs/1202_Merit_Review_Handbook_JIT.doc>
Use the following designated roman numerals and headings:

I. Background on the Center

II\. Research Focus

III\. Personnel

IV\. Coordination of Activities

V. Administration of Funds

VI\. Resources

VII\. Training

VIII\. Advantages of a Center Award to the VA Medical Center

IX\. New Initiatives (Pilot Projects)

X. Letters of Endorsement and Support

XI\. Budget. VA Forms 10-1313-3, Current Funds and First Year Request
for Program, and VA Form 10-1313-4, Estimated Expenses of Program

XII\. Appendices. Under Appendices, list the following:

A. VA Form 10-1313-5/6, Combined Investigator's Biographic Sketch and
Bibliography, limit two pages for each investigator.

B. VA Form 10-1313-8, Summary Statement, Abstract and Budget Summary,
for each VA and Non-VA funded proposal for each Qualifying Investigator.

C. Other relevant information.

**I. [Background on the Program]{.underline}.** Address the history and
background of your group and its interaction with your VA Medical Center
and affiliated university in the area of the proposed Center.

**II. [Research Focus]{.underline}.** Describe the research focus and
goals of the Center. The central unifying theme of the Center should be
derived from the expertise and direction of the currently funded
research and plans for future funded research. Describe the current
status of, and future plans for, integration of pre-clinical,
translational and clinical components of the Center.

**III. [Personnel.]{.underline}** List the name, academic title, VA
title, and VA employment status (in VA paid 8ths) for each Qualifying
Investigator. List the qualifying Merit Review or National Institute of
Health (NIH) grant title, inclusive dates, and total dollars for each
Qualifying Investigator. List the source, title, total amount, and
inclusive dates for all other active and pending funding for each
Qualifying Investigator. List other VA investigators who will
participate in the Center, and provide academic and funding information.
Clearly identify the Qualifying Investigators.

**IV. [Coordination of Activities]{.underline}.** Describe the
composition and functions of the internal executive or steering
committee. Identify the individual who is responsible for coordination
of Center activities. Describe how the activities are coordinated,
including how decisions will be made to initiate or terminate pilot
projects and how trainees are selected. Identify the individual
responsible for administration of the funds, and describe how the funds
will be administered. Describe the composition and functions of the
external advisory committee.

**V. [Administration of Funds]{.underline}.** Identify the individual
responsible for administration of the funds, and describe how the funds
will be administered.

**VI. [Resources.]{.underline}** Describe the research facilities
available, both within the VA Medical Center and through affiliated
institutions. Distinguish between those resources that are currently in
place, and those resources that must be added to fulfill the Center
mission. Describe the role of the Center in supporting the individual
funded research listed in paragraph 3. If support for a core facility is
requested, explain how a specialized core laboratory strengthens the
research of the Center and how the core activity supports the pilot
projects.

If a Clinical or Epidemiological Core Facility is requested, briefly
describe ongoing studies by investigators or proposed clinical and/or
epidemiological studies at the Center that would benefit from the
proposed core(s), including description of the patient population,
number of subjects, duration of study, and number of samples if
relevant. In Appendix C, include the abstracts and more comprehensive
description of the studies.

**VII. [Training]{.underline}.** List the names of current and past
trainees supervised by each qualifying investigator. Identify the source
of funds to support each trainee, duration of training, and current
positions held by past trainees. Also list all past, current, and
submitted VA Career Development and Merit Review Entry Program (MREP)
applicants for whom the Center investigators are mentors. Describe plans
for recruitment and funding of future research trainees. Describe in
detail the training program that is, or will be, in place to provide a
successful training experience, including formal course work, seminars,
data sessions, and plans for monitoring progress. Trainees should be
supported at least in part by VA funds. Describe the potential pathway
for a VA career for each proposed trainee. If funds to support trainees
are not requested, explain how trainees will be encouraged to pursue a
research career within the VA.

**VIII. [Advantages of a Center Award to the VA Medical
Center]{.underline}.** Center awards are intended to provide an added
dimension to a VA Medical Center's research activities. This includes
capability and potential for a net accomplishment greater than that
possible by the support of individual components alone. An explanation
of how this expectation will be met is critical to the establishment of
the Center. Describe the special advantages of having this Center at the
VA Medical Center. Describe the anticipated impact, if any, of this
Center on the clinical care of the patients in the VA Medical Center.

**IX. [New Initiatives (Pilot Projects]{.underline}).** Describe plans
to develop new and innovative projects to enhance and extend the current
research activity. Collaborations among Qualifying Investigators are
essential, and inclusion of collaborating investigators is permissible.
The pilot projects should be used as a vehicle for training as well as
for the exploration and development of innovative ideas. Limit the
description of each project to three pages, and submit in the following
format:

**a. Names of Investigators**

**b. Title of Proposed Project**

**c. Background.** Indicate the scientific basis (rationale) for the
research and its relationship to other major research findings. Describe
the significance of the research, and its relevance to the mission of
VA.

**d. Research Objectives.** Outline precisely and clearly the goals of
the planned project, including the hypothesis to be tested and the
specific objectives of the project.

**e. Project Design and Methods.** Briefly define and describe the
approach to the research.

**f. References.**

**X. [Letters of Endorsement and Support]{.underline}**. Include letters
of endorsement from the medical Center Director and Veterans Integrated
Services Network (VISN) Director, including a statement agreeing to
provide 25 percent protected time to the Center Director. Include a
letter of endorsement from the Research and Development Committee.
Letters of support from the affiliated institution and relevant
department chairperson(s) are optional, but helpful.

**XI. [Budget]{.underline}.** Use VA Form 10-1313-3, R&D Program -
Current Funds & First Year Request, and VA Form 10-1313-4, R&D Program
Estimated Expenses, to summarize and justify the requested budget.
Include a separate VA Form 10-1313-3 and VA Form 10-1313-4 for each
pilot project. Request only resources and facilities directly identified
with the Center. Allowable categories are as follows:

a\. Initial costs for technical personnel essential to maintain core or
shared facilities. NOTE: Costs for staff supported by individual
research awards are not allowed.

b\. Center supported trainee(s) (M.D. or Ph.D.).

*NOTE: Although salary for a trainee is included in the Center budget,
each trainee selected by the Center must be approved by BLR&D/CSR&D.*
See VHA Handbook 1201.2, Associate Investigator Program, for
instructions.

c\. Specialized Shared Core Equipment. If a major equipment item or
specialized facility is requested, justify thoroughly and include
documentation of in-kind partnering and/or direct contributions by the
VA Medical Center, affiliated institution, or other sources. ***NOTE***:
*For instructions on In-kind partnering and direct contributions, see
II.10, Core Equipment and/or Facilities. A dollar-for-dollar match is
required for equipment in all Center applications*.

d\. Supplies and operating costs for core laboratories. It is expected
that Core Laboratories will have leveraged support for continuation by
the end of the funding period. This should be addressed in the budget
justification.

e\. Expenses for pilot projects.

f\. Center infrastructure support, such as maintenance contracts on core
equipment.

g\. Travel for trainees to attend scientific meetings limited to \$3,000
per year.

h\. Other miscellaneous expenses.

**XII. [Appendices]{.underline}**

**Appendix A**. Include VA Forms 10-1313-5/6, Combined Biographical
Form, for each Qualifying Investigator, followed by the same form for
other participating investigators. Limit the bibliography to two pages
per investigator.

**Appendix B.** Include VA Form 10-1313-8, Investigator\'s Total VA &
Non-VA Research Support, for each Qualifying Investigator. Include VA
Form 10-1313A, Merit Review Board Summary Statement, or other funding
agency front sheet, abstract and budget summary for each Federal and
non-Federal funded proposal for each Qualifying Investigator.

**Appendix C.** Include other relevant information.

**[Due Date]{.underline}.** The application is due in VA Central Office
by April 1, 2006.

**[Application Submission]{.underline}.** The application should to be
sent through the VA Medical Center Research and Development Office, the
Research and Development Committee, the Medical Center Director and
other appropriate channels for transmittal to VHA Central Office.

**a. Submit to VHA Central Office:**

\(1\) The original application,

\(2\) Twelve copies of the application (without Social Security
Numbers), and

\(3\) Six collated sets of reprints (2 reprints per investigator).

**b. Applications should be sent by UPS or couriers (e.g. Fed Ex) to**:

Department of Veterans Affairs

BLRD/CSRD, Mail Code 121F

# Attn: Research Center Application

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420

### [V. CHECKLIST FOR CENTER APPLICATIONS]{.underline} 

\_\_\_\_\_1. Front sheet Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Form
10-1313-1, Merit Review Application, signed by the Associate Chief of
Staff Research and Principal Investigator (PI).

\_\_\_\_\_2. Abstract of the application, i.e., VA Form 10-1313-2,
Summary Description of Program.

\_\_\_\_\_3. Table of Contents with page numbers.

\_\_\_\_\_4. List of abbreviations.

\_\_\_\_\_5. Narrative. A maximum 20 pages containing items I-VIII.

\_\_\_\_\_6. Letters of Endorsement from the Medical Center Director and
Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Director.

\_\_\_\_\_7. Letter of Endorsement from the Research and Development
(R&D) Committee.

\_\_\_\_\_8. Other letters of support.

\_\_\_\_\_9. First year budget for the program; use VA Form 10-1313-3,
Current Funds and First Year Request for Program.

\_\_\_\_\_10. Budget summary and justification; use VA Form 10-1313-4,
Estimated Expenses of Program.

\_\_\_\_\_11. Documentation of support from VA medical Center, VISN
and/or affiliated institution for shared equipment or core facilities.

\_\_\_\_\_12. Budget for each pilot project; use VA Forms 10-1313-3 and
VA Form 10-1313-4.

\_\_\_\_\_13. VA Form 10-1313-5/6, Investigator's Biographic Sketch and
Bibliography for each participating investigator. NOTE: Limit the
bibliography to two pages per investigator.

\_\_\_\_\_14. VA Form 10-1313-8, Summary statement, abstract and budget
for each federal and non-federal funded proposal for each Qualifying
Investigator. Identify the investigator on each abstract.

\_\_\_\_\_15. Confirmation of receipt of email notification of intent to
submit

\_\_\_\_\_16. Original application.

\_\_\_\_\_17. Twelve copies of the application (with social security
numbers redacted).

\_\_\_\_\_18. Six collated sets of reprints (two reprints for each
investigator.

\_\_\_\_\_19. Appendices

[]{#instructionsVI .anchor}**[VI. EXPECTATIONS FOR RESEARCH CENTER
PROGRAMS]{.underline}**

**Overall Expectations:**

-   Center Directors will participate in meetings and conference calls,
    as appropriate.

-   Center Directors and personnel are expected to show a high level of
    commitment to the VA intramural research program, including serving
    as or recommending reviewers, responding to inquiries from VA
    scientists and Central Office, and serving as a national scientific
    resource.

**Expectations for Scientific Productivity:**

-   After 2 years, a successful Center will have three to four
    publications that clearly reflect the progression of pilot projects.

-   All publications resulting from Center support will show a VA
    affiliation first on the affiliation line for the first author.
    Funding from either Biomedical Laboratory or Clinical Science R&D
    Service will be specifically acknowledged. Publications that lack
    either of these features will not be considered when evaluating the
    productivity of the Center as a part of progress report assessment.

-   Copies of all Center-funded publications, as well as manuscripts
    that are "in press," must be submitted with the progress reports.

-   Center supported trainees should have a first-author publication by
    the end of their term.

**Expectations of Collaboration:**

-   Successful Centers should foster new collaborative efforts which are
    clearly visible in the resulting publications.

-   To foster new collaborations, Centers are expected to hold regular
    meetings involving the Qualifying Investigators, Center trainees,
    and other appropriate parties. Minutes from these meetings will be
    submitted as appendices to the yearly progress reports, and should
    reflect the attempt to develop novel collaborations.

-   Translational research will be reflected in patent disclosures, as
    appropriate.

**Expectations of New Funding:**

-   A successful Center will, after 3 years, have resulted in **new**
    non-VA or VA funding to the Qualifying Investigators that is two to
    three times the VA investment.

**Expectations of Training:**

-   Training should be a priority of the Center, evident by support
    obtained through both VA (Career Development) and non-VA mechanisms

-   At least 25% of all trainees should be clinicians.

-   Center supported trainees should have obtained enough research and
    proposal development experience to submit an application to the next
    level in their career development track six months prior to the end
    of the award.

-   Center supported trainees should remain in the VA for at least 2
    years after their award.

-   Information about and orientation to VA research career tracks
    should be provided to all trainees, formally and informally.