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FAQ
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A Research Topic of Interest (RTOI) is a specific research topic that is of interest to the NCBDDD. RTOIs indicate that the NCBDDD has a high degree of interest in funding projects addressing this subject matter, but not all approved projects are necessarily funded. RTOIs will be developed with the understanding that the projects funded under this cooperative agreement will involve substantial interaction between the investigator and the NCBDDD technical advisor. In addition, NCBDDD will develop RTOIs with consideration of information submitted by AUCD about AUCD Network research priorities.
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A Letter of Intent (LOIs) is a method of communication between researchers and potential scientific collaborators at NCBDDD prior to the development and submission of a full project application. A LOI is a 2-4 page, succinct description of your proposed research activities written in response to a RTOI. A LOI can also be an investigator initiated research topic of interest (I-RTOI). The LOIs are reviewed by NCBDDD, and the results of the review are communicated back to the AUCD. AUCD will transmit the results of the review back to all individuals who have submitted LOIs. If your LOI is reviewed favorably by the NCBDDD, you will be asked (through the AUCD) to submit a full RTOI application.
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While there is no standard format for a LOI, it should not be longer than 4 pages. LOIs should address the following:
- Proposed project's long-term goals and specific objectives
- Concise description of research designs and methods including;
- relevant preliminary studies
- relevant research partners or partner institutions/organizations
- an evaluation component
- proposed length of the project (Investigators may request up to the number of years of project support specified in the RTOI description to which they are submitting an LOI. For investigator-initiated RTOIs, investigators may request up to 3 years of project support, but must justify the request by stating the planned activities in each year)
- Brief budget discussion including projected total cost. Please note that the maximum allowable indirect cost rate for full applications is 16% of direct costs. If funded, AUCD will charge an administrative fee equaling 4% of the total cost (total direct + indirect costs).
- LOIs should NOT include curriculum vitae
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A short list of your publications that are relevant to your RTOI topic, or prior projects funded through the NCBDDD may be included as an appendix to your LOI.
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LOI submissions are accepted online. Applicants submitting a LOI should included a 2-4 page LOI, LOI Coversheet and any additional documents. Once submitted, you will be sent a confirmation e-mail and your AUCD ID number. This number will be unique to you and follow you through the entire funding cycle. All LOI submissions must be received by the predetermined date. If you are unable to submit online, please contact Adriane Griffen to receive alternate submission instructions.
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Invitations for full applications are sent out to investigators by AUCD: AUCD will email the following information to each investigator invited to submit a full application:
1) an invitation to submit a full application,
2) written technical comments from the NCBDDD about the LOI,
3) application and submission instructions, and
4) notification of the full application submission deadline.Investigators will complete the Intent to Submit Form. This notification will assist AUCD in determining the number and size of panels for the review process.
Invited full applications are submitted online to AUCD by the investigators on predetermined deadline date. The full application will be based on the Standard Research Form PHS #398. Investigators submitting full applications will be required to address NCBDDD technical comments made with regards to the LOI. In addition, investigators should address each of the six evaluation criteria (see below) as it pertains to the initial project description in the RTOI.
Click here for Full Application Instructions!
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Your amount of funding requested should include all expenses both direct and indirect that you anticipated will be incurred during the course of your research.
Please note that the maximum allowable indirect cost rate for full applications is 16% of direct costs. If funded, AUCD will charge an administrative fee equaling 4% of the total cost (total direct + indirect costs).
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RTOI competition is open to all investigators who are members of AUCD Network. This includes faculty and staff at University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LENDs) programs, and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRCs). Investigators will need to obtain approval and support of their UCEDD/LEND/IDDRC director prior to LOI submission. Director signature is required on the LOI Coversheet.
If you have questions regarding whether you are eligible to apply, please contact Adriane Griffen. Investigators are invited to submit LOIs in response to any of the RTOIs published on AUCD webpage. Additionally, investigators may submit LOIs that are investigator initiated, where the investigator proposes a good research idea that they would like to pursue to the NCBDDD.
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The funds awarded to conduct research are coming from the NCBDDD. You are not required to obtain any local matching funds to qualify.
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If you are submitting an investigator initiated LOI, follow the same steps for submitting a RTOI related LOI. When asked if your LOI is in response to a RTOI, please indicate no.
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On a collaboration project, the principal investigator's institution must be a member of the AUCD Network. (Please see Who May Apply for more information.) The co-investigators are not required to be members of AUCD network. Any RTOI funds awarded through AUCD-NCBDDD Cooperative Agreement will be disbursed to the AUCD member institution. The AUCD member institution will set up subcontracts with collaborating institutions.