AAG Unplugged:Keep Track of Timelines
At Blue Haven Grant Consultants we take pride in staying informed about NIH grant news. You can do the same by checking out their All About Grants Podcast. You might not have the time to listen to each episode, however. As part of our service to the industry, we’re happy to provide brief summaries and take aways about podcasts and where we see BHGC being able to help you take that information and make it actionable.
This episode discussed the general application process and the importance of the funding cycle.
The podcast session covered a wide range of topics to providing a comprehensive understanding of the grant application process. Here's what was discussed:
Introduction to application preparation timelines
Explanation of the funding cycle
Importance of understanding the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
The application review process
Common pitfalls to avoid during the application process
Key Speakers
Before we dive into the key takeaways, let's meet the experts who shared their insights:
David Kosub: Host, NIH's Office of Extramural Research.
Avery Tucker: Division of Grants Policy, Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration.
Kasima Garst: Systems Policy Branch, Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration.
Takeaway 1: Preparation and Submission Processes for NIH Grant Applications
One of the crucial aspects highlighted in the episode was the importance of setting a well-established timeline for preparing and submitting your NIH grant application. According to Avery Tucker, "You're going to want to allow about six to eight weeks before submission to prepare your application for grant funding." This early preparation ensures that your application is thoroughly vetted and ready for submission.
Moreover, after submission, your application goes through a process known as receipt and referral, which takes approximately a month. Following this, the peer review process commences, typically between two and eight months after submission. This emphasizes the significance of starting early in the grant application process.
Kasima Garst further pointed out that the moment you submit your application, it undergoes system validations.
Takeaway 2: Importance of Understanding the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is a cornerstone of the grant application process. The FOA contains a wealth of information that is critical for applicants to comprehend before initiating their applications.
Tucker stressed the importance of carefully reading and understanding the FOA. She noted, "The funding opportunity announcements that NIH posts have a lot of information in them. You're going to want to take a look at some of the key elements in the FOA, such as the key dates for submission, all eligibility information, award information, and review criteria."
Garst added that applicants should also pay attention to sections like the related notices in Part 1 of the FOA. This is where you can find crucial guide notices related to key policy changes or changes to the FOA itself.
Takeaway 3: Emphasis on Early Application and the 'Just In Time' Procedure
The speakers strongly emphasized starting the application process early, particularly for those new to applying to NIH. Early initiation is crucial due to the institutional and individual level registrations that are required.
Garst highlighted the importance of starting early, saying, "We really have always encouraged applications to ensure that they start the process early, especially if they are new to applying to NIH because there are institutional and individual level registrations that are required."
Additionally, Tucker shed light on NIH's 'Just In Time' (JIT) procedures. This approach allows applicants to submit information for review when the application is being considered for funding, after it has undergone submission and review.
Takeaway 4: Importance of Contacting Relevant Agency Personnel
Establishing contact with the right agency personnel is essential during the application process. The FOA contains critical contact information in Section 7. Garst recommended applicants to familiarize themselves with this information, including service desk support and program and grants management points of contact for the awarding IC.
Tucker echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to the relevant personnel and understanding the FOA's requirements. She remarked, "If I could leave you with one thing, it would be to apply early, start the application process early, and really become familiar with the actual text and requirements within the FOA itself."
Takeaway 5: Importance of Compliance with Application Instructions
One of the most critical takeaways is the importance of adhering to all application instructions provided in the FOA and related notices. Garst warned that failing to read the FOA in detail, not understanding grant policy statements, and not following all application instructions are some of the common pitfalls applicants may encounter.
Tucker emphasized this by sharing a common scenario: "I can't tell you how many times we get an email at 6:00 p.m. the night before an application is due that there's some type of error that the applicant can't figure out, and we have to scramble to try and get that resolved before an application itself is due."
Summary
In summary, this informative podcast session provided a wealth of insights to guide you through the NIH grant application process:
Start early in preparing your application, ideally six to eight weeks before the submission date.
The peer review process can take between two and eight months after submission.
Thoroughly understand the FOA, including key submission dates, eligibility criteria, award information, and review criteria.
Different types of grants may have distinct timelines, so research your specific grant type.
NIH's 'Just In Time' (JIT) procedures allow for the submission of information when your application is being considered for funding.
Establish contact with relevant agency personnel by utilizing the contact information provided in the FOA.
Compliance with application instructions is paramount for a successful application.
The recommendations made during this podcast aligns nicely with our approach here at BHGC. It can be easy to miss a deadline or lose track of your timeline as you prepare your grant. That’s why we pride ourselves on providing a holistic grant application experience for our customers. We’ll be your partner to make sure that you keep on track and get applications in well within the submission dates. If you’re ready to make use of the BHGC Advantage, schedule a free consultation with us to see how we might make great SBIR/STTR partners.