The CCTS seeks to support the development of novel, translationally applicable, statistical or analytical methods (e.g. statistical models, clinical trial design, statistical genetics, integration of quantitative and qualitative data analysis (i.e. mixed methods), clinical informatics, bioinformatics, and beyond). Proposals should address how the proposed methods may be utilized by other researchers and/or projects (ongoing or planned). Priority will be given to applications that develop methodologies addressing health challenges pertinent to the CCTS mission (e.g. barriers to access, adoption, adherence). Projects are required to utilize extant (i.e. preexisting) data. Utilization of extant data derived from major CCTS-connected enclaves (e.g. National COVID Cohort Collaborative (NC3), All of Us, Alabama Genomic Health Initiative, ENACT, TriNetX, OneFlorida) is encouraged but not required. Proposals focusing on the use of pre-existing methods and/or generation of new dataset(s) will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

Full-time faculty, especially early career scholars, from any of the CCTS Partner Network institutions may apply. Trainees are encouraged to be members of the research team. More than one proposal may be submitted per faculty member serving as PI, but the faculty member is only eligible to receive one award as PI during a given funding cycle. 

Applicants may request up to $5,000 (Direct). The CCTS plans to support up to two (2) proposals per funding cycle contingent on merit, funds requested and feasibility. Indirect costs will be made available to subawarded sites. Awards are competitively renewable via subsequent application cycles up to two times for a total of $15,000 (direct). However, no cost extensions/carryover beyond award periods will not be made available.

All regulatory approvals (e.g. IRB, IACUC) must be in place at the start of the award.

Applications requiring external data that would necessitate Data Use Agreements are expected to initiate the agreements well before the start of the award.

Applications should be prepared as a single PDF document using 11-point Arial font, ≥ 0.5” margins and contain the following elements:

1. Project Abstract (30 lines max)
2. Research Plan (2 page max). Succinctly explain a problem or critical barrier to progress. Address the work, if any, that has been done to address the problem. Present a research plan or solution(s) as testable hypotheses. If available, provide preliminary data. Clearly explain your research approach without using jargon. Define outcomes and the analysis plan that will be used to assess the outcomes. Address how the outcomes of the proposed work fit into a longer, larger research plan.
3. Project Timeline (1 page max). Please address how the proposed work will be carried out during the award period (i.e. 4 months).
4. Budget Justification (1 page max)
   1. Allowable costs include:
   1. Salary/Fringe: Up to 10% effort for PI (or cumulative 10% for MPIs), up to the NIH Salary Cap. Other personnel as needed to fulfill the project aims. Graduate student effort (and tuition according to the accounting policies of the PI’s institution).
   2. Supplies
   3. Other Expenses
   2. Unallowable costs include travel, capital equipment, software licenses, consultant costs, alterations, renovations and inpatient/outpatient care.

Awards will assessed on aspects of significance, rigor and feasibility, and expertise and resources. Additional review criteria address Human Subject/Animal Protection, Budget and Timeline, and Extramural Competitiveness.

1. Award Selections - Selected investigators will receive a Notice of Award (NoA). Any costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk. Awards resulting from this RFA are subject to NIH grant terms and conditions (Award Conditions and Information for NIH Grants). Awards made to partner institutions will be amended to the existing UM1 consortium contract.
2. Project Team Meetings - The CCTS will work with you to set up a Project Team Meetings. These teams will meet with you to discuss progress and help troubleshoot any barriers.
3. NIH Progress Reports - In addition to meeting with your Project Team, you will be asked to submit scientific progress reports – a template and the deadline(s) of such reports will be provided in the NoA.
4. Citing the CCTS - Anticipating the dissemination of results, publications that result from this award must include a specific acknowledgment of grant support (https://www.uab.edu/ccts/about/cite-ccts)
5. NIH Public Access Policy - Publications resulting from this award must fulfill expectations aligned with the NIH Public Access Policy.