The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for establishing the Cancer Immunoprevention Network (CIP-Net) Data and Resource Coordinating Center (DRCC). The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support a central coordination center that facilitates data sharing, resource distribution, and collaboration across the CIP-Net, which focuses on cancer immunoprevention research. The CIP-Net DRCC will coordinate with CIP-Net research projects (UG3/UH3 awards under companion NOFO RFA-CA-23-029) to enhance cancer immunoprevention research through comprehensive data management, scientific community engagement, and outreach. A significant component is advancing inclusivity and diverse perspectives in cancer immunoprevention, with the DRCC responsible for building bridges across cancer research networks and facilitating outreach to early-career scientists.
The selected DRCC will be responsible for three primary elements: (1) Administration and Coordination, ensuring smooth collaboration among CIP-Net members, facilitating communication, and organizing regular meetings; (2) Data and Resource Sharing, which involves creating a centralized, user-friendly CIP-Net website, virtual biorepository, and providing bioinformatics support to manage complex datasets; and (3) Community Building, focused on outreach to the scientific community, patient engagement, and supporting early-career development. For the community-building role, applicants must include a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP) to promote inclusivity across all research processes, from design through dissemination.
The budget for this award is capped at $499,999 in direct costs annually for up to five years. NCI anticipates committing $850,000 in total funding in fiscal year 2025 to support one award. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profit and for-profit organizations, government entities, and tribal governments, with the stipulation that foreign entities cannot apply. Applicants must comply with NIH registration requirements, including those for SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov.
Applications are due by December 2, 2024, with the earliest anticipated start date in July 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent by November 2, 2024, to help NCI plan the review process. Late submissions will not be accepted. NIH will review applications for scientific and technical merit, considering each element and the PEDP’s integration and impact on the project’s goals. Applications lacking a PEDP will be administratively withdrawn.
Key review criteria include significance, the experience and expertise of the investigative team, innovative coordination approaches, and the feasibility of the proposed management structure and timelines. Additionally, the DRCC must be prepared to adapt data-sharing strategies as research progresses and technology evolves, ensuring the platform remains robust and accessible. Final decisions will consider the scientific merit, program relevance, and the overall fit with NIH priorities.
