ROA OTA-21-015K: Questions & Answers

Applications

Submissions are now open for OTA-21-015K. Proposals will be accepted on an ongoing basis. RECOVER is also accepting requests for review of ancillary studies that are not funded as part of the current ROA. This section provides questions and answers about how to apply for these opportunities and the differences between the two processes.

What is the difference between the RECOVER ROA OTA-21-015K and the NOT HL-25-027?

The RECOVER ROA OTA-21-015K is an announcement of a RECOVER-funded research opportunity for investigators to submit proposals for funding. The NOT HL-25-027 is an NIH notice that encourages potential investigators to submit proposed research through the existing Ancillary Studies Oversight Committee (ASOC) review process. The ASOC reviews proposals from researchers, both within and beyond RECOVER, who apply for access to RECOVER study data and/or biospecimens. ASOC review ensures study proposals are consistent with RECOVER study objectives, as indicated with a letter of support for selected proposals. The ASOC review process does not include the awarding of funds.

Can I apply for both the RECOVER ROA OTA-21-015K and the NOT-HL-25-027?

If you would like to apply for funding through RECOVER for your proposed research, the ROA OTA-21-015K would be a better option. The NOT-HL-25-027 highlights an existing process (ASOC Review) intended to provide a Letter of Support to accompany an investigator’s application for funding to other NIH grant mechanisms, such as an NIH Research Project (R01).

Do I need to request a review from the RECOVER Ancillary Studies Oversight Committee (ASOC) before I apply to the current RECOVER ROA OTA-21-015K opportunity?

No, these are separate processes. You do not need a review or a letter of support from the Ancillary Studies Oversight Committee (ASOC) before you submit your application to the current RECOVER ROA OTA-21-015K.

Who should I contact with my questions about this ROA?

Please reach out to RECOVERReviews@rti.org with your questions.

Eligibility

The current ROA encourages collaborative research between different research groups within or beyond RECOVER teams. The opportunity is open to investigators from a range of groups including, but not limited to, investigators with previously funded RECOVER pathobiology studies.

Who can apply for funding through the ROA OTA-21-15K?

Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, investigators from academic, government, non-profit, and other institutions who are eligible to receive federal funding. This opportunity is open to investigators and collaborating teams who would like to receive funding for proposed research that uses RECOVER biospecimens and/or data from the Observational Cohort and Autopsy studies. ROA OTA-21-15K is open to non-RECOVER investigators, as well as previously funded investigators of RECOVER pathobiology studies. If you have further questions about eligibility, please contact RECOVERReviews@rti.org.

I have not received a prior RECOVER ROA award. Can I still apply for funding through ROA OTA-21-015K?

Yes. Eligible applicants are not required to have received prior funding through the RECOVER Initiative, including previous ROA or NOSI funds.

Can NIH intramural researchers also apply for this ROA?

Intramural investigators may apply with extramural collaborators as Principal Investigators (PIs). However, each of the Institutes and Centers (ICs) within the NIH intramural program has their own policies when it comes to applying for NIH funds, since the NIH intramural program is funded through different ICs. NIH researchers are encouraged to contact their ICs’ business office for guidance.

Funding

The current ROA OTA-21-015K is the third RECOVER pathobiology ROA made available through the RECOVER Initiative. The previous funding announcements have awarded more than 60 individual research projects. You can read more about previous RECOVER funding opportunities on the Funding page.

Is the RECOVER ROA OTA-21-015K similar to an NIH R01?

No. The RECOVER ROA OTA-21-015K announces the availability of an award under the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) award mechanism, which is a different award mechanism than an R01 (or R01-equivalent, including U01). An Other Transaction (OT) is a unique type of legal instrument other than a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

I have already been awarded funding for my research. Should I apply to the current RECOVER ROA OTA-21-015K or request review from the RECOVER Ancillary Studies Oversight Committee (ASOC)?

If your research is already supported by a funding source outside of RECOVER, you will need ASOC review to access RECOVER biospecimens. Please submit your ancillary study proposal at least 4 weeks in advance of the ASOC meeting (15th of each month) to be included in the next review. Before submitting a proposal for ASOC review, please review the Ancillary Studies Instructions (PDF, 362 KB). This document provides key details about the proposal process, including what the ASOC looks for in their review.

I applied for the current ROA. When will I know if my application will be funded?

Reviews of applications for the RECOVER ROA OTA-21-015K are ongoing. This process is anticipated to take less time than the typical NIH review process. NIH will make funding determinations on a quarterly basis.