NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE COOPERATIVE HUMAN TISSUE NETWORK RFA AVAILABLE: 90-CA-01 P.T. 34, FF, II; K.W. 0780000, 0780020, 0715035 National Cancer Institute Letter of Intent Receipt Date: January 12, 1990 Application Receipt Date: April 25, 1990 The Diagnosis Research Program of the Division of Cancer Biology and Diagnosis at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for Cooperative Agreements from institutions capable of and interested in participating in The Cooperative Human Tissue Network. The purpose of this established network is to collect and distribute human tumor tissue and normal tissue to stimulate research. The Network was developed in response to a growing need by researchers for improved access to human tumor tissue. Basic and developmental studies in many areas of cancer research, including molecular biology, immunology and genetics, have been encouraged by improved access to tissue. Hundreds of investigators have taken advantage of the existence of the Network and thousands of tissues have been distributed since the inception of the Network in January 1987. The NCI plans expand the Network from three institutions to four or five institutions. The existing Network has already demonstrated the feasibility of the network approach and the continuing need of researchers for access to human materials. Systems have been developed that allow efficient communication among laboratories regarding tissue requests and availability. The Network is not a tissue bank, but rather responds to investigator requests to meet existing tissue requirements on a current basis. Applicants may plan for limited storage of rare tumors that would otherwise not be available. Special consideration will be given to ensuring access to and nationwide distribution of rare pediatric tumor specimens. Awards will be made as cooperative agreements which create an assistance relationship with substantial involvement of NCI staff during the performance of the project, as outlined in this request for applications (RFA). This mechanism is used when the NCI wishes to stimulate investigator interest and proposes to advise or assist in an important and opportune area of research. The NCI anticipates making four or five awards for project periods of five years. Although this project is provided for in the financial plans of the NCI, the award of cooperative agreements pursuant to the RFA is contingent on the availability of funds appropriated in fiscal year 1991. Inclusion of women and minorities are encouraged. If they are excluded, reasons for this exclusion must be included in the application. This RFA is a one-time solicitation with a specified deadline of April 25, 1990, for receipt of applications. The RFA label available in the 10/88 revision of Application Form 398 must be affixed to the bottom of the face page. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of your application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. In addition, the RFA number and title should be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form. A copy of the complete RFA describing eligibility criteria, the research goals and scope, the cooperative agreement mechanism, the review criteria and the method of applying should be obtained before beginning the application process. Copies of the complete RFA can be obtained from: Roger L. Aamodt Ph.D. Program Director for Pathology and Cytology Diagnosis Program Division of Cancer Biology and Diagnosis National Cancer Institute Executive Plaza South, Room 638 6120 Executive Boulevard Rockville, Maryland 20892 Telephone: (301) 496-7147 Inquiries concerning this RFA are encouraged and should be directed to Dr. Aamodt at the address or telephone number listed above. This program is described in the catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance no 13.394, Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research. Awards are under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Part A (Public Law 78-410 as amended: 42 USC 241) and administered under PHS grant policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74. This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. Vol. 18, No. 38, October 27, 1989 - Page 4-5 NIH GUIDE