Key points
- Applications must be submitted by the published due dates using the method indicated in the funding announcement (eRA Commons and/or grants.gov)
- NIOSH uses the National Institutes of Health (NIH) model to review grant applications.
- Applicants who score within the funding range must submit additional "Just-In-Time" information.
Background
NIOSH uses the NIH model, which has two stages of review. Non-federal scientists conduct the first level of peer review. Advisory councils complete the second level. NIH has a helpful overview of the grants process that NIOSH follows.
Funding opportunities
How to apply
We announce our research, training, and conference support funding opportunities in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. Please refer to specific announcements for the requirements of each grant mechanism.
To apply, go to www.grants.gov and click on the "Applicants" tab. From there you can complete several tasks including check eligibility, get registered, and apply for grants. For further guidance, please review the NIH application guide.
Application forms
The required grant application forms for all NIOSH programs are the Public Health Service (PHS) Forms 424 and 398. Each funding announcement specifies the form needed. NIH provides more detail in their Forms Directory.
Due dates
Funding opportunities have different due dates. Program Announcements (PAs) typically have three standard receipt dates each year, which correspond to three review and award cycles. Occasionally, a Program Announcement will have only one specified receipt date per year. The announcement number will start with PA or PAR.
Requests for Applications (RFAs) have one receipt date noted in the announcement. The announcement number will start with RFA.
What happens after applying
Applications are first screened for completeness and responsiveness according to the criteria specified in the funding announcement. Eligible applications move forward to peer review.
Peer Review
First level of review
Groups of scientists primarily from the extramural research community complete the initial review of grant applications. These reviewers evaluate and rate the scientific and technical merit of the proposed research or research training. NIH has additional information on the peer review process that NIOSH follows.
NIOSH has a chartered Scientific Review Group that reviews applications submitted under NIOSH's general Program Announcements. Called the Safety and Occupational Health Study Section (SOHSS), this group meets three times annually in February, June, and October. It has 20 members who serve four-year terms.
NIOSH also convenes Special Emphasis Panels to review applications for focused PAs and RFAs. Special Emphasis Panels are temporary and members serve only for the duration of a specific review activity. NIOSH conducts 8-10 Special Emphasis Panels per year.
You can access information on these upcoming review meetings on the NIOSH Federal Register Notices webpage.
Second level of review
Following initial peer review for scientific merit, the NIOSH Secondary Review Committee reviews all applications for programmatic relevance. They also consider issues such as balance of the extramural grant portfolio and potential to contribute to NIOSH goals. Memberships consists of rotating NIOSH senior leaders and senior scientists.
Just-In-Time Information Submission
After the second level of review, NIOSH will reach out to applicants whose score is within the range for funding consideration. Our Scientific Program Officials will request additional, "Just-in-Time" information that we need before making awards.
Frequently asked questions
Does CDC/NIOSH have different budget limitations from NIH?
Yes, CDC/NIOSH policy differs from NIH policy.
- For CDC investigator-initiated research grants, direct costs include all Consortium Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs.
- CDC does not accept the modular budget in applications.
- CDC follows the HHS Policy Statement, it can be found here: HHS Grants Policy Statement (October 2024).
- CDC follows the CDC Budget Guidelines, they can be found here: CDC Budget Guidelines.
When are awards made for investigator-initiated research applications? What is the start date?
Most grants are awarded in the summer with starting dates in August or September.
Is the "Data Sharing Plan (DSP)" the same thing as the "Data Management Plan (DMP)"?
No, these plans are not the same. The DSP is typically included in the Resource Sharing Plan in NIOSH funding announcements. Applicants should follow the form-by-Form, Field-by-Field Application Instructions for the Activity Code of the NOFO ( How to Apply – Application Guides), including the Multi- Project Instructions if applicable.0 These guides provide a description of the required DSP content.