Pilot Project Program
To support pilot research projects that are aligned with the TCC overarching goal: to critically examine and address health policy issues relevant to the advancement of health equity and elimination of health disparities.
Overview
The objective of the TCC Pilot Project Program is to sustain active participation of TCC partners in the full range of health policy research, implementation and dissemination efforts by providing sub-awards to partner organizations. The awards will enable multidisciplinary teams of community–academic partners to explore new domains of collaborative research for development, advancement, and implementation of health policy that will bolster innovation, cost reduction, and health equity.
Program Goal
The goal of the pilot project program is to fully engage current TCC partners, and identify additional partners to expand the reach and scope of TCC’s health policy research portfolio. Each year TCC employs a competitive request for applications (RFA) process to select a cohort of academic and community-based investigators for two grantee award mechanisms; Pilot Project Awards, and Developmental Seed Awards. The pilot project program will create regional partners that model best practices in health policy research innovation.
Ideal Pilot Projects Demonstrate
☑ Collaboration
☑ Scientific merit
☑ Solid policy relevance and
high potential for policy impact
high potential for policy impact
☑ Scalability and potential to obtain future funding
Program FAQs
A: Pilot project proposals must demonstrate collaboration; scientific merit; solid policy relevance; high potential for policy impact; scalability; sustainability; and potential to obtain future funding.
A: The LOI is an opportunity to formally present your project’s purpose, specific aims, and research plan (or activities) in order to obtain feedback before submitting a full proposal. The LOI allows us to assess the merits of prospective proposals and assist applicants in strengthening their final proposals. LOIs are not required; however, they are strongly recommended.
Please also note that following the LOI deadline (Monday, December 21, 2015) we are unable to respond to any requests to review proposal drafts, summaries, abstracts, or proposal sections prior to submission. After the LOI deadline we will only respond to questions related to the completion of application materials.
A: There are several ways to get your questions answered. We encourage you to submit questions through the Pilot Project Portal located at http://www.msmtcc.org/pilotproject. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response. Also, we will be answering questions during the Technical Assistance webinar hosted on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 10:00 am EST.
A: You must complete the NIH SF424 (R&R) application packet. In addition to completing the required form fields, you must attach all corresponding documents (in PDF). The following sections constitute a complete SF424:
- SF 424 (R&R) Form
- PHS 398 Research Plan
- PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement
- Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile
- Research and Related Other Project Information
- Project/Performance Site Locations
- Research & Related Budget
- R&R Subaward Budget (if applicable)
- Planned Enrollment Report
The following documents will be submitted under “Additional Requirements”
- Data Safety Monitoring Plan
- Indirect Cost Agreement documentation
- CITI Certifications, or equivalent
- Organizational status documentation (e.g. 501 (c) 3)
If your application is recommended for funding, you will be asked to submit additional items to prepare your application for NIMHD review and final approval. These items may include, but are not limited to:
- Federalwide Assurance (FWA) Number
- IRB letter of record
- IRB approval notice
All application components must be completed before your application is submitted to NIMHD for review and final approval. Therefore, we STRONGLY recommend you start the FWA and IRB processes as early as possible to prevent administrative delays and expedite the review process. Please consult the pilot project application checklist for reference.
Yes, you can download a complete copy of our FAQs here.
Funding Available
TCC seeks to fund a diverse group of grantees through three mechanisms:
| Pilot Project Implementation Award | Developmental Seed Award | Dissemination Awards |
| Maximum Amount | Maximum Amount | Maximum Amount |
| $50,000.00 | $10,000.00 | $7,500.00 |
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the Pilot Project Program:
✓ Academic faculty (junior faculty strongly recommended)
✓ Non-academic organizations (e.g. CBO, faith-based orgs, health services org, etc.)
✓ Must be able to accept federal funding
✓ Must be committed to informing health policy and practice
Program Activities
◙ 12 Month Research Performance Period
◙ Technical Assistance from TCC Cores (TCC Cores)
◙ Capacity Building Academy
◙ Shared Institutional Resources
◙ TCC Biweekly Opportunities Bulletin
◙ TCC Pilot Project Webpage- Spot Light corner
◙ Participation in TCC and MSM events and programming
◙ Participation in TCC Health Policy Research Forums & Summit