NCI National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) Program Guidelines

PART 3: Submission Non-Competing Applications Section II – Research Plan & Budget
1.5 Key Personnel and Training on Human Subjects Protection for New Key Personnel
Each key component of the NCTN Program should submit a list of key personnel, highlighting
any changes. In addition, the key component should indicate the type of training
course/program on human subjects protection completed by each new key personnel
member.
2. Budget (Annual Progress Report – Type 5 Application)
2.1 General Budget Information
The budget included in the non-competing application should be similar to that provided in
the new application, except it is limited to the upcoming 12-month funding period. A
Common Budget Outline, similar to that required for a new application may also be
requested by the NCI/DCTD on an ad hoc basis with the Annual Progress Report, but this is
not expected to be provided annually.
2.2 Non-Competing Budget Adjustments
General comments: Out-year budget commitments, as reflected in each Notice of Grant
Award, are based upon the funding level for the competing year; however, funding levels
can be increased or reduced because of increments or decrements in performance on the
part of the Cooperative Agreement awardee or a change in the funds available to the
government for distribution.
Requests for the adjustments are initiated by the key component, and are based on such
factors as increased or decreased level of activity at an institution. The effect of any such
adjustment will be reflected in revised out-year commitments. Authority to effect an
adjustment rests with NCI Grants Management Officer in the NCI Office of Grants
Administration (OGA) on the recommendation of the Lead NCTN Program Director. Funding
adjustments are facilitated by the NCI/DCTD Senior Program Specialist.
Process: Informal administrative discussions about a contemplated adjustments or
carryover may take place between the NCI/DCTD Senior Program Specialist and
administrator for the key component of the NCTN Program, and may be initiated by either
party. The NCI/DCTD Senior Program Specialist is responsible for providing an estimate of
available budget for the Program as a whole and for the various key components for the
Program, based on discussions with the Lead NCTN Program Director. Similarly, the Lead
NCTN Program Director and Co-Program Directors/Project Scientists are typically in ongoing
discussions with the key components of the NCTN Program on their budgetary needs and
scientific priorities.
Type 5 Applications are due at the NCI eight (8) weeks prior to the award date, so sufficient
time should be allotted to permit timely receipt of applications in line with any request for
redistribution or carryover. In connection with this time-line, it should be noted that OGA
generally requires a formal, updated budget when changes of more than 25 per cent are
requested.
2.3 Budget Adjustments by NCI/DCTD for Key Components of the NCTN Program
Adjustments may be made by NCI/DCTD in the funding of the key component of the NCTN
Program at the time of a non-competing continuation award. Such adjustments provide the
NCI with the ability to ensure that available funds are put to their best use. Authority to
effect adjustments in funding rests with the Lead NCTN Program Director, who works in
conjunction with the NCI/DCTD Senior Program Specialist.
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