Frequently Asked Questions
- I am a K scholar; can I apply?
- Q: Can current KL2 scholars apply for CTSI Pilot Awards?
A: No, CTSI Pilot Awards cannot provide funding to current KL2 scholars. - Q: Are other K awardees eligible to apply for CTSI Pilot Awards?
A: Yes, other K awardees may apply, but PIs on the award cannot receive salary support from CTSI Pilot Awards. Our NIH funding prohibits dual salary support for current K awardees. - Q: What if my K award does not overlap with the CTSI funding period?
A: If your K award does not overlap the CTSI funding period, you may be eligible to apply. However, you must ensure that your CTSI Pilot Awards project is distinct from your K project and submit a statement clarifying the differences. - Q: What if CTSI Pilot Awards cannot fund my award, based on a current K award?
A: Applicants apply to a mechanism, via the Research Allocation Program (RAP). Several funding agencies participate in the Research Allocation Program (RAP) and are able to fund different mechanisms, which means although CTSI Pilot Awards may not be able to fund an award based on current K award status another funding agency may still be able to fund the project. - Q: How do I apply for a CTSI Pilot Award without requesting salary support?
A: You can still apply for a CTSI Pilot Award by excluding salary support for yourself from the budget. Be sure to submit a statement that clarifies how your CTSI Pilot Awards project differs from your K project.
- Q: Can current KL2 scholars apply for CTSI Pilot Awards?
- Does my project have to be submitted to NIH for prior approval?
If CTSI Pilot Awards is funding your project and your project involves animal subjects research and/or human subjects research, prior approval from our funder (NIH-NCATS) is required prior to receiving an award letter (with COA) and before your project can begin. When submitting for prior approval, you will be required to provide your IRB/IACUC approval letter, proof of required training for key personnel and other required documentation. NIH Prior Approval can take up to six weeks to obtain; you will need to factor this into your study timeline to avoid delays.oid delays. - Do I qualify as a URM?
CTSI Pilot Awards cannot provide guidance on your qualifications for applying to a grant mechanism. Please refer to the guidelines and be sure to include the half-page summary explaining your background. Also note, your Department Chair, Division Chief, Unit Director, mentor or designee is required to affirm that you are an Under-represented Minority, as defined in the RFA, in the Letter of Support.
- Are senior postdoc/fellows eligible to apply for an award?
For CTSI Pilot Awards, first years are not eligible. Second and third years may apply, and the review committee will take into consideration the experience of the applicant. Please refer to the mechanism you plan to apply to - for detailed eligibility criteria.
- To which mechanism should I apply?
This is something you should discuss with your mentor. CTSI Pilot Awards suggests you review the eligibility criteria and budget guidelines carefully for any mechanism you are considering.
- What qualifies as "significant family caregiving responsibilities" in the Family Support Award mechanism?
CTSI Pilot Awards cannot answer what does or does not qualify as significant family caregiving responsibilities. All applicants are asked to explain the caregiving burden and resulting hardship. Applications are reviewed for both science and need.
Historically, awards have given to PIs who (in addition to having a good scientific score) have had more exigent circumstances beyond standard childcare. Our eligibility criteria does not exclude standard childcare – it depends on the level of need demonstrated in your statement of hardship.
- I currently have an award through CTSI Pilot Awards/RAP. Can I apply for the award under a different mechanism this time?
Funded PIs must take a cycle break before applying again, with the exception of those who received a Family Support Award (the cycle break rule does NOT apply to the FSA mechanism). See the RAP Submission Rules - Cycle Break.
- I see that the RFA says no international expenses. But, can I include an international expense that is justified?
CTSI Pilot Awards cannot fund any international projects nor expenses, and no exceptions can be made. CTSI Pilot Awards cannot fund projects where there may be foreign co-authorship (if the tool/research becomes the basis for a paper that will be co-authored by someone external to the US).
- I am resubmitting and want to know about addressing reviewer concerns.
RAP asks resubmissions to use up to one page to address reviewer concerns and changes to the original proposal. Reviewers for resubmissions have access to the original reviews. CTSI Pilot Awards cannot provide any guidance on how to do this. See the RAP Submission Rules - Submissions.
- I have a question about letter(s) of support.
Letters of recommendation are only good for one year (i.e., resubmitting the following cycle). If you are not resubmitting the cycle after your original submission, you will need to have updated versions. CTSI Pilot Awards suggests updating the letters for all involved. A letter of support is required for anyone listed as PI.
- I am submitting to a mechanism as the PI this cycle. Can I also submit to another mechanism?
An investigator cannot be listed as PI on two proposals, but is it ok for him/her to be a PI on one and a Co-I not receiving any salary support on another proposal to a separate mechanism.
- Does the total award amount include indirect costs?
Please only budget for direct costs. Award amounts are based on direct costs only. CTSI Pilot Awards will add indirect on top of the award amount, if awarded and applicable.
- What is the award period?
CTSI Pilot Awards participates in the Spring RAP cycles. The award period is July 1-June 30. Please note, no carry-forwards and no cost extensions are allowed. NIH prior approval must be obtained for studies that involve animal subjects research or human subjects research. Award letters will not be sent and spending and study activities cannot begin until NIH- NCATS (HSR/ASR) prior approval is granted (if applicable) and CTSI Pilots Award Program has received NIH release of funds.