MMPC Pilot & Feasibility Program
The development of new techniques and tests for the metabolic characterization of mice is an important goal for meeting the growing needs of the MMPC Program. The MMPC Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program is aimed at promoting such activities. Funding for these projects will be competitively awarded to:

  1. Develop new technologies or miniaturization of existing technologies for use in mice,
  2. Develop applications of existing technologies for use in mice,
  3. Provide new tests to meet identifiable, outstanding needs necessary to phenotype mouse models of metabolic disease, and
  4. Establish new types of mathematical models, informatics, databases or products that augment the mission of the center.

The request for applications will solicit proposals that are both general in nature and that target the development of specifically identified needs of the consortium. It is not the intention for these funds to augment ongoing funded research of an investigator and in most cases the funding will not be renewable.

The Coordinating and Bioinformatics Unit (CBU) of the MMPC (Dr. Richard McIndoe, Medical College of Georgia) is responsible for the implementation of the Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program. This includes the request for applications, review process, and budget management. Final funding decisions will be made by the MMPC Steering Committee, which consists of representatives from each MMPC, external advisors to the program, and representatives of NIDDK and NHLBI.

Applications are due June 1, 2008 - $60,000 for one year.


For instructions on how to submit a Pilot & Feasibility Funding Program Application to the MMPC web portal please click the following link: MMPC Funding Program Application Submission Basic Training (PDF)

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Pilot & Feasibility Review
Each submitted proposal is assigned to three reviewers who are experts in the area of a proposal. Reviewers may be at an institution affiliated with an MMPC, but should not serve as a member of the steering committee. Scientists from institutions submitting a proposal are in conflict and excluded from review. After written critiques including comments on eligibility and the budget are submitted, they are distributed to each individual MMPC for priority ranking based on scores and the needs of the center. The MMPC Steering Committee meets in September to discuss the proposals and to consider the recommendations of the reviewers and the centers in conjunction with the MMPC annual meeting. The Steering Committee establishes final funding. The intent is to fund a total of 4-5 grants for one year. Funding for a second year, however, can be sought on a competitive basis. Budgets are generally limited to $60,000 total costs per year, unless prior permission is obtained.

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Timetable for MMPC Pilot & Feasibility Project Selection
MARCH 1 RFA for MMPC Pilot Projects posted on NIH web site, MMPC web sites, and notification of the postings is sent to all US academic and research institutions.
JUNE 1 Grants Submitted to CBU (Dr. Richard McIndoe, CA 4127, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, 30912)
JUNE 8 Triage by MMPC Advisory Board to External Reviewers
AUGUST 1 Critiques Due
AUGUST 8 Critiques are sent to each MMPC, where an internal subcommittee ranks applications based on scores and needs of the center.
SEPTEMBER (MID) Final Ranking of Proposals by National MMPC Steering Committee at the time of the Annual Meeting and Grant Award Notification Sent.
OCTOBER 1 Start date for MMPC Pilot Project Funding

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Application & Eligibility
The application is the standard NIH PHS 398 form including face, abstract, detailed budget, biographical and other support pages (up to 4 pages), and research plan. The research plan should include the following sections:

  1. Specific Aims,
  2. Background and Significance,
  3. Preliminary Studies,
  4. Research Design and Methods,
  5. Literature Cited,
  6. Vertebrate Animals

(Sections A->D are limited to 5 PAGES). The eligibility requirements for the Pilot and Feasibility awards are limited to full time faculty that meet the criteria described below.

NOTE: Applicants should submit one (1) paper copy to the MMPC CBU at the address listed below, plus submit an electronic version of the application via the MMPC website (PDF format only please).

Eligible Organizations: Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals, and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the Federal government; faith-based or community-based organizations; Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized); Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized); and Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization.

Eligible Project Directors/Principal Investigators: Individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research are invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. Young investigators are encouraged to apply.

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Progress Report
A summary of progress of funded projects is due two months following the completion of the funding period (November 30 of the year following the start of funding).

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Contact Information
Richard McIndoe, Ph.D. (Coordinator)
Coordinating and Bioinformatics Unit
Medical College of Georgia
Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine
1120 15th Street, CA4124
Augusta, GA 30912-4810
Phone: 706-721-3542
Fax: 706-721-3688

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Recipient Abstracts

Please click on the links below to view the MMPC Pilot & Feasibility Program Recipient Application



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