K12 (KL2) Information

Foreign Training for K12 Scholars

Q: What is the Potential for foreign training for KL2 scholars at CTSAs?

A: The current CTSA RFA, RM-08-002, under Section III, Eligibility Information, 1. Eligible Applicants, 1.A. Eligible Institutions, states: "Foreign institutions are not allowed to apply to this program. Domestic institutions may use CTSA resources to support foreign component activities of projects that receive primary funding from DHHS. These activities are permitted under the U54 and K12 components of the CTSA only and may not include the T32 component. Appropriate clearances, a mentoring plan for any foreign training and approval by NIH Program Staff are required before the use of CTSA resources begins."

Previous CTSA RFAs had excluded foreign activities for the K12 component. To bring the opportunities for existing awardees into line with the current RFA, NCRR intends to publish a Notice in the NIH Guide announcing that foreign components of CTSA activities may be requested under the K12 (KL2) component. To request approval, the Principal Investigator or Director of the Career Development component of the CTSA will have to submit a letter to NCRR describing the mentoring plan for the foreign training, countersigned by an appropriate institutional official. A copy of a letter or other evidence from the institution where the off-site training is to be taken will also be required to ensure that satisfactory arrangements have been made.

KL2 Eligibility

Q: The text listed in the CTSA RFA seems to indicate that CTSA K12 Scholars cannot apply for or have pending an application for a K08 or K23 award. That would have the effect of preventing K12 Scholars from obtaining their own individual mentored career development awards without any gap in funding. Can this really be the intention?

A: The listed text under the Eligibility section of the RFA should reference K12 candidates as opposed to existing scholars. The trans-NIH policy stipulates that K12 candidates may not apply for a similar mentored K award (i.e., K23) simultaneously. However, appointed K12 scholars supported through institutional K12 (and KL2) awards may apply for K23 support. If they are successful, they then move from one mechanism to the other.

Please contact your NCRR Grants Management Specialist or your Program Officer if you have questions regarding this information.

Anthony R. Hayward, M.D., Ph.D.
Director
Division of Clinical Research Resources
National Center for Research Resources
National Institutes of Health
One Democracy Plaza, Room 906
6701 Democracy Boulevard, MSC 4874
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4874 (20817 for express mail)
Telephone: 301-435-0790
Fax: 301-480-3661
HaywardA@mail.nih.gov