Florida International University is cognizant of the impacts that the COVID-19 outbreak has on the FIU community as well as the rest of the state and nation. The University, and its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), are actively monitoring and responding to the evolving situation to better understand the latest developments and provide continuing guidance to the FIU Research community. The FIU COVID-19 website contains important and current information for everyone in the University community.
ORED Announcements regarding COVID-19
SUS Blueprint for Reopening Campuses in Fall 2020
The Board of Governors is providing the State University System of Florida Blueprint for Reopening Campuses for Fall Semester 2020 that identifies critical elementsto guide the 12 state universities as each one develops an individualized plan (June 4, 2020… read more)
It is the intent of the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) to provide the University research community with guidance to help mitigate any potential impacts on research activities and guidance updates from our various funding agencies as they become available.
With the ongoing concern about the spread of this disease, laboratories and research facilities should begin to finalize and implement plans for the disruption to routine operations. Each laboratory or research facility is best positioned to implement plans that will meet their unique needs. This guidance is provided to facilitate the development of your plan.
The guidance provided herein is not intended to be all-inclusive and is based on what is known at this time. We will update the research community as the situation develops and more information becomes available. It is important that the entire FIU research community follow the University’s updates.
Research Continuity Guidance for Laboratories and Research Facilities
Assumptions that you can use for planning, based on a scenario with widespread COVID-19 communal transmission:
- A significant percentage of your laboratory workforce may be out sick or unable to come to work.
- Essential research infrastructure, such as power and telecommunications, will be maintained.
- Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will maintain essential research support functions, although some lower-priority services may need to be curtailed (e.g., less frequent waste pick-up).
- The Animal Care Facility (ACF) will continue to operate under its pandemic response procedures. ACF users will be notified directly of any changes or updates to normal operations. Any specific questions should be directed to Dr. Horatiu Vinerean at horatiu.vinerean@fiu.edu.
- Orders for critical supplies may be delayed and/or unavailable. ORED can assist if researchers need help in locating supplies in case of shortages.
- Core facilities and other fee-for-service resources may experience disruptions of services.
Steps you can take now to ensure continuity of critical functions:
- Identify procedures and processes that require regular personnel attention (e.g., cell culture maintenance, animal studies).
- All laboratories and research facilities should forward contingency plans to Luis Salas at salasl@fiu.edu and Stephanie Mitjans at smitjans@fiu.edu so that they may be reviewed and followed.
- Assess and prioritize critical laboratory activities.
- Identify any research experiments that can be ramped down, curtailed, or delayed. Notify pre-award and funding agency program officers (if applicable) of such delays.
- Identify key personnel able to safely perform essential activities, and to ensure the integrity of your group’s research efforts.
- Provide a list of essential personnel and identifying information (Panther ID) that may need access during a potential shutdown so that they may be granted access to their research sites by completing the following request form.
- Ensure that you have access to emergency contact information for your critical staff, including cell phone numbers.
- Cross-train research staff to fill in for others who may be out sick or unable to come to work.
- Ensure staff have the appropriate training and required certifications.
- Ensure you are documenting critical step-by-step instructions in your Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
- Coordinate with colleagues who have similar research activities to identify ways to ensure coverage of critical activities.
- Review contingency plans and emergency procedures with researchers and staff.
- Maintain sufficient inventory of critical supplies that may be impacted by shortages or global shipping delays.
- Communicate significant planned absences and/or lab closures to Luis Salas at salasl@fiu.edu and Stephanie Mitjans at smitjans@fiu.edu and key academic and administrative units.
- Prioritize. Depending upon the nature of your research, consider prioritizing work that can only be carried out in your research facility, and put off work amenable to remote support, such as data analysis. Stockpiling results and data now that could be analyzed remotely in the future is a potential option that might create future flexibility.
- Consider the steps needed to secure your research program in case of a long-term event that may prevent access to the campus or specific building.
Remote access:
- Ensure that those involved in research projects have access to information they need to carry out work remotely (e.g., access to literature, computers, existing datasets and research-related files, and meeting software, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams).
- Test and update remote work technologies such as VPN and Zoom conferencing.
- Under no circumstances are researchers to take materials other than laptops, data storage devices, etc., offsite (e.g., to their homes). Ensure that no data or files with patient or participant identifying information is compromised and HIPAA and IRB regulations are followed.
Prevention of the spread of illness among your research group:
- The FIU Coronavirus Updates FAQ contains valuable information of steps to take for prevention and containment of the virus as well as CDC guidance.
Research continuity summary:
Advance planning will allow everyone in your research group to focus on their own efforts and work together as a team, rather than wonder how they and their team members are to proceed.
Quick Checklist:
- Identify critical lab operations.
- Identify critical lab personnel and ensure they know what to do in the event of suspended operations.
- Remind lab personnel of your communication plan or create one if not in place.
- Ensure remote access to files, data, servers, etc.
- Prioritize experiments.
- Cancel non-essential travel, and check University travel restrictions before making travel plans. Additionally, check FIU’s updated travel guidance.
Requests to Access Research Laboratories
Update memo of April 3, 2020 and survey to provide the names and contact information of your designated critical key personnel, as well as requests for exceptions to allow COVID-19 studies or the continuation of ongoing critical experiments.
During the current remote working environment, essential functions are typically those which must continue in order to ensure the health/safety of the university and ensure the continuity of key operations. In the current remote working environment for FIU, there will be essential functions that will require some level of presence in research laboratories, both wet and dry.
Our focus is on the health and safety of the university community. We are assessing requests for needs to maintain essential laboratory activities on a case-by-case basis. In order to better manage the decisions on allowed essential laboratory functions, we are providing a request form, which can be completed then submitted for review and approval.
In reviewing the needs of your lab or research team and completing the form, it will be important to distinguish carefully between those functions that require access to campus, and those that can be conducted remotely. In most situations, we anticipate that only a subset of research personnel within a lab will require access to campus. As you complete the form, provide information only for the personnel that needs access to campus.
Research Involving Biospecimens
Any research group that plans to handle/work with SARS-CoV-2 biospecimens (from COVID-19 patients) must first receive clearance from FIU’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) prior to beginning any such research.
If cleared by EH&S, all appropriate/applicable safety precautions and procedures would be established and subsequently followed by the laboratory that would be conducting this research. Such procedures would be specifically tailored to the research itself and the type(s) of SARS-CoV-2 samples that the lab will work with.
Travel Guidance and Visitor Policy
FIU Panthers Protecting Panthers University Operations provides travel guidance due to the continued spread of COVID-19. Please continue to monitor University advisories on travel restrictions and see any specific agency guidance in the Guidance from Funding Agencies section. Additionally, on June 22, 2020, the Vice President for Research provided the following guidance:
“As you are aware, the University has suspended travel for University business, except for a recent communication from the Provost regarding essential international travel https://academic.fiu.edu/docs/covid-19/Memo%20Intl%20Travel%20Update%20Memo%206-10-2020.pdf, which requires approval by the International Travel Committee (ITC). We continue to review and approve domestic travel related to field research requests submitted using the following link: https://fiu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dgPELUi7tSyOQmN. We are conscious that there may be situations in which other research-related travel may be required, and we will consider approving the travel under the following conditions:
Please note that upon the traveler’s return, he/she may be required to be tested for COVID-19 and/or be quarantined for 14 days prior to returning to work at FIU depending on the individual circumstances. |
Office of Research and Economic development ORED
We expect that the Office of Research and Economic (ORED) will remain fully operational, with the ability to submit, receive and manage research grants, even if most personnel are working remotely. Typically, federal agencies are flexible about deadlines under difficult circumstances beyond our control such as natural disasters or pandemic events. However, if federal agencies are officially closed, proposals will most likely remain in a queue, pending resumption of agency operations – as has been the case during federal budget-related shutdowns. ORED will post agency specific guidance as it becomes available. See Guidance from Funding Agencies section. All ORED personnel are working to ensure continuity of services for the research community.
Institutional Research Board (IRB)
Researchers should carefully review over their protocols to determine if modifications are needed as a result of the current COVID-19 situation (e.g., proposing alternative locations/methods for: consenting subjects, collecting data, communicating with subjects, storing data, etc.). If modification are needed to an ongoing IRB-approved research study, then the researcher must submit an amendment to the IRB and receive IRB approval before implementing the proposed modifications.
The only exception to the above requirement is if the change is designed to eliminate an apparent immediate hazard to subjects (45 CFR 46.103(b)(4)). If the researchers modify the research in order to eliminate apparent immediate hazards to subjects without prior IRB approval, then they must report this change to the IRB via an amendment within 5 business days of making the change.
Please note that placing a research project on hold will not require an IRB amendment (and will not be considered as a protocol deviation). However, IRB protocols that have been placed on hold will still need to be renewed by the IRB prior to the protocol’s expiration date.
Contact Christopher Grayson (graysonc@fiu.edu) if you have any questions.
Please also see the following guidance document from the NIH:
Guidance for NIH-funded Clinical Trials and Human Subjects Studies Affected by COVID-19
University Graduate School (UGS)
The UGS personnel are following university guidance. While working remotely there is no anticipation of disruption to normal service. Continue to contact UGS personnel as needed. Staff will continue to monitor and respond to both office phone and email communications. Dissertation and thesis defenses will proceed as planned, with modified procedures that allow for remote presence of committee members and students. For questions regarding dissertation and thesis defenses and UGS operations, please reach out to us at ugs@fiu.edu or staff as indicated below:
Inquiries related to dissertation/thesis forms – Demi Moro, dmoro@fiu.edu
Inquiries related to ETD, formatting, Brandie Course, etd@fiu.edu
Inquiries related to change of degree, petitions, time-to-degree, DAS/GF, commencement, general inquiries – Ashley Mendez, amendez@fiu.edu
Inquiries related to GA’s – Betty Sigler – bsigler@fiu.edu
Inquiries related to fellowships – Claudia Balzán, ugsfellows@fiu.edu
Inquiries related to professional development workshops– Asfa Siddiqui, asiddiqu@fiu.edu
General inquiries, UGS operations – Karla Ortega, ortegak@fiu.edu
Guidance from Funding Agencies
Funding agencies are beginning to issue guidance regarding their operations and procedures in response to COVID-19. ORED will post any issued guidance and maintain current guidance as available. See list below for latest updates.
Admin. for Children and Families
Dept. of Defense Proposers & Awardees Impacted by COVID-19
Department of Education IES Guidance/FAQs
DOE Implementation of OMB Guidance
Dept of Energy Accommodating Interruptions from COVID-19
Dept. of Energy Guidance for Financial Assistance Actions
DOJ Short-Term Relief 3/20/2020
Dept of Labor Susan Harwood Grantee 3/19/2020
Mellon Foundation COVID-19 Update
Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs
NIH COVID-19 Guidance for Applicants and Grantees
NOAA Guidance for Recipients and Applicants Impacted by COVID-19
NSF COVID-19 Guidance to the Research Community
Office of Management and Budget
Office of Management and Budget Extension of Administrative Relief
Office of Naval Research Guidance
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), Grants and Acquisitions Management (GAM)
OMB Administrative Relief due to Loss of Operations
Frequently Asked Questions
Animal Research
What is the Contingency Plan for Animal Care
ACF users will be notified directly in a separate communication of any changes or updates to normal ACF operations.
Charges
I am a PI working remotely on my funded research. Can my effort still be charged to the grant?
In general, yes, provided you remain engaged in your project. Current NIH and NSF prior approval requirements regarding disengagement and effort reductions remain in effect.
Can I charge trip cancellation insurance on my grant?
Trip cancellation insurance is typically unallowable on grants. Although airlines are not issuing refunds, most currently have procedures in place to provide limited time credits for future travel and are waiving the normal change fee. If you need assistance in canceling a trip or have any questions, contact your post-award administrator.
I am a PI on a grant and am required to work remotely due to University orders. Will I be able to charge my time and effort on the grant even though I working remotely?
Yes, if the effort is justified and related to programmed efforts.
What electronic payment mechanisms are available to me for the participant study on my research project?
With IRB approval, remote work participant fund procedures include the ability to use Zelle, Venmo and e-gift cards. See your post award administrator for specific vendor forms.
Environmental Health & Safety
Can FIU facilitate antibody testing of research employees to help plan modification of remote working procedures?
We may be able to pay for these costs as part of the budget proposal to a federal agency. However, the reliability of such tests as predictors of immunity so that researchers can have confidence that they would guarantee their safety is yet to be established.
If social distancing and limited numbers of researchers/sqft area are maintained, can we begin to call back technicians/trainees to the laboratories on a rotation basis?
Yes we can consider staggering rotating workers and working in shifts as long as we can ensure meeting current social distancing guidelines and compliance with EH&S behavioral and safety equipment while in the laboratory.
Are the EH&S guidance for wearing a cloth mask while on campus a guideline or a requirement?
Right now, until the University issues guidance, we are treating this and the Miami Dade County rules as recommendations until the University issues guidance.
Also, must masks be worn continuously when working in an individual office?
No.
Once the researchers come back to university, is it required to wear masks all the time?
No.
Facilities
If facilities folks need to enter our lab to fix something, will they call first and/or let us know that they have been there?
They will normally contact you and if you are not available, they will usually reach out to us. It is unlikely that they will enter your lab without your knowledge unless it is an emergency.
Does Jackson have BSL3?
No.
Field Work
What is the process for considering our ability to conduct field work for our funded work in the weeks to come? Particularly for low risk field work (e.g., to remote locations via small crews in boats with no contact outside the 2/3 person field crew). Where are we on that?
We are currently working with the boat safety committee, INWI and other researchers to review all field operations including boats and diving.
Funding
I am quarantined due to the COVID-9 outbreak and am working from home and am unable to submit a grant proposal during the requisite deadlines. May I request an extension?
Most federal agencies, including NIH and NSF, do not grant prior approval for late submissions; however, there are existing policies that address extenuating circumstances. Current NIH guidance can be located at NOT-OD-15-039 and Special Exceptions to NSF’s Deadline Date Policy (PAPPG 19-1). We strongly encourage you to discuss your specific situation with your agency Program Official and see the Guidance from Funding Agencies section.
Where can I get more specific information on agency-specific information on disasters and emergencies such as the COVID-9 outbreak?
With the number of grant opportunities coming available to study live SARS-coronavirus-2, would ORED consider plans to help fund the conversion of current research space on campus? For example, maybe in AHC1, where at least 6 PIs in the Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine could pursue COVID grants? Thoughts on using mobile BSL-3 units to bring to campus? Thank you!
We have been inquiring about all the possible options and currently the only solution that appears reasonable and/or viable is a mobile unit which houses a limited number of researchers but is certified for BSL-3 work. These units are being sold for approximately $1.3 million and the vendors we have found are sold out. We will continue to review this option as well as usage of existing structural facilities that are no being used although so far, we have not had luck. In preparation for the possibility we could overcome tis obstacle, we could review BSL-3 other requirements (for example training of staff, proper PEP, etc.)
General
What ORED services will be available during this period?
ORED personnel are following university guidance. While working remotely there is no anticipation of disruption to normal service to the research community. Continue to contact ORED personnel as needed. Staff will continue to monitor and respond to both office phone and email communications. Communications will be sent via our listservs and posted on the ORED Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources website if there are changes.
Human Resources
pending
pending
Human Subjects Research
I am experiencing delays recruiting participants for my funded research study and/or cancellations of scheduled follow-up visits and it is negatively affecting the progress of my study. What should I do?
For programmatic issues affecting your study, we strongly recommend you speak with your agency Program Official or other sponsor contact. If any issues should persist, they may need to be reported in future progress reports, or you may need a No Cost Extension to complete your study. Please coordinate any such actions with ORED.
Students
pending
pending
Training
What are some professional development resources for our research staff, graduate students and post docs?
Please visit our Professional Development and Training Resources page for a list of professional development courses and resources for research personnel.
Travel
I was planning to attend a conference and present the results of my funded research and the project budget allowed conference related expenses. The conference was cancelled. Will I be reimbursed for the expenses I have incurred?
Some agencies have begun to issue guidance regarding non-refundable travel, conferences and travel related expenses due to the coronavirus. See the Guidance from Funding Agencies section for specific sponsor guidance. For the most part the treatment of these charges are currently no different than in the past if travel had to be canceled for a compelling reason.
Documentation is critical when there are questions on change fees, cancellation fees, etc. These may be an allowable expense under extenuating circumstances provided there is a compelling and valid reason such as a canceled conference or medical emergency.
If you need to cancel a trip due to coronavirus, document that the trip was cancelled by the host or travel was suspended by the University. Include the memo from Dr. Furton on 3/10/2020 (or any subsequent memorandum) or notice of cancelation from the host of the conference as documentation on the expense report. If you have any questions, please contact your post-award administrator.
If the University approved your Travel Authorization request (TA), it will be reimbursed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Animal Research
What is the Contingency Plan for Animal Care
ACF users will be notified directly in a separate communication of any changes or updates to normal ACF operations.
Charges
I am a PI working remotely on my funded research. Can my effort still be charged to the grant?
In general, yes, provided you remain engaged in your project. Current NIH and NSF prior approval requirements regarding disengagement and effort reductions remain in effect.
Can I charge trip cancellation insurance on my grant?
Trip cancellation insurance is typically unallowable on grants. Although airlines are not issuing refunds, most currently have procedures in place to provide limited time credits for future travel and are waiving the normal change fee. If you need assistance in canceling a trip or have any questions, contact your post-award administrator.
I am a PI on a grant and am required to work remotely due to University orders. Will I be able to charge my time and effort on the grant even though I working remotely?
Yes, if the effort is justified and related to programmed efforts.
What electronic payment mechanisms are available to me for the participant study on my research project?
With IRB approval, remote work participant fund procedures include the ability to use Zelle, Venmo and e-gift cards. See your post award administrator for specific vendor forms.
Environmental Health & Safety
Can FIU facilitate antibody testing of research employees to help plan modification of remote working procedures?
We may be able to pay for these costs as part of the budget proposal to a federal agency. However, the reliability of such tests as predictors of immunity so that researchers can have confidence that they would guarantee their safety is yet to be established.
If social distancing and limited numbers of researchers/sqft area are maintained, can we begin to call back technicians/trainees to the laboratories on a rotation basis?
Yes we can consider staggering rotating workers and working in shifts as long as we can ensure meeting current social distancing guidelines and compliance with EH&S behavioral and safety equipment while in the laboratory.
Are the EH&S guidance for wearing a cloth mask while on campus a guideline or a requirement?
Right now, until the University issues guidance, we are treating this and the Miami Dade County rules as recommendations until the University issues guidance.
Also, must masks be worn continuously when working in an individual office?
No.
Once the researchers come back to university, is it required to wear masks all the time?
No.
Facilities
If facilities folks need to enter our lab to fix something, will they call first and/or let us know that they have been there?
They will normally contact you and if you are not available, they will usually reach out to us. It is unlikely that they will enter your lab without your knowledge unless it is an emergency.
Does Jackson have BSL3?
No.
Field Work
What is the process for considering our ability to conduct field work for our funded work in the weeks to come? Particularly for low risk field work (e.g., to remote locations via small crews in boats with no contact outside the 2/3 person field crew). Where are we on that?
We are currently working with the boat safety committee, INWI and other researchers to review all field operations including boats and diving.
Funding
I am quarantined due to the COVID-9 outbreak and am working from home and am unable to submit a grant proposal during the requisite deadlines. May I request an extension?
Most federal agencies, including NIH and NSF, do not grant prior approval for late submissions; however, there are existing policies that address extenuating circumstances. Current NIH guidance can be located at NOT-OD-15-039 and Special Exceptions to NSF’s Deadline Date Policy (PAPPG 19-1). We strongly encourage you to discuss your specific situation with your agency Program Official and see the Guidance from Funding Agencies section.
Where can I get more specific information on agency-specific information on disasters and emergencies such as the COVID-9 outbreak?
With the number of grant opportunities coming available to study live SARS-coronavirus-2, would ORED consider plans to help fund the conversion of current research space on campus? For example, maybe in AHC1, where at least 6 PIs in the Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine could pursue COVID grants? Thoughts on using mobile BSL-3 units to bring to campus? Thank you!
We have been inquiring about all the possible options and currently the only solution that appears reasonable and/or viable is a mobile unit which houses a limited number of researchers but is certified for BSL-3 work. These units are being sold for approximately $1.3 million and the vendors we have found are sold out. We will continue to review this option as well as usage of existing structural facilities that are no being used although so far, we have not had luck. In preparation for the possibility we could overcome tis obstacle, we could review BSL-3 other requirements (for example training of staff, proper PEP, etc.)
General
What ORED services will be available during this period?
ORED personnel are following university guidance. While working remotely there is no anticipation of disruption to normal service to the research community. Continue to contact ORED personnel as needed. Staff will continue to monitor and respond to both office phone and email communications. Communications will be sent via our listservs and posted on the ORED Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources website if there are changes.
Human Resources
pending
pending
Human Subjects Research
I am experiencing delays recruiting participants for my funded research study and/or cancellations of scheduled follow-up visits and it is negatively affecting the progress of my study. What should I do?
For programmatic issues affecting your study, we strongly recommend you speak with your agency Program Official or other sponsor contact. If any issues should persist, they may need to be reported in future progress reports, or you may need a No Cost Extension to complete your study. Please coordinate any such actions with ORED.
Students
pending
pending
StartUP FIU
Will StartUP FIU activities continue during this period?
Through at least April 4th the StartUP FIU space on the 3rd floor of the MARC building will be closed to the public and all events have been postponed. For specific programs, such as YEP, Food, Procurement, I-Corps, Social Venture Studio, and all Student Entrepreneurship initiatives, each director will be contacting participants directly. If you need further guidance on your specific program, please reach out to them as you normally would.
For any questions, please email startup@fiu.edu or call 305-348-7156. For any other updates please follow us on our social media platforms at @startupfiu.
Training
What are some professional development resources for our research staff, graduate students and post docs?
Please visit our Professional Development and Training Resources page for a list of professional development courses and resources for research personnel.
Travel
I was planning to attend a conference and present the results of my funded research and the project budget allowed conference related expenses. The conference was cancelled. Will I be reimbursed for the expenses I have incurred?
Some agencies have begun to issue guidance regarding non-refundable travel, conferences and travel related expenses due to the coronavirus. See the Guidance from Funding Agencies section for specific sponsor guidance. For the most part the treatment of these charges are currently no different than in the past if travel had to be canceled for a compelling reason.
Documentation is critical when there are questions on change fees, cancellation fees, etc. These may be an allowable expense under extenuating circumstances provided there is a compelling and valid reason such as a canceled conference or medical emergency.
If you need to cancel a trip due to coronavirus, document that the trip was cancelled by the host or travel was suspended by the University. Include the memo from Dr. Furton on 3/10/2020 (or any subsequent memorandum) or notice of cancelation from the host of the conference as documentation on the expense report. If you have any questions, please contact your post-award administrator.
If the University approved your Travel Authorization request (TA), it will be reimbursed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ORED services will be available during this period?
ORED personnel are following university guidance. While working remotely there is no anticipation of disruption to normal service to the research community. Continue to contact ORED personnel as needed. Staff will continue to monitor and respond to both office phone and email communications. Communications will be sent via our listservs and posted on the ORED Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources website if there are changes.
I was planning to attend a conference and present the results of my funded research and the project budget allowed conference related expenses. The conference was cancelled. Will I be reimbursed for the expenses I have incurred?
Some agencies have begun to issue guidance regarding non-refundable travel, conferences and travel related expenses due to the coronavirus. See the Guidance from Funding Agencies section for specific sponsor guidance. For the most part the treatment of these charges are currently no different than in the past if travel had to be canceled for a compelling reason.
Documentation is critical when there are questions on change fees, cancellation fees, etc. These may be an allowable expense under extenuating circumstances provided there is a compelling and valid reason such as a canceled conference or medical emergency.
If you need to cancel a trip due to coronavirus, document that the trip was cancelled by the host or travel was suspended by the University. Include the memo from Dr. Furton on 3/10/2020 (or any subsequent memorandum) or notice of cancelation from the host of the conference as documentation on the expense report. If you have any questions, please contact your post-award administrator.
If the University approved your Travel Authorization request (TA), it will be reimbursed.
I am a PI working remotely on my funded research. Can my effort still be charged to the grant?
In general, yes, provided you remain engaged in your project. Current NIH and NSF prior approval requirements regarding disengagement and effort reductions remain in effect.
Can I charge trip cancellation insurance on my grant?
Trip cancellation insurance is typically unallowable on grants. Although airlines are not issuing refunds, most currently have procedures in place to provide limited time credits for future travel and are waiving the normal change fee. If you need assistance in canceling a trip or have any questions, contact your post-award administrator.
I am a PI on a grant and am required to work remotely due to University orders. Will I be able to charge my time and effort on the grant even though I working remotely?
Yes, if the effort is justified and related to programmed efforts.
I am quarantined due to the COVID-9 outbreak and am working from home and am unable to submit a grant proposal during the requisite deadlines. May I request an extension?
Most federal agencies, including NIH and NSF, do not grant prior approval for late submissions; however, there are existing policies that address extenuating circumstances. Current NIH guidance can be located at NOT-OD-15-039 and Special Exceptions to NSF’s Deadline Date Policy (PAPPG 19-1). We strongly encourage you to discuss your specific situation with your agency Program Official and see the Guidance from Funding Agencies section.
Where can I get more specific information on agency-specific information on disasters and emergencies such as the COVID-9 outbreak?
I am experiencing delays recruiting participants for my funded research study and/or cancellations of scheduled follow-up visits and it is negatively affecting the progress of my study. What should I do?
For programmatic issues affecting your study, we strongly recommend you speak with your agency Program Official or other sponsor contact. If any issues should persist, they may need to be reported in future progress reports, or you may need a No Cost Extension to complete your study. Please coordinate any such actions with ORED.
What electronic payment mechanisms are available to me for the participant study on my research project?
With IRB approval, remote work participant fund procedures include the ability to use Zelle, Venmo and e-gift cards. See your post award administrator for specific vendor forms.
What is the Contingency Plan for Animal Care
ACF users will be notified directly in a separate communication of any changes or updates to normal ACF operations.
What are some professional development resources for our research staff, graduate students and post docs?
Please visit our Professional Development and Training Resources page for a list of professional development courses and resources for research personnel.
Virtual Town Hall
Virtual Town Hall
On April 21, 2020, the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) held its first virtual town hall meeting on research during COVID-19.
Discussion topics included an update on current status at FIU, updates on federal agencies’ directives, as well as continuity of laboratory and field research operations. In addition, selected questions were addressed.
Click here to access the recording, and here to download/view the pdf presentation.
Please note that the guidance discussed in these town halls is constantly changing Therefore you should continue to check this website for updates. If you have any questions that were not answered through the town hall or by this website, please click here to submit your questions. Your questions will continue to be reviewed by ORED and will be considered for future town hall meetings.
ORED Professional Development and Training Resources
Please visit our Professional Development and Training Resources page for a list of professional development courses and resources for research personnel.
Funding Opportunities
This page is updated regularly. In addition, please note that the InfoEd SPIN search engine has created a ‘COVID-19/Coronavirus Funding Opportunities’ report that lists all funding opportunities with no filters. You may find this search tool on ORED’s website: http://research.fiu.edu/funding/search-tools/ or by going directly to InfoEd’s public page: https://www.infoedglobal.com/COVID19.
| Date Posted | Agency Name | Program Name | Agency Deadline | Notes |
| 2/24/2021 | NIH | SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and Consequences of Alcohol Use (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
RFA-AA-21-002 |
Letter of Intent Due: 3/14/2021
Proposal Due: 4/14/2021 |
|
| 2/24/2021 | NIH | SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and Consequences of Alcohol Use (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
RFA-AA-21-003 |
Letter of Intent Due: 3/14/2021
Proposal Due: 4/14/2021 |
|
| 2/24/2021 | NIH | SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and Consequences of Alcohol Use (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
RFA-21-004 |
Letter of Intent Due: 3/14/2021
Proposal Due: 4/14/2021 |
|
| 7/9/2020 | NIH | Digital Healthcare Interventions to Address the Secondary Health Effects Related to Social, Behavioral, and Economic Impact of COVID-19 (R01 – Clinical Trial Optional)
PAR-20-243 |
August 20, 2020
December 2, 2020 March 2, 2021 |
See announcement for participating NIH institutes |
| 5/13/2020 | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease | Emergency Awards: Rapid Investigation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
(R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) PAR-20-178 |
Rolling | |
| 4/17/2020 | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism | Notice of Special Interest: Availability of Administrative Supplements and Competitive Revision Supplements on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) within the Mission of NIAAA | 4/16/2021 | Must be a current NIH awardee |
| 4/15/20 | National Cancer Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institute of General Medical Sciences National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism |
Emergency Competitive Revision to Existing NIH Awards (Emergency Supplement – Clinical Trial Optional) | See the Emergency Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) for applicable Application Due Dates.
https://grants.nih.gov/policy/natural-disasters/corona-virus.htm |
Must be a current NIH awardee
Emergency Notices of Special Interest (NOSIs) issued by the respective institutes will specify the activity codes under which recipients can apply. |
| 4/15/2020 | National Institute on Aging
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute on Drug Abuse National Institute of Mental Health National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders National Cancer Institute |
Urgent Competitive Revision to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements (Urgent Supplement – Clinical Trial Optional) | See Urgent Guide Notices for information on start dates associated with specific urgent needs.
https://grants.nih.gov/policy/natural-disasters/corona-virus.htm |
Must be a current NIH awardee
Urgent Guide Notices issued by the respective institutes will specify the activity codes under which recipients can apply. |
| 3/27/2020 | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease | Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | 4/5/2021 | |
| 3/27/2020 | National Institute on Drug Abuse | Availability of Administrative Supplements and Urgent Competitive Revisions for Research on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus | 3/31/2021 | Must be a current NIDA awardee |
| 3/27/2020 | National Institute of General Medical Sciences | Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) regarding the Availability of Urgent Competitive Revisions for Research on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the Causative Virus SARS-CoV-2 | 2/25/2021 | Must be a current NIGMS awardee |
| 3/27/2020 | National Science Foundation | RAPID Research on Coronavirus (COVID-19): | Rolling | |
| 3/27/2020 | National Science Foundation | Provisioning Advanced Cyberinfrastructure to Further Research on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | Rolling | |
| 3/27/2020 | Department of Health and Human Services:
Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Broad Agency Announcements (BAA) |
New Topic under Area of Interest: COVID-19
BARDA Division of Research, Innovation & Ventures (DRIVe) |
White papers may be submitted until 2023. |