Frequently Asked Questions

Can the FLEX program be used to fund COVID 19 research?

The FLEX program seeks to promote all areas of cancer research. COVID-19 related projects will only be considered if they directly add to the understanding of cancer or the development of treatments for cancer patients.

Can extramural PIs submit an application?
No, only CCR PIs can submit an application. An extramural PI can serve as a non-funded co-PI or a collaborator on an application. 

Can I apply to more than one of the five awards?
Yes, a CCR PI may submit an application as the lead PI to each of the award categories.

Can I submit more than one LOI per award category?
No, you can only submit one LOI as the lead PI for each award type. However, you can be listed as a co-PI or collaborator on more than one LOI to the same award.

Can I submit an application if I received an award last year?
Yes, any CCR PI may submit an application as the lead PI to each of the award categories.

What is the difference between co-PI/collaborator?
If it is anticipated that a team member will be making major contributions to the research program, they should be listed as a co-PI. CCR PIs/co-PIs are eligible to receive funds for any type of team award. DCEG PIs are eligible to receive funds for the CCR-DCEG Collaborative Award and the Health Disparities Award.  A non-NCI co-PI can not receive FLEX funds. It is anticipated that those listed as collaborators will contribute to the project, though not to the extent of the co-PIs. Collaborators may not receive funds.

Who do I list as key personnel?
In this section, you should add those members of the team that are essential to carry out the work. They may serve as a Co-PI, collaborator, or team member.

Co-PI
For those that are considered to be a co-PI (see above), make sure to select "Co-PI" for the role.

• For the synergy award, you must list at least one additional CCR PI as a co-PI.
• For the CCR-DCEG Award, you must list one DCEG PI as a co-PI.
• Any non-NCI PI should be listed as a co-PI if they will make major contributions to the research program, however, they can not receive FLEX funds for this work.

Other role
In this field, enter a term such as collaborator or team member.

Are there limits to the size of a “team”?
A team must have at least 2 PIs. One of the PIs must be in CCR (lead). 

CCR Synergy - is it required that all the funded PIs/co-PIs be in the CCR?
Yes

Who is the coordinator for any of the team awards?
The lead CCR PI submits the application and is the Team Coordinator. 

Who is the team coordinator for the CCR-DCEG Award?
The lead CCR PI who is submitting the application is the Team Coordinator.

What is the review process?
FLEX Programs projects will be selected in a two-stage open competition.

First, the CCR Science Board will review and score all LOIs. Then, ~20% of LOI applicants will be invited to submit a full application. The CCR Science Board will then rank and score all full applications. The committee will then submit their recommendations for meritorious projects to the CCR Director (CCR and DCEG Directors in the case of the DCEG Award).

Can I resubmit a project that was submitted in a previous year?   A project can be either an original submission (i.e. 1^st time submission for consideration for a FLEX Award) or a resubmission of a project from a previous year. Please note that you are limited to an original submission and 2 additional resubmissions for the same project.

If I am awarded funding, will I get more lab space?
No, it is expected that additional personnel can be accommodated within existing laboratory space.