From the currently submitted applications, ORIP staff drew information about the status of the instruments awarded to the applicant institutions in the last 5 years; that is, fiscal years (FYs) 2011-2015. ORIP’s analysis covered over 80% of all instruments awarded in that period; these instruments are well maintained and being used. Based on the data provided, more clearly defined instructions for responding to questions on instrument status and hours of use were included in funding announcements for FY 2017.

Modify the S10 program requirements and administration to augment its cost effectiveness and utility for the biomedical research community.

In FY 2016, ORIP introduced an opportunity to apply for Special Use Instruments. These instruments can be used in a clinical setting as long as special budgetary and managerial conditions are met to ensure the priority and predominant protected time for biomedical research. One such award was issued for a system consisting of a 3 Tesla MRI scanner and an X-ray angiography interventional system to support research and clinical uses.