VA Form 10-1313-3: Research & Development Budget Request – VA researchers and administrators use this form as part of the VA Office of Research and Development (ORD) application process for funding research projects that improve veterans’ health.
What Is VA Form 10-1313-3?
VA Form 10-1313-3, titled Research and Development Program—Current Funds and First Year Request, is a key budgeting document in the VA Form 10-1313 package. Issued in June 1990, it summarizes current year funds and requests first-year funding for research programs or projects.
It breaks down expenses like personnel, consultants, equipment, supplies, and other costs, while detailing the Principal Investigator’s (PI) role, effort percentage, and funding needs. It typically pairs with VA Form 10-1313-4 for detailed estimated expenses.
Purpose of VA Form 10-1313-3 in VA Research Funding
VA ORD funds intramural research through services like Biomedical Laboratory R&D (BLR&D), Clinical Science R&D (CSR&D), Health Services R&D (HSR&D), and Rehabilitation R&D (RR&D). This form helps justify budget requests for Merit Review Awards, Career Development Awards, pilot projects, and center applications.
It shows alignment between existing resources, requested funds, and proposed research, supporting transparency and accountability in federal funding for veteran-focused studies on conditions like PTSD, cancer, diabetes, and more.
Key Sections of VA Form 10-1313-3
The form includes these main areas:
- Principal Investigator(s) and Title of Program/Project: Identifies the lead researcher and project name.
- Personnel: Lists roles, % effort, current year funds, and first-year requested funds.
- Consultant Services: Details any external expert costs.
- Equipment: Items over $3,000 require justification on Form 10-1313-4.
- Supplies (Itemize): Breaks down consumables needed.
- All Other Expenses (Itemize): Covers additional costs.
- Total Operating Expenses: Summarizes totals for current funds and first-year request.
Accurate completion is essential, as reviewers use it to evaluate feasibility and value.
Who Needs to Complete VA Form 10-1313-3?
- VA-employed investigators (clinicians or non-clinicians with appropriate eligibility).
- Applicants for Merit Review, Career Development, or other ORD funding opportunities.
- Research offices at VA Medical Centers supporting proposals.
Eligibility often requires a VA appointment, and submissions go through pre-application (LOI) processes and full applications via Grants.gov or internal systems.
How to Fill Out and Submit VA Form 10-1313-3?
- Download the latest version from the official VA forms page.
- Work with your local VA Research Office for guidance on current requirements, as processes have evolved to include electronic submissions and updated RFAs.
- Provide itemized, justified budgets that align with program caps (e.g., varying by award type and service).
- Submit as part of a complete package, often with biosketches, research plans, and letters of support.
Download VA Form 10-1313-3 here: Download PDF
Official VA Research Site: Visit research.va.gov for RFAs, guidance, and resources (VA network access may be needed for some intranet documents).
Tips for a Strong Budget Submission
- Align requests with VA priorities for veteran health outcomes.
- Use conservative, well-justified figures; note equipment justifications separately.
- Coordinate with mentors or research administrators for Career Development or new investigator applications.
- Stay informed on cycles (e.g., winter, spring, summer, fall) and pre-application requirements.
Importance of VA Research Funding for Veterans
VA ORD supports groundbreaking work at over 100 sites nationwide. Proper use of forms like 10-1313-3 ensures efficient allocation of resources toward discoveries that directly benefit veterans and advance medical science.
For the most current instructions, always consult your local VA Research Office or the official VA Research website, as policies and forms can update.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not official VA guidance. Contact VA directly for personalized assistance.