VA Form 10-1313-13: VHA R&D LOI Cover Page Guide – Veterans Affairs (VA) researchers and clinicians seeking funding through VHA Research & Development programs must often begin with a Letter of Intent (LOI). The VA Form 10-1313-13, officially titled the VHA Research & Development Letter of Intent Cover Page, serves as the standardized cover sheet for these submissions.
This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview for U.S.-based VA-affiliated researchers, principal investigators, and research administrators. Learn what the form is, how to complete it correctly, submission requirements, and where to download the latest fillable PDF.
What Is VA Form 10-1313-13?
VA Form 10-1313-13 is the official cover page used for Letters of Intent submitted to various VHA Research & Development Services, including:
- Biomedical Laboratory R&D Service (BLR&D)
- Clinical Science R&D Service (CSR&D)
- Cooperative Studies Program (CSP)
- Health Services R&D Service (HSR&D)
- Rehabilitation R&D Service (RR&D)
The form was revised in March 2017 (with some references noting an October 2017 update) and remains the current version for LOI submissions across multiple VA R&D programs.
It captures essential administrative and contact information for the Principal Investigator (PI), project details, and the specific R&D service or program being targeted. This standardized cover ensures efficient processing and review by VA research offices.
Purpose of the VHA Research & Development Letter of Intent
The Letter of Intent process allows VA researchers to outline proposed projects before submitting full applications. An approved or reviewed LOI is frequently required for competitive funding opportunities, career development awards (e.g., CDA-1, CDA-2), merit review projects, and special initiatives.
Key benefits include:
- Early feedback from VA reviewers
- Determination of fit within specific R&D services
- Streamlining of the full grant application process
- Ensuring compliance with VA research policies and priorities focused on improving Veterans’ health care
Many RFAs (Requests for Applications) explicitly require the completed VA Form 10-1313-13 as the first component of the LOI package, followed by a narrative document and CV.
Key Sections of VA Form 10-1313-13
The one-page fillable form includes several critical fields:
1. Research & Development Service/Program
Select the appropriate service (BLR&D, CSR&D, CSP, HSR&D, or RR&D).
2. LOI Type
Indicate whether this is a:
- New submission
- Revision (changed from previous LOI)
- Resubmission (no changes)
3. Program and Level
Specify details such as Merit Review, Research Career Scientist, or Career Development Programs (CDA-1, CDA-2, CDEA), along with other relevant categories.
4. Project Title
Provide a succinct, descriptive title (maximum 200 characters).
5. Principal Investigator Information
This section requires:
- Name, degrees, VA title/mail code
- Academic affiliation and rank
- Full contact details (address, phone, email)
- Clinician or non-clinician status
- U.S. citizenship status
- Current and expected VA effort (%)
- Signature and date
6. Associate Chief of Staff (or R&D Coordinator) Information
Includes name, medical center details, and signature.
Accurate completion of these fields is essential for administrative review.
How to Fill Out and Prepare VA Form 10-1313-13?
- Download the fillable PDF directly from the official VA source.
- Use Adobe Acrobat or compatible software to complete the form electronically.
- Ensure all information is current and matches supporting documents (CV, LOI narrative).
- Obtain required signatures (PI and ACOS/R&D Coordinator).
- Combine with the required LOI narrative (often 3 pages) and other components into a single PDF package where specified.
Pro Tip: Always verify specific instructions in the relevant RFA or program guidance, as additional requirements (e.g., page limits for the narrative) vary by service and opportunity.
Submission Process for VHA R&D Letters of Intent
Submission procedures differ by program but generally follow these steps:
- Prepare the full LOI package with VA Form 10-1313-13 as the cover.
- Route through your local VA facility research office (typically the ACOS for Research).
- Submit via email to the designated VA mailbox (e.g., [email protected] for certain BLR&D/CSR&D opportunities). Direct submissions by applicants are often not accepted.
- Meet program-specific deadlines—some accept rolling submissions, while others have fixed dates.
Contact your local VA Research Office for facility-specific guidance and to ensure compliance with both local and national policies.
Tips for a Strong LOI Submission
- Align with VA Priorities: Emphasize relevance to Veterans’ health care needs.
- Highlight Impact: Include measurable contributions, collaborations (especially with VA clinicians), and administrative service.
- Be Concise: Follow all page limits and formatting requirements strictly.
- Submit Early: Many programs encourage early submission for feedback.
- Coordinate Locally: Work closely with your VA medical center’s research administration team.
Download VA Form 10-1313-13
Official Download:
Download VA Form 10-1313-13 (Fillable PDF) here.
This is the most current version available from the VA Forms Library. Always use the official source to avoid outdated forms.
Additional Resources for VA Researchers
- VA Research Homepage – Official portal for policies, opportunities, and guidance.
- Specific RFA announcements and program instructions on the VA Research site.
- Local VA Medical Center Research Offices for hands-on support.
For the latest information, visit the official VA websites, as requirements can evolve with new funding announcements.
This guide is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available VA resources. Always consult official program announcements and your local research office for the most current requirements and submission details.