VA Form 10-1313-2: Research & Development Program Guide – VA Form 10-1313-2 is a key component of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) research application process. It serves as the Summary Description of Program/Project (also referred to as the abstract or summary page) for Merit Review and related research proposals submitted to the VA Office of Research and Development (ORD).
This article explains the form’s purpose, how it fits into VA research funding, who should use it, and step-by-step guidance for completion. It is written for Veterans, VA researchers, clinicians, and principal investigators in the United States seeking intramural funding opportunities.
What Is VA Form 10-1313-2?
VA Form 10-1313-2, titled “Research and Development Program”, is a standardized one- or two-page form used within the VA Form 10-1313 package. It captures essential details including:
- Principal Investigator(s)
- Title of the Program/Project (limited to 72 characters)
- Keywords (using MeSH terms, minimum of three)
- Brief Statement of Research Objectives
The form provides a concise overview or abstract of the proposed research project.
It is typically the second page in Merit Review applications (following VA Form 10-1313-1) and is required for various VA research services, including Biomedical Laboratory R&D (BLR&D), Clinical Science R&D (CSR&D), Health Services R&D (HSR&D), and Rehabilitation R&D (RR&D).
Download the latest fillable PDF here:
Download VA Form 10-1313-2 (PDF) (Revised December 2006).
Purpose of VA Form 10-1313-2 in VA Research Funding
The VA ORD uses this form as part of the Merit Review Award Program, the primary intramural funding mechanism supporting investigator-initiated research relevant to Veterans’ health.
It functions as the project’s abstract, allowing reviewers to quickly understand the objectives, significance, and approach. Strong summaries on this form can influence whether a full application advances through scientific peer review and administrative funding decisions.
Key contexts where it is used:
- Merit Review applications (similar to NIH R01 grants)
- Career Development Awards
- Renewal or resubmission packages
- Specific Requests for Applications (RFAs) under Notices of Special Interest (NOSIs)
Research must align with VA priorities, such as improving care for Veterans with conditions like PTSD, TBI, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and more.
Who Needs to Complete VA Form 10-1313-2?
- VA-employed clinicians (M.D.s) and non-clinician investigators (Ph.D.s) with appropriate eligibility
- Principal Investigators (PIs) or Multiple PIs seeking Merit Review funding
- Researchers at VA Medical Centers submitting through local Research & Development (R&D) offices
Eligibility note: Awardees often require a minimum 5/8ths VA-paid appointment (at least 62.5% effort dedicated to VA). New or non-clinician applicants may need local R&D Committee approval and Central Office eligibility.
Contact your local VA Research Office early for guidance.
How to Fill Out VA Form 10-1313-2: Step-by-Step?
- Principal Investigator(s): List the PI name(s) and contact information.
- Title of Program/Project: Keep it concise (≤72 characters) and descriptive.
- Keywords: Use official MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms. Provide at least three.
- Brief Statement of Research Objectives: Summarize the project’s goals, hypotheses, methods, and potential impact on Veterans’ health. Avoid continuation sheets—be clear and compelling.
Follow instructions in relevant RFAs or Program Guides (e.g., Program Guide 1202.01). Applications are submitted electronically via Grants.gov by the local Research Office signing official.
Pro Tips for a Strong Submission:
- Align with current VA research priorities and portfolio needs.
- Use clear, non-technical language where possible for broader review.
- Ensure consistency with other forms in the 10-1313 package (e.g., budget forms, biosketches).
VA Research Application Process Overview
- Review current NOSIs and RFAs on the VA Research website.
- Consult your local VA R&D Office.
- Prepare pre-application materials if required (e.g., Letters of Intent for certain awards).
- Submit full application, including Form 10-1313-2.
- Undergo peer review (scientific merit) followed by administrative review.
- If selected, complete Just-in-Time (JIT) requirements.
Submission cycles vary by service (e.g., BLR&D/CSR&D often March/September). Check official calendars for deadlines.
Benefits of VA Merit Review Funding
- Supports high-impact research directly benefiting Veterans.
- Provides salary support and project funding (typical caps apply, e.g., ~$150K–$200K/year depending on service).
- Enhances career development for VA investigators.
- Contributes to advancements in clinical care, diagnostics, treatments, and health services.
Common Questions About VA Form 10-1313-2
Is the form still current? Yes, the December 2006 version remains the standard fillable PDF referenced on va.gov.
Where can I find related forms? The full package includes 10-1313-1 (application face page), biosketches, budget forms, and more. Search on va.gov/vaforms or the VA Research site.
Need help? Reach out to your local VA Medical Center Research Office or visit official resources for the latest guidance.
Resources and Further Reading
- Official VA Form Page: VA Form 10-1313-2
- VA Office of Research & Development: research.va.gov
- Funding Opportunities & RFAs: Check current NOSIs and application guides.
This form is a gateway to advancing Veteran-focused research. Prepare a compelling summary, collaborate with your local team, and contribute to innovations that improve Veterans’ lives across the USA.
Always verify the most current instructions directly from official VA sources, as policies and requirements can evolve.