Now that the updated Resubmission policy has been in place for a while, applicant inquiries on it have settled to a dull roar. But, there is still one area where folks are stumbling a bit. If you choose to submit a subsequent New application following an unsuccessful submission, you may not reference any previous application in any part of the New application. Not in the specific aims. Not in the research plan. Not in the project summary. Not in the narrative. Not in the cover letter. Not in a reference letter. Not in a box. Not with a fox. You get the picture.
By all means use reviewer feedback to improve your application. Just keep it to yourself where you got the ideas for improvement. A New application is a fresh start.
For more information, contact Sheri Cummins (Communications & Outreach – NIH Office of Extramural Research)