Published May 7, 2025, via Research News
On May 7, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) posted NOT-OD-25-110: Updated NIH Processes for No-Cost Extensions.
Effective immediately, NIH has temporarily disabled the No-Cost Extension (NCE) functionality in eRA commons. NIH is reviewing existing grants and cooperative agreements to ensure awards do not fund off-mission activities or projects.
All requests for NCEs must now be submitted as a prior approval request in eRA Commons for NIH review and approval.
We anticipate the same level of detail to be required as for second time NCE requests.
NIH Guidance for Second NCE requests.
The request must include the following information:
- Detailed explanation of why the project could not be completed by the originally approved end date;
- Scientific rationale for continuing the project;
- If requesting a third extension provide compelling scientific justification that warrants a third and final extension. Please be advised that NIAMS rarely approves a third extension;
- A brief (not to exceed one page) progress report that communicates scientific progress made from submission of the last RPPR to present;
- Amount of Direct Costs and Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs remaining (estimated unobligated balance) in U.S. dollars;
- PHS 2590 Form Page 2 Detailed Budget reflecting the proposed plans to use the remaining funds;
- PHS 2590 Form Page 6 Checklist reflecting calculated F&A costs;
- Budget Justification;
- Level of effort of key personnel named in the NOA – Section 8.1.1.3 of the NIH Grants Policy Statement requires a measurable level of effort of key personnel during an extension; and,
- Updated certifications and assurances, including IRB (if applicable under the Revised Common Rule) and IACUC approvals;
NCE Requests should only be submitted 90 days prior to the project end date and typically no later than 30 days prior to the project end date.
Please submit this form to SPA at least 3 to 5 business days before the agency submission deadline. Additional guidance may be found on the NCE Request webpage.