FAQs: National Institutes of Health

1. Is NIH going to adjust/cancel submission deadlines? Deadlines are not (yet) moved/canceled but they’ve issued guidance on late submissions, to be evaluated on a case by case basis: 

“When delays occur because the applicant or recipient organization is officially closed or unable to submit grant applications due to the effects of COVID-19, the NIH will consider accepting applications late, on a case-by-case basis.”

2. Study section meetings? From their FAQ announcement, #11:  I have concerns about traveling to a peer review panel at NIH. What should I do?  Contact the cognizant NIH Scientific Review Officer (SRO) as soon as practicable. NIH will be flexible about accommodating virtual participation.

3. Will they allow people on F and K awards to extend their fellowships? The regular no-cost extension policies will apply, and for those with time limits post-degree, NIH may issue separate guidance. We have not yet seen any formal guidance on this. 

4. What happens to no-cost extensions? The regular policies and procedures apply. If someone is currently in a no-cost extension (NCE), and needs another, they should contact OSPA as soon as possible, and we will work on getting a request submitted. If someone is not yet in an NCE, and wants one, same answer – OSPA can help get the request submitted. NIH gives us the ability to request the first one-year NCE without prior approval on most awards; other sponsors vary.

5. Does it affect when we have to submit our annual reports? Deadlines remain in effect, but they recognize that flexibility may be needed. From their FAQs:

If work is stopped or is disrupted because of COVID-19, how will NIH assess progress at the time of Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) submission?

NIH understands the potential effects of COVID-19 on the progress of NIH supported research. Recipients must contact the funding IC to alert them of any effects on the NIH funded research. NIH is committed to working with its applicants and recipients during this public health emergency. In addition, NIH recognizes that there may be delays in submission of RPPRs and other reports. See NOT-OD-20-086 for details on late submission.