No-Cost Extension (NCE)
Overall, sponsors expect Principal Investigators (PI) to complete projects and deliverables by the stated end date. Occasionally additional time is needed. A no-cost extension gives the PI time to complete the scope and objectives of the project without additional funds being provided by the sponsor.
All award terms and conditions remain in effect during a no-cost extension period.
First-time NIH NCEs are typically automatically granted upon request through the NIH Commons. The Post Award Manager will facilitate this process upon request from the PI. Requests must be made before the grant’s end date. The Commons will not accept an NCE request once the stated award end date has passed. Please see the NIH Grants Policy Statement, Chapter 8, Administrative Requirements, Extension of Final Budget Period of a Previously Approved Project Period without Additional NIH Funds for further details.
Requests for subsequent NIH no-cost extensions must be done in writing by the PI (email or fax) and co-signed or emailed by the Institutional Official. The request must justify the need for the additional extension, include progress to date, what the remaining unobligated balance (funds) amount is and a detailed budget on its planned expenditure.
Requests for NCEs for other sponsoring agencies should follow their guidelines or preferred methods.
All requests for any extensions should include updated compliance (e.g. human subjects, animals) information.
Requests for extensions with additional funds (bridging funds) are handled by the assigned Sponsored Programs Officer.
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