NIH has granted the University expanded authority to
issue one up-to-12 month no cost extension for most NIH grants (not contracts).
A. Exclusions:
Certain award instruments, mechanisms, and types of
recipients are excluded from the expanded authority to automatically carry over
unobligated balances. This includes centers (P50, P60, P30, and others);
cooperative agreements (U); Kirschstein-NRSA
institutional research training grants (T); non-Fast Track Phase 1 SBIR and
STTR awards (R43 and R41); clinical trials; and awards to individuals.
Occasionally certain other grants or grantees also may be
excluded from expanded authorities, including those that require closer project
monitoring or technical assistance, and certain large multi-project grants. If
excluded from some or all expanded authorities, the NGA will indicate this
change from the standard terms and conditions. In addition, one or more of
these authorities may be overridden by a special term or condition of the
award. Therefore, grantees must review the NGA to determine whether and to what
extent they are permitted to use expanded authorities.
B. If no exclusion
applies: PI sends an email to ogca@research.umass.edu.
1. PI should
specify time of extension (can get up to 12 mos.—generally recommended to
extend the full 12 months since UM is not authorized to do a 2nd no cost
extension),
2. describe benefit to the project and
3. explain why funds remain to allow continuance of project.
C. Excerpt from NIH
Grants Policy Statement for guidance:
Extension of Final Budget Period of a
Previously Approved Project Period without Additional NIH Funds. The
grantee may extend the final budget period of the previously approved project
period one time for a period of up to 12 months beyond the original expiration
date shown in the NGA if
• no additional funds are
required to be obligated by the NIH awarding office,
• the project’s originally
approved scope will not change, and
•any one of the following applies:
•Additional time beyond the established expiration date
is required to ensure adequate completion of the originally approved project.
•Continuity of NIH grant support is required while a
competing continuation application is under review.
•The extension is necessary to permit an orderly
phase-out of a project that will not receive continued support.
• The fact that funds remain at the expiration of the
grant is not, in itself, sufficient justification for an extension without
additional funds.
Questions should be directed to Nancy Stewart, OGCA at
(413) 545-0759 or email to “stewart@research.umass.edu”
