08/04/2023
By Holly Norton
Notice NOT-OD-23-161 updates the NIH application instructions for submitting requests for Data Management and Sharing costs in a single line item. As outlined in the Final NIH Policy on Data Management and Sharing (DMS), costs associated with data management and data sharing may be allowable under the budget for the proposed project.
Currently, the NIH How to Apply - Application Guide states that costs to support activities described in the DMS plan, including personnel costs, must be noted on the R&R Budget Form as a single line item titled “Data Management and Sharing Costs.” The line item must be used only for DMS costs and cannot be combined with any “Other” costs. If no costs will be incurred, the applicant must enter “0” in the funds requested column. These previous instructions will be rescinded effective October for due dates on or after Oct. 5, 2023.
Effective for applications submitted for due dates on or after Oct. 5, 2023, NIH will no longer require the use of the single DMS cost line item. NIH recognizes that DMS costs may be requested in many cost categories. Therefore, in line with our standard budget instructions, DMS costs must be requested in the appropriate cost category, e.g., personnel, equipment, supplies, and other expenses, following the instructions for the R&R Budget Form or PHS 398 Modular Budget Form, as applicable. While the single cost line item is no longer required, NIH will require applicants to specify estimated DMS cost details within the “Budget Justification” attachment of the R&R Budget Form or “Additional Narrative Justification” attachment of the PHS 398 Modular Budget Form, pursuant to the instructions.
Updates to the NIH How to Apply – Application Guide will be published prior to the Oct. 5, 2023, effective date.