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Request for No-Cost Extension

A request for an extension from the originally approved project period must be approved in advance, by NIDA program and grants management staff. Grantees must obtain prior approval from NIDA to extend a grant (also known as a "no-cost extension") if a second or third extension is needed or if the grantee missed the deadline for an automatic no-cost extension via the eRA Commons.

The project period may be extended if:

  • no additional funds are required to be obligated by the NIDA,
  • 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 NIDA 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.

A request for extension can be submitted to the grants management specialist listed on your Notice of Award. The request must be signed by the authorized organizational official and include the details listed below. NIDA's approval of the project extension is conveyed when NIDA issues a revised Notice of Award.

  • The amount of funds remaining.
  • A detailed budget reflecting your proposed plans to use the remaining funds during the extension, using the PHS 398 budget form.
  • A progress report detailing progress since the last progress report was submitted, using the PHS 398 continuation form.
  • Explain in detail why you could not finish your project on time.
  • A scientific rationale for continuing the project
  • Updated certifications and assurances, including IRB and IACUC approvals. If the research involves human subjects, please submit an updated Inclusion Enrollment Report
  • If requesting a third extension, show how you'll finish your project before the remaining funds return to the Treasury.

Please note that if you are requesting or have received a third no-cost extension that all Federal Financial Reports (FFR or Standard Form 425) must be filed by June 30th of the 5th fiscal year after funds are awarded. Failure to do so will result in an automatic cancellation of any remaining balance, pursuant to Section 1405(a) of Public Law No. 101-510 amended 31 U.S.C. §§ 1551-1557. This law states that after five fiscal years, funds from a budget period return to the U.S. Treasury regardless of a project's status, without any opportunity to get the money back. For example, if grantees still have carryover funds from the first year of their award, they will lose them on the first day (October 1) of the sixth fiscal year after the initial award. Grantees must correct any financial reports no later than June 30th of the 5th fiscal year after the period of availability or the funds will be returned to the U. S. Treasury.

This page was last updated December 2011

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