FORMS-H: Instructions, Forms, and a Handy Checklist

Hopefully, you鈥檝e seen the NIH notices (, ), , and previous Nexus posts (, , , ) regarding the pending transition to an updated set of grant application forms they refer to as FORMS-H and the implementation of new Data Management and Sharing (DMS) requirements. If so, you already know that you must use FORMS-H forms for grant application due dates on or after January 25, 2023 and that the forms and instructions have been updated to support the new sharing requirements.

The FORMS-H application instructions are posted, FORMS-H application packages are starting to show up on active opportunities, and it鈥檚 time to get to work on your applications.

This checklist will help you navigate the changes.

FORMS-H Checklist

  • 馃椄 Use an application form package with a Competition ID that includes 鈥淔ORMS-H鈥.
    • Not sure how to identify the correct form version? See
    • If you find you have started your application on the wrong form set, take advantage of copy features available in ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, and many institution system-to-system solutions.
  • 馃椄 Use the application form instructions on the page.
    • Read the section to become familiar with recent updates.
  • 馃椄 Determine if your proposed .
    • The policy applies to all research that generates scientific data (e.g., single and multi-project research projects and centers), but not to some other activities (e.g., training, fellowship, construction, conference grants, resources).
  • 馃椄 Identify appropriate methods/approaches and repositories for  and .
  • 馃椄  for managing and sharing scientific data and submit this Plan within the funding application or proposal.
    • Submit a single Plan per application using the new 鈥淥ther Plan(s)鈥 item on the PHS 398 Research Plan or PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental form. For applications also subject to the Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy, address genomic data sharing considerations in your DMS Plan.
      • Multi-project applications: include the DMS Plan in the Overall component only.
  • 馃椄 for data management and sharing activities if not already covered by the institution or other sources.
    • Request 鈥淒ata Management and Sharing costs鈥
      • Modular budgets: use the attachment of the PHS 398 Modular Budget Form.
      • Detailed budgets: include 鈥淒ata Management and Sharing Costs鈥 line item under 鈥8-17 Other鈥 on the R&R Budget Form.
      • Multi-project applications: at least one component must include a 鈥淒ata Management and Sharing Costs鈥 line item with either all DMS costs incurred, including personnel costs (e.g., personnel who will be curating data for the project) or 0 if no cost is incurred.
    • Justify DMS costs and provide a brief (half page or less) summary of the DMS Plan within section L. Budget Justification in a section titled 鈥淒ata Management and Sharing Justification鈥.
      • Modular budgets: use the attachment of the PHS 398 Modular Budget Form
      • Detailed budgets: use the attachment of the R&R Budget Form.
      • Multi-project applications: include a justification within any component that includes the 鈥淒ata Management and Sharing Costs鈥 line item
  • 馃椄 Upon submission check all applicable application files in eRA Commons (e-Application; Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan; eSubmission-PHS Assignment Request Form; cover letter)
    • Note: Unless indicated in the funding announcement, the Data Management and Sharing Plan is not evaluated at time of peer review but is evaluated prior to award. Although part of the official submission, when not considered during peer review the attachment is maintained as a separate 鈥淒ata Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan鈥 document in the grant folder viewable via the Status Information screen in eRA Commons. This document is viewable by authorized users and is not part of the assembled e-Application.

Additional Resources

  • FORMS-H Forms & Instructions
  • Data Sharing

Original post by NIH on November 1, 2022