As stated in the NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications, NIH expects applicants to submit applications on time. In rare cases the NIH Center for Scientific Review (CSR) and NIAID may accept an application late if the PI has an NIH-accepted reason for tardiness.

NIH-accepted reasons include federal electronic systems issues, natural disasters, and personal tragedies. For natural disasters, NIH issues special NIH Guide notices with instructions for late applications.

Members of the following groups can apply for R01, R21, and R34 grants at any time, regardless of standard receipt dates:

Chartered study sections
Boards of Scientific Counselors
Advisory Councils
Peer Review Advisory Committee
Non-appointed temporary or ad hoc peer reviewers who served six times or more during the 18-month period ending April 30, 2009.

Neither CSR nor NIAID guarantees it will accept a late application, and both have a limited window of time to consider late applications. Neither organization will give permission in advance for a late submission.

To learn more about acceptable reasons for being late, see the examples in the NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications. Also see NIAID's How to Submit Electronically on Time, Rules for Late Applications, and the Corrected or Late Electronic Applications questions and answers.

Applicants

To determine if you have a valid reason for submitting late, read the NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications.
If you're submitting an application for an RFA or PAR to be reviewed by NIAID, contact the scientific review officer (SRO) listed in the announcement before the receipt date to discuss your situation and how much extra time you are seeking.
- The SRO will evaluate your request.
- If the SRO is willing to accept your application late in that timeframe, the SRO will let NIH know.
- NIH makes the final decision on whether to accept the application.
If you're responding to an opportunity sponsored by multiple institutes, your application would be reviewed by a CSR study section.
- In this case, neither CSR nor NIAID will grant you permission in advance for a late submission.
- NIAID will not forward an extension request on your behalf to CSR.
When submitting a late application, you must include a cover letter describing the reason for the delay. See Do You Need a Cover Letter? in the NIH Grant Cycle: Application to Renewal for tips.
- Sending a late electronic application:
- Sending a late paper application:
  - Before sending in a late application, read the PHS 398 instructions on late applications, 2.14 Application Submission Dates.
  - Explain your reasons for the delay in a cover letter that you will include in the application.
  - Mail the application to the address listed.

Applicants Serving on NIH Advisory Groups

Make sure you are eligible for continuous submission.
- For study section members, see the January 4, 2008, Guide notice.
- For members of NIH Boards of Scientific Counselors, Advisory Councils, and the Peer Review Advisory Committee, see the June 25, 2009, Guide notice.
- For non-appointed temporary or ad hoc peer reviewers who served six times or more during the 18 month period ending April 30, 2009, see the October 1, 2009, Guide notice.
- Continuous submission applies to R01, R21, and R34 applications only.
Find out when your application will be reviewed. For a schedule by Council round, see the January 4, 2008, Guide notice.
When you apply, include a cover letter with the following information:
- Statement that you're an appointed member of an NIH advisory group.
- Name of the advisory group you're serving on.
- Your period of service on that advisory group.
Read more in NIH's Continuous Submission FAQ.

NIAID Extramural Staff

For responsibilities, NIAID staff should see the Accepting Late Applications SOP.

Contacts

Applicants with questions should contact the scientific review officer listed in the funding opportunity announcement.

If you have knowledge to share or want more information on this topic, email deaweb@niaid.nih.gov with the title of this page or its URL and your question or comment. Thanks for helping us clarify and expand our knowledge base.

Links

Corrected or Late Electronic Applications questions and answers

Grant Application Guide in your Grant Application Package (for electronic application)

Paper Applications Only questions and answers

PHS 398 instructions (for paper application)

PHS 398 instructions 2.15 Submission, Review, and Award Cycles

R01 Application to Award Timeline by Review Cycle

Look It Up

See the Glossary for terms.