“Where should I list references used to justify key aspects of my research plan?”

Throughout your application, you’ll cite literature thoroughly but not excessively by adding reference numbers for all sources important to your project proposal, as well as papers important to your field.

Then your Bibliography and References Cited attachment will list all the source materials you relied on when preparing any section of the application, including your Research Plan and Specific Aims. Think of it as using endnotes rather than footnotes.