This standard operating procedure (SOP) includes the following sections: Purpose, Procedure, Contacts, and Links.
Some links will work for NIAID staff only.
Purpose
To enable NIAID to achieve an average duration of 4 years for competing grants.
Procedure
NIAID funds a mix of short- and long-term grants to get a 4-year average length for all grants in a given fiscal year. To find the maximum duration of any grant, look under "Budget and Project Period" in its notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).
For NIAID grants that do not have notices of funding opportunities, NIAID uses the following durations:
- Up to 1 year of support for R56-Bridge awards.
- Up to 5 years of support for selective pay grants and grants outside the established grant payline. Go to NIAID Paylines.
- Five years, with a possible 3- to 5-year extension, for MERIT awards.
No grant will be awarded for more than 5 years without a waiver. NIH or HHS may approve a waiver up to 7 years only for grants that are in response to a request for applications (RFA) that allows 7 years and have extraordinary justification.
In all cases, shorter durations can be negotiated if necessary and appropriate.
In some fiscal years, NIAID resets grant start dates to more evenly distribute grant funding throughout the fiscal year. This results in a shorter grant duration.
Investigators
- Apply for a grant type that allows you to complete your project within the maximum grant duration allowed. Discuss with a program officer and read Apply for a Grant.
Program Officers
- Work with grants management specialists to correct any issues without altering grant duration, if possible.
- Nominate grants for up to 5 years of support for applications that score beyond the payline.
Grants Management Specialists
- Work with program officers to correct any issues without altering grant duration, if possible.
Contacts
Use the contacts listed above for questions about your specific situation. If you have a general question or a suggestion to improve this page, email the Office of Knowledge and Educational Resources at deaweb@niaid.nih.gov.