Beginning January 25, 2018, all NIH and AHRQ applications will once again be required to use an updated application form. FORMS – E, as the new forms are known, will replace the current FORMS – D. Most of the time, FOAs have a single application package – just the one you need. However, during a transition to updated forms, there may be multiple application packages listed for a single FOA.
We in Research Services want to make the transition to the new FORMS as easy and painless as possible by anticipating your questions ahead of the January 25, 2018 deadline.
How do I know which FORMS package to use?
When more than one application package is available, you should typically choose the most recent one. However, exceptions do exist. For example, if you are applying late or under the continuous submission policy and the older version was used for the intended due date, then you may need to select the earlier application package. Look for the “Competition ID” to insure you are using the correct package.
What is a Competition ID and where do I find it?
The Competition ID is the field to identify the version of forms and instructions included in the application package. Your chosen submission method determines where you will find the Competition ID:
• ASSIST Application Initiation
You will see the Competition ID and Competition Title when initiating your application. If more than one application package is available, you will be presented with a pop-up window to select the appropriate application package.
• Grants.gov downloadable forms
You will see the Competition ID and Competition Title when downloading your application package from Grants.gov.
• Grants.gov workspace
You will find the Competition ID in the FOA Information on the Workspace Details tab.
What Changes will I see in the new FORMS – E package?
Once you identify the FORMS package, you will see the following changes in the FORMS E package you will see the following changes.
Major Changes
The number one change you will see is that Human Subject data has been consolidated across all forms into one form across all application packages (whether or not human subjects or clinical trials are involved). Depending on the answer, other documentation including full study records, delayed onset study records or a combination of both may be required. This documentation will address Study Titles, Population Characteristics, new inclusion enrollment reports, Protection and Monitoring Plans, Protocol Synopsis and Other Clinical trial – related attachments.
These forms replace the following:
Career Development Award Supplemental Form
Replaces Human Subjects sections:
- Protections of Human Subjects
- Data Safety Monitoring Plan
- Inclusion attachments.
PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement
Human Subjects Section
- Clinical Trial
- Agency Defined Phase III Clinical Trial
PHS 398 Research Plan Form
Replaces Human Subjects sections:
- Protections of Human Subjects
- Data Safety Monitoring Plan
- Inclusion attachments.
PHS 398 Research Training Program Plan
Replaces Other Training Program Sections
- Human Subjects
- Data Safety Monitoring Plan
PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form
Replaces Human Subjects sub-section
The Research & Related Budget Section brings a second major change. Senior/Key Person will now report Total funds for all Senior Key Persons in an attached file.
Minor Changes
Minor changes can be found the PHS Assignment Form. The new version makes a change in the text throughout the form. A change in the OMB date throughout the application forms. Various changes in punctuation and capitalization and renumbering all the way through the new forms.
If you have questions about any of the changes not answered here, contact
your Pre-Award Analyst before going forward with your application.