No-Cost Extension

A no-cost extension is an authorized extension of a project period based on a need to provide continuity of project activities while a competing continuation application is being reviewed or prepared for submission or to permit orderly phase-out of project activities for which there will be no further NIH support.  The initial extension request (typically 12 months) must be submitted to OSP at least 15 days   before the project period is scheduled to expire.  Should the PI/PD fail to request the extension within this timeframe, a letter requesting authorization to extend the grant should be sent to the Federal Program Officer and the Federal Grants Management Officer prior to the grant’s expiration.  The PI/PD and the University’s authorized official must endorse the letter.

 NIH Prior Approval Policy
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2001/part_iia_5.htm#_Toc504811851

Process for E-mail Submissions of Prior Approvals for NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-009.html