NIH Important Update

Changes to the NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Requirement

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is making an update to the NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan requirement by finalizing the use of a structured template and format for the data management and sharing plan. Beginning in FY2027, NIH will require that all existing awards and applications, subject to the NIH DMS Policy align with the updated format.

Effective immediately:

• For submissions on or after May 2026, the updated format is to be used for submission with the application.
• For active awards subject to the 2023 DMS Policy, a revised DMS plan with the updated format is to be submitted with the next RPPR. If an RPPR has already been submitted, then the next RPPR due in FY2027 will require the updated format.
• All active awards expected to generate data, subject to the 2003 DMS policy (submitted prior to Jan. 2023), are to provide an updated DMS plan with the FY2027 RPPR.

Additionally, effective Oct. 1, 2026, award recipients must use the RPPR to report progress on data sharing activities and notify NIH of changes to an approved DMS plan, however prior approval is no longer required for DMS Plan changes.

For more information please see: NOT-OD-26-100.

Changes to Letters of Support

For FY2027, with the implementation of Forms J, NIH will no longer allow letters of support but will require letters of collaboration to document collaborative relationships with any individual that are not identified as senior/key personnel or other significant contributor. Letters of collaboration are to document the intent to collaborate or provide material support and should not endorse or provide a glowing review of the research project. These letters of collaboration will be limited to a form template and word count.

For more information please see: NOT-OD-26-094.

Please email sponsored-programs@neomed.edu for questions or assistance with these updates.