The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued three key notices last week affecting grant applications and compliance.
Links to the Full Notices
NOT-OD-26-017: Research Security Training Requirements (Dec 2nd)
NOT-OD-26-018: Implementation of Common Forms (Dec 2nd)
NOT-OD-26-019: Removal of LOI & Large Application Requirement (Dec 3rd)
What this Means for Applicants & Institutions
Research Security Training Requirements for NIH:
NIH is implementing the “Research Security Training” (RST) requirement mandated by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Under this requirement, all “senior/key personnel” named on NIH applications must complete Research Security Training annually. Completion status of the RST training requirement can be checked in Cayuse SP by following the guidance at this link. More information on how to ensure compliance with RST is available at this link.
Effective Date: Compliance becomes effective for submissions with due dates on or after May 25, 2026.
NIH Implementation of Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support:
NIH is adopting the standardized “Common Forms” for Biographical Sketch and Current & Pending (Other) Support which includes certifications that senior/key personnel are not participants in any designated Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP).
For more information on compliance with MFTRP, please check out the DCG microlearning: Protecting Your Research: What You Need to Know About Malign Foreign Talent Programs
Effective Date: These forms will be required for application due dates, Just-In-Time (JIT), and Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) submissions on or after January 25, 2026. The updated templates will be finalized in SciENcv around mid-December 2025.
Removal of Requirements for Letters of Intent (LOIs) and Unsolicited Applications Requesting ≥ $500,000:
As part of NIH’s effort to reduce administrative burdens, this notice eliminates the long-standing requirement for Letters of Intent (LOIs) when submitting unsolicited applications requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs. This streamlines submission for large unsolicited proposals and removes a prior barrier.
Effective Date: The change is effective immediately for relevant applications.
Questions?
Please reach out to your DCG Officer if you have any questions.