Will My Application Be Withdrawn if I Don’t Use the Common Forms?

March 9, 2026

NIH has extended the leniency period for using the new Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support (CPOS) Common Forms through May 2026, as reported in NOT-OD-26-033.  

During this leniency period: 

  • You may submit applications using the existing NIH Biosketch and Other Support format pages without penalty.
  • Submission systems will generate warnings—not errors—when Common Forms aren’t used. 

This extension is designed to give you and your institution more time to adjust as SciENcv continues system updates and agencies refine supporting guidance. While you aren’t required to switch immediately, beginning the transition now to the Common Forms will help ensure you’re fully prepared once the leniency period ends. 

Additional Resources 

Editor’s Note: On April 21, 2026, NIH released Guide Notice NOT-OD-26-079, indicating that the leniency period previously communicated in NOT-OD-26-033 will end on May 7, 2026.

Categories: You Ask, We Answer

Related News

What Is the Difference Between an NIH Institute, Center, or Office’s Highlighted Topic and General Interest Area?

NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) communicate their research priorities through a variety of channels. For example, general interest areas may be discussed on an ICOs’ profile page or they may be expressed through a specific Highlighted Topic. In any case, the ICO may fund research in a wide range of scientific areas within their mission, whether or not they are explicitly identified as a particular Highlighted Topic.

You Ask, We Answer

Implementing SimplerNOFO at NIH: A Clearer, Simpler Path for Applicants

NIH has released its first Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) SimplerNOFO initiative, which aims to make funding opportunities more accessible, understandable, and actionable for applicants.

Top Stories
For technical issues E-mail OER Webmaster