Applicant Guidance for Simplifying the Review Framework for Most Research Project Grants

The simplified review framework is a new way of reviewing the same research strategy. Although the framework has little impact on what is included in an application, it does have significant impact on the funding opportunities used to apply. This page provides practical guidance for applicants navigating funding opportunities through this transition.

How to Tell if Your Application is Impacted

The simplified review framework applies to most, but not all research project grants (RPGs). For example, none of our small business or complex, multi-project grants are included in this initiative.

Applicability

  • Activity codes: R01, R03, R15, R16, R21, R33, R34, R36, R61, RC1, RC2, RC4, RF1, RL1, RL2, U01, U34, U3R, UA5, UC1, UC2, UC4, UF1, UG3, UH2, UH3, UH5, (including the following phased awards: R21/R33, UH2/UH3, UG3/UH3, R61/R33).
  • Applications submitted to due dates on or after January 25, 2025.

Tips for Applicants

  • Verify whether the activity code for your target funding opportunity is impacted.
    • Pay extra attention to the opportunity you use to apply, including carefully reviewing Section IV. Application and Submission Information and Section V. Review Criteria, if your activity code is impacted by the new framework.

Ensuring You Are Applying to the Right Funding Opportunity Using the Correct Forms

Note: Need to move an existing application to apply to a different funding opportunity?
Take advantage of copy features in ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, and many institutional submission systems.
ASSIST Online Help: Copy Application
Grants.gov Online Help: Copy Workspace

While there are no application form changes associated with this initiative, NIH has moved to new application forms (FORMS-I) to support other initiatives for due dates on or after January 25, 2025 (NOT-OD-24-086). All funding opportunities, including those with the new review framework, use the updated FORMS-I forms.

Using the correct funding opportunity and application form version for your due date is critical to success. Applications submitted using a funding opportunity that is no longer available for a specific due date or submitted using the incorrect form version will be withdrawn and removed from funding consideration.

Tips for Applicants

  • As always, be sure to be responsive to the application requirements in Section IV. Application and Submission Information as well as the review criteria in Section V. Application Review Information of the funding opportunity when preparing your application.
    • You can learn more about how the simplified review framework impacts application review here.
  • You must apply to a funding opportunity that includes the simplified review framework in Section V. Application Review Information of the funding opportunity (i.e., review criteria are organized into three factors).
  • Make sure you are preparing your application using forms with the competition id “FORMS-I” and associated application instructions.

Applicants are encouraged to contact a NIH Program Official if they still have questions or need additional clarification.

This page last updated on: September 10, 2024
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