All new or resubmission applications targeting due dates on or after January 25, 2010 (for FY2011 funding consideration) must use new NIH application forms and instructions — even if the initial submission followed the former guidelines. NIH plans to release new versions of the paper PHS 398 and electronic SF 424 (R&R) application packages by December 2009. Changes include significantly shorter page limits and restructured research plans. These changes will affect all competing applications submitted to NIH, as follows:

• all applications (including individual Career Development Awards) electronically submitted using application packages that combine the SF 424 (R&R) with PHS 398 components (e.g, PHS 398 Research Plan Component and PHS 398 Career Development Supplement Form);
• all electronically submitted Individual NRSA Fellowship applications using application packages that combine the SF 424 (R&R) with the PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form; and,
• all applications using the paper PHS 398 application package.

Applications submitted using incorrect application forms (including applications that have an incorrect mix of old and new forms) will be delayed and may not be reviewed.

Between now and December 2009, NIH will publish new Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) without accompanying electronic application packages. By December 2009, NIH will post the new application packages in all active FOAs, with the exception of the following, which will be available in early 2010:

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR [R43/R44])/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR [R41/R42]) applications;
• Conference (R13/U13) grant applications; and,
• Individual Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Fellowship applications (F30, F31, F32, and F33).

Click on the following link for further information: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-149.html.

Source:  NIH Guide NOT-OD-09-149, September 16, 2009