A no-cost extension allows the primary investigator and others working on a sponsored project to continue work on the project beyond the project’s end date, as long as they incur no additional costs. No-cost extensions help to ensure that all sponsored project activities can be completed. No-cost extensions should not be requested for the sole purpose of expending the remaining unencumbered funds.

It is important to be familiar with the award’s terms and conditions regarding no-cost extensions. Sponsors may require that a request for extension be submitted well in advance of the project end date.  
 

No-Cost Extension Procedures

Generally, sponsors require that SAM submit no-cost extension requests. However, some agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) allow one grantee-approved no-cost extension. Additional extensions require agency approval. In all cases, review the terms and conditions of your award for information regarding no-cost extensions and contact SAM if you are comsidering an extension.

• NSF No-Cost Extension Requests: A request has to be submitted by SAM to NSF. The PI can initiate the request in Research.gov, under Awards & Reporting > Notifications & Requests. NSF will not approve requests if the award balance is zero. Refer to the current version of the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (NSF 17-1) for information. No-cost extensions should be submitted 45 days prior to the end of the award.

• NIH No-Cost Extension Requests: A request has to be submitted via the eRA Commons by your SAM administrator. Refer to the current version of the NIH Grants Policy Statement. No-cost extensions can be submitted up until the last day of the project end date.