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Last Updated: April 6, 2020

 

For the most up-to-date information and updates related to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Duke Coronvirus Response website.

In general, we expect that the Office and Research Administration (ORA) and the Office of Research Support (ORS) will be able to submit proposals, negotiate and accept awards, and issue subcontracts/subawards even if staff are working remotely.  However, faculty who have upcoming application deadlines should be prepared for delayed responses from grant managers and central office staff that are working remotely and should adjust application preparation timelines accordingly.  Additionally, we have experienced technical issues that delay electronic submissions so faculty should be prepared to submit early to avoid missing a deadline. 

Related FAQs

Most of our federal sponsors have released guidance regarding application deadline extensions:

  • NIH: The NIH is allowing delayed submissions as outlined in NOT-OD-20-091. Applicants do not need to request prior approval for late submissions and a cover letter providing a justification is not required. The pre-award offices do not need to review late submission justifications that fall under this NOT. Please put the ORIGINAL due date in SPS for the “agency due date”, and enter the late submission target date in the “department needs by” field.
  • NSF: The NSF has provided a list of application deadline extensions. Deadlines for opportunities not listed remain unchanged. If an applicant is unable to meet the deadline listed, they should coordinate with the appropriate program officer. Extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
  • DOD: DOD is encouraging all program officers to use maximum flexibility in the submission of applications, providing they still maintain sufficient ability to review all applications and complete the project within the timeframe necessary. Contact program officers for specific funding opportunity notices.

If federal agencies officially close, submitted proposals will most likely remain in a queue and awards may be delayed, pending resumption of normal operations – as has been the case during federal budget-related shutdowns.  Updates will be posted here as more information is available. 

Please refer to the Agency-Specific COVID-19 Updates for additional sponsor information.

Most of our federal sponsors have released guidance regarding reporting deadline extensions:

  • NIH: Will allow projects affected by COVID-19 to delay submission of any financial and performance reports, if the project provides proper notice to the grants management specialist. Delays may not exceed one year. 
  • NSF: NSF has automatically extended the due date for submission of all final project reports and Project Outcomes Reports due between March 1 and April 30, 2020 by 30 days. However, projects should be aware that NSF cannot issue new awards or supplemental funding if there is an overdue final report. NSF has also automatically extended the closeout period for awards with end dates between November 30, 2019 and April 30, 2020 to 180 days.
  • DOD: The DoD will allow projects to delay submission of financial, performance, and other reports on active awards up to three months beyond the normal due date.

If the project anticipates needing an extension or delay on reporting deadlines, please contact ORA (SOM/SON) or the Campus Award Management Team (CAMT). TBS/PAFM remain fully operational and will be preparing reports according to the due dates in the system.

Please refer to the Agency-Specific COVID-19 Updates for additional sponsor information.

Duke can provide a scanned copy of a wet ink signature until such time that offices reopen and we can send the original via a courier service.