The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reissued Funding Opportunity Announcement PA-20-272, which allows Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s)) with specific NIH grants to apply for administrative supplements. These supplements aim to address unforeseen costs within the approved scope of a parent award to enhance or preserve the project's overall impact. All NIH Institutes and Centers are eligible to participate, along with several NIH Offices that may co-fund applications. Supplements are not guaranteed, and applicants must consult their awarding Institute or Center (IC) before submission to confirm eligibility and funding availability.

The purpose of this opportunity is to provide additional resources to active NIH grants facing unexpected needs that align with their original research scope. Examples include cost increases from new research objectives or unanticipated project expenses. Eligible activity codes include those already in the parent award. The supplement may involve clinical trials if the parent award supports them, but it cannot change the original designation regarding human subjects or clinical trials.

Funding is contingent upon NIH appropriations, and the number of awards will depend on the availability of funds and the merit of applications. Budgets must remain within the limits of the parent award and should reflect the actual needs of the supplemental activities. The supplement’s project period must fall within the approved timeline of the parent award. The NIH’s Grants Policy Statement governs all funding and eligibility criteria.

Eligible applicants include organizations with active NIH awards, such as higher education institutions, nonprofits, small businesses, government agencies, and foreign entities. Institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, and other minority-serving organizations are encouraged to apply. Applications must focus on supplementing activities within the scope of the original award. Specific documentation and registrations, including SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov, are required before submission.

Applications must be submitted electronically through ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions using the SF424 (R&R) application forms. NIH has strict guidelines for formatting, required documentation, and content. Failure to adhere to these requirements may delay or invalidate the application. Administrative reviews will evaluate budget justification, the impact of the proposed activities, and compliance with NIH policies on human subjects, animal welfare, and inclusion of diverse populations.

Key dates for submission vary by IC, and applicants should consult their IC's website or Notices of Special Interest (NOSI) for specific deadlines. The program is open for submissions through September 30, 2025. Successful applications will receive a Notice of Award (NoA), and applicants must comply with all post-award reporting and federal regulations. Contact information for application assistance, scientific queries, and grants management is provided in the announcement.