Data Management and Sharing Plans

On this page...

• Overview
• NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing
• Research Subject to Both the NIH Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy and the NIH DMS Policy
• Preparing and Submitting the DMS Plan
• Requesting and Justifying Costs for Data Management and Sharing
• Need Help?
• Related Information

Some funding opportunities may include additional data sharing requirements. Applicants should address all applicable NIH and funding opportunity requirements in the grant application.

NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing

All investigator-initiated applications conducting research that generates scientific data, regardless of budget, will be expected to include a DMS plan to comply with the NIH 2023 Data Management and Sharing Policy (NOT-OD-21-013).

NIH expects investigators and institutions

• Plan and budget for the managing and sharing of scientific data
• Submit a DMS Plan for review when applying for funding
• Comply with the approved DMS Plan

See NIH guidance on preparing DMS plans for additional details.

Please note

• DMS plans may be further negotiated during the funding process.
• Plans are considered as part of the funding decision.
• Applications will only be funded when DMS Plans are complete and accepted by NIH program staff.
• Some funding opportunity announcements include specific data sharing expectations that must also be addressed.

Research Subject to Both the NIH Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy and the NIH DMS Policy

All NIH-funded research that generates large-scale human or non-human genomic data is also subject to the NIH Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy (NOT-OD-14-124). Thresholds for projects that fall within the scope of the GDS Policy are available on the NCI Genomic Data Sharing webpage.

If Both Policies Apply

When both the DMS and GDS policies apply, only one plan that addresses both policies should be submitted. Note that GDS Policy expectations remain in place regarding:

• Data to be submitted
• Repository and timelines for data submission and release
• Informed consent considerations
• Institutional certification requirements

Helpful resources include

• Writing a Data Management and Sharing Plan
• Selecting a Repository for Data Resulting from NIH-Supported Research
• Justifiable factors for limiting data sharing

Preparing and Submitting the DMS Plan

The DMS plan should address all data sharing described in the application, including requirements from other policies.

Applicants should attach the DMS Plan in the “Other Plan(s)” field that has been added to the PHS 398 Research Plan Form and the PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental Form. See NOT-OD-23-012 for more information.

Other Resource Sharing Plans

Resource Sharing Plans (e.g., for model organisms, biospecimen management and sharing) for other policies and requirements should still be included in the grant application’s “Resource Sharing Plan” section.

Requesting and Justifying Costs for Data Management and Sharing

Under the NIH DMS policy, investigators can submit a budget to cover costs of data management and sharing, with a brief justification (half page) outlining the budget items.

Investigators whose research projects are also subject to the GDS Policy should also include requested costs for genomic data management and sharing (NOT-OD-22-198)

Need Help?

For questions about the NIH DMS Policy, contact an EGRP program director.

Related Information

• NCI Data Sharing Guidance webpage for NCI-specific policies and guidance
• NIH Public Access webpage for related policies and guidance
• NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy webpage to learn more about the policy requirements and guidance on preparing a DMS plan