The purpose of Notice NOT-OD-26-046 provides updated guidance to the NIH Policy for Data and Management and Sharing (DMS) and supersedes NOT-OD-21-014.
Background
After the DMS Policy was enacted in 2023, NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices found most DMS Plans were acceptable or needed minor revisions. However, many plans included extraneous details or exceeded the recommended length.
Updated DMS Plan Requirements
In efforts to increase efficiency, minimize applicant burden, and aid compliance monitoring, NIH will require applicants use a formatted DMS Plan. A DMS Plan template (pdf) is currently under review by OMB and will be available upon receipt of OMB clearance. NIH websites, FAQs, and other resources are being updated to reflect these new elements.
Required use of this template is effective for applications submitted for due dates on or after May 25, 2026.
Full Notice
National Institutes of Health
NOT-OD-26-046
February 25, 2026
