No-Cost Extension (NCE)
A no-cost extension (NCE) extends the performance period of an award without additional funding. Learn more about NCEs and how to request one.
A no-cost extension (NCE) provides an extension of time beyond the end date of the award at no additional cost to the sponsor. Sometimes these are needed to allow the principal investigator (PI) to complete approved project activities, manage the project’s closeout, or ensure continuity while a continuation application is under review.
How to request a no-cost extension
To initiate a request for a no-cost extension at U-M, use the Award Change Request process. Project teams should use this process for both time extension requests that can be reviewed and approved within the institution (e.g., when U-M has delegated authority from the federal agency to approve the NCE), as well as those which must be forwarded to the sponsoring agency for approval.
All requests for no-cost extensions must include the approval of both the PI and the Department or another administering unit before ORSP processing. The basis for this policy is that within the University, the PI and the administering unit together are held responsible for the financial and administrative aspects of the project. Such issues as continuing effort levels and space commitments necessarily are within the purview of the administering unit.
Sponsor policies
Sponsor policies vary widely in the types of information required to support NCE requests, so consult the specific sponsor’s guidelines prior to submitting an Award Change Request. Contact the ORSP Award Management Officer (AMO) assigned to your project with any questions. To find your AMO, check the eRPM AWD record (listed in the Project Representative field) or use ORSP Staff.