Spring 2026 DMS Plan Updates
As of late Spring 2026, the NSF and NIH have released new instructions and tools for creating data management and sharing plans.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Update
On April 27, 2026, the NSF released a new tool within Research.gov to be used to create DMS Plans for proposals. Investigators should use this tool when submitting new proposals and refer to the instructions linked here on the Research.gov website.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Update
For proposals on or after May 25, 2026, NIH is requiring a new format for Data Management and Sharing Plans (DMS Plans). NIH has updated instructions for the new format on their website and PIs should use their new ‘2026 Pilot DMS Plan Format Page‘, which is a Word document, linked within the NIH instructions page.
The DMS Plan should be included in the “Other Plan(s)” field on the PHS 398 Research Plan or PHS 398 Career Development Award Supplemental Form per the relevant application instructions. A brief summary and associated costs should still be submitted as part of the budget and budget justification.
Proposals submitted prior to May 25, 2026 should use the existing DMS plan format and instructions. More information can be found on our website here.