No Cost Extension
When researchers find that they are in need of additional time to meet the sponsored project goals in an orderly fashion, steps should be follow to continue the project beyond the funding period. A no cost extension is an extension of the project period without additional funding. If the project is not completed and awarded funds remain unspent toward the end of a project period, some agencies will allow the PI to request more time to complete the work while spending remaining funds.
Federally sponsored projects under the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP) and the terms and conditions of the award may allow UF to initiate a one-time extension of the original project expiration date of the award of up to 12 months. The Principal Investigator (PI) will initiate his request through IFAS Sponsored Programs (ISP) at least 30 days prior the expiration date of the project. The awarding agency must be notified in writing of this intent, with the supporting reason for this request 10 days before the end date indicated on the award notice. If this notification deadline is missed, UF may not exercise its ability to extend the grant, without prior sponsor approval.
This one time No Cost Extension may not be exercised merely to use unobligated balances. Progress reports may be required and the final report will not be due until the end of the approved project end date.
When the federal sponsor does not apply the provisions of the FDP, or if the award is from a non-federal sponsor, the award conditions and sponsor policies will dictate the allow ability and requirements on requesting no-cost extensions. In most cases the PI should initiate a request to the sponsor with a letter, phone call, fax, or email. In this request the PI should state the technical reasons which necessitate this action and request that the approval be formally conveyed through a letter or a contract amendment, as determined in the terms and conditions of the original agreement.