NIH RPPR Preparation Instructions
The Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) is required for all NIH annual progress reports. Before beginning, consult the NIH RPPR Instruction Guide for detailed guidance.
Resources
- RPPR User Guide
- RPPR Modules (step-by-step instructions)
- Initiate the RPPR (PI)
- Delegate RPPR Authority to an AO or ASST
- RPPR Screenshots
Human Subjects Resources
- 2-Step Submission for RPPRs with Inclusion Enrollment Data
- Research With Special Considerations
- Human Subjects System (HSS) Overview (Video)
1. Log into eRA Commons
Update your Personal Profile information as needed before preparing the RPPR.
2. (Optional) Assign a PI Delegate
A PI may delegate another registered Commons user - such as a departmental administrator - to help prepare (but not submit) the RPPR.
To assign a delegate:
- Go to the Administration tab.
- Select Accounts > Delegate PI.
- Choose the individual from the list and click Assign, then Save.
- The delegate will receive a confirmation email.
3. Access and Initiate the RPPR
- Click the RPPR tab in eRA Commons.
- Select the appropriate grant number to open the RPPR menu.
- Click the Initiate to begin the progress report.
4. Complete the RPPR Sections
Open the Edit tab and complete all sections required for your mechanism. The RPPR is organized into the following components:
- Cover Page (A)
- Accomplishments (B)
- Products (C)
- Participants (D)
- Impact (E)
- Changes (F)
- Special Reporting Requirements (G) (agency‑specific)
- Budget (H) – required only for non‑SNAP awards
Newer RPPR fields require information such as:
- Foreign components
- Dollars spent in foreign countries through first‑tier subawards
- Organizational affiliations of personnel at foreign sites
Click Save at the bottom of each section as you complete it.
5. Administrative and Public Access Requirements
- In Section A, select your Sponsored Projects Officer (SPO) as both the Administrative Official (AO) and Signing Official (SO).
- Public Access compliance indicators will appear in the RPPR.
- Link publications using My NCBI, ensuring all peer‑reviewed articles are compliant with the NIH Public Access Policy.
6. Validate the RPPR
Select Validate to check that all required fields have been completed. Address any errors before routing or submitting.
7. Routing and Submission
Submission rules depend on the award type:
-
SNAP awards:
PIs may be authorized to submit the RPPR directly to NIH without OSP routing. -
Non‑SNAP awards:
The RPPR must be routed to OSP for review and submission by the Signing Official.
Important routing notes:
- After an RPPR is routed to OSP, the PI can no longer edit it unless they use Recall, make edits, and re‑route the report.
- Routing to OSP does not imply OSP review of scientific content; the PI is responsible for accuracy and completeness.
