NIH Data Management & Sharing Plans (DMSP)

Consider how you will address the following points in your DMSP:

• Data Types & Collection Methods: Define the kinds of data you'll generate (e.g., experimental, observational, derived) and how you'll collect them.
• Standards & Metadata: Specify data and metadata standards, naming conventions, documentation and quality control.
• Access & Sharing: Include timing for sharing (typically at publication or project end), repository choices and access controls.
• Privacy & Ethical Considerations: Address de-identification, informed consent, IRB requirements, data use agreements and regulatory compliance.
• Oversight & Responsibilities: Assign roles and responsibilities for managing data collection, metadata and long-term archiving.
• Budget Implications: NIH allows budgeting for DMSP costs, including curation, metadata creation, de-identification and repository fees.

Utilize CU Anschutz Strauss Health Sciences Library Resources

Learn more about data management on the library website and take advantage of these services:

• Individual consultations for crafting DMSPs
• Training workshops & support materials
• Direct involvement in grant proposal consultations & review

The CU Denver | Anschutz Office of Privacy is available to review your DMSP upon request to ensure human participant protections are appropriately addressed prior to submitting your grant application. To make this request, please email [email protected] with your grant application and include the following language:

"The DSMP will be initially viewed, accepted then tracked by the CU Anschutz Privacy Office in collaboration with the CU Anschutz IT Security and Compliance Office with annual oversight at the time of the annual report.

This process is under the authority of the Associate VC for Regulatory Compliance and CISO and Assistant VC Information Security and IT Compliance."

DMSPs are recorded using a standardized form created by NIH. The most recent form revision was released on February 10, 2026. The new, simplified form contains mainly "Yes/No" questions and has been designed to reduce the burden on applicants and application reviewers. 

The 2026 version of the form is required for NIH grant applications with due dates on or after May 25, 2026.

Either this newest version of the form or the 2023 version will be accepted for NIH grant applications with due dates prior to May 25, 2026.

Additionally, you may utilize DMP Tool, a NIH-compatible, user-friendly platform for drafting DMSPs.

Please work with your department administration or OGC team to ensure the correct version of the DMSP form is completed and properly attached as a PDF file in the “Other Plan(s)” section of the PHS 398 form. DMSPs uploaded to other sections (including Resource Sharing Plans) or prepared using older narrative templates will not meet NIH submission requirements.