Resources for Training Directors

General Information and Policies

Frequently Asked Questions

Forms

Annual Progress Report

RPPR, Research Performance Progress Report
Due by May 1 each year

Statement of Appointment

Submit electronically using xTrain, following these instructions: xTrain Expands to Include Use for NLM Training Grants
A new statement of appointment is required for each year of trainee's appointment
Due prior to appointment start date. No form = No trainee reimbursement
While trainee appointment start dates may occur at any time during the budget period, all PHS 2271 Statement of Appointment forms must be submitted no later than two months prior to the end of the budget period (May 1).

Termination Notice

Submit electronically using xTrain, following these instructions: xTrain Expands to Include Use for NLM Training Grants
One termination notice is required at the end of each trainee's NLM training
Due no later than 30 days after appointment end date.

Federal Financial Report (FFR)

SF-425 Federal Financial Report 
Beginning January 1, 2021: Per Notice NOT-OD-20-127 (see link for detailed information), NIH grant recipients will be required to submit the SF-425 Federal Financial Report (FFR) in the Payment Management System (PMS) 
Due by September 30 each year

Prior Approval Requirements

NLM prior approval is required before making certain changes, including but not limited to the following:

Trainee leave of absence/unpaid leave
Part-time training
FTTP trainee appointment period of less than 9 months
Trainee total appointment time exceeding the maximum support period (described below under Stipends)
Appointment of additional trainee(s) beyond the slot numbers specified in the Notice of Award

Please see the NIH Grants Policy Statement sections 11.3 Institutional Research Training Grants and 8.1 Changes in Project and Budget for more information.

Contact your grants management specialist and program officer for assistance if you are considering making changes which require prior approval.

Stipends for FY 2025

NLM will provide a maximum of 4 years predoctoral support and a maximum of 2 years postdoctoral support per trainee.  For NLM trainees who have received previous training support from another NIH training grant, the NIH ceiling on training support (maximum of 5 years predoc, 3 years postdoc) from all NIH sources applies. Waivers to exceed these support limits will be considered only with exceptional justification.

Predoc stipends - Applies to new and renewal appointments within the FY 2025 budget period and is consistent with the award that will be issued for July 1, 2025. NLM will provide up to 4 years of support for a predoctoral trainee. All new and continuing NLM predocs receive the same level of reimbursement. 

Postdoc stipends - Applies to new and renewal appointments within the FY 2025 budget period and is consistent with the award that will be issued for July 1, 2025. The first year of support for the '0' level is for post-docs with less than one year's experience. Subsequent years of support are advanced to the next level based upon completing the prior year's training. No additional cost of living increases are allowable. Up to 2 years of NLM support is allowable for a postdoc. NLM trainees are exempt from a payback requirement. MDs having time accrued in an internship/residency may count this as years of qualifying experience.

Stipends

Predoc Stipends:

All new Predocs or TBN predocs within the FY2025 budget period receive the FY2025 NRSA level:  $28,788.

Postdoc Stipends:

Postdoc stipends are funded based on a trainee’s prior years of postdoc experience. For example, if a Postdoc trainee is newly appointed without any prior postdoctoral experience, their initial year of Postdoc support would start at Level 0 [$62,232]. The second year of experience would be Level 1 [$62,652]; the third year would be at Level 2, etc. TBN Postdocs should be estimated at Level 3.  Refer to the FY2025 Postdoc Stipend table:

clayton.bingham@nih.gov)

Last Reviewed: July 2, 2025