Progress Reporting

Most sponsors require periodic progress reports during the life of a sponsored project. The PI uses this report to document his/her progress with the originally proposed project plan. It is an opportunity for the investigator to explain the highlights, the set-backs, any changes to what was originally planned and the accomplishments of the project.

The requirements for completing progress reports differ from sponsor to sponsor. Some sponsors require annual reports, while others may request them as often as on a monthly basis. It is the PI’s responsibility to read the Notice of Award (NOA) or project agreement and comply with the progress reporting requirements.

Resources

Special Notes

Section G.10 - Estimated Unobligated Balance

  • Is it anticipated that an estimated unobligated balance (including prior year carryover) will be greater than 25% of the current year’s total approved budget? If yes, provide the estimated unobligated balance.

The total approved budget equals the current fiscal year award authorization plus any approved carryover of funds from a prior year(s). The numerator equals the total amount available for carryover and the denominator equals the current year’s total approved budget.  If the unobligated balance is greater than 25 percent of the total approved budget, the recipient must provide an explanation and indicate plans for expenditure of those funds within the current budget year.

  • NSF Proposal & Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 19-1) - effective for proposals submitted or due on or after February 25, 2019, and awards made on or after February 25, 2019
  • Use Research.gov to submit annual, final or project outcomes reports
  • Help using Research.gov
  • NSF Requires (the following text comes directly from the PAPPG):
    • Annual Project Reports - to be submitted electronically no later than 90 days prior to the end of the current budget period to allow adequate time for the cognizant NSF Program Officer to review and approve the report. The report is considered due during the 90 day period. The report becomes overdue the day after the 90 day period ends. See PAPPG link above for more information.
    • A Final Project Report - This report is not cumulative; it is the last annual report of the project and should be written specifically for the most recently completed budget period. Unless otherwise specified in the award, the final project report should be submitted electronically no later than 120 days following the end date of the grant.
    • A Project Outcomes Report for the General Public - No later than 120 days following expiration of the grant, a project outcomes report for the general public must be submitted electronically. This report serves as a brief summary, prepared specifically for the public, of the nature and outcomes of the project. This report will be posted electronically by NSF exactly as it is submitted.  For more details, please see the PAPPG link above.