If a project's end date is approaching but the principal investigator (PI) has not yet spent all of the money awarded, a no-cost extension allows the end date to be extended. A no-cost extension request is an amendment to the award agreement and must be formally submitted to the agency for official approval, and then reported to UCSD contracting offices.

Note: In general, awards issued under Expanded Authorities and Federal Demonstration Partnership are allowed a one time no-cost extension of up to 12 months. Check award terms and conditions.

General guidelines:

• Review agency policy on no-cost extension request deadlines.
• Review expenditure balances per the budget.
• Review your expense projections.
• Plan expenses for the extension period.
• Prepare a letter to the agency's project administrator. Include:
  • Changes in budgeted funding for specific expense categories
  • Amount to be spent in each category during the extension period
  • Justification for request (i.e., why funding was not spent before original end date or how the extension will benefit the project)
• Have the PI sign the letter and keep a copy for your files.
• Send the letters and copies as necessary:
  • If your award was processed by the Office of Contract and Grant Administration (OCGA), forward the original letter to OCGA for transmittal to the agency.
  • If your award was not processed by OCGA, send the original letter to the agency and a copy to the Office of Post Award Financial Services (OPAFS).
• When you receive official approval from the agency, send OCGA or OPAFS a copy of the approval.

Questions? Please see OPAFS Contacts.