How do I know whether to use the PHS398 (hard copy) application form or the new SF424 (electronic) application form for my submission?
NIH is in transition from paper to solely electronic submissions for applications. During the transition period, it is critical that applicants check the NIH Electronic Submission of Grant Applications website before beginning to develop or write the application. Verify whether your mechanism of interest will need to be in paper or electronic format at the next submission date. Timelines showing the activation date for each grant mechanism are available in both graphic and chart formats. If the mechanism you have selected is converting to electronic format by the time you will submit your application and you are responding to an FO (Funding Opportunity, also known as PAs and RFAs), be sure to check for the most current version of that announcement, as some requirements may have changed. In addition, numerous instructions and up-to-date information and alerts are available on the site, including e-submission FAQs. The SF424 application is required for electronic submissions and replaces
