NIH and AHRQ Policy Notice Update
Required Use of the xTRACT System to Prepare Data Tables for Training Grant Research Performance Progress Reports in FY 2020
NIH and AHRQ training grant recipients will now be required to use the xTRACT system in the eRA Commons to prepare the required data tables for Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs) for pre- and postdoctoral research training grants (T15, T32, T90/R90 and TL1) beginning in FY 2020 (RPPRs due on or after October 1, 2019). Notice Number: NOT-OD-19-108 includes full details and updates the information provided in the previously issued notice NOT-OD-18-133.
System validations in the RPPR module will check to ensure that uploaded PDFs of the data tables were created via xTRACT, and users will not be able to submit RPPRs that are not in compliance. Guidance on preparing the required tables for the RPPR are available in the xTRACT User Guide and on the Data Tables website.
New users may wish to explore the xTRACT resources available on the eRA website, including instructional videos and FAQs.
In the xTRACT system, users can:
- access data already available in the eRA Commons to pre-populate their tables with information such as trainee names and selected characteristics, institutions, grant numbers, and subsequent NIH and other HHS awards;
- retrieve publication information from PubMed;
- upload selected training-related data from their institutions to the xTRACT system in batches;
- copy data already entered for one application or progress report into another
When data tables prepared in xTRACT are submitted with an application or an RPPR, the discrete data elements are captured and stored in the eRA Commons.
Note: The use of xTRACT to prepare the data tables for new and renewal applications for the specified types of training grants (i.e. T15, T32, T90/R90, and TL1) will not be mandatory in FY 2020 but may be required in future years. Applicants for new or renewal training grant awards are encouraged to take steps now to gain experience with the system prior to its required use.
Please contact your Sponsored Programs Research Administrator with any questions.