No-Cost Extension
A no-cost extension (NCE) is the non-competitive increase of up to 12 months of the final budget period without additional federal funds or change in scope to complete existing project activities or permit the orderly closeout of the grant. Extensions may not be approved solely because funds remain unobligated at the end of the period of performance. In addition, extensions cannot be used to complete new activities not previously approved for the award by ACF program and grant staff. OCSS will not process requests received after the scheduled project period end date.
When to Request an NCE
Grant recipients must submit an NCE request in GrantSolutions at least 45 calendar days before the end of the project period.
Documents Required
- Dated cover letter signed by the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) that includes:
- Grant Award Number and Grantee Organization Name
- Specific proposed end date (recommend one year)
- Written justification that includes:
- Amount of remaining unobligated funds, if applicable
- Explanation of why the work has not been completed and a detailed work plan for how all unfinished activities will be completed by the proposed extended end date
- Note: The NCE allows for time to complete the project and meet objectives and goals, which includes drawing down necessary funds.
- SF-424 signed by the AOR
- SF-424A - The Notice of Grant Award includes a column for the current budget levels for each category.
Note: If you are submitting a budget modification for the requested extension year, this is where you would reflect budget changes.
How to Submit a Request for a No-cost Extension
Grant recipients must submit the request for a no-cost extension in the GrantSolutions Grants Management Module as an amendment:
- Under Actions, select “Manage Amendments”
- Select “New”
- Select “No Cost Extension (Type 6)”
- Click “Create Amendment”