Principal Investigators (PIs) may be required to submit progress, technical or other reports to sponsors. These reports may or may not be tied to payment schedules but must be submitted on time as specified in the award conditions. Sponsors may withhold payments (including payments across all UCLA awards) if reporting requirements are not met.

Some reports may require review or submission by OCGA or Extramural Fund Management (EFM). PIs should allow sufficient time for internal review before sponsor deadlines.

Example of reports that may be required include:

  • Technical, narrative or progress reports

  • Financial

  • Invention or patent

  • Milestone

  • Equipment

Common Sponsors

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

NIH requires accurate and complete reporting throughout the life cycle of a grant. Common reports include:

  • Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs):
    • Initiated and submitted by the Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) in eRA Commons (Status module).
    • Effective for all applications and RPPRs submitted on or before October 1, 2025, individuals named as senior key personnel must take Research Security at the University of California (Job Aid) prior to proposal or RPPR submission.
    • Streamlined Non-Competing Award Process (SNAP) RPPRs are submitted to NIH directly by the PI.
    • Non-SNAP RPPRs require OCGA review and submission.
  • Invention Reports: All inventions must be reported to the sponsor. PD/PIs self-report inventions throughout the award period.
  • Final Invention Statement:
    • Due within 120 days after the end of the project period when no subsequent competing segment is funded (HHS 568).
    • Submitted along with the other required closeout documents through the eRA Commons.
    • The PD/PI prepares the FIS. OCGA coordinates with the Technology Development Group (TDG) to confirm and submit.
    • If discrepancies arise, the PI may be asked to work directly with TDG.
    • Learn more about Award Closeout.
  • Federal Financial Report (FFR):
    • Required annually, no later than 90 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the budget period ends (unless more frequent reporting is required).
    • For SNAP Awards, refer to NIH Reporting Requirements.
    •  Final FFR is prepared and submitted by EFM and is due no later than 120 days after the end of the competitive segment.
    • Learn more about Award Closeout.

Always refer to the specific award for reporting details.

National Science Foundation (NSF)

NSF requires three types of project reports:

  • Annual Report:
    • Required for all standard and continuing grants and cooperative agreements.
    • Typically due no later than 90 days before the end of the current budget period.
  • Final Annual Report:
    • Required for all standard and continuing grants, cooperative agreements and fellowships.
    • Due no later than 120 days after the award end date. Learn more about Award Closeout.
  • Project Outcomes Report: Written for the public and summarizes the outcomes of NSF-funded research.
    • Due no later than 120 days following the end date of the NSF award.

Principal Investigators and co-Principal Investigators prepare and submit project reports in Research.gov.

Reporting Tools

Some sponsors require the use of sponsor specific systems for report submission. If you have questions about report submissions or system requirements, contact OCGA (awards@research.ucla.edu)

Resources

Last Updated: May 28, 2026