Digital Data Management Frequently Asked Questions

I am submitting an application/proposal for research funding in response to an EERE Funding Opportunity Announcement.  Do I need to include a DMP with my application/proposal?

 All EERE-funded research activities must have an associated Data Management Plan (DMP).  However, please refer to the Funding Opportunity Announcement for specific instructions regarding the timing of submission.  The data management plan may be required at time of application or after selection, but no later than time of award.   If required at the time of application, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reserves the right to reject, without merit review, any application/proposal that does not include a DMP.

Will a project be funded if the DMP does not follow the requirementsof the EERE Policy on Digital Data Management?

No.

I am a Department of Energy laboratory employee requesting research funding from EERE that is not connected to any funding opportunity announcement. Do I need to submit a DMP?

Yes.  All proposals submitted for funding for research activities at a laboratory must have an associated Data Management Plan (DMP).  The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reserves the right to reject, without merit review, any proposal that does not include a DMP.

I am submitting to the call for proposals for an EERE annual operating plan.  Do I need to include a DMP with my proposal?

Yes.  All proposals submitted for funding for research activities at a laboratory must have an associated Data Management Plan (DMP).  The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy reserves the right to reject, without merit review, any proposal that does not include a DMP.

I am applying for time at one of the EERE facilities. Do I need to submit a DMP with my proposal to the facility?

No. These requirements apply only to proposals for research funding submitted directly to EERE and do not apply to proposals to use Department of Energy user facilities or other laboratory infrastructure or services. Any requirements or guidance related to your proposal will be issued by that facility.

My proposed research is part of a larger scientific collaboration that has established bylaws for data management and is funded by more than one program or agency. Do I need to submit a DMP? How should this be addressed in the DMP I submit with my proposal?

Yes, you will need to submit a DMP. The bylaws of the collaboration should be referenced in the DMP you submit.

I am applying for a Department of Energy Small Business Innovation Research award. Do I need to submit a DMP?

Yes. Please see specific program guidance on how to prepare a DMPassociated with a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) application. DMP requirements for the SBIR and STTR programs will be detailed in the relevant solicitation.

I am submitting a proposal for supplemental funding after Oct., 1, 2015, but the original award was made before this time and does not include a DMP. Do I need to submit a DMP with the supplemental proposal?

If the supplemental proposal enlarges the scope of the research and will therefore be reviewed, then a DMPwill be required and should address the research products of the supplemental research scope. If you are uncertain, contact the cognizant program manager.

Do I need to submit a DMP with a proposal for supplemental funding if the supplemental work will not generate additional digital research data?

Yes. The DMPshould explain that no additional digital research data will be generated and, if possible, should reference the DMPfor the existing award.

Do I need to submit a DMP with a proposal for supplemental funding if the DMP for the supplemental work would be the same as the DMP for the existing grant?

Yes. The DMP should simply reference the DMP of the existing grant.

Do I need to submit a DMP with a proposal for renewal funding?

Yes.

I’m submitting a proposal for a conference or workshop. Do I need to include a DMP with my proposal?

No. The DMP requirements apply only to proposals for research funding.

There is a policy at my institution that all data and materials supporting my research are owned by the institution. Do I still need to submit a DMP, and if so, what data management practices should I follow?

Yes.  Your DMP could refer to the institution’s policy, but your DMP must meet the requirements to be funded. Proposals that do not comply with EERE policy, including the EERE Policy on Digital Data Management, will not receive funding.

My proposed research will not produce any data worth the cost of sharing or preservation. Do I need to prepare a DMP, and if so, what information should I provide?

Yes.  A DMP must be provided and should meet all of the requirements of the EERE Policy on Digital Data Management and any additional requirements stipulated by the Funding Opportunity Announcement or the sponsoring program office. In particular, the DMP should provide cost-benefit considerations to explain why the scientific value in sharing and preserving data generated by the research does not justify the expense and should describe how the research results can be validated if data are not shared or preserved.