The NIH guide notice Supplemental Information to the NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing: Elements of an NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan recommends that DMS Plans should be about 1-2 pages long and should include the following elements:

1. Data Type
Briefly describe the scientific data to be managed and shared.

• Summarize the types and amount of scientific data expected to be used and/or generated in the project.
• Indicate which scientific data will be preserved and shared, and provide a rational for doing so.
• List the associated metadata, other relevant data, or associated documentation that will facilitate access, interpretation, and reuse of the scientific data.

2. Related Tools, Software and/or Code
List any specialized tools that may be needed to access or manipulate the shared scientific data, and indicate how such tools can be accessed. 

3. Standards
Describe any common standards that will be applied to the scientific data and associated metadata. 

4. Data Preservation, Access, and Associated Timelines
Provide the plans and timelines for data preservation and access.

• Specify the repository/repositories where the data will be archived.
• Indicate how data will be findable and identifiable.
• State how soon, and for how long, the data will be made available.

5. Access, Distribution, or Reuse Considerations
Discuss any factors that may affect subsequent access, distribution, or reuse of scientific data, and indicate whether access to scientific data derived from humans will be controlled. Factors to include in the discussion include:

• Informed consent
• Privacy and confidentiality protections
• Applicable restrictions imposed by federal, Tribal, or state laws, regulations, or policies, or existing or anticipated agreements

6. Oversight of Data Management and Sharing

Describe how compliance with this DMS Plan will be monitored and managed, and specify: 

• Who in your research team or institution will be have oversight.
• How often compliance will be reviewed.

The NIH guide Writing a Data Management & Sharing Plan provides detailed information about what to consider and include when developing your DMS plan.

The guide also includes sample plans that, while not meant to serve as templates, may help you create your own plan.

The DMPTool is a free web-based service that guides researchers through the process of developing a data management plan that meets specific funder requirements.

1. Log in with your UMB credentials.
2. Select the NIH-GEN DMSP (2023) Template
3. Add collaborators
4. Review the example text and guidance in the Write Plan tab
5. Use the Request Feedback button to get help from an HSHSL Data Services Librarian
6. Download your plan and attach to your grant materials.

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