Electronic Application for NIH Certificates of Confidentiality (CoC E-application System)

NIH is requesting a reinstatement without change to continue use the online Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC) application system for the next three years. In 2015, NIH launched an online application system for researchers to request a discretionary CoC from NIH. In 2020, NIH launched a new CoC online request system with fewer data fields than the 2015 system, to decrease burden on the requester and NIH staff. Information is collected to allow confirmation of eligibility for a CoC and to issue a Certificate. Eligible requesters receive an electronic Certificate once approved. In 2022, NIH received OMB approval for the revision to the CoC system data fields to add an optional data field that allows the researcher to identify another person to receive CoC system communication and the approved CoC. Since then, there has been several non-substantial change memo requests to make minor updates to the system. For this request, NIH does not request any revisions and requests a reinstatement without change. CoCs protect research participants by prohibiting disclosure of identifying information about participants to persons not connected to the research, with limited exceptions. NIH, through its funding Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs), has issued CoC since 1997 to researchers who request this protection. Since 2016, NIH-funded researchers are deemed issued a Certificate upon award of NIH funding and do not need to request a Certificate through the system. Non-NIH funded researchers may continue to request a CoC through the online system.

The latest form for Electronic Application for NIH Certificates of Confidentiality (CoC E-application System) expires 2028-08-31 and is listed under ICR 202507-0925-001.