Making Institutional Training Tables Easier Through XTRACT

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A feature within eRA Commons called the xTRACT module is available to help applicants create training data tables for institutional training grant applications, and to help grantees update these tables for their progress reports (RPPRs).

xTRACT is available to all institutions through eRA Commons. If you or your institution works with institutional training grant applications or progress reports, and are not taking advantage of this tool yet, consider the time-saving features the module provides.

Highlights include:

  • Using Commons IDs and xTrain appointment data, xTRACT allows users to populate the tables from data already available in the NIH database, including trainee names, selected characteristics, institutions, grant numbers and subsequent NIH and other HHS awards.
  • After completing and reviewing your data entries, xTRACT produces a PDF file for you to attach to your grant application or RPPR.
  • Training table data can be reused for future submissions, rather than re-entered manually.
  • Faculty data can now be bulk uploaded, instead of the previous requirement to add one at a time.
  • xTRACT validates table entries so that errors can be corrected as the table is being populated.

We’ve received great feedback since xTRACT’s launch in October 2015. xTRACT users say that the system is very helpful in saving time preparing training table information. As of June 2017, xTRACT has been used by more than 160 institutions, with over 110 new applicants using xTRACT for their initial application, and over 1,000 existing grantees using xTRACT for RPPRs and renewals.

While using the xTRACT module is an option, and not yet a requirement, it can save research administrators and principal investigators time when creating and completing data tables for new applications for institutional training grants (T32, TL1, T90/R90, and T15), progress reports, and most types of renewal applications.

Applicants for renewal T90/R90s and other predoctoral, postdoctoral, and career-level training, education, and career development activities that use training data tables (e.g., T35, R25, K12/KL2 awards) can also use xTRACT, but the system does not yet include features tailored to their specific types of awards. Programs targeted to undergraduates (e.g., T34 awards) should not use the xTRACT system at all at this time, but should instead use the fillable tables designed for undergraduate programs available on the NIH website.

Want to learn more? Visit the eRA web page on xTRACT for more information. Looking for help in using the module? Check out the xTRACT user guide, instructional videos, and FAQs for additional help using the system.

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