From Jonathan Crabtree, Director — UNC Research Data Management Core
We have been made aware that the information regarding data management and sharing plan (DMSP) audits and review on our site was unclear. To address this, we have updated the language on the website to better explain DMSP requirements and RDMC services.
Currently there are no mandatory requirements for data management and sharing plans to be reviewed in advance by RDMC. As required by funders, investigators will be asked during the RAMSeS submission process to upload their data management and sharing plans. These plans can potentially be selected for audit by the RDMC based on unique characteristics identified during the upload questionnaire. These audits are geared toward preventing major compliance issues. There is no requirement that data management and sharing plans be reviewed in advance by RDMC or prepared using the DMPTool.
The RDMC does offer an optional data management and sharing plan detailed review and design consultation service geared toward helping investigators prepare competitive plans that will be reviewed well by the funders. We highly encourage the use of this service but understanding potential time constraints, they are not required. A full review does take extra time as well as the ability to share the suggested edits online. This is especially the case as we are just now beginning the hiring process and have limited resources.
The RDMC is here to help investigators create fundable proposals with compliant data management and sharing plans. Our staff is here to help lower this burden and assist when needed. In cases where our detailed review services are not needed, we will be here for questions and will provide audit overviews of submission. This is to help understand resources required by investigators to maintain compliance as well as increase our success rate on proposal submissions.