Next Generation eRA: Portable Internet Date Containers

描述（由申请人提供）：研究建议改进和扩展现有的，成功的，商业电子表格产品线，其中文件可以在线或离线填写，电子签名，然后通过互联网安全地传输。基于这项技术的系统将允许研究机构利用免费的、可从互联网下载的软件来填写、保存、路由、加密、打印、发送电子邮件并向NIH这样的资助赞助组织提交电子资助申请。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Research is proposed to improve and extend an existing, successful, commercial electronic forms product line whereby documents can be filled out either online or offline, electronically signed and then securely transmitted over the Internet. A system based upon this technology would allow research institutions to utilize FREE, Internet downloadable software to fill-out, save, route, encrypt, print, email and submit electronic grant applications to a grants sponsoring organization like NIH. Once received electronically by the sponsor via the Internet, grant applications could then automatically be decisioned without the need for human intervention. Also, application data could automatically be extracted as an XML data stream into sponsor electronic databases for review, action and archival. Additionally, the security built into the electronic forms product allows for bi-directional data exchange between the sponsor and the Principal Investigator and research administration staff at the institution. Further, inherent in these tools would be the ability to place automated, self-checking grant compliance control mechanisms (margins, fonts, page limitations, etc.) such that it would be easier for the applicant to submit applications adhering to the requirements.