Next Generation eRA: Portable Internet Data Containers

描述(由申请人提供)：建议研究改进和扩展现有的、成功的商业电子表格产品线，使文件可以在线或离线填写、电子签名，然后在互联网上安全传输。基于这种技术的系统将允许研究机构使用免费的互联网下载软件来填写、保存、发送、加密、打印、通过电子邮件发送拨款申请，并将其提交给像NIH这样的拨款赞助组织。 一旦赞助商通过互联网以电子方式收到赠款申请，就可以自动做出决定，而不需要人工干预。此外，申请数据可以作为XML数据流自动提取到赞助商电子数据库中，以供审查、行动和存档。 此外，电子表格产品内置的安全性允许赞助商与该机构的首席调查员和研究行政人员之间进行双向数据交换。 此外，这些工具的固有功能是能够设置自动、自我检查的拨款遵从性控制机制(页边距、字体、页面限制等)。以便申请人更容易提交符合要求的申请。

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.