If you receive a request from a funder for IRB approval or review of a grant and human research will not be conducted immediately under the grant, you should use the Protocol Development Activities (PDA) form in ARROW. The PDA can be used when:

1. Research activities involving human subjects are planned for the future but have not been finalized (e.g., the grant incorporates a planning stage);
2. When an agency or organization requires IRB approval of the study in concept; and
3. When you have received a “just-in-time” requesting documentation of IRB approval. Only planning activities that do not involve human subjects can be covered by this administrative approval.

Not all funders will accept PDA approval in lieu of IRB approval for a human research study, so you are encouraged to consult with your funder before submitting a PDA application in ARROW.