DMPTool lets you create data management plans for funder DMP or DMSP supplemental documents. Funder DMPs and DMSPs focus on how you will keep your data in good shape for final analysis and dissemination (keep in mind that if you're looking for a security-focused DMP for your IRB protocol, that's a different kind of DMP which should be built in the VCU DMS). Your DMPTool Dashboard will help you keep track of the data management plans you create. Click "create Plan" to make a new one 
Most U. S. federal funders' Data Management Plan guidance is represented, along with several academic foundations Data Management Plans. NIH Data Sharing Plans are also supported.
Steps for using the DMPTool
Next you can name your project and choose your funding agency. If your funder has multiple sets of guidance for different purposes, you will have the chance to choose the specific guidance template you want to follow.
The tabs on the next screen let you move through stages of giving your plan some overview details, writing your plan, and sharing or downloading to print. If you want to jump directly to filling in the template, click the Write Plan tab.
After clicking Write Tab, you will see a stack of menus listing the sections that are appropriate to DMPs written for the funder you chose. Click each section to expand it and see a box for writing that section.
When each DMP menu section expands, you will have a text box where you can write your data management (or data sharing) details for that section of the DMP. Enter the information for that DMP section, keeping your wording succinct because there may be a page limit. If you are not sure what goes in each section, see the guidance boxes or contact libdatahelp@vcu.edu for a consultation.
After looking at the requirements of the funding agency you should have some guidelines about what to cover in your plan. Some of the things you should consider before writing your plan, with or without a funding agency requirement, include:
Data Type and Format:
· Data collection methods. Data formats.
· Data size, per experiment and the whole data set.
· Is the data reproducible? i.e. climate data or data from lab experiment that can be run again.
· Data organization plans and file structures.
Data Storage
· Where will data be stored as it is collected and analyzed?
· Who is backing up and where are backups kept?
· Where will data be stored for retention (institutional policy)?
· What format should be used to store data?
Data Standards
· Are there standards for data collection and documentation in your subject area?
· Is there a community standard for adding key words to your data for sharing and future use?
Data Security
· Are there any special security considerations, e.g. HIPAA ?
· Who controls the data? Who is responsible for the data?
· Will any of the data require extra security or privacy?
· Will there be an embargo on the data?
Data Sharing
· Does your funder require sharing?
· Who might want to use the data and how?
· If there is a suitable subject repository, do they have any requirements for depositing data?
· Is data saved in a way that will allow others to understand and use it?
Long-term Access
· How long must the data be retained according to funder, institution, etc.?
· Does the format need to be changed for long-term preservation?
· Where can the data be stored?
· Who will maintain it?
This is not an exhaustive list of considerations when developing a data management plan, but it will help you think about some of the things funders will be looking for when they review your plan.
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