Instructions on How to Register and Apply

This section covers how to register, prepare, and submit applications for NIST Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs).

Helpful Tips for Registration

Start Early. Application submission involves accessing three (3) separate grants systems - the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. For first time applicants, registration is required, and this may take up to six (6) weeks to complete. Applicants who have used these systems in the past may also be required to update profiles, which can be added to submission timelines. All applicants are advised to initiate application as soon as possible.

Keep Organizational Information Handy. Have your organization’s Employer Identification Number (EIN), legal name, address, and appropriate contact information, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) ready for each system. For first time applicants who do not have an existing UEI, this is issued via SAM.gov, as explained below.

Save Login Details. Remember usernames and passwords for each platform to avoid login issues later.

Test Access. Log in to SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons well in advance of deadlines to ensure each system is accessible.

System Requirements

1. SAM.gov:
   • Every organization applying for Federal financial assistance must register with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and maintain an active SAM.gov registration for the life of the award.
   • Upon registration, organizations will be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The UEI replaces the DUNS number that was used in the past as a key identifier for the organization.
   • SAM registration is free, but it can take several weeks for a UEI to be issued or renewed.
   • SAM registration must be renewed annually. Applications cannot be submitted, and similarly a financial assistance award cannot be issued, if the SAM registration is not active.
   • SAM.gov assistance via the Federal Service Desk (FSD.gov).
     • Visit FSD.gov to search for frequently asked questions, chat live with a support agent, submit a web form, or call 866-606-8220 for assistance.
2. Grants.gov:
   • Grants.gov is the portal through which NIST Federal financial assistance applications are submitted.
   • An account linked to the organization’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) must be created.
   • Grants.gov assistance via the Grants.gov webpage or the Grants.gov Support Center.
     • Visit the Grants.gov library of resources (How to Apply, Applicant FAQs, and Track My Application) or call 800-518-4726 or email support [at] grants.gov (support[at]grants[dot]gov) for assistance.
3. eRA Commons:
   • NIST uses the eRA (Electronic Research Administration) system to receive and manage Federal financial assistance applications.
   • Use of eRA involves initial registration for the organization, and registration of individual users such as project leads or administrators.
   • At least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account are required to submit an application.
   • eRA registration may be completed in tandem with SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration.
   • eRA assistance via the eRA Online Help page or the eRA Service Desk.
   • Visit the eRA online Help for training material or call toll-free 1-866-504-9552 (Press 1 for eRA Commons) or 301-402-7469 (Press 1 for eRA Commons).

Additional Resources

• eRA News – announcements of system features and system health.
  • Click the “subscribe” link in the main banner to receive eRA-related newsletters.

Additional Contacts

• Programmatic and Technical Questions – Refer to “Agency Contacts” section in the NOFO.
• Grant Rules and Regulations – Refer to “Agency Contacts” section in the NOFO.