# Presentation: 925882

## Grants.gov and the EDA Single Application

- December 15, 2008

## Why was the single application developed?

**Prompted by a Congressional mandate** **that all Federal agencies post grant opportunities on Grants.gov by Oct. 1, 2006, and allow applicants to apply via Grants.gov by Oct. 1, 2007**
- 	-- Grants.gov was designed for a single step application process
- 	-- ED-900A and ED-900P were not in a screen-fillable format, which made the process cumbersome and particularly difficult for applicants without scanners
- 	-- ED-900A and ED-900P contained many redundant questions, especially for non-construction applicants

## How does the single application affect the grant award process?

- No awards can be made based on receipt of ED-900P/A after Nov. 1, 2008
- Instead of “inviting an application” EDA determined that a proposed project “merits further consideration” and requests supplementary materials, as listed on page 3 of the ED-900

## Find EDA Funding Opportunities on Grants.gov

- Basic Search
- 	--Can search by CFDA number or FON
- Search by Agency
-    --Choose Department of Commerce
- 	--Click on Agency column heading to sort by Agency

## What are applicants’ options for submitting an application package?

**Electronic download, completion, and submission**
- 	--Requires Adobe Acrobat version 8.1.2 or higher (EDA recommends version 8.1.3) _**and **_Grants.gov user ID and password
- 	--Must download package from Grants.gov
**Electronic download and completion and hardcopy submission**
-   --Requires Adobe Acrobat version 8.1.2 or higher (EDA recommends version 8.1.3)
-   --Must download package from Grants.gov
**Hardcopy completion/submission**
- 	--May download forms from Grants.gov or, in extenuating circumstances, request a paper copy from the appropriate EDA regional office

## Downloading a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov

- Step #1—Go to _[http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp](http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp)_
- Step #2—Click on “Download an Application Package” (see next slide for screenshot)

## Downloading a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov

**Downloading a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov**

## Downloading a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov

- Step #3—Enter EITHER the CFDA number or Funding Opportunity Number (FON) in the appropriate field
- 	--If you are unsure of the CFDA or FON, return to Grants.gov’s ‘Find’ feature at _[http://www07.grants.gov/applicants/find_grant_opportunities.jsp](http://www07.grants.gov/applicants/find_grant_opportunities.jsp)_ (see slide #4)
- Step #4—Click on the [Download Package] button (see next slide for screenshot)

## Downloading a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov

## Downloading a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov

- Step #5—Click on ‘download’ (see below)

## Downloading a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov

- Step #6—Click on ‘Download Application Instructions’ and read these carefully; then click on ‘Download Application Package’ (see below)

## Downloading a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov

- Step #7—Enter an application filing name (highlighted in yellow)
- Step #8—Click on the first mandatory document and then click on the [Move Form to Complete] arrow to move it to ‘Mandatory Documents for Submission’ and then repeat until all mandatory documents are in the right-hand box
- Step #9—Using the same process (except using the lower boxes and arrows), highlight the desired optional documents and move them to ‘Optional Documents for Submission’
- 	--Select the SF-LLL if you are required to complete this form
- 	--Select the ‘attachments’ form if you will need to attach anything to the application package (e.g. extra SF-424s for co-applicants, a Word documents with additional narratives, etc.)

## Downloading a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov

## Completing a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov

- Step #10—Save the application package to your desktop or network
- Step #11--Fill in application package. *(Note: Application questions will vary based on the program selected.  Mandatory fields are highlighted in yellow.  You do not need to be logged onto the Internet to fill out the application on your computer.  You do not need a Grants.gov user ID and password to complete any of steps #1-14.)*
- Step #12—Scroll to the top and click the [Check Package for Errors] button in order to see a list of mandatory fields you have not completed.
- Step #13—Address any errors identified and re-execute step  #12.
- Step #14—Print a copy of your application package for your records (or if you wish to submit the application in hardcopy format) by clicking on the [Print] button.

## Completing a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package from Grants.gov

## Submitting a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package via Grants.gov

- Step #15—Click the [Save] button and save the application package once more to your desktop or network.
- Step #16—Click the [Save & Submit] button. *(Note: This button will only be active once all prerequisite steps have been performed.)*
- Step #17—When prompted, enter your Grants.gov user ID and password.
- Step #18—Click [Submit].
- Step #19—Print out a copy of the confirmation you receive for future reference/tracking.

## Submitting a Screen-Fillable EDA Application Package via Grants.gov

## Obtaining a user ID and password for Grants.gov

- Because it takes 3-5 business days to register, applicants should register BEFORE beginning to work on the application package
- When registering, applicants should be sure to register on behalf of an organization and ensure that information provided matches information on file with the IRS
- Excellent resources for applicants are available at _[http://www07.grants.gov/tutorials/organization/OrgGetRegistered.htm](http://www07.grants.gov/tutorials/organization/OrgGetRegistered.htm)__ (tutorial) and __[http://www07.grants.gov/assets/OrgRegUserGuide.pdf](http://www07.grants.gov/assets/OrgRegUserGuide.pdf)__ (user guide) and __[http://www.grants.gov/assets/Organization_Steps_Complete_Registration.pdf](http://www.grants.gov/assets/Organization_Steps_Complete_Registration.pdf)__ (checklist)_

## Obtaining a user ID and password for Grants.gov

- Registration steps are as follows:
- 	1.  Obtain DUNS
- 	2.  Register with Central Contractor Registry and 	designate E-biz POC (annual process—allow 	1-2 business days)
- 	3.	Authorized Organization Representatives 	(AORs) register with Credential Provider to 	obtain Grants.gov userid & password
- 	4.	AORs register with Grants.gov
- 	5.	E-Biz POC approves AOR registrations

## Common problems

- Applicant does not have correct version of Adobe Acrobat installed
- 	--Remedy: Uninstall Adobe Acrobat and install Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.1.3
- Adobe repeatedly encounters an error and has to close
- 	--Remedy #1—Save early and often!
- 	--Remedy #2—Close all other applications/email/etc. to free up space
- Applicant has insufficient space in text boxes
- 	--Remedy: Attach Word doc using optional ‘Attachments’ form

## Grants.gov Help Desk

- _[support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov)_
- Or
- 1-800-518-4726
- Monday-Friday 7 am to 9 pm Eastern Time (except for federal holidays)