# Presentation: 378905

## Interacting Electronically with NIH – Part I

**Interacting Electronically with NIH – Part I**

-  June 12, 2006

## Provide overview of NIH’s electronic submission plans
Provide overview of E-Submission process
Highlight available resources

- Provide overview of NIH’s electronic submission plans
- Provide overview of E-Submission process
- Highlight available resources

## 	Submitting an Electronic Grant Application

**NIH Implementation Plans**

## NIH’s Electronic Submission Goals

- By the end of September 2007, NIH plans to:
- Require electronic submission through Grants.gov for all NIH grant applications
- Transition from the PHS 398 application form to SF424 (R&R)

- Announced in the NIH Guide, Aug. 19, 2005: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-05-067.html
- Modification to the timeline announced Feb. 7, 2006
- http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-06-035.html

## Why Electronic Submission?

- Gain efficiencies
- Reduces scanning, printing, and data-entry costs
- Improves data quality
- Provides reviewers with consistent, clear, color grant image
- Simplify applicant interactions across agencies
- Common submission method
- Common forms
- Driven by Public Law 106-107 and the President’s Management Agenda
- Make progress towards goal set by the President’s Office of Management and Budget for all agencies, which is to allow electronic submission through Grants.gov for 75% of all funding opportunities posted in FY 2006.

## Requires Systems to Work Together

**Grants.gov** – single on-line Federal portal to find and apply for Federal grant funding involving:
- 26 grant-making agencies
- 900 grant programs
- Over $350 billion in annual awards
**eRA Commons** – the NIH system that allows applicants/grantees to electronically receive and transmit application and award information after the application has been submitted to Grants.gov.
- Used by NIH and other HHS components.

- Applicant responsibility to ensure applications complete entire submission process—all the way through to the eRA Commons.

**Important!**

## This is a huge change – help us manage it to ensure success!

- The transition relies upon many pieces:
- Technical development of eRA and Grants.gov systems
- Establishment of new processes to track and monitor application submissions by both NIH and applicant institutions
- Trans-agency resolution of policy and operational issues
**Lots of communications, training and outreach with and by NIH staff and applicants**

## NIH’s Transition Strategy

- We are transitioning by individual research program/funding mechanism
- _ALL_ applications submitted for the research program transitioning receipt date and beyond _will require_ electronic submission through Grants.gov on the 424 (R&R).  (This includes amended applications previously submitted in paper.)
- Mechanisms not yet transitioned will continue to require submission on PHS 398 on paper
- NIH will announce plan to transition mechanisms in NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts

## NIH Planned Transition Dates of Mechanisms 

**Mechanism Abbreviation Key:**
- C06/UC6   	Research Facilities Construction Grants
- DP1	NIH Director’s Pioneer Award Program
- D71/U2R 	International Training Cooperative Agreement/
-                 	Phase 2 of FIC mechanism D71
- R01         	Research Project Grant Program
- R03         	Small Grant Programs
- R10/U10   	Cooperative Clinical Research Grants
- R13/U13   	Support for Conferences & Scientific Meetings
- R15          	Academic Research Enhancement Awards (AREA)
- R18/U18   	Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects

- R21/R33  	Exploratory/Development Research
- R24/U24  	Resource Related Research Projects
- R25         	Education Projects
- R34          	Clinical Trial Planning Grant Program
- R36          	Research Dissertation Grant Program
- SBIR       	Small Business Innovation Research
- STTR       	Small Business Technology Transfer
- S06,S10,S11	Biomedical Research
- S21,22	Health Disparities Endowment Grants
- U              	Cooperative Agreement Awards
- X02	Preapplication

**Current as of June 2006.** Visit the Web site for the latest version: _[http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/](http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/)_

**NIH Planned Transition Dates of Mechanisms **
**for Electronic Submission Using the SF424 (R&R)**

**2006**

**12**

**10**

**11**

- Resource (G7, G8, G11, G13, G20),
- Career Development (K), S11, S21, S22 (Jun. 1, 2007)

**05**

**07**

**12**

**09**

**01**

**02**

**03**

- R03, R21/R33, R34(June 1, 2006)

**04**

**05**

**2007**

- R18/U18, R25, C06/UC6 (Oct. 1, 2006)

- Fellowship (F) (Aug. 5, 2007)

- Project/Center (P), G12, M01, S06, R10/U10, U01, U19, U54, U56, R24/U24 (Oct. 1, 2007)

**01**

**02**

**03**

**04**

**06**

**08**

**06**

- S10 (Mar. 22, 2006)

- R15 (Feb. 25, 2006)

- R36 (Feb. 17, 2006)

- R13/U13* *(Dec. 15, 2005)

- SBIR/STTR (Dec. 1, 2005)

**10**

**07**

**09**

**08**

- X02 (April 18, 2006)

**R01****(Feb. 1, 2007)**

- Training (T&D), U45, D71/U2R (Sep. 10, 2007)

- Potential R01
- Multi-PI Pilot
- (Oct. 1, 2006)

- DP1(Jan. 22, 2007)

- We have begun! Over 7,000 apps received electronically!

- X01
- (May 18, 2006)

## Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov

**Prepare to Apply**

**Find opportunity and download application package**

**Submit application to Grants.gov ****(AOR submits)**

**Prepare application**

**Check submission status in Commons**

**Check assembled application**

**Submission Complete**

**Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov**

## Choose your submission method
Ensure you have appropriate software
Institutions register with Grants.gov and eRA Commons (PIs work with their institutions to register in eRA Commons)

- Choose your submission method
- Ensure you have appropriate software
- Institutions register with Grants.gov and eRA Commons (PIs work with their institutions to register in eRA Commons)

## Choose Submission Method

- _Applicant Organization_
- Applicant Organization Rep./
- Signing Official

- Forms-based submission using PureEdge software

- System-to-system using XML data stream

- Service Provider

- Establish agreement with commercial service provider to submit applications on behalf of the organization

- The applicant organization’s business office needs to decide how their organization will submit grants electronically to Grants.gov.

## Ensure You Have Required Software

- PureEdge viewer - (free) from Grants.gov _[http://www.grants.gov/DownloadViewer](http://www.grants.gov/DownloadViewer)_
- PDF generation software
- _[http://www.grants.gov/assets/PDFConversion.pdf](http://www.grants.gov/assets/PDFConversion.pdf)_.
- MAC users need PC emulation software _or_ free CITRIX client application to use CITRIX service offered by Grants.gov in partnership with NIH. _[http://www.grants.gov/MacSupport](http://www.grants.gov/MacSupport)_
- PureEdge has committed to providing a platform independent viewer by November 2006.

## Download Pure Edge Form Viewer

-    Grants.gov provides PureEdge Viewer, a small, free software program to access, complete and submit applications electronically and securely.

**Download Pure Edge Form Viewer**

**http://www.grants.gov/DownloadViewer**

## Register Your Organization and PIs

**Grants.gov (**_[http://](http://grants.gov/GetStarted)__[grants.gov/GetStarted](http://grants.gov/GetStarted)_**)**** **
- Applicant _institutions_ complete one-time only registration
- Valid across all Federal granting agencies
**eRA Commons ****(**_[http://](http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/preparing.htm)__[era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/preparing.htm](http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/preparing.htm)_**) **
- Applicant _institutions_ complete one-time only registration
- _PI’s_ must work through their institutions to register

- It is critical for institutions to begin this registration process **at least** **2-4 weeks before** applications are due!

- Search for your institution’s EBiz point of contact to find out who can authorize AORs

## Know Your Role!

## Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov

**Prepare to Apply**

**Find opportunity and download application package**

**Submit application to Grants.gov ****(AOR submits)**

**Prepare application**

**Check submission status in Commons**

**Check assembled application**

**Submission Complete**

**Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov**

## 
Remember, all grant applications must be submitted in response to an FOA.  “Investigator Initiated” applications will now be submitted, via Grants.gov, to parent announcements that are mechanism (e.g. R01, R21, R44, etc.) specific.

- Remember, all **grant applications must be submitted in response to an FOA**.  “Investigator Initiated” applications will now be submitted, via Grants.gov, to parent announcements that are mechanism (e.g. R01, R21, R44, etc.) specific.

**Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA)**

**Notes:**
Funding Opportunity Announcements will be posted in Grants.gov “Apply”, generally 2 months before the submission date.
Release Date – the date an application is posted. Posting announcement allows downloading of application package and the ability to start working on the application.
Opening Date - the first date the completed application can be submitted to Grants.gov.

## Searching the NIH Guide

**Searching the NIH Guide**

**Select Funding Opportunities in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts**

- Office of Extramural Research home page:**http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/oer.htm**

## Searching the NIH Guide

**Searching the NIH Guide**

- The NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts**http://grants2.nih.gov/grants/guide/index.html**

**Enter search criteria**
**or**

**Select Advanced Search**

## Searching the NIH Guide

**Searching the NIH Guide**

**The Advanced Search feature provides a lot of options to narrow your search.**
**Enter search criteria.**

## Searching the NIH Guide

**Searching the NIH Guide**

**Selecting the FOA number opens the announcement**

**Applicants will identify an FOA of interest and download the application package.**

## Searching the NIH Guide

**Button added to the NIH Guide announcements allows applicants to access the Grants.gov application package directly from the NIH Guide.**

##  Download Application Package

** ****Download Application Package**

**Download instructions and applications package from specific FOA in Grants.gov **

##   Download Application Package

**  ****Download Application Package**

**Register to receive notification of changes to application package**

**Download the  application instructions and package from this location**

## Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov

**Prepare to Apply**

**Find opportunity and download application package**

**Submit application to Grants.gov ****(AOR submits)**

**Prepare application**

**Check submission status in Commons**

**Check assembled application**

**Submission Complete**

**Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov**

## Preparing an Application

- Only the specific application package associated with an FOA can be used to apply.
- Some fields of the application are pre-filled from the announcement.
- The forms must be filled out according to the accompanying application guide and any specific guidelines in the announcement.

**Carefully read and follow all NIH instructions!**

## NIH will check all applications against NIH-specific business rules in the application guide and FOA.
Follow guidelines to avoid errors and warnings later.
Application must be error free for a successful submission

Resource available for applications--Validation list: http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/files/GenericValidations.htm 

- NIH will check all applications against NIH-specific business rules in the application guide and FOA.
**Follow guidelines to avoid errors and warnings later.**
**Application must be error free for a successful submission**
- Resource available for applications--Validation list: **http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/files/GenericValidations.htm**

## Preparing an Application

**Preparing an Application**

**Select “Save” to save the application package to your local hard drive.**

**All mandatory Grants.gov fields are high-lighted and denoted with an asterisk. See Application Guide for additional NIH requirements.**

## Preparing an Application

**Optional documents may or may not need to be filled out – refer to the agency specific instructions**

**All Mandatory Documents must be completed in order to submit the application**

**NIH also uses agency-specific forms labeled PHS 398**

## Preparing an Application

**Preparing an Application**

**To open a form component, highlight it  then select “Open Form”**

## Preparing an Application

**This DUNS # must match the DUNS for the Institution's Grants.gov registration and the DUNS Number that is registered with the eRA Commons**

**Select this icon to receive Grants.gov field-sensitive help**

## Preparing an Application

**Preparing an Application**

- All _**Mandatory Fields**_ have been completed
- All _**Mandatory Documents**_ have been completed and move to the Completed box
- All _**applicable Optional Documents**_ have been completed and moved to the Completed box
_**Only a AOR/SO can submit a grant!**_

- Helpful Hint: To get the “Submit” button activated, use the “Check Package for Errors” Button to find uncompleted Mandatory Fields

## Preparing Text Attachments

- NIH only accepts attachments in PureEdge or PDF format.
***Do not*** submit attachments in other formats such as Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, etc.
- Do not put special characters in file names.
- Disable all security features in the PDF document.
- Do not send PDF documents with editable fields (fields that can be changed).

- Check out _[http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/](http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/)__ for additional information on avoiding common errors. _

**** Second most common Error made by applicants to-date. ****

**Notes:**
An example of a PureEdge form attachment can be found in the R&R SubAward budget Attachment Form. This form provides a Subaward template (separate PureEdge form) that applicants fill out and attach to the original PureEdge form.

## Advice from Experience

**Read and follow all application instructions!**
- Failure to follow instructions has resulted in applicants having to submit corrected applications.
- There are application fields not marked as mandatory on the federal-wide form but that *are* required by NIH
- For example, the credential field of the R&R Senior/Key Person Profile component MUST contain the PI’s assigned eRA Commons User ID for NIH to process the application submission.

**Important!**

**** Most common Error made by applicants to-date.**** ********

**Note there are fields REQUIRED by NIH that are not required by all agencies. These do NOT appear as mandatory on the form and will pass through Grants.gov, but not including the requested information will result in an error when NIH systems check application  against NIH business rules.**

**PI Commons ID goes here!**

## Issues to Consider/Address:
Sharing and Movement of files between PIs, Department, and Authorized Organizational Representatives (AORs)
Changes in your internal business processes 
Who can submit—how many AORs do you have?  (Reminder of the legal authority that comes with that role)

**Issues to Consider/Address**:
- Sharing and Movement of files between PIs, Department, and Authorized Organizational Representatives (AORs)
- Changes in your internal business processes
- Who can submit—how many AORs do you have?  (*Reminder of the legal authority that comes with that role*)

## Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov

**Prepare to Apply**

**Find opportunity and download application package**

**Submit application to Grants.gov ****(AOR submits)**

**Prepare application**

**Check submission status in Commons**

**Check assembled application**

**Submission Complete**

**Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov**

## AOR Submits Application to Grants.gov

**Once AOR hits the submit button the application will connect automatically to the Internet and to Grants.gov**

## Log in to Grants.gov

**AOR enters Grants.gov username and password – AOR must be fully registered to successfully submit**

## Electronically “Sign” Application

**Sign the application by hitting the button**

**Electronically “Sign” Application**

## Save Confirmation Information

**Confirmation screen provides:**
** ****Grants.gov Tracking Number**
**Date/Time Stamp - apps are due 5 p.m. local time of the applicant org. on day of submission deadline. **

**Save Confirmation Information**

## Post-Grants.gov submission...grant application is now with eRA Commons

## Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov

**Prepare to Apply**

**Find opportunity and download application package**

**Submit application to Grants.gov ****(AOR submits)**

**Prepare application**

**Check submission status in Commons**

**Check assembled application**

**Submission Complete**

**Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov**

## Check Submission Status in Commons

- Once the application has been submitted, Grants.gov & eRA Commons sends a series of status Email notifications.
- Grants.gov sends notifications to the AOR only; eRA Commons sends notifications to the AOR/SO, Contact and the PI email addresses listed on the SF424 (R&R) form.
- A full list of notification messages can be found at: http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/submit_app.htm#4.
**Email can be unreliable – applicants should proactively check the status of their applications in eRA Commons after submission.**

## Viewing Application Errors/Warnings

**1. Click the Status tab to view the PI Status.**
**2. Find application that shows “eSubmission Error” in Application Status.**
**3. Follow the link on the Application ID to see specific error/warning messages.**

## The Commons Username must be submitted for the PD/PI in the Credential field. – Error
The Cumulative Budget Total Direct and Indirect Costs do not equal the sum of Total Direct and Indirect Costs for all budget years. – Error
The Research Plan is limited to 25 pages. This may span 28 pages due to page breaks but the total space occupied by text should not exceed 25 pages.  - Error
The <attachment> attachment is not in PDF format, or the filename is invalid. All attachments must be provided to NIH in PDF format; filenames must be included with no spaces or special characters, and a .pdf extension must be used. - Error

Be sure that you have complied with the allowable page limitations for the Research Plan for this FOA. Otherwise, your application may be delayed and rejected in the review process. - Warning

- The Commons Username must be submitted for the PD/PI in the Credential field. – **Error**
- The Cumulative Budget Total Direct and Indirect Costs do not equal the sum of Total Direct and Indirect Costs for all budget years. –** Error**
- The Research Plan is limited to 25 pages. This may span 28 pages due to page breaks but the total space occupied by text should not exceed 25 pages.  **- Error**
- The <attachment> attachment is not in PDF format, or the filename is invalid. All attachments must be provided to NIH in PDF format; filenames must be included with no spaces or special characters, and a .pdf extension must be used. **- Error**
- Be sure that you have complied with the allowable page limitations for the Research Plan for this FOA. Otherwise, your application may be delayed and rejected in the review process. -** Warning**

## Errors and Warnings

- Application generated in Commons only when error-free
- All errors must be addressed for successful submission
- Warnings are cautionary notes & will allow an application to be created
- Warnings may be addressed at applicants discretion
- If correcting a warning in a warning-only application, AOR must “Reject”
- After making all corrections, the entire changed/corrected application must be submitted again through Grants.gov.

## Once all errors are corrected, the application is generated and made available for viewing by the PI and AOR/SO.  
After application is generated, PI and AOR/SO have the following 2 week days to view the assembled application in eRA Commons
After the 2 days, the submission process is complete and the application will automatically move forward to  the Division of Receipt and Referral.
After this 2 day period, must work directly with Scientific Review Administrator to negotiate any application changes

- Once all errors are corrected, the application is generated and made available for viewing by the PI and AOR/SO.
- After application is generated, PI and AOR/SO have the following 2 week days to view the assembled application in eRA Commons
- After the 2 days, the submission process is complete and the application will automatically move forward to  the Division of Receipt and Referral.
- After this 2 day period, must work directly with Scientific Review Administrator to negotiate any application changes

## AOR has the authority to “Reject” an application during the 2-day viewing period
Reasons to “Reject”
Desire to correct warnings
Information lost or not transmitted correctly
Need to report this problem to the eRA Commons Helpdesk
The “Reject” option is NOT a way to get 2 days to refine your application 
Rejected applications must be submitted again & designated as a “Changed/Corrected” application
Changed/Corrected applications submitted after submission date are subject to NIH late policy & must include Cover Letter

- AOR has the authority to “Reject” an application during the 2-day viewing period
- Reasons to “Reject”
- Desire to correct warnings
- Information lost or not transmitted correctly
- Need to report this problem to the eRA Commons Helpdesk
- The “Reject” option is NOT a way to get 2 days to refine your application
- Rejected applications must be submitted again & designated as a “Changed/Corrected” application
- Changed/Corrected applications submitted after submission date are subject to NIH late policy & must include Cover Letter

## Check Assembled ApplicationAOR/SO Status Result 

- Check Assembled Application**AOR/SO** Status Result

**View the Application Image by clicking on the Application ID**

## Check Assembled Application

**Click on the e-Application link under Other Relevant Documents**

## Automatic Bookmarks!

**Automatic Bookmarks!**

**Chance to Review assembled application!**

**Chance to Print**
**Chance to Save PDF locally**

## AOR/SO Status Result 

- AOR/SO Status Result

**AOR/SO can reject an application from the hit list.**** **

## Check Assembled ApplicationPI Status Result

**The PI has the opportunity to view the application and/or the transmittal sheet.**

## Check Assembled ApplicationTransmittal Sheet

**Transmittal Sheet is generated when the application is received without any errors from Grants.gov.**

## Electronic Submission to NIH Through Grants.gov

**Prepare to Apply**

**Find opportunity and download application package**

**Submit application to Grants.gov ****(AOR submits)**

**Prepare application**

**Check submission status in Commons**

**Check assembled application**

**Submission Complete**

## On-Time Submission*

- On-time submission has 2 elements:
- Application accepted by Grants.gov by **5:00pm local time** on the submission date
- Grants.gov time stamp is Eastern Time
- Grants.gov time stamp = AOR log in time (before upload)
- During initial transition period, NIH validation errors must be corrected within 1 week period after receipt date
- PI & AOR strongly recommended to review grant image within 2 days of availability in the NIH Commons
- *  NIH’s late application policy still in effect

- Note new
- time!

## Expected Turnaround Times

- Registration – can take several weeks to complete; start 2-4 weeks in advance of submission date
- Grants.gov response to application submission – generally within hours, up to 2 business days
- eRA Commons response to application submission – generally within hours, up to 2 business days
- Principal Investigator (PI) and Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)/Signing Official (SO) ***Review*** of application - within 2 business days of availability in eRA Commons

## Guiding Principles

- NIH will not hold applicants accountable for Grants.gov or NIH system problems
- Applicants are expected to:
- Complete required registration processes prior to submission
- Complete all steps of application submission in a timely way
- Submission to Grants.gov
- Correct any errors
- Review application image

## Advice from Experience

- Register now to be prepared
- Allow time for corrections
**Take time to review the image**
- When seeking support, be prepared to provide identifying information for your application and organization

## Next Steps:  NIH Areas we are addressing:

- Continuing work on transitioning other mechanisms
- Help desk staffing
- Resolving technical system issues
- Better educating NIH staff
- Reviewing business rules (validations) enforced by the system
- Outreach to the applicant community
- Re-evaluated & eliminated verification process
- Examining Registration Process for Improvements

## Next Steps:  Grantees

- Review eSubmission website: http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/
- Familiarize yourself with the forms and application guide(s)
- Application guides and sample versions of application packages are available at:  http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/index.htm
- Must have PureEdge Viewer installed in order to manipulate the sample application packages.  (***Check with your IT folks for permission and assistance in downloading this software)***
- Review available training resources:  brochures, video library, video webcasts:   http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/training.htm
- Share experiences:  1) Network at mtgs; 2) Listservs

## Next Steps:  Grantees

- Determine implementation plans for *your* Institution
- How will your internal review & approval processes change?
- How will you share applications in progress?
- How will you manage last minute queue at Sponsored Programs rather than airport FedEx drop box?
- Assemble a team to tackle this—faculty, administration and technical representative

## Electronic Submission Information:

- http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/

## Application Guide(s), Sample Application Packages, Additional Format Pages found at: 

- http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/index.htm

## Training Tools: http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/training.htm

- Video training library
- This presentation
- A Walk Through the SF424 (R&R) http://helix.od.nih.gov/oervideo/grantsgov/A_Walk_Through_SF424/index.html

## Training Tools (cont.)

- Registration in the eRA Commons Demo http://era.nih.gov/virtualschool/external/c101_GranteeRegistrationProcess.htm
- Grants.gov’s How to Complete An Application Package Demo http://www.grants.gov/CompleteApplication#demo

## Other Tools

- Frequently Asked Questions http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/faq.htm
- Tips on Avoiding Common Errors http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/avoiding_errors.htm
- Communications and Outreach resources (brochures, presentations, drop-in newsletter articles) http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/communication.htm

## Finding Help: Grants.gov Registration & Submission

- If help is needed with the Grants.gov registration process or with the technical aspects of submitting through the Grants.gov system:
- Check the resources available on the Grants.gov website first (http://grants.gov/ )
- Grants.gov help is also provided by the following office:
- Grants.gov customer support
- Contact Center Phone: 1-800-518-472
- Business Hours M-F 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
- Email support@grants.gov

## Finding Help: eRA Commons Registration & Validations Processes 

- If help is needed with the eRA Commons registration process for the applicant organization and principal investigators, or with the application validation process in the eRA Commons after submission through Grants.gov, contact:
- eRA Commons help deskPhone: 301-402-7469/866-504-9552 (Toll Free) 301-451-5939 (TTY) Business hours M-F 7am-8pm Eastern Standard TimeEmail commons@od.nih.gov
- 	**Web support: http://ithelpdesk.nih.gov/eRA/ **
- Also visit:
- eRA Commons website: https://commons.era.nih.gov/commons/index.jsp

- New: Enter your own help ticket!

## Finding Help: Application Preparation

- Review application instruction guide(s)
- Contact Grants Info:
- Grants Info
- Phone: 301-435-0714
- 301-451-0088 (TTY)
- Email GrantsInfo@nih.gov
- All these help resources are found at: http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/support.htm

## Finding Help--Summary

- General information on Electronic Submission and the SF424 (R&R):
- _http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt_
- Grants.gov registration, submission & Pure Edge behavior questions:
- Visit:  http://www.grants.gov/CustomerSupport
- Grants.gov Customer Service
- E-mail: support@grants.gov
- Phone: 1-800-518-4726
- eRA Commons registration and post submission questions on Commons functionality:
- Support Page: http://era.nih.gov/commons/index.cfm
- eRA Commons Help Desk
- Web support: http://ithelpdesk.nih.gov/eRA/
- Phone: 1-866-504-9552 OR 301-402-7469
- Forms transition and questions on NIH’s overall plan for electronic receipt, application preparation:
- NIH Grants Information
- E-mail: grantsinfo@nih.gov
- Phone: 301-435-0714

**Preferred method of contact**

## Collecting User Feedback

- NIH has established an e-mail address to collect comments and/or suggestions from users:
- NIHElectronicSubmiss@mail.nih.gov.
- Share your experiences—successes and challenges
- Share specific suggestions for improvement
- What resources are most useful (*Targeted e-mails, FAQs, Tips & Tools, Commons Alerts, Training tools*)

## We’re in this together. Help spread the word!

## ___________________Thank you!