Proposal Preparation / Submission

Six Steps for Successfully Submitting NIH Proposals via Grants.gov

Step 1 - Prepare

• Download the appropriate software package from http://www.grants.gov/resources/download_software.jsp
  • For Windows users, download the PureEdge software package
  • For non-Windows users, review the alternative options to the Windows PureEdge software and select the appropriate option to fit your needs
• Learn how to create a PDF document
• Obtain a NIH eRA Commons username from Sponsored Programs

Step 2 - Download

• For solicited applications, locate your Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) on Grants.gov
• For unsolicited applications, locate your Parent Funding Opportunity Announcement at
  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/parent_announcements.htm
• Download the application and application instructions

Step 3 - Complete

• Complete the application in accordance with the FOA, application specific instructions, and the Grants.gov Application Guide SF424 (R&R)
• Route your application for review and approval through your normal administrative unit process
• Submit your CAF, FOA, and electronic application file to Sponsored Programs

Step 4 - Submit

• Sponsored Programs reviews the application, provides comments, and may request corrections
• Sponsored Programs submits final application to Grants.gov prior to the established deadline
• Grants.gov validates application, and if approved, allows NIH access to application
• NIH accesses application and transfers application to the NIH eRA Commons, for NIH validation and error checking

Step 5 - View

• Within 48 hours of notification that the application is available for review in the NIH eRA Commons, access the application
• If application is satisfactory, no further action is required

Step 6 - Review/Correct

• If application contains errors, make corrections to the original Grants.gov application file
• If the application contains warnings, decide whether or not the warnings warrant submission of a corrected application
• Repeat Steps 4-6 for submission of corrected applications