Many sponsors have developed and implemented electronic systems that allow grantees to submit proposals and perform administrative tasks electronically. The implementation of an electronic system is typically referred to as an Electronic Research Administration (ERA) initiative.

An ERA initiative may encompass a single task such as submitting a proposal via e-mail or web interface; or it may involve many tasks that may include not only proposal submission, but also submission of prior approval requests, progress reports, and even financial payments to UCR.

Each sponsor may impose different registration requirements and procedures. Sponsored Programs is responsible for institutional registration and maintaining institutional profiles. Many systems also require individual registration which will be handled in accordance with each sponsor's guidelines. In addition, some systems require users to download and install special software. If users encounter difficulties in the download and installation process, they should contact their unit's technical/computing staff for assistance.