Grants.gov @ UTSA

Do not Register! UTSA is registered as an institution. Individuals do not need a DUNS number or CCR registration if submitting through the University.

• In order to use Grants.gov, PIs will first need to download and install the free PureEdge Viewer software which is required by Grants.gov. You must have Administrative rights to your computer to download this software. If you do not have Administravtive rights to your computer, contact the IT helpdesk for assistance. The software should be installed by anyone who might be working on a proposal submission. The PureEdge software, which was written for Microsoft Windows, can be found on the Grants.gov website. This software allows the user to assemble an entire application package on their computer. The completed file is the entire application, as opposed to systems such as FastLane, where forms are completed on-line. NOTE: Grants.gov is transitioning from PureEdge to Adobe Forms. This transition is due to be completed by September 2007
• Each application package is specific to a particular program and cannot be used to apply to another opportunity or program. The Find feature in Grants.gov is used to search and identify a particular program to which an application will be submitted. By clicking the Apply for Grant Electronically, the application package is downloaded from Grants.gov.
• The application package provides specific instructions and guidance on how to complete the application package. It is very important to follow the instructions so that an application is accepted by Grants.gov. There are certain important steps to follows:
  • Complete all of the fields that are yellow. If a yellow field contains a question that does not apply, enter either a zero (for numeric fields) or N/A (for text fields).
  • For the Application Filing Name in the opening sections - this is a free form field but we recommend you put in the PI's last name and part of the title of the project.
  • For the SF424(R&R) forms, the Applicant Information is provided in the UTSA SF 424 (R&R) Sample Form. (pdf)

Be sure to complete all of the forms in the mandatory box. Once the mandatory forms are completed, they can be moved to the Completed Documents for Submission box. If there are optional forms, complete the forms, and move to the Optional Completed Documents for Submission box.

Click the Verify Package button and make sure no errors are returned. Correct all errors until a no error message is received. The Save button saves the final copy of the proposal. If the application is revised, these steps must be repeated. Even though the Submit button will become active, only Authorized Organizational Representatives are allowed to submit the proposal.

• The PI can file the electronic copy of the proposal in the S Drive (Titan)/Grants/PI Name or by sending the file as an e-mail attachment to OSP.
• OSP will submit the proposal through Grants.gov, at which time OSP will receive an automatic confirmation page. This will list the date and time of submission to Grants.gov. The submission will generate a series of e-mails containing the Grants.gov tracking number and other important information. These e-mails will confirm that: (a) the application was received by Grants.gov and assigned a tracking number, (b) the application was validated by Grants.gov, (c) the application was retrieved by the grantor agency, and (d) the application was reviewed by the grantor agency and assigned an agency tracking number. These e-mails will be forwarded to the PI (or designated contact) in one email once they are all received. It is important to note that all of these e-mails from both Grants.gov and the grantor agency may take up to 24 hours to receive.
• Once the proposal has been accepted by the agency, the proposal no longer resides in Grants.gov. Agency-specific systems such as FastLane for NSF proposals and NIH Commons for NIH proposals can be queried for proposal status.
• Grants.gov is working on a solution for Non-Windows Users. Visit PureEddge Support for Non-Windows Users for more information.
• As Grants.gov is a new and rapidly expanding system you should expect possible problems with the proposal development and submission process. We strongly encourage researchers to 1) start proposal development early, 2) notify their Grants and Contract Specialist of the pending proposal submission and 3) have the completed application package, I copy of the Proposal and Routing Form to OSP as least 5 business days before deadline.

Assistance

• The Office of Sponsored Programs provides consulting support and detailed training on grants.gov and the PureEdge application tool. Contact Elizabeth Garcia at elizabeth.garcia@utsa.edu or 458-4340. TXCLASS: FS 115 Grants.gov Overview, FS 116 NIH Application via Grants.gov
• NIH Information:
  • Electronic Submission of Grant Applications
  • Find Parent Announcements
  • Grants.gov Application Guide
  • NIH Forms and Applications
  • Training Resources This link is helpful to applicants who would like to familiarize themselves with the new SF424 (R&R) form set and submitting the application package to NIH via Grants.gov
  • Tips and Tools
  • Transition Strategy and Timeline
• NSF Information:
  • NSF Implementation Strategy (pdf)