Overview of eRA Commons

What is the purpose?  

eRA Commons (https://public.era.nih.gov/commons/) is an online interface where grant applicants, recipients, and federal staff at NIH and grantor agencies can access and share administrative information relating to research grants.

The functions available to a user in Commons are based on the ‘role’ associated with their eRA Commons account (see eRA Commons Roles).

Screenshot

Click on thumbnail image to expand to full view.

eRA web page showing login button

Figure 1: eRA’s public web page showing the Commons Login button in the upper right corner.

What are the features?

eRA Commons users, based on their role, can conduct a variety of business in Commons, including:

  • Track the status of their grant applications through the submission process, view errors and/or warnings and check the assembled grant image.
  • View summary statements and score letters following the initial review of their applications.
  • View notice of award and other key documents.
  • Submit Just-in-Time information (signing officials only) requested by the grantor agency prior to a final award decision.
  • Submit an annual progress report electronically using the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR).
  • Submit the required documentation, including the Financial Status Report/Federal Financial Report, Final Research Performance Progress Report, and Final Invention Statement to close out the grant.
  • Submit Prior Approval requests, including no-cost extensions, carryover, change of PD/PI, and withdrawal of an application.