All organizations applying for grants via Grants.gov using the SF 424 forms must complete a one time registration with Grants.gov. Principal Investigators do not need to register with Grants.gov. An Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) or Signing Official for the institution needs to complete this step. If you are unsure of whether your institution has an account with Grants.gov, contact your Office of Sponsored Research.

This process could take several weeks, so applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the registration process as early as possible. Follow the steps below in order to register with Grants.gov:

1. Obtain a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) Number online or by calling 1-866-705-5711.
2. Register with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) online or by calling 1-888-227-2423.
   • During the registration process for CCR, an E-business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) is designated. The EBiz POC is given a password, the MPIN, which gives him/her the sole authority to designate Authorized Organizational Representatives (AORs) -- people who are able to submit grant applications on behalf of their organization.
3. The AOR(s) must register with the Credential Provider -- an outside agency that determines that someone is who they say they are. The Credential Provider for Grants.gov is Operational Research Consultants.
   • This organization's DUNS number is needed during this process.
   • This step provides the AOR with his/her username and password, which serve as their electronic signature.
     • The AOR must wait three business days from the time the organization is registered with CCR to obtain their username and password from the Credential Provider.
4. The AOR must register with Grants.gov.
   • During this process, the AOR must enter his/her username and password that was obtained after registering with the Credential Provider.
5. The EBiz POC must approve the AOR.
   • When the AOR registers with Grants.gov, an email is sent to the EBiz POC.
   • The EBiz POC must log into Grants.gov (in Internet Explorer) using the organization's DUNS number as the username and the MPIN as the password and then assign AOR privileges to the AOR by doing the following:
     • Click on "Manage Applicants"
     • Check the box next to the AOR's name
     • Move "Authorized Applicant" from the "Remaining Roles" box to the "Current Roles" box
     • Click "Continue"
   • After the EBiz POC approves the AOR, an email is sent to the AOR saying that they have been approved.
   • AORs can also log into the applicant home page on Grants.gov to check the approval status.