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Applicant FAQs











Getting Started

What are the Get Started steps to apply for grants?

What information will I need to register with Grants.gov?

Obtaining a DUNS Number

Is registering for a DUNS Number free of charge?

Why does my organization have to provide a DUNS Number?

How can I check if my organization already has a DUNS Number?

What information will I need to obtain a DUNS Number?

How do I request a DUNS Number?

How can I be removed from D&B's marketing list?

I am an individual, how do I obtain a DUNS Number?

Registering with CCR/MPIN

What do I need to register with CCR?

Why do I need to register with CCR?

How do I register with CCR?

Is there anything I should do before registering with CCR?

How long should I allow for CCR registration?

As an Individual, what do I need to know about registering with CCR?

What is a MPIN? Where can I locate or assign my MPIN?

Finding Grant Opportunities

Where can I find grant opportunities?

Do I need to complete all of the fields on the search screen to find a grant?

How do I sign-up to receive email notifications of new grant opportunities from Grants.gov?

Where can I find the Funding Opportunity Number or CFDA Number for a grant?

Applying for Grant Opportunities

How do I apply for a grant?

What do I need to record from a search in order to apply for an opportunity?

As an individual, how can I apply for federal or state grants, assistance, or benefits?

How can my organization submit electronic grant application packages on Grants.gov?

Why must I download the application package?

When I click the Download Application Package link I get a pop-up window asking me which application to open it with. How do I download the application?

Can I decide where I want to save the application package on my computer?

How do I attach documents to my application?

Why did I receive an error message when I entered something into a field on an application form?

Why can't I enter my congressional district in question 14 a.) In the Standard Form 424 coversheet (SF-424 cover sheet)?

Why can't I enter in the financial information in section 15 on the SF-424 coversheet?

I've completed a form, but don't see a Save button at the top of the screen. Will I lose all of the information I entered when I exit the form?

Why doesn't the Submit button work on my application?

What does the Check for Errors button do on the application?

Why do I need to login to submit an application?

Do I have to submit a complete application, or may I send it in parts?

What happens if I submit my application on the date that the application is due, but it is submitted after the agency's filing deadline time?

How can I submit my application if there is a Grants.gov system outage on the day of the application deadline?

What should I do if my registration isn't complete by the submission deadline?

I am receiving an error message stating: "You are not an authorized submitter for your organization." What can I do to correct this?

Can you apply for earmark grants on Grants.gov?

Are Microsoft Office 2007 documents acceptable as attachments to grant application packages submitted to Grants.gov?

How can I find my congressional district code?

Tracking an Application Submission

How do I know that my application has been received by Grants.gov?

How do I know if the grantor agency has retrieved my application?

How can I check a submitted application's status?

What do I do if I have not received a grant receipt confirmation within two business days?

How will I know if my application is rejected by the Grants.gov system?

What do I need in order to check the status of an application I submitted and the agency has downloaded the application?

Where do I get the tracking number for an application I submitted?

What do the application statuses mean?

When submitting an application, what is the difference between a submission receipt and a submission validation?

I submitted an application that is not in my queue and the agency has not received it yet. Where is my application?

E-Biz POC

Who is the E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC)?

How do I access the E-Business Point of Contact login?

Why can't I log into the E-Biz POC section of Grants.gov?

Software /Technical/Downloads

Is Grants.gov compatible with Mac OS X Leopard?

Can I use my MAC operating system to complete a Grants.gov Adobe Reader application package?

Is my operating system compatible with Grants.gov?

How can I tell which type of form an application package contains?

Why can't I download the Application Viewers?

How do I reset my Operational Research Consultants (ORC) password?

What if there are more than five non-windows users in the organization?

I can log in to Grants.gov from other computers, but cannot login from my own. What is the reason for this?

I'm using a dial-up connection to upload and submit my application. It appears to be taking a long time and sometimes it is timing out. How can I fix this?

Why am I not receiving email notifications about grants I submitted or changes in my AOR status?

Can I use Firefox browser on Grants.gov?

What is the maximum amount of characters I can use in the following fields: "Enter Name of Organization" on the Research & Related Budget - Section A & B Form and "Organization Name" on the Research & Related Senior/Key Person (Expanded) Form?

Adobe Reader

Why did I receive an error when I opened the application package I downloaded OR received from another user, telling me I have an incompatible version of Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader?

Can I use Adobe Acrobat Standard or Professional to complete and submit an Adobe-Reader application package with Grants.gov?

I already have an earlier version of Adobe Acrobat Professional software on my computer and I am unable to update my Acrobat Professional Software at this time, what can I do?

I have set Adobe Reader as my default, but I am still having issues submitting my Adobe Reader package what should I do?

What are some of the common errors received when using unsupported Adobe Reader versions and Adobe Acrobat Professional?

How can I ensure I am using Adobe Reader to work on my application package?

Why am I getting a security error when I try to download Adobe Reader?

I downloaded the package and filled all the fields and clicked "Check Package for Errors" button, it gives "Validation Passed" message, but why isn't "Save & Submit" getting enabled?

Why doesn't the scroll bar show on my Adobe Reader package?

What kind of information can be entered into my application package, are there any limitations on: entering data into application form fields, file size, attachments?

What is the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader software?

What if I have an older version (released earlier than the Grants.gov compatible version) of Adobe Reader?

I entered data into one field in my grants application package, however, the Save icon is not active. Why?

The cursor position appears lost when I tab from the Close and Next Page buttons. Why?

The cursor position is lost when I try to move the cursor to the first fillable form field on a second (or subsequent) page while viewing the Adobe Reader in "Continuous" form mode. Why?

The Tab key only takes me to the first radio button where I can only choose one option (i.e., Yes or No). Why?

In the Adobe Reader application package, the View Attachment pop-up window has three options, but the Tab key does not move the cursor. Why?

How do I display a Help Tip in my Adobe Reader application package?

Why are Help Tips missing on some fields?

How do I fill in the date in Adobe Reader application packages?

How do I complete numeric fields in Adobe Reader application packages?

Why do I get error messages in some form fields by simply tabbing through them even before I enter any data in them?

When I open an application package in Adobe Reader, I get a window titled "Document Rights and Instructions." It says "You need a newer version of Acrobat.", what does this message mean?

I do not understand the error message I am receiving while completing my Adobe Reader application package, what does it mean?

Why are non-mandatory fields becoming mandatory in my application and causing errors when I try to submit my application package?

What can I do if I am having issues viewing my Adobe Reader application package while using a Macintosh Safari internet browser?

I received the error message "Intake Servlet is Unable to Save the Data. Broken Pipe" what does it mean and is there anyway to avoid this error?

Purge Edge

I've downloaded the PureEdge Viewer, but it did not automatically begin to install. What should I do?

Does Grants.gov support Non-Windows users?

What do I need to install on my personal computer in order to use the new Adobe Reader software that will be replacing the PureEdge Viewer?

How do I download the Application Viewers?

On what platforms can I use the Adobe Reader to view and populate Grants Packages?

What if I have an existing incomplete grant application package that uses PureEdge and still needs to be submitted?

Can I submit the new version of Microsoft Office 2007 XML documents to Grants.gov?

My agency has development dollars – can we develop our own forms in PureEdge then deliver them to Grants.gov for deployment?

Do I have to download the PureEdge Viewer or Adobe Reader to view my applicants' submitted applications?

What type of features can I expect in the PureEdge electronic form?


Getting Started

What are the Get Started steps to apply for grants?

The Get Started steps are below, for more details go to Apply for Grants.

Step 1 - Find Grant Opportunity for which you would like to apply
Step 2 - Download Application Package
Step 3 - Complete the Registration Process

What information will I need to register with Grants.gov?

Registration in Brief:

  1. Your organization will need to obtain a DUNS Number. If your organization doesn't have one, you will need to go to the Dun & Bradstreet website at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform [EXIT Disclaimer] to obtain the number.
  2. Ensure that your organization is registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at http://www.ccr.gov. If it is not, an authorizing official of your organization must register. You will not be able to move on to Step #3 until this step is completed.
  3. Create a username and password with ORC, the Grants.gov credential service provider. You will need to use your organization's DUNS Number to access the ORC website at https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/OrcRegister
  4. Register with Grants.gov to open an account using the username and password you received from ORC.
  5. The E-Business Point of Contact (POC) at your organization must respond to the registration email from Grants.gov and login at Grants.gov to authorize you as an AOR. Please note that there can be more than one AOR for an organization.
  6. At any time, you can track your AOR status by going to the Applicant Login with your username and password.


Obtaining a DUNS Number

Is registering for a DUNS Number free of charge?

Yes, registering for the DUNS number is free of charge. Dun & Bradstreet offers additional products and services, which they may suggest that you purchase, however, you do not need to do so for Grants.gov.

Why does my organization have to provide a DUNS Number?

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that there is a need for improved statistical reporting of federal grants. OMB has adopted the use of the DUNS number as a way to identify organizations that receive grant awards and to track how grants money is dispersed.

How can I check if my organization already has a DUNS Number?

If you are not sure if your organization already has a DUNS number, consult your organization's business office, chief financial officer, grant administrator or authorizing official or search for your organization on Dun & Bradstreet's website: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do [EXIT Disclaimer]

What information will I need to obtain a DUNS Number?

You will need the following information to request a DUNS Number:

  • Organization name
  • Organization address
  • Local telephone number
  • Name of CEO/organization owner
  • Legal structure of the organization
  • Year the organization started
  • Primary line of business
  • Total number of employees

How do I request a DUNS Number?

You should ask the chief financial officer, grant administrator or authorizing official of your organization to register for a DUNS number. You can request and register for a DUNS number online via web registration at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do [EXIT Disclaimer]. The process can take up to 48 hours to complete. 

As a result of obtaining a DUNS number, you have the option to be included on D&B's marketing list that is sold to other companies. If you do not want your name/organization included on this marketing list, you should request not to be listed when you are speaking with a D&B representative during your DUNS number telephone application.

How can I be removed from Dun & Bradstreet's (D&B) marketing list?

As a result of obtaining a DUNS number you have the option to be included on D&B's marketing list that is sold to other companies. If you do not want your name/organization included on this marketing list, you should request not to be listed when you are speaking with a D&B representative during your DUNS number telephone application.

I am an individual, how can I obtain a DUNS Number?

If you are registering as an Individual you do not need to register for a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number. Please visit the Individual Registration page for more information.


Registering for Grants

What do I need to register with CCR?

Before registering with CCR, you should make sure that you have a DUNS number. You also need to ensure that your registration with the IRS for your Employment Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is confirmed. Once you receive a letter from the IRS confirming your EIN or TIN, you may proceed with registration in CCR. Please note it will take 24-48 hours for IRS to validate your TIN. According to the IRS, when applying for an EIN over the phone or Internet, you will be given a temporary EIN, but your EIN may not become active for up to two (2) weeks. If you have questions about your EIN, please call 1-800-829-4933. If you apply for an EIN by mail, confirmation from the IRS can take up to 5 weeks. In addition, you should review the tutorial topic "Registering with CCR" for more details about some of the information you will be required to provide.

Why do I need to register with CCR?

CCR is a government-wide registry for vendors doing business with the federal government. Grants.gov uses CCR to establish roles and IDs for those electronically applying for grants.

How do I register with CCR?

To register with CCR:

1. Go to the CCR website http://www.ccr.gov
2. Click the Start New Registration link
3. Answer and follow the instructions to complete registration

Is there anything I should do before registering with CCR?

If your organization already has an Employment Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), then you should allow one to two business days to complete the CCR registration. If your organization does not have an EIN or TIN, then you should allow two weeks for obtaining the information from IRS when requesting the EIN or TIN via phone or Internet.

How long should I allow for a CCR registration?

If your organization already has an Employment Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), then you should allow one to two business days to complete the CCR registration. If your organization does not have an EIN or TIN, then you should allow two weeks for obtaining the information from IRS when requesting the EIN or TIN via phone or Internet.

As an Individual, what do I need to know about registering in CCR?

If you are registering as an Individual you do not need to register in CCR. Please visit the Individual Registration page for more information. All 'individuals' who are sole proprietors who desire to do business with the Federal Government are considered 'Sole Proprietors' for the purposes of registration in CCR.

What is a MPIN? Where can I locate or assign my MPIN?

A Marketing Partner ID (MPIN) is a personal code that you create and register in CCR. The MPIN also allows you to access other government applications such as the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), FedBizOpps and FedTeDS. The MPIN acts as your password in these other systems, and you should guard it as such. You make up the code and register it in CCR. The MPIN must have 9 digits containing at least one alpha character and one number (no spaces or special characters permitted ( -, &, *, %, /, #).

If you do not have an MPIN, but do have an active registration in CCR, all you need to do in order to create an MPIN is to enter the information for the Government Business POC (this includes the actual MPIN). You can access your registration by going to the CCR Homepage, clicking on "Update or Renew Registration," then follow instructions on screen. Remember to have your TPIN ready. Once you have logged in, click on the "Points of Contact" tab. Scroll down to "Government Business POC" and complete all the fields including the MPIN and email address. Your registration will take approximately 24 hours to update. Please note that the MPIN location is at the bottom of the page, not within the Government Business POC.

If you are not registered in CCR and need an MPIN, please view the CCR Handbook [EXIT Disclaimer] for instructions on what is needed for registration and details on how to register.

If you need individual help in finding your MPIN, you can reach the CCR help desk at 1-888-227-2423 or 269-961-5757 (DSN: 661-5757) internationally.



Finding Grant Opportunities

Where can I find grant opportunities?

To locate a grant opportunity, use the search options available on the Find Grant Opportunities page. Complete your search and click the Search button. The results will display all applicable grants.

Do I need to complete all of the fields on the search screen to find a grant?

No, you only need to complete one field to search for a grant, however, we suggest that you complete as many as possible.

How do I sign-up to receive email notifications of new grant postings from Grants.gov?

You can sign-up to receive email notifications about new grant opportunity email notifications from Grants.gov by clicking one of the subscription services available on the Find Grant Opportunities page. Once you have selected the option that best meets your search criteria, just complete the necessary fields on the sign-up screen.

Where can I find the Funding Opportunity Number or CFDA Number for a grant?

To locate a Funding Opportunity Number or CFDA Number, you will need to perform a search for a grant. Use the search options available on the Find Grant Opportunities page. Complete your search and click the Search button. The results will display all applicable grants. The Funding Opportunity Number is listed on the "Search Results" screen and the CFDA Number is listed in the Grant Announcement.



Applying for Grant Opportunities

How do I apply for a grant?

Locate a grant opportunity for which you want to apply and record the opportunity's Funding Opportunity Number and/or CFDA Number.

When you are ready to apply, complete the following steps:

Step 1 - Download the Application Package
Step 2 - Complete the Application Package
Step 3 - Submit the Application Package

For more details on how to apply for a grant go to the Applicant Resources page and click on User Guides.

What do I need to record from a search in order to apply for an opportunity?

You will need to record the Funding Opportunity Number and/or CFDA Number of an opportunity for which you want to apply.

As an individual, how can I apply for federal or state grants, assistance, or benefits?

First, it is important to realize the difference between organizational and individual grant applicants.
 
An organizational grant applicant is defined as an applicant who is submitting a grant on behalf of a company, state, local or tribal government, academia, or other type of organization.
 
An individual grant applicant is defined as an applicant who is submitting a grant on their behalf, and not on behalf of a company, state, local or tribal government, academia, or other type of organization. An individual grant applicant can now use Grants.gov to search and apply for, as well as to submit grants.

Why must I download the application package?

Downloading the application package provides you the ability to complete the forms offline at your leisure and to distribute it around your organization to others who may assist you in preparing the application.

How can my organization submit an electronic grant application on Grants.gov?

To submit electronic grant applications, you must be fully authorized by your organization, i.e., been given status as an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). For complete details on how to apply for grants online go to the Apply for Grants page.

You can easily check your status by logging into Grants.gov by accessing the Applicant Login section of the site. If you have registered your username and password with Grants.gov, you will be able to login. After logging in, access the Manage Profile link. Your status, located below your title, will state: “AOR - request sent” or "AOR - approved." If your status is 'AOR - request sent', you cannot yet submit grant applications. You may correct this by contacting your E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC). He or she will need to login by accessing the E-Biz POC page. They will need your organization's DUNS number and MPIN, to approve you as an AOR.

When I click the Download Application Package link I get a pop-up window asking me which application to open it with. How do I download the application?
 
This message indicates you have not downloaded the appropriate software to open your form.

Grants.gov is currently in a transition period, phasing out PureEdge forms and moving to Adobe Reader forms. At this time, Grants.gov has application packages of both types.

Before you can view and complete an application package, you must have the PureEdge viewer and compatible version of Adobe Reader installed. Application packages may be in either PureEdge or Adobe Reader format and applicants are encouraged to have both software's installed. To download the required PureEdge Viewer and Adobe Reader visit the Download Software page.

After verifying you have the PureEdge Viewer and compatible version of Adobe Reader downloaded and installed, begin the download application package process. When you are downloading the application, it may take a couple of minutes due to the number of forms that are in the package. The download speed may also take longer if you are using a dial-up Internet connection as opposed to a high-speed Internet connection. Please be patient. The package will open in the PureEdge viewer and or Adobe Reader automatically. After the package opens, you can save it to your computer and continue to work on the package without being connected to the Internet.

Can I decide where I want to save the application package on my computer?

Yes, during the download process you will be prompted to select where you want the application forms to be saved on your computer.

How do I attach documents to my PureEdge application?

When you want to attach a document to your application:

1. Click the name of the required document and then click the Open Form button on the cover page of the application.
2. Click the Add button.
3. Click the Attach button.
4. Browse to the file that you want to attach on your computer.
5. Click the Attach button.

Why did I receive an error message when I entered something into a field on an application form?

You will receive an error message if you enter invalid or incomplete information in a field on an application form.

Why can't I enter my congressional district in "Question 14 a.)" in the Standard Form 424 Cover Sheet (SF-424 Cover Sheet)?

"Question 14 a.)" only allows an applicant to enter in the number for their district. If you are attempting to enter any letters or special characters (example: -, &, *, %, /, #), the box will not allow you to enter that information. Please use numbers for that box.

Why can't I enter in the financial information in Section 15 on the SF-424 Coversheet?

If you are having problems entering information into Section 15, try using the tab to skip into the fields rather than attempting to use your mouse to click into the field. You should be able to access the box and enter information by hitting tab.

I've completed a form, but don't see a Save button at the top of the screen. Will I lose all of the information I entered when I exit the form?

An application package is similar to a file, made up of the cover page and (possibly) many forms. Data at the form level will be retained when you close a form. Although your data at the form level will be saved, your application package file WILL NOT be saved unless you actually save the file before closing it down.

Why doesn't the Submit button work on my application?

The Submit button will not become active until the application has been completed and saved. In order to complete your application to submit it you may also click the Check for Errors button to ensure there are no errors. Check to make sure there are no remaining yellow fields (indicating a mandatory field) on any forms. If there are, you will need to complete those fields. Finally, make sure you have saved your application.

Note: If the Submit button is still not active please check to be sure you have completed the actions listed below:  

  • All mandatory fields in all mandatory forms have been completed and moved to the Mandatory Completed Documents for Submission box.
  • The Save button has been clicked AFTER all documents have been moved to the Mandatory Completed Documents for Submission box.
  • All mandatory fields in all optional forms that have been moved to the Optional Completed Documents for Submission box have been completed.
  • Click the Check for Errors button.

What does the Check for Errors button do on the application?

The Check for Errors button, on the application, finds errors that prevent your application from being processed. A Check for Errors button is available for use on the application. Click this button to be directed to where an error is located in the current application.

Some common errors are listed below.

  • All mandatory fields (yellow fields or fields with an asterisk next to them) have not been completed.   
  • Email field(s) are not formatted properly, (ex. name@domain.something), or the date fields have not been completed in their specific format (ex. mm/dd/yyyy).
  • The congressional districts field on the SF-424 is not listed in numerical format.
  • All forms that have data in them, (even optional forms) have not been moved over to the right.
  • Save button was not clicked one last time, allowing the Submit button to become active.

Why do I need to login to submit an application?

You need to login to submit an application so that Grants.gov can authenticate that you are authorized to submit applications. Only Authorized Organization Representatives (AORs) are able to submit applications to Grants.gov.

AORs must register with a Credential Provider so that Grants.gov can verify that they are who they say they are. Then, the person listed as the point of contact on the agency's CCR registration (the E-Business Point of Contact) must assign the "Agency Applicant" role in order for the person to be designated as an AOR. Once designated as an AOR, the AOR must register with Grants.gov. Only after completing all of these steps, will a person be able to submit an application.

Do I have to submit a complete application, or may I send it in parts?

No, you must submit the complete application.

What happens if I submit my application on the date that the application is due, but it is submitted after the agency's filing deadline time?

Grants.gov will acknowledge the receipt of your application. Your application may or may not be accepted and processed by the federal agency, depending on the policy of that particular agency. To determine that policy, contact the agency directly with the contact information provided in the application instructions.

How can I submit my application if there is a Grants.gov system outage on the day of the application deadline?

If there is a system outage on the day of the application deadline, some agencies may specify to print your application and mail it to the address provided by the federal agency soliciting applications. However, you should refer to the competition notice of the grant for specific instructions and contact the agency directly to find out more information.

What should I do if my registration isn't complete by the submission deadline?

You should contact the agency point of contact listed on the grant opportunity to discuss that agency's policy. Grants.gov recommends all potential grant applicants complete the registration process as early as possible to avoid deadline issues. It takes 3-5 business days or as long as two weeks to complete the registration process necessary to submit a grant application. For additional guidance, refer to our Registration BrochureAdobe PDF.

I am receiving an error message stating: "You are not an authorized submitter for your organization." What can I do to correct this?  

Ensure your E-Biz POC has given you authorization to submit on behalf of your organization. You may also check your status by going to the Applicant Login section then click on the Manage Applicant Profile link. Your AOR status is located directly below your title.

Can you apply for earmark grants on Grants.gov?

Yes, you can apply for earmark grants on Grants.gov if the granting agency has published a grant application package.

Are Microsoft Office 2007 documents acceptable as attachments to grant application packages submitted to Grants.gov?

Yes, while using the compatible version of Adobe Reader, Microsoft Office 2007 files can be used for attachments. Please refer to the instructions on the application package to ensure agency compatibility of Microsoft Office 2007 attachments.

While using the PureEdge viewer, the 2007 version of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as a default saves documents in a new format that is NOT compatible with Grants.gov. Grants.gov cannot process Microsoft Office 2007 documents saved in the new format with the extensions of (".DOCX", ".XLSX", ".PPTX") at this time. When submitting attachments created with Microsoft Office applications to Grants.gov, please ensure that attachments are saved using "Save As" and select the "97-2003" format. The following table lists the application and the acceptable file format:

Microsoft Office 2007
Application
Save As Acceptable File Extension

Word Word 97-2003 Document .DOC
Excel Excel 97-2003 Workbook .XLS
PowerPoint PowerPoint 97-2003 Presentation .PPT

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please email the Contact Center at support@grants.gov or call 1-800-518-4726.

How can I find my congressional district code?

Finding your Congressional District Code information is quick and easy to do. Visit: The Congressional Directory or http://www.house.gov/ to search for your Congressional District by entering your zip code + 4. If you do not know your zip code + 4 you may look it up by visiting: http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp.

Congressional Code format - 2 character State Abbreviation - 3 character District Number. Examples: CA-005 for California's 5th district, CA-012 for California's 12th district. Use 00-000 for programs/projects outside the US.


Tracking an Applications Submission

How do I know that my application has been received by Grants.gov?

Once Grants.gov has received your submission, Grants.gov will send email messages to advise you of the progress of your application through the system. Over the next two business days, you should receive two emails. The first will confirm receipt of your application by the Grants.gov system and the second will indicate that the application has either been successfully validated by the system prior to transmission to the grantor agency or has been rejected due to errors. You can check the status of your application(s) anytime after submission, by clicking on the Applicant Login link. After you login click on the "Check Application Status" link on the left menu.  

How do I know if the grantor agency has retrieved my application?

If your application is successfully validated and subsequently retrieved by the grantor agency from the Grants.gov system, you will receive an additional email. This email may be delivered several days or weeks from the date of submission, depending on when the grantor agency retrieves it. Note that once the grantor agency has retrieved your application from Grants.gov, you will need to contact them directly for any subsequent status updates. Grants.gov does not participate in making any award decisions.

How can I check a submitted application's status?

You may monitor the processing status of your submission within the Grants.gov system by using the following steps:

  • Click on the Applicant Login link
  • Login to the system using your AOR user ID and password
  • Once logged in click on the Check Application Status link at the top left of your screen.


What do I do if I have not received grant receipt confirmation within two business days?

If you do not receive a receipt confirmation AND either a validation confirmation or a rejection email message within two business days, please contact us. The Grants.gov contact center can be reached by email at support@grants.gov, or by telephone at 1-800-518-4726. Always include your Grants.gov tracking number in all correspondence. The tracking numbers issued by Grants.gov look like GRANTXXXXXXXX. Contact center hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

How will I know if my application is rejected by the Grants.gov system?

If your application is rejected you will need to address the errors and resubmit the application if the opportunity is still open for submission. Here are five common reasons an application may be rejected:

  1. The DUNS number of the submitter does not match the DUNS number on the application.
  2. A virus was detected in a file attachment.
  3. Attachments do not follow the proper naming convention: 50 characters or less, no spaces, no special characters ( -, &, *, %, /, #, \)
  4. The application was submitted after the deadline for receiving applications
  5. The submitter does not have an authorized Grants.gov applicant registration

For help troubleshooting errors, access PureEdge Error Tips or Adobe Reader Error Messages.

Note: Your application will not be received by the agency of which you are applying for until the application is approved with the Grants.gov system.

What do I need in order to check the status of an application I submitted and the agency has downloaded the application?

If the agency assigns an agency-specific tracking number, you will receive an email regarding that number. This is the number you should use when speaking to the federal agency. If there is no agency-specific tracking number, retain your Grants.gov tracking number in order to refer to it once it has been downloaded by the agency. After the agency has downloaded the application, you will receive any future updates regarding your application from the federal agency. See "What to Expect After Submitting" for more information.

Where do I get the tracking number for an application I submitted?

The tracking number for a submitted application will be provided in the confirmation email that you receive within two business days after you submit the application. In case you do not receive the confirmation email, you can also follow these steps to track your submitted application:

  • Click on the Applicant Login link
  • Login to the system using your AOR user ID and password
  • Once logged in click on the Check Application Status link at the top left of your screen.
See "What to Expect After Submitting" for more information.

What do the application statuses mean?

The following are descriptions of the application statuses:

  • A status of "Received" indicates that Grants.gov has received the application, but the application is awaiting validation.
  • A status of "Validated" indicates that Grants.gov validated the application and it is available for the agency to download.
  • A status of "Received by Agency" indicates that the agency has confirmed receipt of the application package.
  • A status of "Agency Tracking Number Assigned" indicates that the agency has assigned an internal tracking number to your application. This is the last status that Grants.gov tracks. Updates beyond this must be checked with the agency directly. Note: All agencies do not assign tracking numbers. If you do not see an agency tracking number, this does not infer that the agency did not receive or process your application. The assignment of tracking numbers is based on the policy of a particular agency.
  • A status of "Rejected with Errors" indicates that Grants.gov was unable to process your application because of an error(s) and cannot accept the application until you correct the error(s) and successfully resubmit the application. You will receive email notification with information on how to address the error(s).

When submitting an application, what is the difference between a submission receipt and a submission validation?

The difference between a submission receipt and submission validation is after an applicant submits an application, Grants.gov generates a submission receipt via email and also sets the application status to "Received". This receipt verifies the application has been successfully delivered to the Grants.gov system.

Next, Grants.gov verifies the submission is valid by ensuring it does not contain viruses, the opportunity is still open, and the applicant login and applicant DUNS number match. If the submission is valid, Grants.gov generates a submission validation receipt via email and sets the application status to "Validated".

If the application is not validated, the application status is set to "Rejected". The system sends a rejection email notification to the applicant and the applicant must resubmit the application package. See "What to Expect After Submitting" for more information.

At any time, you may check the status of your application under the Applicant section. If you have additional questions, the Grants.gov contact center can be reached by email at support@grants.gov or by telephone at 1-800-518-4726.

I submitted an application that is not in my queue and the agency has not received it yet. Where is my application?

If more than one attachment is included in a grant submission and two or more files have the same name, the grant application cannot be processed without manual intervention. To correct this, you should:

    1. Rename attached files with the same name so that no files share the same name.
    2. Reattach the files.
    3. Resubmit the application package.

If you have not attached two or more files with the same name, contact the Grants.gov contact center by email at support@grants.gov, or by telephone at 1-800-518-4726. Also see "What to Expect After Submitting" for more information.



E-Biz POC

Who is the E-Business Point of Contact?
 
The E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) is identified by the organization when they register with the CCR. When a user registers with Grants.gov, the CCR E-Business Point of Contact person will be notified via email that someone from their organization has requested Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) privileges. (An AOR privilege allows a user to submit an application on behalf of the organization.) The CCR E-Business Point of Contact person will logon to Grants.gov and determine if the user should be granted AOR privileges. The CCR E-Business Point of Contact will notify the user once privileges have been assigned. Until the user is granted AOR privileges, they cannot submit an application.

How do I access the E-Business Point of Contact login?

Follow the instructions below to access the E-Business Point of Contact login.

  • Go to the Login as an E-Biz POC in the Quick Links on the right side of the screen on any Grants.gov page.
  • This brings you to the E-Business Point of Contact screen. From here, click the Login Here button located in the E-Business Point of Contact login box.
  • Enter your DUNS Number and MPIN.
  • Click the Login button to login to the Grants.gov system.

Why can't I log into the E-Biz POC section of Grants.gov ?

If this is your first time logging into the E-Biz POC section of Grants.gov, make sure that someone has already registered to become an AOR for your organization. You will not be able to log into the E-Biz POC section of Grants.gov until one AOR has completed both the Credential Provider and Grants.gov registrations. If someone has already registered to become an AOR for your organization, verify that the DUNS and MPIN numbers you entered are correct.



Software/Technical/Downloads

Is Grants.gov compatible with Mac OS X Leopard?

Mac OS X Leopard is compatible with Adobe Reader; however it is NOT compatible with PureEdge Viewers certified for use with Grants.gov.

There are currently three options to apply for grants with PureEdge packages that are explained below.

The three options available to apply for grants using PureEdge Viewer software are:

  1. Download a MAC compatible PureEdge version:Click Here to download IBM Workplace Forms (PureEdge) Viewer for Macintosh
  2. Use a Citrix Server Connection. Click here to view more information on using Citrix .
  3. Use "BootCamp", a program that is included with your Leopard OS X free of charge. "Boot Camp" [EXIT Disclaimer] gives you a choice after booting up your Mac to run a Windows Operating System and programs normally incompatible with a Mac Operating System (i.e. PureEdge*).

View system requirements for PureEdge Viewer for Macintosh users.

*IBM does not have any scheduled updates for the PureEdge Viewer at this time.

Can I use my MAC operating system to complete a Grants.gov Adobe Reader application package?

Grants.gov supports the use of MAC OS 10.4.3 or higher to complete Adobe Reader application packages. If you have a MAC operating system that is 10.4.3 or higher, you must download or ensure you have the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader for free to submit a Grants.gov application package.

MAC users with earlier operating systems (less than 10.4.3) may still be able to submit an Adobe Reader application package; however Grants.gov does not guarantee a successful submission while using the earlier MAC operating system versions. View the table below for more information on MAC OS compatibility with Grants.gov.

MAC OS Compatibility Table

Adobe Reader 8.1.2 Intel MAC OS 10.4.4
PowerPC MAC OS 10.4.3
Adobe Reader 7.0.9 * PowerPC MAC OS 10.2.8
* Grants.gov does not guarantee to support the use of any Adobe Reader software version other than the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader.

Is my operating system compatible with Grants.gov?

See table for system compatibility standard:

Computer Operating System Forms Program Compatible May Use System with
Citrix Server Connection
Mac Tiger IBM Workplace Forms Viewer Yes  
Mac Tiger PureEdge Viewer No Yes
Mac Tiger Adobe Reader
(compatible version)
Yes  
Mac Leopard IBM Workplace Forms Viewer No Yes
Mac Leopard Adobe Reader
(compatible version)
Yes  
PC WINXP PureEdge Viewer Yes  
PC WINXP Adobe Reader
(compatible version)
Yes  
PC Vista IBM Workplace Forms Viewer No Yes
PC Vista PureEdge Viewer No Yes
PC Vista Adobe Reader
(compatible version)
Yes  

How can I tell which type of form an application package contains?

There are two options available to you to verify the type of form you are using:

Option 1.

If you are viewing the application package through an internet browser , check the address or URL in your browser's toolbar. If the address ends with .xfd, the package contains PureEdge forms. If the address ends with .pdf, the package contains Adobe Reader forms.

Option 2.

If you are using your computer's file management utility (Windows or Mac explorer) to view a saved application package file on your computer. If the filename has an extension of XFD (example: package1.xfd) then the application package contains forms that use PureEdge.

How do I reset my Operational Research Consultants (ORC) password?

ORC passwords can be reset online at http://www.e-auth.orc.com [EXIT Disclaimer]. Follow the instructions below to reset your ORC password.

  • From the E-Authentication home page, place your mouse over the User Administration link.
  • Click Edit Password from the drop down list.
  • Follow the instructions to reset your password.

What if there are more than five Non-Windows users in the organization?

For large number of users, organizations may want to explore using a Server based solution to allow any number of Non-Windows users to run PureEdge. This has the advantage that end-users do not have to install any software except a free utility called Remote Desktop Connection [EXIT Disclaimer] available from Microsoft. The downside is that a dedicated Server machine is required that runs either Windows Terminal Server or Citrix. Users can create and make changes to their applications, however they will need a Windows PC to submit their application.

I can log in to Grants.gov from other computers, but cannot login from my own. What is the reason for this?

You must have cookies enabled on your computer. If cookies are blocked on your computer, then you will not be able to log on to Grants.gov.

I'm using a dial-up connection to upload and submit my application. It appears to be taking a long time and sometimes it is timing out. How can I fix this?  

When using a dial-up connection to upload and submit your application, it can take significantly longer than when you are connected to the Internet with a high-speed connection, e.g. cable modem/DSL/T1. While times will vary depending upon the size of your application, it can take a few minutes to a few hours to complete your grant submission using dial up.

Note: Please limit the file size of your application package to less than 4 gigabytes when uploading and submitting your application. If you are experiencing difficulty when submitting your application, try submitting from a high speed connection or contact the Grants.gov contact center by email at support@grants.gov, or by telephone at 1-800-518-4726.

Why am I not receiving email notifications about grants I submitted or changes in my AOR status?

If you are not receiving email notifications about grants you submitted or changes to your AOR status, Grants.gov may not have your correct email address. To verify your email address on the Grants.gov system, follow the steps below.

  • Click on the Applicant Login link on the right side menu on any Grants.gov web page.
  • Once on the Login page login with your username and password .
  • On the left navigation click Manage Applicant Profile.
  • Verify your email address.
  • If your email address is correct, click Cancel. If it is not, enter your correct email address in the appropriate field and click Submit.

If your email address is correct, please read on. Many organizations have firewalls that have the ability to block emails from certain addresses. Check with your system administration to verify emails from support@grants.gov are not being blocked. It has also come to our attention that some automatically generated email notifications from Grants.gov can be blocked by large email providers, such as AOL or Hotmail, as SPAM.

If you are using an email provider, you may want to investigate options to set up your inbox preferences to allow emails from our two email addresses: support@grants.gov and DoNotReply@grants.gov.

Can I use Firefox browser on Grants.gov?

Internet Explorer is the recommended browser. Errors may be experienced with Firefox. Download Internet Explorer [EXIT Disclaimer].

Please see the Download Software for more information on supported browsers and platforms for optimal use of Grants.gov.

What is the maximum amount of characters I can use in the following fields: "Enter name of Organization" on the Research & Related Budget - Section A & B form and "Organization Name" on the Research & Related Senior/Key Person (Expanded) form?

You can only use 60 or less characters in the above form fields. There is an anomaly in the PureEdge forms that allows you to enter up to 75 characters, but it actually only allows 60 characters and this causes processing delays when validating at Grants.gov.


Adobe Reader

Why did I receive an error when I opened the application package I downloaded OR received from another user, telling me I have an incompatible version of Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader?

You received the error page because your application package was opened with software that is not compatible with Grants.gov. The compatible version of Adobe Reader is required for viewing, editing and submitting a complete grant application package to Grants.gov. Any and all edits made to the Adobe Reader application package must be made with the compatible version of Adobe Reader. Grants.gov does not guarantee to support versions of Adobe Reader that are not compatible with Grants.gov.

*Please note: Adobe Acrobat is compatible if it is comparable to the compatible version of Adobe Reader, click here to verify your Adobe Reader or Acrobat Standard or Professional software version is compatible with Grants.gov. For more information on Adobe Acrobat and Grants.gov compatibility, see FAQ below: Can I use Adobe Acrobat Standard or Professional to complete and submit an Adobe Reader application package with Grants.gov?

The compatible version of Adobe Reader is available to download for free on the Grants.gov website.

Can I use Adobe Acrobat Standard or Professional to complete and submit an Adobe-Reader application package with Grants.gov?

If you have already installed the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Professional software you have installed on your computer you can open, complete and submit an Adobe Reader application package to Grants.gov.

Adobe Acrobat software allows you to perform all tasks performed by the corresponding version of Adobe Reader software. The version number of Adobe Acrobat (Standard or Professional) software and Adobe Reader software that perform the same tasks have matching version numbers (i.e. Adobe Reader 8.1.1/8.1.2/8.1.3/9.0, parallels Acrobat Standard or Professional 8.1.1/8.1.2/8.1.3/9.0, viewing function). To complete a Grants.gov application package you must either install the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader for free or have an equivalent version of Acrobat Standard or Professional software already installed on your computer.

To check which version of Acrobat you are using go to the Help menu in Acrobat then select About Acrobat (version #), a text box will appear containing an Adobe logo with a number, under that information you will see another number, this is the version number of your software (i.e. 8.1.2).

acrobat version

Or click here to verify your Adobe Reader or Acrobat Standard or Professional Software version is compatible with Grants.gov.

If you have an earlier version of Acrobat or you are unsure which Acrobat or Adobe Reader software version you are using, you may download the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader for free and use it instead of Acrobat to complete your Grants.gov application package. Click here for instructions on using Adobe Reader instead of Acrobat without changing your computer settings.

I already have an earlier version of Adobe Acrobat Professional software on my computer and I am unable to update my Acrobat Professional Software at this time, what can I do?

If you are using an earlier version of Adobe Acrobat (Standard or Professional) (i.e Acrobat 8) but you are unable to update your software to the latest version; download the compatible version of Adobe Reader software from the Grants.gov website for free. The two programs may be downloaded and used separately, by following the steps below:

How to do this will vary with each user's installation of the Operating System.

Step 1: To check that you are using the compatible version of Adobe Reader, go to the Help menu in Acrobat then select About Acrobat (version #), a text box will appear containing an Adobe logo with a number, under that information you will see another number, this is the version number of your software (i.e. 8.1.2).

acrobat version

Step 2:

    If using Windows:
    1. Verify the correct version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
    2. Close any web browsers, PDF documents or files that were opened using Acrobat
    3. Wait approximately 30 seconds
    4. Right click the Windows Start button
    5. Select Explore
    6. From the Windows Explore menu, click Tools, Folder Options
    7. Click on the tab "File Types"
    8. Locate application package (PDF) in the "Registered file types" and highlight it
    9. Click Change
    10. Choose "Select the Program from a List"
    11. Select Adobe Reader (Grants.gov compatible version) from the list
      Note: This list displays only as Adobe Reader version number “x”, be sure you have verified version in Step 1 above
    12. Check "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file"
    13. Click Ok


    If using Vista:
    1. Verify the correct version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
    2. Close any web browsers, PDF documents or files that were opened using Acrobat
    3. Wait approximately 30 seconds
    4. Click the Start button
    5. Select Control Panel
    6. Select Programs
    7. Under Default Programs, select "Make a file type always open in a specific program"
    8. Locate PDF in the "Set Associations" window, and select it
    9. Click Change Program button
    10. Choose "Select the Program from a List"
    11. Select Adobe Reader (Grants.gov compatible version) from the list
      Note: This list displays only as Adobe Reader version number “x”, be sure you have verified version in Step 1 above
    12. Check "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file"
    13. Click Ok


    If using MAC:
    1. Verify the correct version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
    2. Close any web browsers, PDF documents or files that were opened using Acrobat
    3. Wait approximately 30 seconds
    4. Click the Finder button
    5. Select and click on a PDF file
    6. Select "Get Info" under the File Menu
    7. Use "Open With:" to change the default application
    8. Locate Adobe in the programs list and select it
    9. Click on Change All button

I have set Adobe Reader as my default, but I am still having issues submitting my Adobe Reader package what should I do?

Check your computer's settings, make sure that the compatible version of Adobe Reader, is set as your default application viewer.

For instructions on setting Adobe Reader as your default viewer, please review the FAQ: How can I ensure I am using Adobe Reader to work on my application package?

If you are sure that the compatible version of Adobe Reader is set as your default application viewer, check the settings within Adobe Reader and set www.grants.gov as a trusted website by completing the following steps:

  1. Open Adobe Reader
  2. Go to "Preferences" option
  3. Select "Trust Manager" option
  4. In the "Internet access from PDF files outside the web browser" option select "Change Settings"
  5. Select the option "Let me specify list of allowed websites"
  6. Enter www.grants.gov and select "Allow"

Once you have verified the preferences described above are set, submit the completed application package.

What are some of the common errors received when using unsupported Adobe Reader versions and Adobe Acrobat Professional?

If you have received one of the following error messages, please verify that the package has not been opened or edited with any software other than the compatible versions of Adobe Reader.

Error Message 1: Error: org.xml.sax.SAXParseException:

Error Message 2: "Schema Validation Error"

In most cases these errors indicate the form was opened with an unsupported software such as: Adobe Professional, an incompatible version of Adobe Reader, or another software.

Options to fix:
The applicant should download a NEW package then open, complete and submit it only using a compatible version of Adobe Reader.

Note: The user cannot copy and paste data from their existing package into the new package. Packages accessed using any software other than a compatible version of Adobe Reader may contain errors that will be transferred to the new package.

How can I ensure I am using Adobe Reader to work on my application package?

Option 1: Save the file first before using the compatible version of Adobe Reader to open it.

  1. Verify the version of the Adobe Reader software you have installed on your computer. Be sure you are using the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader.
  2. From the Grants.gov website, save the application package to your computer. If you are using Windows, you would do this by right clicking the application package link, and selecting and selecting "Save Target As." be sure to remember where you save the file. If you are using MAC, you would do this by right clicking the application package link, and selecting "Save File As" under the File menu. Be sure to remember where you save the file.
  3. Run the correct version of the Adobe Reader software.
    For Windows: start, programs, Adobe Reader
    For MAC: applications, Adobe Reader
  4. From the Adobe Reader menu open the saved application package by selecting File, then Open and choosing the application package saved on your computer.

Option 2: Set your computer's default to use the correct version of Adobe Reader for opening all files with a PDF extension.

Please note: This option will cause your computer to always use Adobe Reader to open files having a PDF filename extension.

How to do this will vary with each user's installation of the Operating System.

  • If using Windows:
    1. Verify the correct version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
    2. Right click the Windows Start button
    3. Select Explore
    4. From the Windows Explore menu, click Tools, Folder Options
    5. Click on the tab "File Types"
    6. Locate PDF in the "Registered file types" and highlight it
    7. Click Change
    8. Choose "Select the Program from a List"
    9. Select Adobe Reader (Grants.gov compatible version) from the list
      Note: This list displays only as Adobe Reader (Grants.gov compatible version) be sure you have verified version in Step 1 above
    10. Check "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file"
    11. Click Ok

  • If using Vista:
    1. Verify the compatible version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
    2. Click the Start button
    3. Select Control Panel
    4. Select Programs
    5. Under Default Programs, select "Make a file type always open in a specific program"
    6. Locate PDF in the "Set Associations" window, and select it
    7. Click Change Program button
    8. Choose "Select the Program from a List"
    9. Select Adobe Reader (Grants.gov compatible version) from the list
      Note: This list displays only as Adobe Reader (Grants.gov compatible version) be sure you have verified version in Step 1 above
    10. Check "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file"
    11. Click Ok

  • If using MAC:
    1. Verify the compatible version of Adobe Reader is installed on your computer
    2. Click the Finder button
    3. Select and click on a PDF file
    4. Select "Get Info" under the File Menu
    5. Use "Open With:" to change the default application
    6. Locate Adobe in the programs list and select it
    7. Click on Change All button

Why am I getting a security error when I try to download Adobe Reader?

If you receive a security error while trying to download Adobe Reader, you may not have security permissions to install new programs on your system. If that is the case, you should contact your system administrator.

I downloaded the package and filled all the fields and clicked "Check Package for Errors" button, it gives "Validation Passed" message, but why isn't "Save & Submit" getting enabled?

First "Save" your package, then "Save & Submit" will become enabled.

Why can't I download the Application Viewers?

If you are not able to download the Application Viewer, check with your system administrator to make sure that you have the security permissions to install new programs on your system.

Why doesn't the scroll bar show on my Adobe Reader package?

Adobe Reader does not show vertical scroll bar in Mandatory and Optional document boxes. Simply click within document box and it shows the scroll bar.

What kind of information can be entered into my application package, are there any limitations on: entering data into application form fields, file size, attachments?

Grants.gov application packages offer fields to enter a set amount of data, when the limit is reached for a certain field, you will no longer be able to enter data into that field. For every form, there are different limitations to the data that you are allowed to enter (varies between agency and form, read agency instructions available for download with the application package).

Copying and pasting data into a Grants.gov application form from MSWord may lead to errors in the Adobe Reader form, unless the information is copied and pasted from a text editor such as "Notepad" which does not have proprietary fonts and characters.

Each agency has there own restrictions on the type of attachments (.pdf, .xls, .doc) and the file sizes allowed for a particular grant opportunity application package, this is why it is very important to read the agency instructions for the particular grant application package (agency instructions available for download with the application package). Grants.gov suggests limiting the size of the entire grant application package including all attachments to 200MB, naming all attachments with different names and avoid using special characters (example: &,–,*,%,/,#) in attachment file names, to ensure that the Grantor agency will be able to retrieve your application package.

To ensure that your application package will be successfully submitted to the Grantor agency please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Only copy and paste text using "NotePad" or other text editor (to avoid copying Microsoft proprietary fonts and characters)

  • Limit application package (including attachments) to 200MB
  • Avoid using special characters (example: &,–,*,%,/,#) in attachment names or attaching documents with the same name

What is the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader software?

There are specific versions of Adobe Reader software that are compatible with Grants.gov. If not already installed, please download and install the free Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader. Click here to view the compatible versions of Adobe Reader.

What if I have an older version (released earlier than the Grants.gov compatible version) of Adobe Reader?

Older versions of the Adobe Reader may be able to display the application package; however, data entry forms in Grants.gov application packages contain intelligent logic that the older versions of Adobe Reader will not be able to interpret. You may not be able to complete application packages correctly or successfully submit them to Grants.gov. Click here to view the compatible versions of Adobe Reader.

I entered data into one field in my grants application package, however, the Save icon is not active. Why?

You have not exited this form field yet. Once you tab to another field, the active intelligent logic validating that form field will be triggered, and will also trigger Adobe Reader that something has changed in the form. Simply move the cursor to another field using the Tab key or the mouse.

The cursor position appears lost when I tab from the Close and Next Page buttons. Why?

If no fillable form fields exist on this form page, navigation is passed to the scroll bar on the next page. Simply use the mouse to navigate to the next fillable field.

The cursor position is lost when I try to move the cursor to the first fillable form field on a second (or subsequent) page while viewing the Adobe Reader in "Continuous" form mode. Why?

Adobe Reader has four types of viewing modes - single page, continuous, continuous facing and facing. Always specify single page mode. To set page layout do one of the following:

  • Choose View > Page Layout, and then choose Single Page.
  • Click the Single Page button in the status bar.
If necessary, choose View > Fit Page to display the document in the current page layout. There is a known bug in Adobe Reader versions other than the Grants.gov compatible version; in continuous mode where the cursor position will be lost. If you are unable to download the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader, simply use the mouse to navigate to another form field on that page, and then back to the first enterable form field on that page.

The Tab key only takes me to the first radio button where I can only choose one option (i.e., Yes or No). Why?

The Adobe Reader form technology utilizes check box groups. These groups are used when the user is limited to one choice out of two or more choices such as Yes/No. Adobe Reader will only position the cursor on the first check box choice. You can use either the arrow keys or the mouse can be used to navigate to the remaining choices.

In the Adobe Reader application package, the View Attachment pop-up window has three options, but the Tab key does not move the cursor. Why?

It is best to navigate and select the correct check box using the mouse. The Adobe Reader form technology utilizes check box groups. These groups are used when the user is limited to one choice out of two or more choices such as Yes/No. Adobe Reader will only position the cursor on the first check box choice. You can use either the arrow keys or the mouse to navigate to the remaining choices.

How do I display a Help Tip in my Adobe Reader application package?

To display a Help Tip in Adobe Reader, simply hover (or place) the cursor over the field in question using the mouse or other navigation aid.

Why are Help Tips missing on some fields?

  1. Some fields that are forward-populated from the main SF424 form or some sub-forms are display-only fields. Users cannot access these fields through the Tab key or mouse navigation. Since the user cannot enter data into this field, no Help Tip is available.

  2. Some buttons are grayed-out meaning they are not active. Help Tips are not displayed for these buttons until the buttons become active. Active buttons are bright and Help Tips for them are displayed when the mouse hovers over the button.

How do I fill in the date in Adobe Reader application packages?

The Adobe Reader has the option of a "drop down" calendar, which can be navigated by mouse, if desired. The Adobe Reader also accepts an entered date format. The following are the only valid date formats: MMDDYY, MMDDYYYY, MM/DD/YY or MM/DD/YYYY. All other variations of date entries will display an error message. Please note that fiscal year only fields (YYYY) are not "true" date fields.

How do I complete numeric fields in Adobe Reader application packages?

If you enter numbers incorrectly, the Adobe Reader application package will either blank out or truncate the field. If you enter data without commas, the Adobe Reader will insert commas appropriately. The user should always verify all numeric entries for accuracy.

Why do I get error messages in some form fields by simply tabbing through them even before I enter any data in them?

Error messages will be displayed in a separate "pop-up" window anytime mandatory data is required for that field. The Adobe Reader forms technology uses active intelligent logic to validate and inform the user of errors upon exiting a mandatory data entry field. Click here for more information on Adobe Reader error messages.

When I open an application package in Adobe Reader, I get a window titled "Document Rights and Instructions." It says "You need a newer version of Acrobat.", what does this message mean?

The Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader is the recommended version to currently use. If this message displays simply download the Grants.gov compatible version of Adobe Reader here: http://www.grants.gov/help/download_software.jsp#adobe811 and set the Adobe Reader as your default viewing software by following the instructions detailed in this FAQ: How can I ensure I am using Adobe Reader to work on my application package?

I do not understand the error message I am receiving while completing my Adobe Reader application package, what does it mean?

Error messages within the Adobe Reader application package are designed to indicate when:

  • Information has been entered improperly
  • A virus has been detected
  • Attachments do not follow the proper naming convention: 50 characters or less, no spaces, no special characters (\, -, &, *, %, /, #)
  • An application has been corrupted (not using compatible Adobe Reader software)
  • There is a problem with your internet connection
  • Application information may not have been properly transferred to Grants.gov

For more information and help troubleshooting errors, see Adobe Reader Error Messages or view FAQ: How will I know if my application is rejected by the Grants.gov system?

Why are non-mandatory fields becoming mandatory in my application and causing errors when I try to submit my application package?

Certain fields within your application package are conditionally mandatory; which means that your answer in one field determines whether another field becomes mandatory and requires an answer. Using the Select Tool (a standard feature in Adobe Reader application forms) instead of the Hand Tool (hand-like mouse pointer) designated for use with Grants.gov application forms, will make non-mandatory fields mandatory or prevent you from entering information into certain fields. Using the Select Tool will cause errors during the Check Package for Errors screening you must perform before you can submit the completed application. If this error occurs, close and simply reopen the application, you will then be able to complete the application package and submit it as normal.

If the Select Tool persists after re-opening the application package, use the instructions below to reset the Hand Tool:

  1. Go to Tools menu at the top of the screen
  2. Choose Select & Zoom
  3. Select Hand Tool from the pop-up menu

What can I do if I am having issues viewing my Adobe Reader application package while using a Macintosh Safari internet browser?

If you are experiencing the following issues with an Adobe Reader application package while using Safari:

  • Keeping an Adobe Reader application package open
  • Viewing a gray screen with a spinning wheel which prevents you from proceeding to complete your application package
  • Viewing an Adobe Acrobat icon appear in the middle of the screen

You have 3 options to resolve these issues:

1. Disable and Re-enable Adobe Reader Plug-in

  1. Open Adobe Reader and go to Preferences
  2. In Preferences go to "Internet"
  3. Uncheck "Display PDF in browser using..." option
  4. Close Preferences
  5. Re-open Preferences and check the box again
  6. Make sure Adobe Reader (compatible version) is selected as the application to use for viewing
  7. Re-open the application package in Safari

2. Re-install Adobe Reader and All Components

  1. Go to "/Library/Internet Plug-ins" folder (at the root of the hard drive)
  2. Remove "AdobePDFViewer.plugin" file
  3. Remove any Preference files associated with the Adobe Reader (e.g.:/Library/Preferences/com.adobe.acrobat.pdfviewer.plist,
    /Library/Preferences/com.adobe.PDFAdminSettings.plist, etc.)
  4. Visit the "Download Software" page to install the latest compatible version of Adobe Reader for free

3. Disable Plug-in

  1. See steps from Option 1 above (use preferences to disable Adobe Reader plug-in)
  2. Open terminal and copy and paste the following command (defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKitOmitPDFSupport -bool false)

(This will prevent Safari from redirecting your application package, and make it available to you using the native built-in functions.)

I received the error message "Intake Servlet is Unable to Save the Data. Broken Pipe" what does it mean and is there anyway to avoid this error?

If you receive the "Broken Pipe" message, this means that there were intermittent interruptions during submission. As a result, the submission confirmation page did not display properly after your submitted your application package (application package sent for validation by the Grants.gov system). Although you may receive this error message ("Broken Pipe"), your submission may have been properly received by the Grants.gov system. If the "Broken Pipe" error message displays, you will not automatically receive a Grants.gov tracking number for your application package.
There are a couple of things you can do to help avoid this error:

  1. Open an internet browser window (ex: Internet Explorer) then submit your application package as normal. If you do not receive the confirmation page after you submit your application package, contact the Grants.gov Contact Center (see contact information below).
  2. Downloading the latest compatible version of Adobe Reader may prevent incidences of the "Broken Pipe" error. Click here for more information.
If you do not receive a submission confirmation page and tracking number, call or email the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov to verify that your submission was received by the Grants.gov system and to receive a tracking number for your application package.



Pure Edge

I've downloaded the PureEdge Viewer, but it did not automatically begin to install. What should I do?

If the installation did not start automatically, locate the file that you downloaded on your computer and open it. This will launch the installation.

Does Grants.gov support Non-Windows users?

Adobe Reader: Yes, Non-Windows users can use Grants.gov just like other users. Adobe Reader is compatible with most operating systems.

PureEdge Viewer: If you do not have a Windows operating system, you will need to:

  1. Download a compatible version of PureEdge ( For MAC Users ):Download IBM Workplace Forms (PureEdge) Viewer for Macintosh
  2. Use a Windows Emulation program such as Citrix. (For All Non-Windows Users)

Non-Windows operating system users will need to use a Windows emulation program (Citrix).

Non-Windows Support for PureEdge (Citrix):

A Citrix server connection allows Non-Windows users to remotely launch a Windows session on their own machines by using the free Citrix client application. While connected to the server, Non-Windows users can develop their grant application using PureEdge forms. Applicants will need to download and install the free Citrix client application in order to work on the SF424 (R&R) application package with the specific grant for which they are applying.

While connected to the Citrix server, the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)/Signing Official (SO) can submit the application via Grants.gov.

Please review the PureEdge Support for Non-Windows users page for additional information.

What do I need to install on my personal computer in order to use the new Adobe Reader software that will be replacing the PureEdge Viewer?

To view and apply for grants, please download and install the compatible version of Adobe Reader. Adobe Reader is free software and there is no cost to the users to download, install or use the software.

*Grants.gov recommends downloading both PureEdge and the compatible version of Adobe Reader to seamlessly apply for grants. Grants.gov is currently transitioning to phase out of PureEdge software to using Adobe Reader software exclusively. For a period of time applicants will still be able to use PureEdge as it is applicable.

How do I download the Application Viewers?

On any Grants.gov webpage click on Help on the left navigation, then click on Download Software below the Help link on the left navigation. Once on the Download Software page, you will be able to choose which software application you need to download to view, complete, and submit applications on Grants.gov. Grants.gov requires downloading both PureEdge and compatible version of Adobe Reader to seamlessly apply for grants. Grants.gov is currently phasing out of PureEdge software to using Adobe Reader software exclusively. For a period of time applicants will still be able to use PureEdge as it is applicable.

On what platforms can I use the Adobe Reader to view and populate Grants Packages?

The Grants.gov compatible Adobe Reader version is supported by all Windows platforms including: Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2, Windows XP Professional or Home Edition, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and Vista. The Grants.gov compatible Adobe Reader version is also supported by the following Non-Windows platforms: all Mac OS X v.10.5 or earlier including Tiger and Leopard, Linux, AIX, HP/UX, and Solaris platforms. Please see Operating System Compatibility Table below for all Grants.gov platform compatibility. Please note, Grants.gov does not recommend use of handheld devices such as Palm to complete electronic application packages downloaded from Grants.gov.

Computer Operating System Forms Program Compatible May Use System with
Citrix Server Connection
Mac Tiger IBM Workplace Forms Viewer Yes  
Mac Tiger PureEdge Viewer No Yes
Mac Tiger Adobe Reader
(compatible version)
Yes  
Mac Leopard IBM Workplace Forms Viewer No Yes
Mac Leopard Adobe Reader
(compatible version)
Yes  
PC WINXP PureEdge Viewer Yes  
PC WINXP Adobe Reader
(compatible version)
Yes  
PC Vista IBM Workplace Forms Viewer No Yes
PC Vista PureEdge Viewer No Yes
PC Vista Adobe Reader
(compatible version)
Yes  

What if I have an existing incomplete grant application package that uses PureEdge and still needs to be submitted?

Grants.gov will continue to accept and process PureEdge application packages that are posted to the website. You may complete the existing Grant Application Package using the PureEdge viewer and submit the completed application on or before the posted opportunity close date or agency receipt deadline. If you are unsure about the process for a specific opportunity, please review and follow the application submission instructions provided by the grantor agency.

Can I submit the new version of Microsoft Office 2007 XML documents to Grants.gov?

Currently you can only submit Microsoft Office 2007 XML attachments with the compatible versions of Adobe Reader.

If you are using PureEdge Viewer you cannot attach Office 2007 documents, there are compatibility issues that will cause errors in the submission.

There are no plans to support Office 2007 documents with PureEdge forms, since they are being phased out in the near future. File extensions currently not compatible include: pptx, .xlsx, .docx, .docm, .dotm, .dotx, .potm, .potx

If you are unsure of your application type, it is suggested to avoid using Microsoft Office 2007 attachments at this time.

Click here for more information about Vista and Office 2007 compatibility Adobe PDF.

Click here for more information about Adobe Reader vs. PureEdge Adobe PDF.


My agency has development dollars – can we develop our own forms in PureEdge then deliver them to Grants.gov for deployment?

No. A PureEdge form is actually a mini-software application and must fully integrate with the Grants.gov backend system. This integration is sufficiently complex that it would not be feasible to outsource it to individual agencies.

Do I have to download the PureEdge Viewer or Adobe Reader to view my applicants' submitted applications?

You do not have to download the PureEdge viewer or Adobe Reader; however, you may want to have it on your computer so that you can view any application package that is on Grants.gov. The application packages that are submitted through Grants.gov will not be viewed by the agency in the PureEdge format.  

The submitted applications will either be converted to PDF versions of the forms, plus the applicants’ attached documents, or the data will be sent over in XML, plus the attached applicants’ documents. The agency administrator chooses the way that the submitted applications are sent to the agency for review when setting up the agency. If you’d like to install the PureEdge Viewer and or the compatible version of Adobe Reader to your computer, please click here.

What type of features can I expect in the PureEdge electronic form?

  • Resetting/clearing fields
  • Support for single and multi-file attachments
  • Printing pages
  • Simple computations
  • Pre-fill data between forms
  • Enforcement of required and optional fields
  • Minimum and maximum length, date and email address validations

Offline completion of forms (no need to stay connected to Grants.gov to complete forms)


 
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