eRA eSubmission Items of Interest
Extending Error-Correction Window for Challenge Grants and Select FOAs to May 8
We recognize that applications are taking longer than usual to process through Grants.gov and that some Challenge Grant applications that were submitted on time have yet to be processed. In response to the delay in processing and the backlog of inquiries at the eRA Commons Help Desk, we are taking the following steps:
Extending Correction Window until Friday, May 8
- For selective Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), NIH issued a Guide Notice extending the error-correction window to Friday, May 8.This new extension applies to the Challenge Grants RFA-OD-09-003 (RC1) and opportunities with submission deadlines from April 27 through May 1, 2009. Note that this additional time to correct errors does not apply to Competitive Revision applications (NOT-OD-09-058).
Working Through Issues with Competitive Revisions
- A large number of calls to the eRA Commons Help Desk
have been about issues with the Competitive Revision Application
processing. We would like to reiterate what we have
said before.
If you were affected by one of the system issues outlined in the April 21 Items of Interest and you followed the correct process to document your inability to meet the deadline due to that issue, rest assured that we are tracking these tickets and continue to investigate each ticket individually. As long as you respond quickly to help desk contacts and you complete your submission within two business days from receiving help desk guidance, your application will not be considered late.
Applicants who have already documented their issues regarding Competitive Revisions with the Commons Help Desk should expect to hear back from them by close of business on Tuesday, May 5.
Addressing Backlog of eRA Help Desk Tickets
- The email, web and call volume at the Commons Help Desk is almost five times the normal numbers, due to queries from applicants regarding recent deadlines for Recovery Act opportunities. If you have contacted the Help Desk but have not heard back, don’t worry — we have a record of your contact. No need to submit duplicate requests. The Help Desk will be addressing the backlog over the next week. This is clearly a priority for us.
We encourage you to complete the submission process as soon as possible, despite the extension of the error-correction window. Not only will you have the relief of finishing the submission, we will have the applications and can assign them for review, and you will miss the next wave of NIH Recovery Act application submissions.
Questions?
eRA Commons Help Desk
Web: http://ithelpdesk.nih.gov/eRA/ (Preferred
method of contact)
Toll-free: 1-866-504-9552
Phone: 301-402-7469
TTY: 301-451-5939
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time
