Use Login.gov With eRA Modules

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Using Login.gov to Access eRA Modules

Steps for the Association Process

Steps to Log into eRA Commons (once the association is complete)

Find Help

Other Actions

What Do I Do Based on the Roles I Have?

Using Login.gov to Access eRA Modules

Accessing eRA requires two-factor authentication, a second layer of security that requires you have a Commons account and a Login.gov account that you associate with each other. Once this one-time association is complete, you will log in by clicking the Login.gov logo on the eRA Commons home screen.

eRA is offering users of eRA Commons, ASSIST and IAR two ways to comply:

• Associate yours Commons account with a Login.gov account, and/or
• Use an InCommon Federated Account*

* The ability of an organization to use its own credentials provided it supports NIH's two-factor authentication standards.

Note: Users with multiple eRA Commons accounts should hold off on moving to two-factor authentication until 2025. eRA will then have a solution for users to consolidate their multiple accounts into a single eRA account that contains all their organization affiliations and roles.  See ‘What Do I Do Based on Roles I Have?' section at the bottom of the page.

Steps for the Association Process

Note: To get started, you must go to the login screen of eRA Commons, the system you want to access, and click on the Login.gov option.

Step 1 - Ensure you have an eRA Commons account with current credentials

If you do have an eRA Commons account, verify that your username and password are current by logging in before following the directions below.

Tip: If needed, click on the Forgot Password/Unlock Account link to reset password.

Step 2 - Ensure you have a Login.gov account

Step 3 - Associate your Login.gov account with your eRA Commons account

On the Associate Your eRA Account screen, you will enter your eRA Commons username and pass- word and click Continue to complete the association.

Tip: Do NOT enter your Login.gov credentials here.

Steps to Log into eRA Commons (once the association is complete)

1. Go to the eRA Commons home screen.
2. Click on the Login.gov logo 
   
3. Enter your Login.gov credentials.
4. Once logged in, the Commons landing screen will be displayed.

Resources: For additional details with screenshots see the 2FA Flyer.

Find Help

• Contact the eRA Service Desk for help with linking your Login.gov to eRA Commons
• See how to manage your Login.gov account

Other Actions

• Login to ASSIST
• Managing your Login.gov account -- Details on adding or changing your authentication method, changing the email address or phone number associated with your account and more.

What Do I Do Based on the Roles I Have?

Principal Investigators (PIs) and Key Personnel: All principal investigators (PIs) and key personnel associated with an application or Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) are required to transition to the use of two-factor authentication 45 days after the submission of their competing grant application (Type 1 or 2) or their RPPR.

After 45 days of this triggering event, these users will not be able to access eRA modules until they set up and use a two-factor authentication service provider - Login.gov and/or an InCommon Federated account (that supports NIH’s two-factor authentication standards).

Note: PIs and key personnel do not have to wait for the 45-day trigger after submitting an application or RPPR to start using two-factor authentication.

Reviewers: The transition for reviewers to use two-factor authentication when using the Internet Assisted Review (IAR) module is ongoing and unchanged. Reviewers will continue to be required to use two-factor authentication as soon as they are enabled for a review meeting. Most reviewers have transitioned already.

Administrative Accounts: As a reminder, those with one administrative account in eRA Commons, such as signing official, need not wait and can go ahead now and set up and start using two-factor authentication.

Users with Multiple eRA Commons Accounts: Users with multiple eRA Commons accounts should hold off on moving to two-factor authentication until 2025. eRA will then have a solution for users to consolidate their multiple accounts into a single eRA account that contains all their organization affiliations and roles.  More importantly, once users complete the consolidation process, they will be able to associate their Login.gov or InCommon Federated account with one eRA account to support all their authentication needs. (See eRA Commons roles).

eRA Partner Agency Applicants/ Recipients: eRA partner agency applicants/recipients are encouraged to move to two-factor authentication, but not required to at this time (except for reviewers whose transition is ongoing; or applicants/recipients who apply to NIH or have an NIH grant). The updated plan applies only to NIH applicants/recipients.