External Systems Access

NSF Account Management

Research.gov users (PIs and co-PIs) must have an NSF ID to access Research.gov. Each user has a single profile and unique identifier (NSF ID) for signing in to Research.gov for proposal and award activities.

New users can register directly with NSF.

Note: After creating a Researh.gov ID, new users will need to affiliate with UC Merced. Upon creation of the ID, a system-generated email is forwarded to SPO where the affiliation request is reviewed and approved. If your account is not approved within 24 hours, please email SPO@ucmerced.edu.

Grants.gov Workspace Account Management

Grants.gov uses Workspace to create and submit federal grant applications. Most federal agencies use Grants.gov to apply for federal funds. Exceptions are:

• Proposals to NSF still may be submitted using Research.gov,
• NIH proposals still must be submitted via ASSIST or Cayuse 424, and
• NASA proposals will continue to be submitted using NSPIRES.

What do PIs need to do?

All that Principal Investigators (PIs) need to do is register as an “Organization Applicant.” To do this, the PI will need UC Merced’s DUNS number: 113645084. (Do not enter any dashes between numbers). Upon creation of the account, a system-generated email is forwarded to SPO where the affiliation request is reviewed and approved. If your account is not approved within 24 hours, please email SPO@ucmerced.edu.

What do RAs need to do?

Before an RA can help a PI with a future Grants.gov application in Workspace, the RA must obtain a “Manage Workspace Role.” To do this, the RA will need to register in Workspace as an Organization Applicant using UC Merced’s DUNS number: 113645084.

eRA Commons (NIH) Account Management

To register, contact the Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) for assistance with registration: spo@ucmerced.edu.

Persons who wish to register in the eRA Commons should contact SPO individually and provide the following information:

First Name:
Last Name:
UCM Email (A UCM email address must be provided.):
Type of account needed (i.e., PI, Postdoc, Assist):

After each individual is registered in the Commons, each individual will receive a separate “Account Created” notification email containing the username created by SPO and a randomly generated password created by the eRA Commons. The individual then can create a new confidential password.

New users who are PIs will receive an email that provides a link to a special form that the PI uses to confirm the information that NIH has regarding the PI’s participation in grant applications, committee involvement, and training appointments. Only after this form is completed does the PI receive an email with the account information.

NSPIRES (NASA) Account Management

NSPIRES uses an account management system that allows users to create and self-manage accounts, including personal information and role requests. After registering an account in NSPIRES, a system-generated email is forwarded to SPO where the affiliation request is reviewed and approved. If your account is not approved within 24 hours, please email SPO@ucmerced.edu.

SmartSimple (RGPO/UCOP) Account Management

The Research Grants Program Office (RGPO) at the University of California Office of the President uses an account management system called SmartSimple. It allows users to create and self-manage accounts, including personal information and role requests. You can register here.

Other External Systems

If you need assistance creating an account or approving your account’s affiliation with UC Merced for other external systems not listed above, please email SPO@ucmerced.edu.