#SBIR Applicants, here is some registry information you need to know!

downloadSo you read this post – “6 tips before applying” and you think, “This sounds like a good idea. Let’s apply to SBIR”. 

The first thing that I tell clients before any data collection or writing starts that they have to start the registration process. SBIR registration requires various different platforms and sometimes more than one platform depending on the agency.

  • You will need your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and DUNS number to start. All registrations require that applicants be issued a DUNS number. After obtaining a DUNS number, applicants can begin both SAM, SBA Company registry, and eRA Commons registrations (see more detail below regarding these). The same DUNS number must be used for all registrations as well as on the grant application.
  • The System for Award Management (SAM), Access www.sam.gov. You will also need the authorizing official of your organization and an EIN. Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, which requires renewal at least annually. The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code. Be advised that this can take upwards of two weeks to be approved and verified.
  • SBIR.gov – Company registration is meant for small businesses to register and gain access to the SBIR.gov system. Completed registrations will receive a unique SBC Control ID to be used for submissions at any of the 11 participating agencies in the SBIR or STTR programs. https://www.sbir.gov/registration
  • Grants.gov – Each agency has their own application portals and platforms. Most use grants.gov. Check with the agency that you intend to apply under to be sure about their application submission process. If your agency is using grants.gov (e.g. NIH) then you will need to know that this is a two-step process. Before you can submit both of these steps have to be authenticated by grants.gov. Do not wait to have this validated.
    • Step 1: Register as the organization – #SBIR Applicants must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the Grants.gov registration. http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html
    • Step 2: Register as the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) – Complete your Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) profile and create your username and password. You’ll need to use your organization’s DUNS Number. http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html
  • eRA Commons – If you are working with NIH, then this will be mandatory. Again, check with the agency that you intend to apply to be sure about their application submission process. #SBIR Applicants must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the eRA Commons registration. Organizations can register with the eRA Commons as they are working through their SAM or Grants.gov registration. eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application. Before you can submit both of these steps for eRA Commons have to be authenticated. Do not wait to have these accounts validated.

Once you have your accounts up and running you can breathe slightly easier and begin the application process.


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We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.