Two-Factor Authentication: Access eRA Modules via login.gov

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eRA is moving to two-factor authentication via login.gov, meaning that log-in will require something you know (password) and something you have (a phone or other device). This new log-in method, optional at first but which may be required later, is coming for users of eRA Commons, Commons Mobile, IAR and ASSIST.

The move is part of HHS’s Reinvent Grants Management Initiative to provide the applicant and grantee community the ability to log in to four different grants systems (eRA, Grants.gov, GrantSolutions and Payment Management System) using the same user name and password via login.gov.

Access to eRA modules via login.gov will be available from April 8. Use of login.gov will be initially optional (except for a pilot group of peer reviewers). This new type of log-in will be available along with other existing log-in methods.

STEP 1 — Click on the login.gov option on eRA Commons

  1. When you click on the login.gov option on the eRA Commons home screen, you will be redirected to https://login.gov/

Note: If you already have a login.gov user name and password, enter it. You will go directly to Step 3 below.

STEP 2 — Create a login.gov account

  1. Enter email address at login.gov
  2. Receive email verification
  3. Verify email address
  4. Create password
  5. Choose a primary authentication method – for instance, select phone
    1. Enter phone number
    2. Enter security code received by text message
    3. Set up is confirmed
  6. Set up a secondary authentication method – for instance, an authenticator app
    1. Scan barcode and enter authenticator code
    2. Set up is confirmed
  7. Your account creation at login.gov is confirmed. Click Continue to return to eRA Commons.

 STEP 3 — Associate your login.gov account with your eRA Commons account (one-time only)

  1. The eRA Commons mapping page is displayed. Enter your eRA credentials – user name and password – to associate your login.gov account with your eRA Commons account. You will only do this once.

YOU ARE DONE — You will be returned to eRA Commons. The next time you log into eRA Commons using login.gov, you will automatically be redirected to eRA Commons without having to log in again.