Streamlining Grants Management Across the US Department of Commerce (DOC) 

The Grants Enterprise Management Solution (GEMS) Program was launched to modernize and unify grants operations at Department of Commerce (DOC). Through the adoption of the NIH/eRA system, GEMS delivers a centralized, standardized, and cloud-based solution that simplifies grants administration, reduces redundancy, and improves data-driven decision-making. 

GEMS represents a significant leap forward in the grant management landscape, offering enhanced efficiency, transparency, and positive user experience. By leveraging the proven capabilities of the NIH/eRA platform and the expertise of the DOC staff, eRA is poised to transform the DOC grant management processes.   

What is eRA

eRA (Electronic Research Administration) system is a secure, cloud-based federal shared service that supports the full federal grants lifecycle—from application to closeout—for both research and non-research grants. Designed with users in mind, eRA improves performance, enhances reporting, and ensures compliance by offering numerous modules tailored to key grants functions.  

Grant Applicants, Recipients and eRA Commons

DOC’s Applicants, Recipients and Federal staff utilize an eRA interface called eRA Commons for the administration of federal grant programs. 

eRA Commons:

• Provides information and resources to help applicants and recipients navigate the grants lifecycle, as well as assist reviewers during the application review process (See eRA Commons Overview).
• Allows Applicants to monitor submitted applications, grant reviewers to evaluate applications, and Recipients to maintain their grant award by submitting required documentation, progress reports, and closeout materials.
• Supports the grant lifecycle, from application submission to grant closeout, ensuring that necessary documentation and reporting are completed accurately and on time. 

DOC Journey to eRA

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began the journey to transition to eRA in July 2023 and completed phased eRA implementation during FY24.   The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is in the early stages of migrating to eRA and is scheduled to complete implementation activities and go-live in October 2026. Following NIST, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) begins eRA onboarding in November 2026 with an expected implementation date in FY28.

Transitioning from legacy systems to eRA’s Federal Shared Service marks a significant step forward in expanding the use of eRA across DOC, supporting greater consistency and efficiency in grants management.

Benefits

• End-to-End Grants Management – eRA streamlines the full grants lifecycle application, review, award, and closeout-reducing manual steps and improving efficiency.
• Standardized Processes – Provides a consistent platform across DOC, improving compliance, data integrity, and reducing system redundancies.
• Enhanced Data and Reporting – Reporting tools improve data accuracy, transparency, and decision-making.
• Cybersecurity & Federal Compliance – Leverages eRA’s enterprise-level cybersecurity controls, continuous monitoring, and federal compliance frameworks to safeguard data and protect mission-critical systems.
• Financial System Integration (eRA/BAS) - Integrates the eRA platform with DOC’s Business Application Solution (BAS) and the federal Automated Standard Application for Payment (ASAP) system to strengthen financial management, automate award and payment processing, and improve accuracy, accountability, and audit readiness.