When is your deadline?

Every federal registration you need, backward-planned with real lead times. Each row cites its source. Nothing gated.

1. 6–8 WEEKS BEFORE
   TUE, JUL 28, 2026
   Begin all federal registrations

   NIH recommends starting six weeks out. Registration can take six weeks or more.

   NIH SEED · VER 09 JUL 2026 ↗
2. 3–4 WEEKS BEFORE
   TUE, AUG 11, 2026
   SAM.gov active

   Issues your UEI and CAGE code. Annual renewal required to stay active.

   SAM.gov · VER 09 JUL 2026 ↗
3. 10 BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE
   MON, AUG 24, 2026
   eRA Commons registration underway

   NIH treats this as a 'good faith effort.' Registration itself can take up to 10 business days.

   NIH eRA Commons · VER 09 JUL 2026 ↗
4. YOUR INSTITUTION'S DATE
   SUN, SEP 6, 2026
   Your institution's internal deadline

   Most sponsored programs offices require final submission 2–5 business days ahead of the NIH date. Confirm yours; use it, not NIH's.

   Institution SPO policy · VER 09 JUL 2026 ↗
5. 5:00 PM LOCAL, DUE DATE
   TUE, SEP 8, 2026
   Submitted error-free

   No extension to correct errors. NIH requires an error-free submission by the applicant organization's local 5:00 PM.

   NIH GPS 2.3.9 · VER 09 JUL 2026 ↗