NSF Fastlane account

New Research.gov/NSF Fastlane users must create an account and then request the appropriate role within the system. The Division of Sponsored Programs can then approve and manage user roles, allowing accounts to be affiliated with VCU. Detailed instructions can be found on this Research.gov link. Before creating a new account, users should visit the NSF ID Lookup page to ensure they don’t already have an NSF ID.

To create a new NSF account visit Research.gov and complete the following steps: 

• Use the "Register" link in the top right of the screen.
• Complete the required fields and submit.
• Check the primary email account for two automated emails from Research.gov- one will contain the new NSF ID and one will provide a temporary password.
• Login to Research.gov with new NSF ID and temporary password.
• Follow the instructions to update temporary password.

After log in, roles can be requested using the following steps: 

• Click the "My Profile" link on the top right of the screen.
• Select the "Add a New Role" option from the left menu.

If you need this role(s)	To perform these functions	Select this “Add Role” button
Principal investigator (PI) Co-principal investigator (co-PI) Unaffiliated fellowship principal investigator	Prepare proposals Manage awards	Add investigator or authorized user role
Administrator Sponsored projects officer (SPO) Authorized organization representative (AOR) View only	Add a new organization Approve/disapprove roles Assign user roles Add/remove users	Add organizational role
Awardee preparer Awardee certifier Awardee financial representative	Prepare and manage financials in Award Cash Management Service (ACM$)	Add financial role
Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Coordinating official (CO) GRFP alternate coordinating official (alt. CO) GRFP financial official (FO)	Manage GRFP functions	Add GRFP official role
Other authorized user (OAU)	Assist a PI with proposal preparation	Add investigator or authorized user role

• For example, to add a PI role, click "Add Investigator Role.”
• Select the option "Yes, prepare and manage proposals with an organization."
• On the Find Organization page, search for the VCU DUNS Number (10-530-0446).
• Confirm VCU is displayed and click "Next."
• Add required information and click "Next."
• Choose role and click "Next."
• Verify information and submit. 
• The Division of Sponsored Programs will be notified of request to approve role.