The GEMS Program was created to improve effectiveness and efficiency in the Department of Commerce’s (DOC) grant making operations. 

Improvements include: 

• Centralizing and standardizing administrative grants functions
• Improving analytical reporting quality through Department-wide application and data standardization
• Gaining IT operational efficiencies by taking full advantage of cloud-based [federal shared services] solution and reducing operational risks
• Providing timely access to accurate data for management decision making at the departmental reporting level
• Achieving consistent availability of information for management decisions
• Reducing costly current system redundancies by consolidating systems and interfaces and increasing emphasis on more efficient and effective administrative and business management.

The GEMS PMO serves as the customer liaison for DOC Bureaus to implement the eRA Grants Management Federal Shared Services solution that: 

• Provides end-to-end grants lifecycle support
• Allows for the management of research and non-research grants
• Prioritizes security and performance
• Emphasizes user-centered design
• Leverages cloud capabilities
• Provides data reporting 

The first phase of eRA implementation began with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sea Grants Program, which launched an eRA pilot phase in July 2023. This pilot phase served as an opportunity to fine-tune the system and gather valuable feedback from users. 

The GEMS PMO continues to support NOAA after their eRA phased implementation in fiscal year 2024. GEMS PMO is expanding its reach and incorporating grants management operations for the remaining grant-making bureaus within the DOC. These expansions are carefully planned and executed in phases, allowing for effective integration and optimal results. 

GEMS represents a significant leap forward in the grant management landscape, offering enhanced efficiency, transparency, and user experience. By leveraging the proven capabilities of the NIH eRA platform and the expertise of the GEMS PMO, this system is poised to transform the grant management processes within the Department of Commerce.