News and Events Details

News and Events

All users with internal roles must have PIV, ed.gov email address and ED laptop

Effective October 1, 2024, G5/G6 will no longer support external contractors with internal roles unless they have the following:

  1. ed.gov email address
  2. ED issued PIV card
  3. ED issued GFE (government furnished laptop)

This change is being implemented because of updates in cybersecurity policies and practices, and due to ED’s GoToWork platform no longer supporting G5. We regret the inconvenience this causes, but in order to keep our platform secure it is necessary.

Contractors that are currently accessing G5/G6 that do not meet these conditions can continue to work in G5/G6 up until October 1st as long as they do not need support. If their access no longer functions due to technical issues related to hardware, network, or IDs we will not be able to help fix those issues. Either way, effective as of October 1, 2024 all access to G5/G6 will be revoked if the above three conditions are not met.

If you have additional questions, please contact the Office of Business Support Services Helpdesk at (202) 401-6238 or obssed@servicenowservices.com

Refunds Guidance Updated

Guidance on submitting refunds to the U.S. Department of Education has been enhanced in the Frequently Asked Questions section. To review the additions, search for the Refunds guidance on the FAQs page.

G6 Launched

On October 30th, 2023, the first phase of G6 launched a new landing page, a new URL (g6.ed.gov), and new ways to log in to your G5 account.

As part of the shift to G6, on Monday, the G5 system will:

  • Switch to a new URL, g6.ed.gov. All users will have to navigate to g6.ed.gov to sign in to G5, and the www.G5.gov URL will redirect to g6.ed.gov.
  • Provide the option to use Login.gov to authenticate into G5.
  • Introduce a new G6 landing page.
  • View the Login.gov FAQs for more information, further down on this page.

    G6 Launch Postponed

    The launch of the U.S. Department of Education's modernized grants management system, G6, has been postponed until further notice. Once we have further information, we will post and send out an updated communication to all G5 users with details about the new G6 system.

    UK-based numbers will no longer receive passcodes via text/SMS

    Due to a change in the way telecommunications network operators in the United Kingdom are processing text messages (SMS) sent to mobile devices from outside the UK, G5 users with UK-based phone numbers will no longer be able to receive a passcode via a text message for the second factor access process in G5. UK-based users of the G5 system should still be able to obtain a passcode via an authenticator app or request a passcode be sent through a phone call.

    As part of the normal log-in protocol for G5, a one-time passcode must be retrieved and then entered in the system after the username and password are successfully submitted. All G5 users are given the option to receive that passcode via: 1.) text (SMS), 2.) phone call, or 3.) retrieving a code from an authenticator application, such as Google Authenticator. Starting today, if you request the passcode via text message to a UK number, we have been told that the message will be blocked from coming to your device. You will not receive an error message when requesting a passcode via text – in fact, G5 will display a message that the passcode was sent; however, you will not receive that message.

    If you have any questions about this change, please email them to the Office of Business Support Services Help Desk at obssed@servicenowservices.com.

    Login.gov Frequently Asked Questions:

    What is Login.gov?
    Login.gov is a single sign-on method operated by the US General Services Administration (GSA) as a safe and secure way to access government websites.

    How do I sign in to G6 using Login.gov?
    • You’ll need the same email address that you used to set up your account in G5, and one or more additional authentication methods such as a mobile device. Learn more about Login.gov authentication methods here. If you don’t have a Login.gov account under the same email address you use to access G5, you must create one. Create a login.gov account here: https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email. Make sure that you can access email at that address, as you will need to retrieve an emailed link.

    • If you have an existing Login.gov account under the same email address you use to access your G5 account, no further action is required. On Monday, August 7th, navigate to g6.ed.gov and click "Sign in” and then click on the Login.gov option. Once you sign in via Login.gov, your account will automatically connect to G6, and you will be able to access G5, unchanged. If your existing Login.gov account is tied to a different email address than the email you use for G5, you must create a new Login.gov account that matches your G5 email. Create a login.gov account here. https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email

    What if I no longer have access to the email address I use for G5?
    The US Department of Education Office of Business Support Services (OBSS) helpdesk can assist with changing your G5 account email. You can contact the helpdesk at 1-888-336-8930 or by email at obssed@servicenowservices.com. (The OBSS G5 helpdesk will NOT be able to assist you in accessing or creating a Login.gov account.)

    How do I create an account with Login.gov if I am outside of the United States?
    You will need to have a method of two-factor authentication that works with the Login.gov system. SMS works as an authentication method for several countries outside of the U.S. For more information, learn about the countries that support SMS two-factor authentication for Login.gov here. If SMS is not supported in your country, you can use a two-factor authentication app on your smartphone, for example Google Authenticator. Learn more about Login.gov two-factor authentication here.

    What if I forget my Login.gov password or am having trouble logging in?
    You can visit this page to troubleshoot accessing your account or resetting your password. If you are experiencing trouble with your Login.gov account, you will need to contact the GSA Login.gov help center at 1-844-875-6446, or submit a help desk ticket here.

    What will happen when I enter www.G5.gov in my browser on or past August 7th? Will I be redirected to G6?
    You will be redirected to the new G6 homepage at g6.ed.gov, where you will click a link to log into G5 via either the G5 sign-in page or through Login.gov. After you log in, you can access all your work in G5, unchanged. G5.gov will redirect to g6.ed.gov for the time being, but eventually the G5.gov URL will be discontinued. We recommend bookmarking the new URL: www.g6.ed.gov.

    Who should I call if I need assistance with logging into G5/G6 via Login.gov?
    If you need assistance with creating, troubleshooting or password issues with your Login.gov account please contact the GSA Login.gov helpdesk here

    Who should I call if I need assistance logging in with my G5 Login or have questions about the transition from G5 to G6?
    Please reach out to the US Department of Education OBSS helpdesk at 1-888-336-8930, or by email at obssed@servicenowservices.com.