Yes, SAM (System for Award Management) is used to check for exclusions or debarments. One of the primary functions of SAM is to serve as the central repository for the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), which has now been integrated into the System for Award Management.
Here’s how SAM is used to check for exclusions or debarments:
- Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) Integration: The EPLS, which included lists of individuals and entities excluded from federal contracting and grant programs, has been integrated into SAM. This integration consolidates various exclusion lists into a single database.
- Pre-Award Check: Federal agencies are required to check SAM before awarding federal contracts or grants to ensure that the prospective contractor or grantee is not excluded or debarred from participating in federal programs.
- Post-Award Check: Even after a contract or grant has been awarded, federal agencies may continue to check SAM periodically to verify the ongoing eligibility of the awardee. This is especially important for long-term contracts or grants.
- Registration Requirement: Organizations and individuals seeking to do business with the U.S. federal government, including bidding on contracts or applying for grants, are typically required to have an active and non-excluded SAM registration. This means that they must not be listed on SAM as excluded or debarred.
- Maintenance of Eligibility: SAM registration must be renewed annually to maintain eligibility. During the renewal process, SAM checks are conducted to ensure that the registrant is not excluded or debarred.
- Immediate Notification: If a registrant becomes excluded or debarred while under a federal contract or grant, they are required to notify the awarding agency immediately. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties.
- Public Access: SAM provides public access to search for individuals and entities listed as excluded or debarred. This transparency helps federal agencies, the public, and potential partners verify the eligibility of organizations and individuals they plan to work with.
In summary, SAM is a critical tool for verifying the eligibility of organizations and individuals seeking to do business with the U.S. federal government. It plays a central role in checking for exclusions or debarments to ensure that federal contracts and grants are awarded to responsible and qualified entities.
Need Help?
Contact the FPR Help Desk through the following methods:
- Phone: 1-866-717-5267 (toll-free)
- Email: help@federalprocessingregistry.com
Ready to Renew Your SAM?
Take the First Step by Clicking Below:
https://federalprocessingregistry.com/register-online/