System for Award Management
SAM registration is not required at offer submission for certain urgent or emergency contracts, but is mandatory for access to the Disaster Response Registry for disaster relief work.
Overview
FAR 18.102 outlines exceptions and requirements related to contractor registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) during certain urgent or emergency contracting situations. While contractors are generally required to be registered in SAM before contract award, this section provides specific exceptions for contracts awarded under unusual and compelling urgency, or by contracting officers operating in military, diplomatic, or emergency contexts outside the U.S. However, registration in SAM is still required for contractors seeking access to the Disaster Response Registry, which is used for disaster and emergency relief activities. Contracting officers must consult the Disaster Response Registry to identify available contractors for specific relief tasks within the U.S. and its outlying areas.
Key Rules
- SAM Registration Exception for Urgent/Emergency Awards
- Contractors are not required to be registered in SAM at the time of offer submission for contracts awarded due to unusual and compelling urgency, or by officers in certain military, diplomatic, or emergency situations.
- SAM Registration for Disaster Response Registry
- Contractors must be registered in SAM to access the Disaster Response Registry.
- Contracting Officer Responsibility
- Contracting officers must use the Disaster Response Registry to identify contractors for disaster or emergency relief activities in the U.S. and outlying areas.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must verify SAM registration requirements, consult the Disaster Response Registry for disaster/emergency contracts, and ensure compliance with exceptions.
- Contractors: Must register in SAM to access the Disaster Response Registry, but may be exempt from registration at offer submission for certain urgent/emergency contracts.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with SAM registration and proper use of the Disaster Response Registry.
Practical Implications
- This section provides flexibility in urgent or emergency contracting, allowing awards without prior SAM registration in specific cases.
- Contractors seeking disaster response work must ensure SAM registration for access to the registry.
- Contracting officers must be diligent in consulting the Disaster Response Registry and understanding when exceptions apply.