Subpart 4.11
System for Award Management
SAM registration is mandatory for all contractors seeking federal awards, and maintaining accurate, up-to-date information in SAM is essential for eligibility and compliance.
Overview
FAR Subpart 4.11 establishes the requirements for the System for Award Management (SAM), a government-wide portal that contractors must use to register and maintain their business information to be eligible for federal contract awards. This subpart outlines the scope, definitions, policies, procedures, and specific requirements for registration, including the Disaster Response Registry and mandatory solicitation provisions and contract clauses. The regulation ensures that all entities seeking federal contracts are properly identified, vetted, and maintained in a centralized system, streamlining acquisition processes and enhancing transparency.
Key Rules
- SAM Registration Requirement
- Contractors must be registered in SAM before being awarded a contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement.
- Maintenance of SAM Information
- Contractors are responsible for ensuring their SAM registration is current, accurate, and complete throughout the life of the contract.
- Disaster Response Registry
- Contractors interested in disaster response contracts must indicate this in SAM and provide relevant capabilities.
- Solicitation and Contract Clauses
- Solicitations and contracts must include specific FAR clauses related to SAM registration and maintenance.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must verify contractor SAM registration prior to award and include required clauses in solicitations and contracts.
- Contractors: Must register in SAM, keep information updated, and indicate disaster response capabilities if applicable.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and ensure acquisition processes use current SAM data.
Practical Implications
- FAR 4.11 exists to centralize contractor information, reduce administrative burden, and prevent fraud.
- Contractors who fail to register or maintain SAM records risk losing eligibility for awards or payments.
- Common pitfalls include lapsed registrations, inaccurate data, or missing disaster response information.