Who is SAM and why do Farmers
want to meet him?
Jodi Essex
Government Contracting Assistant
November 18, 2014
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Center for Industrial Research and Service
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What is SAM?
System for Award Management
Online registration site for entities (including farms)
that are to receive grants or financial assistance
from the federal government.
This includes USDA/NRCS funds for EQIP,
Conservation, Watershed, or Easement Programs
Background on SAM
• Implemented in 2012, the System for Award
Management (SAM) is combining federal procurement
systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
into one new system in order to gain efficiencies and
cut costs. This consolidation is being done in phases.
The first phase of SAM includes the functionality from
the following systems:
* Central Contractor Registry (CCR)
* Federal Agency Registration (Fedreg)
* Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA)
* Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)
Who needs a SAM Registration?
• Anybody that sells their goods and services to the federal
government.
• Entities operating under an Employer Identification
Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
wishing to receive grants or financial assistance from the
federal government.
Why do Farmers need a SAM
Registration?
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers grants and
financial assistance to farmers for participation in various programs
such as:
•
•
•
•
•
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (soil erosion, wind erosion, etc.)
Easement Programs
Watershed Programs
Conservation Programs
Plus many more . . .CRP, CSP, EQIP
• The federal government uses SAM as a payment mechanism in order
to disburse funds to the farmers for these programs.
What’s my role as a county extension
staff member?
• Be knowledgeable
• Give resources
• Point them in the right direction
Tip #1
DON’T GET SCAMMED!!
There are many sites out there that pose as
government sites, and require a fee. Registering in
SAM is FREE!
WWW.SAM.GOV
Tip #2
If you are an individual, LLC, or
Revocable Trust claiming federal assistance
under your social security number, you DO
NOT need a SAM Registration.
What am I expected to tell Farmers
who come to me for help?
“Do you have all of your information ready?”
Required Information:
• Email address that they have access to
• DUNS number that is in the name of their business, not
their personal name
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• Bank information (account number, routing number,
phone number)
Talking Points on Email Addresses
Why is an email address required?
• Account verification – Before a SAM account can be
created, they will verify the email address used to
create the account.
• Account notifications – All notifications regarding your
registration are communicated via email.
Troubleshooting
Opportunity
• Assist with getting an email account and making sure they
know the password for it.
• When the verification email is sent, the link that needs to be
clicked on is often not a hyperlink and needs to be copied
and pasted into the internet browser.
(optional)
Talking Points on DUNS Numbers
What is a DUNS number?
•
•
•
•
Data Universal Numbering System
Distinguishes companies from one another
Issued by Dun & Bradstreet (a publically traded company)
Dun & Bradstreet maintains a companies financial history and credit
requests
How do I obtain a DUNS number?
• https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
• Some have their lawyer or tax professional obtain this for them (not necessary).
Must be in their legal business name!!!
• If they have a corporation, the DUNS must be in the name of the corporation, not
their personal names.
Talking Points on DUNS Numbers . .
continued
How do I know if it’s in my legal business name?
• https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/companylookup.htm
• Search the name and state of your corporation
What do I do if the DUNS is not in their legal business name?
• Advise them that their DUNS profile must be changed
How do they change their DUNS profile?
• Log back into their online DUNS profile and request a name change
• Contact their lawyer or tax professional to get it changed (if they assisted
in setting up the DUNS)
• Contact ISU CIRAS for assistance
Tips #3 and #4
DON’T GET SCAMMED!
• There are many sites that charge $200-300 to obtain a DUNS
number. Do not pay! Be sure to use the link listed on the
previous slide as it is FREE to get a DUNS number.
• When obtaining a DUNS, be sure to “OPT OUT” of being on
their marketing list. Also, you do not need to purchase any of
their products.
Troubleshooting
Opportunity
Only use Internet Explorer to obtain a DUNS.
Chrome and Firefox often result in frustrating
glitches.
Talking Points on Taxpayer
Identification Numbers (TINs)
For more information visit:
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/InternationalTaxpayers/Taxpayer-Identification-Numbers-(TIN)
Note: I’ve never had a problem with somebody not having this. Refer
them to their tax accountant for assistance.
Talking Points on Bank Information
Why do I need my bank information?
• The government uses SAM as a payment mechanism.
They will direct deposit the funds into your bank
account.
What information is required?
• Account number
• Bank’s routing number
• Bank’s phone number
What are my Action Items?
1. Ensure they have all their required information ready.
2. Hand them the SAM Registration Guide.
3. Ask them to attempt the registration themselves.
4. Have them contact ISU CIRAS for assistance.
What’s my role as a county extension
staff member?
• Be knowledgeable
• Give resources
• Point them in the right direction
QUESTIONS
I’ll do a quick (15 minute) SAM Demonstration for those that want to stay on and see the process first hand.
Jodi Essex
Government Contracting Assistant
515-509-0769
jodir@iastate.edu
www.ciras.iastate.edu