In late July 2012, the federal government consolidated several of its massive databases … and there have been problems ever since.
The new database is known as SAM — System for Award Management — and it combines several previously stand-alone databases, including Central Contractor Registration (CCR), Federal Agency Registration (FedReg), the Online Representation and Certification Application (ORCA), and the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)
From the start of the conversion, vendors trying to do business with the government reported that they cannot establish a file or make changes to their records in SAM. And federal contracting officials have devised work-arounds in order to award contracts to deserving vendors.
Because of the new database’s functionality problems, no less than the Dept. of Defense announced that in order to avoid delays in ”the timely processing of awards,” it is temporarily suspending the rules requiring vendor registration.
If you’re tried to register as a vendor with the federal government — or change your existing registration records — there’s little doubt you have encountered difficulties.
To address this issue, the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) has developed a webinar that is designed to assist businesses with the SAM registration process. This free webinar will be conducted on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, from 10:00 am until noon.
You must register in advance in order to participate in this live webinar. Please click here for more information and to register.
- For the latest news involving SAM, please visit: http://gtpac.org/tag/sam.
