We understand that it is frustrating to deal with the new SAM (System for Award Management) registration system for grants, especially when it requires migrating previous DUNS numbers and Central Contractor Registry (CCR) information.
To help you make the transition, here are some resources and key points that all applicants and awardees should keep in mind. The information below is explained in more detail on the System for Award Management for AFG Awardees (www.fema.gov/rules-tools/system-award-management).
- To Receive an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Award, you must be registered and have up-to-date information in the online System for Award Management or SAM (SAM.gov). SAM replaced the Central Contractor Registry (CCR), which no longer exists. SAM registration is FREE of charge and is required of all Federal awardees. Follow the FAQs and User Guides on the SAM.gov website for specific instructions.
- New Awardees must register in SAM to receive any Federal grant award. If your organization applied for a grant but has not yet registered in SAM, please go to Sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ and follow the FAQs and User Guides for help completing the registration process.
- If You Registered Previously in the CCR, you still have to create a new Individual User Account in SAM prior to receiving a future federal grant. You should open an Individual Account as soon as possible and then migrate your legacy (CCR) account. (See the Quick Start Guide for Updating/Renewing Registrations That Were in CCR and Are Now in SAM.)
- Your DUNS Information Must Be Correct: When you create a new SAM account you must use the same e-mail address and DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number that you entered when you registered previously in the CCR. It is critical that you enter the correct DUNS number in your SAM.gov account. If the DUNS number does not match the number and mailing address on record for the grantee on the Dun and Bradstreet website, you will not be able to complete your registration.
- Is Your SAM Profile Marked PRIVATE? If so, FEMA Grants Management Specialists will not be able to verify your active SAM registration. We recommend that you mark your SAM profile PUBLIC. Sensitive banking and financial data are not revealed in the Public profile.
- Questions about SAM? FEMA Grants Management Specialists are available to answer questions about SAM. Contact your State Assigned Grants Management Specialists (www.fema.gov/rules-tools/assistance-firefighters-grants-grants-management-specialists).
- Technical Issues. Your success in navigating through SAM may vary depending on the browser and platform used, e.g., Internet Explorer vs. Firefox, etc. The SAM.gov website says that any of the following web browsers will offer the most effective use of SAM: Firefox v3+ (free download available from http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/); Internet Explorer v7+; Chrome; Opera v9.64+; Safari v3.2+. For details see Browser Settings for Optimal Use of the System for Award Management.
Other SAM Resources
- SAM Help Desk, (toll-free) 1-866-606-8220. You may have to wait a long time to talk to someone, but they will be able to help you navigate through the system.
- SAM User Guide
- Quick Start Guide for Entities Interested in Being Eligible for Grants
- Quick Start Guide for Updating/Renewing Registrations that Were Previously in CCR and Are Now in SAM
- Quick Start Guide for Migrating Roles
- Browser Settings for Optimal use of the System for Award Management