If You Run Into SAM Registration Processing Delays, We’ve Got Your Back

GSA now requires entities who are updating or renewing their SAM registration  to provide an original, signed and notarized letter stating that the organizational official registering the organization is the authorized administrator. The new process is slowing processing time for registrations and GSA is unable to provide estimated  processing time frames. NIH encourages applicants and recipients with existing SAM accounts to review their account information and begin the renewal process well in advance of the expiration date, to ensure all renewals are competed on time. But if you started early and the registration process isn’t complete by the application deadline, don’t fret, we recognize this could be due to reasons beyond your control.

Under normal circumstances the NIH late application policy does not allow late submissions due to failure to complete or renew required registrations. But because this is a system issue impacting all applicants and recipients across the Federal government NIH has issued a notice that makes an exception to our late application policy until the issue is resolved. If an entity has submitted all SAM renewal documentation before the application due date, but the renewal is not completed prior to the application due date, NIH will accept late applications within the two-week late window, so long as all other aspects of the application are compliant and consistent with the funding opportunity announcement requirements. Requests for accommodations beyond the two-week late window will be considered on a case-by-case basis. NOT-OD-18-188 provides further details.

UPDATE: Effective June 29, 2018, entities who create or update their registration no longer need to have an approved Entity Administration notarized letter on file before their registration is activated. More details on these changes can be found on the GSA website.