Overview
This section prescribes the mandatory use of specific provisions and clauses regarding the System for Award Management (SAM) in federal solicitations and contracts to ensure offerors are registered and maintain their data accurately.
Key Rules
- Provision 52.204-7 (System for Award Management): Must be included in all solicitations unless a specific exception under FAR 4.1102(a) applies (such as micro-purchases or classified contracts).
- Alternate I of 52.204-7: Required when the solicitation involves foreign entities for performance outside the United States where registration is not required until after the offer is submitted.
- Clause 52.204-13 (System for Award Management Maintenance): Must be included in both the solicitation and the resulting contract whenever the 52.204-7 provision is used.
Practical Implications
- Contractors must ensure their SAM registration is active and accurate at the time of offer submission to be eligible for award.
- The inclusion of the maintenance clause mandates that the winning contractor keeps their SAM record current throughout the entire period of performance to avoid issues with contract administration and government payments.