Overview
This subpart establishes the policies and procedures for using the System for Award Management (SAM) as the mandatory, centralized repository for contractor representations and certifications.
Key Rules
- Centralized Submission: Contractors are required to submit and maintain their representations and certifications within SAM to eliminate the need for redundant submissions to multiple contracting offices.
- Unified Source of Truth: SAM serves as the government-wide authoritative source for procurement offices to access contractor-specific certifications.
- Legal Incorporation: The contractor’s representations and certifications stored in SAM are formally incorporated by reference into any resulting contract award.
Practical Implications
- This "enter once, use many" approach reduces the administrative burden on contractors, who only need to update their information annually (or as changes occur) rather than with every individual bid.
- Contracting Officers can streamline award documentation by referencing the SAM record, ensuring the legal file remains current without requiring voluminous physical paperwork for standard certifications.