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What flexibilities are available for applicants that have difficulty registering for SAM.gov and cannot submit applications to EPA through Grants.gov?

Revised per the June 18, 2020 OMB Guidance.

EPA has not been notified of any changes to the Grants.gov registration and SAM validation processes following the release of the June 18, 2020 OMB Guidance. Applicants should continue to review the Grants.gov Release 18.1.1 Notes (PDF) for information on the flexibilities available and contact Grants.gov Support with any questions. EPA will update this FQ once we receive more information from Grants.gov. In addition, EPA will continue to provide flexibility to EPA applicants who are experiencing operational capacity or other issues due to COVID-19 affecting their submissions consistent with the above OMB guidance.

Applicants for EPA funding opportunities (particularly competitive ones) that are experiencing technical difficulties in applying for an opportunity because of SAM.gov registration issues may submit their applications via an alternative method, such as email. As described in the instructions in Section IV of competitive solicitations, applicants should contact the point of contact listed in Section VII of the funding opportunity they are interested in to notify them of the issue and request approval to submit the application outside of Grants.gov. Applicants of noncompetitive opportunities should contact the EPA point of contact they have been working with. Please note that applicants afforded this flexibility should still initiate registration with SAM.gov by the time of application submission to the extent possible. If they are selected for award, not having an active SAM registration will delay the processing of the award because they must have an active SAM registration for EPA to issue an award. If you have any questions, please contact your EPA program point of contact.

Return to Frequent Questions about Grants and Coronavirus (COVID-19).