who is sam and why do farmers want to meet him? jodi essex government contracting assistant november...
TRANSCRIPT
Who is SAM and why do Farmers want to meet him?
Jodi EssexGovernment Contracting Assistant
November 18, 2014
© 2014 Iowa State University, All Rights Reserved
Since 1963, we have delivered proven services to enhance the performance of industry. Our approach, Engage. Educate. Embed., creates a specific solution that allows each business, along with its community, to prosper and grow. Coupled with a satisfaction guarantee, our typical client has achieved a 200% return on investment.
A vast network of university and industry experts brings years of professional experience to CIRAS, making us a leading integrator of solutions in Iowa. Clients have reported an economic impact of more than $1.8 billion over the past five years.
Since 1963, we have delivered proven services to enhance the performance of industry. Our approach, Engage. Educate. Embed., creates a specific solution that allows each business, along with its community, to prosper and grow. Coupled with a satisfaction guarantee, our typical client has achieved a 200% return on investment.
A vast network of university and industry experts brings years of professional experience to CIRAS, making us a leading integrator of solutions in Iowa. Clients have reported an economic impact of more than $1.8 billion over the past five years.
Center for Industrial Research and Service
Improving the profitability of businesses through…
Proven ServicesOur customizable services are rooted in applied research and established best practices.
Engage. Educate. Embed.Our approach ensures we deliver a service that is specific to your business. We focus on making the improvement stick and support you even after a project ends.
Return on InvestmentOur commitment to permanent improvement is backed by a satisfaction guarantee. A typical client achieves a 200% ROI – $2 return for every $1 invested.
Vast NetworkOur partnerships stretch across ISU and beyond. Relationships with public and private experts enable us to deliver a solution that meets your needs.
Our network extends across ISU and the nation
ISU Partners
• ISU Faculty and Labs• Center for Crops
Utilization Research • Environmental Health
and Safety• IPRT Company
Assistance• Meat Science Extension• Human Sciences
Extension• Structural Engineering
Laboratory• Communities and
Economic Development
External Partners
• Federal Programs- DOC/MEP- DOD/PTAP- EDA/UCP
• Iowa Area Development Group
• Iowa Association of Business and Industry
• Iowa Innovation Corporation
• Iowa Farm Bureau• NIACC and ICCC
Affiliates
• Iowa Economic Development Authority
• Iowa DOT• UNI• Chambers of Commerce• Councils of
Governments• Local Economic
Developers• Community Colleges• Public and Private
Service Providers• Others
What is SAM?
System for Award ManagementOnline registration site for entities (including farms) that are to receive grants or financial assistance from the federal government.This includes USDA/NRCS funds for EQIP, Conservation, Watershed, or Easement Programs
Background on SAM
• Implemented in 2012, the System for Award Management (SAM) is combining federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance into one new system in order to gain efficiencies and cut costs. This consolidation is being done in phases. The first phase of SAM includes the functionality from the following systems:
* Central Contractor Registry (CCR)* Federal Agency Registration (Fedreg)* Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA)* Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)
Who needs a SAM Registration?
• Anybody that sells their goods and services to the federal government.
• Entities operating under an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) wishing to receive grants or financial assistance from the federal government.
Why do Farmers need a SAM Registration?
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers grants and financial assistance to farmers for participation in various programs such as:
• Regional Conservation Partnership Program (soil erosion, wind erosion, etc.)• Easement Programs• Watershed Programs • Conservation Programs• Plus many more . . .CRP, CSP, EQIP
• The federal government uses SAM as a payment mechanism in order to disburse funds to the farmers for these programs.
What’s my role as a county extension staff member?
• Be knowledgeable• Give resources• Point them in the right direction
Tip #1
DON’T GET SCAMMED!!
There are many sites out there that pose as government sites, and require a fee. Registering in
SAM is FREE!
WWW.SAM.GOV
Tip #2
If you are an individual, LLC, or Revocable Trust claiming federal assistance under your social security number, you DO
NOT need a SAM Registration.
What am I expected to tell Farmers who come to me for help?
“Do you have all of your information ready?”
Required Information:• Email address that they have access to
• DUNS number that is in the name of their business, not their personal name
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• Bank information (account number, routing number, phone number)
Talking Points on Email Addresses
Why is an email address required?• Account verification – Before a SAM account can be
created, they will verify the email address used to create the account.
• Account notifications – All notifications regarding your registration are communicated via email.
Troubleshooting Opportunity
• Assist with getting an email account and making sure they know the password for it.
• When the verification email is sent, the link that needs to be clicked on is often not a hyperlink and needs to be copied and pasted into the internet browser.
(optional)
Talking Points on DUNS Numbers
What is a DUNS number?• Data Universal Numbering System• Distinguishes companies from one another• Issued by Dun & Bradstreet (a publically traded company)• Dun & Bradstreet maintains a companies financial history and credit
requests
How do I obtain a DUNS number?• https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform• Some have their lawyer or tax professional obtain this for them (not necessary).
Must be in their legal business name!!!• If they have a corporation, the DUNS must be in the name of the corporation, not
their personal names.
Talking Points on DUNS Numbers . . continued
How do I know if it’s in my legal business name?• https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/companylookup.htm • Search the name and state of your corporation
What do I do if the DUNS is not in their legal business name?• Advise them that their DUNS profile must be changed
How do they change their DUNS profile?• Log back into their online DUNS profile and request a name change• Contact their lawyer or tax professional to get it changed (if they assisted in setting up
the DUNS)• Contact ISU CIRAS for assistance
Tips #3 and #4
DON’T GET SCAMMED!
• There are many sites that charge $200-300 to obtain a DUNS number. Do not pay! Be sure to use the link listed on the previous slide as it is FREE to get a DUNS number.
• When obtaining a DUNS, be sure to “OPT OUT” of being on their marketing list. Also, you do not need to purchase any of their products.
Troubleshooting Opportunity
Only use Internet Explorer to obtain a DUNS. Chrome and Firefox often result in frustrating
glitches.
Talking Points on Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs)
For more information visit: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Taxpayer-Identification-Numbers-(TIN)
Note: I’ve never had a problem with somebody not having this. Refer them to their tax accountant for assistance.
Talking Points on Bank Information
Why do I need my bank information?• The government uses SAM as a payment mechanism.
They will direct deposit the funds into your bank account.
What information is required?• Account number • Bank’s routing number• Bank’s phone number
What are my Action Items?
1. Ensure they have all their required information ready.
2. Hand them the SAM Registration Guide.
3. Ask them to attempt the registration themselves.
4. Have them contact ISU CIRAS for assistance.
What’s my role as a county extension staff member?
• Be knowledgeable• Give resources• Point them in the right direction
QUESTIONS
I’ll do a quick (15 minute) SAM Demonstration for those that want to stay on and see the process first hand.
