Libraries that plan to apply for federal funds, such as Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), must be registered in the federal System for Award Management (SAM). The SAM registration must be active at the time the ARP-IMLS contract is executed and the registration must remain active throughout the award and reporting period.

Registration with SAM.gov is FREE and when you register in SAM.gov, on-screen help is available for many data fields! As you go through registration and select data fields to enter information, an information box appears in the upper right corner of your screen

For example, in the “Assertions” section, you must enter at least one NAICS code for your entity.  When you place the cursor in the “Search for NAICS Code” field, the information box appears with more details about NAICS codes.

For a screenshot, click here to view this post in the GSA site IAE Interact* (be sure to click on “subscribe here” to follow IAE while you’re there).

In the “Core Data” section, the information box appears with each field, describing important background information to help you complete the registration successfully. This feature is available with most data entry fields in each section of registration.

Registration can be a detailed process, but it’s a critical step in applying for federal awards.

For the screenshot, click here to go to IAE Interact.*

You may also get help with each step of your registration by viewing these guides to entity registration at the Federal Service Desk (FSD.gov).

*GSA Interact, is an open, collaborative community for connecting, communicating, learning and engaging across GSA topics. their goal is to help increase government’s effectiveness through better communication and collaboration