SAM Registration & Reps/Certs (Part 4)

FAR 52.204-13

System for Award Management Maintenance

Companion to 52.204-7. While 52.204-7 governs the time-of-offer registration requirement, 52.204-13 requires the awardee to keep SAM registration active and accurate throughout contract performance — and to notify the CO of any material changes.

FAR / DFARS Part
FAR Part 4 — Administrative and Information Matters
Prescribed By
FAR 4.1105(b) — Required in contracts when 52.204-7 is included.
Flow-down to Subcontracts

Not flowed down.

What this clause requires

  • 1Maintain active SAM registration for the entire period of performance.
  • 2Update SAM within 30 days of any change in legal business name, address, ownership, or controlling interest.
  • 3Notify the CO promptly of any change in business name (name-change agreement is required under FAR 42.1204).
  • 4Annual SAM renewal — overdue renewal may suspend payments.

When this clause applies

Every contract that includes 52.204-7. Covers the post-award maintenance obligation.

Common pitfalls

!Allowing SAM to expire 60-90 days after award — invoices stop processing.
!Failing to file a name-change agreement after an internal reorganization — payments may be rejected.
!Not updating EFT banking details promptly — payments routed to closed bank account result in returned funds.

Proposal-team checklist

  • ☐Designate a SAM administrator at contract kickoff; rotate ownership when that person leaves.
  • ☐Integrate SAM-expiration alerts into the contract calendar; set reminders 90/60/30 days out.
  • ☐Document the change-of-name process — internal counsel should pre-approve a template Novation/Change-of-Name Agreement.

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FAQ

What happens if SAM expires mid-contract?

Payments are typically suspended. Some agencies will continue performance but not pay until SAM is reactivated. Reactivation requires re-validating TIN, CAGE, banking, and reps.

Does a stock sale require a SAM update?

Yes, if it changes the controlling interest. Internal reorganization may also require a Novation Agreement under FAR 42.1204.

Related clauses

FAR 52.204-7
System for Award Management
FAR 52.232-33
EFT Payment via SAM
FAR 52.212-3
Offeror Reps & Certs — Commercial

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Reference content based on the Federal Acquisition Regulation and DFARS as of June 2026. Always verify the current clause text at acquisition.gov before relying on it for an actual submission. Educational reference; not legal advice.