Purpose

This policy outlines the eligibility criteria and requirements for Elevate for Humanity's participation in federal funding opportunities through SAM.gov, including:

• Federal grants for workforce development
• Department of Labor funding programs
• Department of Education grants
• Federal contracts for training services
• Cooperative agreements and partnerships

What is SAM.gov?

The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is the official U.S. government system that:

• Consolidates federal procurement systems
• Registers entities doing business with the federal government
• Validates entity information and credentials
• Tracks exclusions and debarments
• Posts federal contract and grant opportunities
• Manages entity compliance and reporting

Registration in SAM.gov is required for any organization seeking to receive federal grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.

Organizational Eligibility Requirements

Legal Entity Status

Elevate for Humanity must maintain:

• Legal Formation: Valid incorporation or organization under state law
• Tax Status: Current IRS determination letter (501(c)(3) or other applicable status)
• Good Standing: Active status with state of incorporation
• Registered Agent: Current registered agent for legal service

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

We maintain a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) assigned through SAM.gov, which:

• Replaced the DUNS number system in April 2022
• Uniquely identifies our organization in federal systems
• Is required for all federal funding applications
• Must be kept current and accurate

SAM.gov Registration

Our SAM.gov registration includes:

• Entity Information: Legal name, address, and contact details
• CAGE Code: Commercial and Government Entity code
• NAICS Codes: North American Industry Classification System codes for our services
• Banking Information: Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) details for payments
• Points of Contact: Designated officials for various functions
• Representations and Certifications: Required compliance statements

Registration Maintenance

• Registration must be renewed annually
• Updates required within 30 days of any changes
• Continuous monitoring for accuracy
• Designated staff responsible for maintenance

Compliance Requirements

Federal Regulations

We maintain compliance with:

• 2 CFR 200: Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements (Uniform Guidance)
• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): For contract opportunities
• Agency-Specific Regulations: DOL, DOE, and other relevant agencies
• OMB Circulars: Office of Management and Budget guidance

Financial Management

• Accounting System: Adequate financial management system
• Internal Controls: Policies and procedures for fund management
• Audit Capability: Ability to undergo federal audits
• Cost Allocation: Proper allocation of direct and indirect costs
• Financial Reporting: Timely and accurate financial reports

Organizational Capacity

• Technical Capability: Expertise to deliver proposed services
• Management Capacity: Ability to manage federal awards
• Past Performance: Track record of successful program delivery
• Facilities and Equipment: Adequate resources for program implementation

Legal Compliance

• No Debarment: Not excluded or debarred from federal programs
• No Suspension: Not suspended from federal contracting
• Tax Compliance: Current on all federal tax obligations
• Debt Status: No delinquent federal debts
• Lobbying Restrictions: Compliance with lobbying disclosure requirements

Opportunity-Specific Eligibility

Grant Eligibility Factors

For each federal grant opportunity, we assess:

• Entity Type: Whether we qualify as an eligible applicant (nonprofit, educational institution, etc.)
• Geographic Scope: Service area requirements and restrictions
• Program Focus: Alignment with our mission and capabilities
• Target Population: Ability to serve specified beneficiaries
• Matching Requirements: Capacity to provide required cost share or match
• Performance Standards: Ability to meet outcome and performance metrics

Contract Eligibility Factors

• Small Business Status: Size standards for set-aside opportunities
• Socioeconomic Categories: Woman-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, etc.
• Technical Requirements: Specific qualifications or certifications
• Security Clearances: If required for contract performance
• Bonding Capacity: For construction or high-value contracts

Representations and Certifications

Required Certifications

We maintain current certifications regarding:

• Drug-Free Workplace: Compliance with Drug-Free Workplace Act
• Lobbying Activities: Disclosure of lobbying activities and expenditures
• Debarment and Suspension: Certification of non-debarment
• Civil Rights: Compliance with civil rights laws and nondiscrimination
• Environmental Standards: Compliance with environmental regulations
• Labor Standards: Compliance with Davis-Bacon and other labor laws
• Trafficking in Persons: Prohibition on trafficking and forced labor

Annual Updates

All representations and certifications are reviewed and updated annually, or more frequently if circumstances change.

Opportunity Identification and Pursuit

Monitoring Process

• Daily Monitoring: Regular review of SAM.gov opportunity postings
• Keyword Alerts: Automated alerts for relevant opportunities
• Agency Forecasts: Tracking of agency funding forecasts
• Partner Notifications: Coordination with partner organizations

Eligibility Assessment

For each opportunity, we conduct a preliminary assessment of:

1. Basic eligibility requirements
2. Alignment with organizational mission and capacity
3. Financial and resource requirements
4. Likelihood of success
5. Strategic value and impact

Go/No-Go Decision

Leadership reviews eligibility assessment and makes a go/no-go decision based on:

• Mission alignment
• Organizational capacity
• Resource availability
• Competitive positioning
• Strategic priorities

Application Requirements

Standard Application Components

• SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance
• SF-424A/B: Budget Information
• Project Narrative: Detailed program description
• Budget Narrative: Justification for costs
• Organizational Information: Capacity and experience
• Certifications: Required representations and assurances

Supporting Documentation

• IRS determination letter
• Audited financial statements
• Articles of incorporation and bylaws
• Board roster and resolutions
• Letters of support and commitment
• Resumes of key personnel

Submission Process

• Applications submitted through Grants.gov or agency portals
• Compliance with formatting and page limits
• Timely submission before deadlines
• Confirmation of receipt and tracking

Post-Award Compliance

Award Acceptance

Upon award notification, we:

• Review award terms and conditions
• Negotiate modifications if necessary
• Accept award formally
• Establish project management structure
• Set up accounting and tracking systems

Ongoing Compliance

• Financial Management: Proper use and accounting of federal funds
• Reporting: Timely submission of progress and financial reports
• Record Keeping: Maintenance of required documentation
• Monitoring: Internal monitoring and evaluation
• Audits: Cooperation with federal audits and reviews

Closeout

• Final reports and deliverables
• Financial reconciliation
• Return of unused funds
• Record retention (typically 3-5 years)
• Final audit if required

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Disqualification

We would be ineligible for federal funding if:

• Debarred or suspended from federal programs
• Excluded from federal contracting
• Delinquent on federal debt
• Non-compliant with federal tax obligations
• Convicted of fraud or other serious crimes
• In default on previous federal awards

Risk Factors

Factors that may affect eligibility or require mitigation:

• History of non-compliance with federal awards
• Qualified or adverse audit opinions
• Financial instability or going concern issues
• Lack of adequate financial management systems
• Unresolved audit findings

Roles and Responsibilities

Grants Management Team

• Grants Director: Overall responsibility for federal funding strategy
• SAM.gov Administrator: Maintains registration and updates
• Grants Writer: Prepares applications and proposals
• Financial Manager: Ensures financial compliance
• Program Manager: Implements awarded programs

Executive Leadership

• Approves pursuit of opportunities
• Signs applications and certifications
• Accepts awards on behalf of organization
• Ensures organizational compliance

Board of Directors

• Provides governance oversight
• Approves major grant applications
• Ensures fiduciary responsibility
• Reviews compliance and performance

Contact Information

SAM.gov Resources

• SAM.gov Website: sam.gov
• SAM.gov Help: Federal Service Desk
• Grants.gov: grants.gov

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