Are you crying Uncle over the SAM debacle?

Agencies that are supposed to be using the General Services Administration’s new System for Award Management are pulling back because of problems plaguing the procurement system. Known as SAM, the system combines three databases into one system for procurement officials to check information on contractors. Because of chronic problems since its launch in July, the Defense Department is allowing contractors to register their information via other databases, . SAM was developed by IBM, and GSA says it continues to work with the company to resolve issues. DOD's pull back from the system is temporary, defense officials said.DOD says that problems have slowed the awarding contracts and task orders because procurement officials need to check the database before making an award. SAM includes three Integrated Acquisition Environment systems: the Central Contractor Registration system that companies use to register certain business information before being considered for contract awards; the Online Representations and Certifications Application for submitting certifications on matters such as company size and ownership status; and the Excluded Parties List System, which is a record of the companies suspended or debarred from federal work. Complaints have included entering company information only to have it disappear and only getting a busy signal when calling for help on the phone.