GSA Proposes Sweeping SAM Portal Changes: New Certifications Could Impact Federal Grant Eligibility
March 19, 2026 · 3 min read
Arthur Griffin
Hook: Major Federal Grant Rule Change Imminent — Comments Due March 30
On January 28, 2026, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced sweeping amendments to the System for Award Management (SAM) portal that could fundamentally reshape federal grant eligibility. Under the proposal, every applicant for federal grants—including nonprofits, universities, and businesses—will soon be required to certify compliance with new rules on topics ranging from DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) to immigration law. The public comment period closes March 30, 2026—leaving just days for your organization to weigh in or prepare for looming compliance requirements.
Context: Why This Matters in the Broader Landscape
The SAM.gov portal serves as the federal government's universal registration point for organizations seeking grants, contracts, or assistance. Every year, hundreds of billions of dollars in funding is disbursed exclusively to entities registered in SAM. The new GSA proposal introduces a series of mandatory certifications and representations that go beyond traditional eligibility requirements—even for existing grantees.
These revisions are designed to align with Executive Order 14173 and recent U.S. Department of Justice guidance under the Trump administration. Highlighted changes include affirmations that your organization does not:
- Engage in unlawful discrimination based on race or color
- Support activities that would undermine public safety or national security
- Employ prohibited DEI practices (like mandatory diversity statements, race-based selection in training/hiring, or using "lived experience" as a primary qualifying factor)
- Violate federal immigration laws (including hiring and visa restrictions)
Although the certifications largely echo existing law, the new language signals stricter federal oversight—especially over DEI and immigration compliance. Once finalized, organizations must update their SAM registrations or risk losing access to all federal financial assistance.
Impact: How This Affects Nonprofits, Universities, and Small Businesses
Nonprofits & Advocacy Groups
Organizations such as the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums and Advance CTE argue that these changes represent a "drastic" departure from current practice. Critics worry that the new attestations could:
- Make it harder for nonprofits to qualify for federal grants if their diversity or hiring statements are seen as noncompliant.
- Deter organizations from supporting historically excluded groups, for fear of running afoul of new rules.
- Increase administrative burdens, since alignment with new certifications may require costly policy audits and updates.
Universities & Research Institutions
Major universities (e.g., UNC Research) have voiced concerns about the proposal's reach. With much federal research funding at stake, institutions could see research projects—particularly those involving DEI components or international scholars—delayed or derailed by noncompliance.
Small Businesses
Legal consultants such as Fisher Phillips and Blank Rome suggest that the new rules are part of broader efforts to reduce what some see as "wasteful" DEI and to tighten oversight of H-1B and other visa programs. That means even small businesses competing for innovation grants or contracts must now examine their own training, hiring, and immigration practices.
Action: Steps You Should Take Right Now
- Review Your Policies: Assess all diversity and hiring-related policies, diversity statements, and training materials. Ensure nothing could be interpreted as contravening the new SAM certifications.
- Audit Immigration Compliance: Make certain your organization meets all federal immigration requirements, particularly if you employ or contract with non-citizens.
- Submit Public Comments: Use the SAM.gov public comment portal or refer to your membership association’s calls to action. The deadline is March 30, 2026. Refer directly to the GSA's official proposal for instructions.
- Communicate with Funders: Alert your program officers or contracts teams to the pending changes and ask how they plan to implement any final rules.
Outlook: What to Watch Next
If these changes are finalized shortly after the March 30 comment deadline, federal grant applicants will likely need to update their SAM profiles and certify under the new rules before any new awards are made. Given the controversy, expect rapid legal reviews and possible policy updates from major advocacy organizations. Grant seekers should plan for increased documentation and, potentially, new scrutiny if they continue to prioritize equity initiatives.
As always, Granted AI is here to keep you informed about major policy changes—and help you respond, advocate, and plan for compliance as the grant landscape evolves.
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