WASHINGTON--The General Services Administration’s (GSA) proposed changes to System for Award Management (SAM) certifications could create new challenges for federal financial assistance applicants, according to America’s Credit Unions, which urged the GSA to withdraw their proposed changes, noting they may be too vague and could create confusion that unintentionally burdens credit unions and community development financial institutions (CDFIs).
In a comment letter responding to the proposal, Head of Regulatory Advocacy James Akin wrote that undefined terms around “discriminatory practices” and “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) program” requirements would make compliance unclear, potentially forcing credit unions and other applicants to incur legal costs or opt out of federal programs altogether.
Akin also noted the proposal could unintentionally limit access to financial services in underserved communities, conflict with existing legal requirements, and discourage effective programs—particularly those run by CDFIs.