American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are a once in a generation injection of capital into all levels of government to respond to the COVID–19 public health emergency and its economic impacts. Local leaders, with public input, will have discretion over how to spend these allocations. The State of Maine will not be allowed to add additional rules to the roughly $250 million distributed directly to municipalities.
It is not common though certainly not unheard of for businesses to solicit organizations regarding NEU ARPA funds, DUNS numbers, and/or SAM.gov registrations for a fee. For instance, in the past we have been informed of fraudulent SAM.gov renewal notices circulating, erroneously claiming that a SAM.gov renewal fee is due and linking the reader to a non-SAM.gov website. Keep in mind: It is FREE to apply for and to maintain the registrations required for NEU distribution via this program. If you hear from a company claiming to represent the government and/or asking you to contact them and pay them money, be cautious. If by chance an organization has paid a fee, the fee can be disputed typically within 60 days.