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2.0 PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION/STANDARDS The Grantee must adhere to all MEAP Program Standards. 2.1 GRANT PAYMENT SCHEDULE An initial advance of 50% of the total grant award will be made to the selected applicant after a Grant Agreement is fully executed. Two subsequent advances of 20% will be provided upon submission of a Financial Status Report/Payment Request accompanied by documentation showing that at least 50% of the prior advance has been expended. Ten (10) percent of the total grant award will be held back pending verification and approval, by MPSC Staff, of the Financial Status Reports and the Interim Project Status Report. Public Act 279 of 1984, MCL 17.52, states that the State shall take all steps necessary to assure that payment for goods or services is mailed within 45 days after receipt of the goods or services, a complete invoice for goods or services, or a complete contract for goods or services, whichever is later. 2.1.1 GRANTEE REGISTRATION The MEAP Grantee will be directed to the State of Michigan’s SIGMA Vendor Self Service (VSS) website- http://www.michigan.gov/sigmavss. The Grantee must register as a vendor on this website to receive distributions from the MEAP and will not receive payment until they are registered as a vendor with the State of Michigan. The Grantee must ensure that the name and address on the grant contract matches the registered name and address for vendor registration. The Grantee must also be registered in SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity ID (formerly DUNS number). Since MEAP grantees are Non-Federal Users of SAM.gov, a full registration is not required. Click on “Get Unique Entity ID.” Visit SAM.gov or the link above for more information. For instructions on how to begin the process please see Appendix U. 2.2 MEAP OBJECTIVES 1. Provide support to households in applying for energy crisis assistance through the State Emergency Relief (SER) program. 2. Through a common needs assessment, align customer need with an appropriate energy security plan for each household. 3. Provide resources and services, including vendor advocacy, energy use education, financial counseling and/or case management to qualifying households that will enable participants to become or move toward energy security. The household’s self-sufficiency/energy security plan can incorporate direct payment assistance, including payments for customers enrolled in affordable payment plans.