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Created by
Sherrella Rollins, last updated on Mar 26, 2026
9 minute read
This guide helps you navigate common questions and tasks within the Project Management Center (PMC). We'll focus on how you can effectively manage your projects, rather than just explaining the system's technicalities.
General
What do the different award statuses mean?
PN - Pending; project started but not active
AA - Active; contract in performance from award date to completion date
CA - Completion date passed; no final acceptance of deliverables - still open
CO - Completed with final acceptance of deliverables; closeout action initiated
RA - Closeout completed. Retirement/aging begun. 2CFR 200.334 requires CMEI to retain project records for 3 years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report (SF-425)
RD - Retired - file destroyed
Who is responsible for updating the “Award Status” within the PMC award record as a project proceeds throughout its life cycle?
The status does not update automatically. Technology Office staff are responsible for updating the award status in the PMC in consultation with the CO if necessary.
Can I update the technical contact and/or business contact in the award record before a mod is processed to formally change this information on the assistance agreement?
While it's best practice to update contacts in the PMC after the modification is processed in STRIPES, you can update them sooner to ensure notifications reach the correct individual. Please note that should you choose to update the technical contact and/or business contact in the PMC, you must formalize this change through a modification in STRIPES as soon as possible.
Is there a way to see what the recipient is seeing when it comes to the deliverable upload site?
CMEI staff can create a recipient-facing account to understand their view:
Select "Financial Assistance Applicant and Recipient Users" as the Login Location.
Select the "Create New Account" link.
Accept the Rules of Behavior.
Fill out the "Recipient/Applicant Site Access" new user form. You can use your DOE email.
What external users can view reports submitted to the PMC?
External users assigned as the Technical Contact, Business Contact, and Additional Contacts can view reports for projects where they hold that role.
What is the size limit to upload document to the PMC?
The size limit for uploading documents is 50 MBs.
How do I add a new announcement number to the announcement dropdown options?
Open the CMEI Procurement Plan from the left-side menu.
Click on "Create new Procurement Plan Requirement".
Enter the necessary data, ensuring you put the announcement number in the "7 Digit STRIPES-Generated Number" field.
Click "Submit". The record will save. (Note: It may say SOL, but it will appear as FOA in Project Management.)
Open the Project Management menu and verify that the new announcement number is now in the dropdown.
Mini-Requisition Management
Why can’t I create a new mini-req?
PMC prevents you from creating a new mini-req if an existing one is "open" (either pending or signed with only the first acknowledgment applied). To create a new mini-req, ensure that you have applied both the "Acknowledge Requisition Approval" and the "Acknowledge Award Action Approval" to all existing mini-reqs. If an open mini-req was created in error, email the CMEI Help Center to request its deletion.
How do I tell which mini-req is open if they are all showing as signed?
The system considers a mini-req 'open' until the second acknowledgment ("Acknowledge Award Action Approval") is applied, even if its status changes to 'signed' after the first acknowledgment. Click the magnifying glass icon on the far right of each mini-req to view details and determine if any acknowledgments are outstanding.
How do I add a mini-req for a previous fiscal year?
Create the mini-req for the current year, then contact CMEI Help Center to update its fiscal year.
Who is responsible for acknowledging a mini-req?
The Tech Office is ultimately responsible for acknowledging mini reqs, though practices vary. Consult your specific Tech Office for their process.
While CMEI does not standardize responsibility for acknowledging a mini-req, the following guidance on when to acknowledge a mini-req is encouraged:
Acknowledge Requisition Approval: Select this after both the PO Non-Budget (Program Specific) and Budget Approving Officials have approved the requisition in STRIPES. The acknowledgment date should match the action date in STRIPES.
Acknowledge Award Action Approval: Select this after the CO has approved the award modification in STRIPES. The acknowledgment date should match the action date in STRIPES.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if I forget to update the award status in the PMC?
A: If you do not update the award status manually, the PMC will not reflect the actual progress of your project. This could lead to confusion regarding the project's current phase and potentially affect other administrative processes that rely on accurate status information. You are responsible for ensuring this information is current.
Q: I've updated the technical contact in PMC for urgent notifications, but the formal modification in STRIPES is taking time. Is there any risk in this?
A: While updating the contact in PMC ensures immediate notifications go to the right person, it's crucial to understand that without the formal modification in STRIPES, the official record still holds the old contact information. This means that for any legal or official documentation, the old contact would still be recognized until STRIPES is updated. Always prioritize formalizing the change in STRIPES as quickly as possible to avoid discrepancies.
Q: If I create a recipient-facing account to test the system, will my actions on that account affect actual recipient reports or data?
A: No, creating a recipient-facing account is for your informational purposes to understand the user experience. Your actions within this test account will not impact actual recipient reports, submissions, or data for live projects. It's a safe way to familiarize yourself with the recipient's view without altering any official project information.
Q: I'm having trouble getting the FARC to fully submit, and my deliverable dates aren't updating. What's the most common mistake I might be making?
A: The most common mistake in this scenario is not waiting for the "Update Successful" message after submitting the FARC. The submission process can sometimes take a minute or two. If you navigate away or close the page before seeing this confirmation, the FARC may not be fully processed, preventing deliverable dates from linking correctly to a new end date. Always ensure you see that confirmation message.
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