Vendor Integration

OCA provides vendors with limited assistance in the implementation of calls to CAFS APIs. SBA CAFS testing facility that vendors may access to test their files is located at http://catweb.sba.gov/cls. This test facility is like the production facility except that applications are not processed beyond validation. Vendors must be set up on the test facility and must use a valid test account to access this platform.

The link to latest Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA) published on 10/05/2021 is here.

Setup as a Vendor

The process to request access to the TEST environment is listed below:

  1. The vendor can send an email to CAFSTEST@sba.gov with the following details:
    1. Name, email address, and phone number of the lead in the vendor division who will use the web service
    2. Name, email address, and phone number of the security officer who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the security controls in the vendor system
  2. The vendor will be sent the Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA) vendor template for completion.
  3. After the vendor returns the signed ISA, the system owner will review and approve or reject the ISA.
  4. If the ISA is approved, the vendor will be set up with a location ID in PIMS test with the required agreements.
  5. The signed and approved ISA will be stored in PIMS under the “Documents” tab in CAFS.
  6. The vendor will be required to attend an onboarding session before they are given access integrate with ETRAN.
  7. After the onboarding session is completed,
    1. The vendor will receive a Partner ID, Location ID, Vendor Software Name, and Software Vendor ID to use the APIs in test.
    2. The lender/vendor will receive instructions to create a partner account in TEST.
  8. In production, the lender will send the lender location and NOT the location id provided for TEST. Use the Software Vendor ID specific to each environment.

Please note that this is a one-time process, and once a Vendor is registered, multiple lenders can potentially leverage the Vendor’s product to integrate with SBA’s web services.

Setting up a Lender account

  1. Set up your CLS Account (CAFS Home).
  2. Set up Lender Authorizing Official account, review instructions provided on CAFS Home page.
  3. After the account is approved, add roles such as “ETRAN Origination”, “ETRAN Servicing”, “Code Tables”, and “PIMS”.