SEC has repeated problems with their website and email systems. This has been the case for years.
I am familiar with the assignment you are talking about. It is a lot of work for the fee you ultimately receive. I did it this year but will never take that gig again, not even for double pay. It simply was not worth it.
I was able to call them and get through yesterday on a different assignment, so I know they are there. They have been sending me emails that are not coming through, so it looks like they are having another communications problem.
Hope this information is of some help to you.