SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government website where businesses register to do business with the federal government. Think of it as the government's contractor directory — if you're not in it, you don't exist to federal buyers.
SAM.gov serves multiple functions:
Before you can access SAM.gov, you need a Login.gov account. This is the government's single sign-on service used across multiple federal websites.
Login.gov's identity proofing can be frustrating. If automated verification fails, you may need to verify in person at a USPS location. Common issues: name mismatches between your ID and credit bureau records, recently moved addresses, or photos that don't meet quality standards. Be patient — this is a one-time process.
The UEI is your business's unique identifier for all federal transactions. It replaced DUNS numbers in April 2022.
Your UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric code (e.g., AB1234567CD8). Save it — you'll use it for every government interaction.
Once you have your UEI, you can begin the full entity registration. This is the detailed profile that makes you visible to government buyers.
This is the most important section. Enter:
Select the NAICS codes that describe your business. You can select multiple codes, but designate one as your primary code.
For each NAICS code, the system will ask for your revenue and employee count to determine if you meet the SBA small business size standard. This determines your eligibility for small business set-aside contracts.
See our Set-Aside Programs Guide for details on size standards.
You must provide banking information for electronic funds transfer (EFT). The government pays contractors electronically — there's no option for paper checks.
SAM.gov is a secure government system and this information is protected by federal privacy laws. However, be cautious of phishing emails pretending to be SAM.gov. Always access SAM.gov directly by typing the URL — never from email links.
This section contains legally binding statements about your business. You're certifying compliance with various federal regulations (FAR and DFARS). Key certifications include:
Read each certification carefully. False statements can result in criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1001.
Designate at least two contacts:
After completing all sections, review everything and submit. The government will validate your information against:
Expected timeline: 7-10 business days for a new registration. Renewals are typically faster (3-5 days). During peak periods (end of fiscal year in September), processing can take 3-4 weeks.
You'll receive email notifications about your registration status. Check SAM.gov directly if you haven't heard back after 10 business days.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| IRS validation failure | Business name doesn't match IRS records exactly | Use your legal name from IRS Letter 147C or SS-4 confirmation |
| Identity verification failure | Login.gov can't verify your identity online | Verify in person at a USPS location |
| Registration "stuck" in review | Missing information or IRS mismatch | Call the Federal Service Desk: 866-606-8220 |
| CAGE code delay | New entities need a CAGE code assigned by DLA | Wait 1-2 extra business days; it's automatic |
| Can't find my entity | Registration may still be processing | Check status in SAM.gov under "Entity Registrations" |
The online form takes 1-3 hours to complete. Government validation takes 7-10 business days. Total end-to-end: approximately 2 weeks.
Yes, completely free. Registration, renewal, and all SAM.gov services are provided at no cost by the government. If anyone charges you for SAM.gov registration, they are selling a consulting service — the registration itself is always free at SAM.gov.
The Unique Entity ID (UEI) replaced DUNS numbers in April 2022. UEIs are issued for free directly by SAM.gov. If you previously had a DUNS number, your UEI was automatically assigned during the government-wide transition.
Yes. Sole proprietors, LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and all other legal business structures can register. Sole proprietors may use their SSN in place of an EIN, though obtaining an EIN (free from the IRS) is recommended.
If your SAM.gov registration expires, you cannot bid on new contracts or receive payments on existing contracts until you renew. Renewal uses the same online process and is typically validated within 3-5 business days. Always renew before expiration.
GovContract Daily delivers AI-curated SAM.gov opportunities to your inbox every weekday at 6 AM ET. Filtered by your NAICS codes and set-aside type.
Subscribe FreeThis guide is for informational purposes only. SAM.gov procedures and requirements may change. Always refer to the official SAM.gov website for the most current information.