Skip to contentSAM stands for the System for Award Management, which is a U.S. government database that consolidates information about businesses, organizations, and individuals that do business with the federal government.
The SAM (System for Award Management) system is managed by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The GSA is a federal agency responsible for managing and supporting various functions within the U.S. government, including procurement, real estate, technology, and transportation.
Within the GSA, the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) oversees SAM, ensuring that it operates effectively and efficiently. The GSA’s management of SAM includes maintaining the database, providing user support, and continuously improving the system to meet the needs of government agencies, businesses, and organizations that use it for federal procurement and assistance purposes.
SAM is crucial for businesses looking to bid on federal contracts or receive federal grants, as registration in SAM is often a mandatory requirement.
No, registration in SAM is free if you self-register. However, some registrants run into many issues that leave them stuck and unable to complete the registration. There are also users that just don’t want to deal with the many issues that can arise and would prefer a hassle-free done-for-you service. This is where Federal Processing Registry can assist with the registration and renewal.
The UEI number is a unique identifier for businesses. Yes, you need the UEI number to register in SAM.
The time to complete SAM registration can vary but generally takes several hours spread over a few days.
Yes, you can update your SAM registration at any time.
Failure to renew your SAM registration annually can result in your business becoming inactive in the system, making you ineligible for federal contracts or grants.
SAM is used for both federal contracts and grants.
Yes, foreign businesses and non-profits can register in SAM if they wish to do business with the U.S. federal government.
Visit the official SAM website and click on the “Register” button to begin.
You’ll need basic business information, UEI number, your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and bank account details for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
You can obtain a UEI number for free from the SAM website.
Yes, you can appoint an authorized representative to complete the registration process for you.
A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a unique identifier for businesses. If you don’t have one, SAM will assign you a CAGE code during registration.
Yes, SAM provides detailed step-by-step guides on their website to assist with the registration process.
The notarized letter in SAM (System for Award Management) registration serves a specific purpose related to validating the authenticity of your registration. However, the requirement for a notarized letter has been eliminated as of April 2022 for most entities registering in SAM.
The time it takes for your SAM (System for Award Management) registration to become active can vary based on several factors, including the completeness of your registration, the accuracy of the information you’ve provided, and the processing times at SAM. However, here’s a general overview of what to expect:
If you forget your SAM (System for Award Management) username or password, don’t worry; there are steps you can take to recover your login credentials. SAM provides options for resetting your username or password to help you regain access to your account. Here’s what you can do:
No, SAM registration is a separate process from applying for federal grants, but it’s often a prerequisite.
You must update your SAM registration at least once a year. However, it’s advisable to update it whenever there are changes in your business information.
If your SAM registration expires, you’ll need to re-register to become active in the system again.
Yes, you can update your bank account information in SAM to ensure you receive payments correctly.
Yes, you can add or remove authorized representatives in your SAM profile as needed.
If your business undergoes significant changes in legal structure or ownership, you should update your SAM registration accordingly.
You should promptly update your SAM registration with your new address and contact information.
Changes in your business size or status should be reported in SAM to ensure you’re categorized correctly for procurement purposes.
Yes, SAM is used to check if a business or individual is excluded or debarred from receiving federal contracts or grants.
Yes, you can check the status of your SAM registration on the SAM website.
If you suspect fraudulent activity, contact the SAM helpdesk and report the issue immediately.
You can search for federal contract opportunities by using the search functionality on the SAM website.
SAM provides access to various federal grants, including those for research, education, and community development.
To apply for a federal grant, search for opportunities, read the grant guidelines, and follow the application instructions provided.
Some federal grants may require you to apply through specific grant management systems, while others can be submitted through SAM.
Competitive bids should include a comprehensive proposal, pricing details, and any required documentation as specified in the solicitation.
You can respond to RFPs by accessing the specific contract opportunity on SAM and following the submission instructions provided.
Yes, you can search for subcontracting opportunities within SAM to collaborate with prime contractors.
No, there is no fee to apply for federal contracts or grants through SAM.
The timeline for hearing back about the status of a federal contract or grant application submitted through SAM (System for Award Management) can vary significantly depending on several factors. These factors include the specific agency or organization you’ve applied to, the complexity of the contract or grant, the number of applications received, and the review process in place.
SAM certification, such as the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification, allows businesses to qualify for specific set-aside contracts.
You can apply for certifications through the SAM website by completing the required forms and providing supporting documentation.
SAM’s Entity Registration and Expiration FAQ provides details on how to ensure your registration remains active and doesn’t expire.
SAM’s Entity Administrator manages an organization’s SAM registrations, ensuring they are accurate and up-to-date.
Protect your SAM account by using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) when available.
If you suspect unauthorized access, change your password immediately and contact the SAM helpdesk to report the incident.
It’s not advisable to share your SAM login credentials. Instead, assign authorized representatives with their own access.
If a business or individual is excluded or debarred, they are prohibited from receiving federal contracts or grants.
You can use SAM’s Exclusions Search feature to verify the status of a business or individual.
To be removed from exclusion or debarment, a business must follow the procedures outlined in the debarment notice and demonstrate compliance with federal regulations.
SAM allows the Entity Administrator to manage user accounts, including adding and removing users.
There is no specific limit to the number of users that can be added, but it’s advisable to manage user access responsibly.
You can access SAM from a computer with an internet connection and a compatible web browser.
If you experience technical issues, contact the SAM helpdesk for assistance.
Yes, SAM strives to comply with accessibility standards to accommodate users with disabilities.
SAM provides various reports, including Entity Management Reports and Exclusions Reports, which can be valuable for managing your business.
You can download copies of your SAM registration documentation from your SAM account.
Yes, international businesses can register in SAM if they plan to do business with the U.S. federal government.
International businesses may need to provide specific documentation, such as tax identification numbers or legal entity information.
Yes, SAM provides training resources, including webinars, tutorials, and user guides on its website.
SAM’s training resources are typically offered for free.
Your business must provide accurate and up-to-date information, comply with federal regulations, and ensure that you’re eligible for federal contracts or grants.
Providing false information can result in legal penalties, including fines and disqualification from federal contracting.
Yes, SAM provides access to subcontracting opportunities that can be beneficial for businesses seeking to collaborate with prime contractors.
You can search for prime contractors in SAM and reach out to them to explore potential subcontracting arrangements.
SAM categorizes businesses based on criteria such as annual revenue and number of employees.
You should update your SAM registration to reflect any changes in your business’s size.
The SAM.gov transition refers to the integration of various government websites into a single access point, SAM.gov, streamlining access to federal systems and data.
SAM provides a Grants section where you can search for and access information on available grant opportunities.
Utilize SAM’s search filters and keywords to narrow down federal contract opportunities that align with your business’s expertise.
SAM offers notification services to alert users about new opportunities that match their profiles.
If your SAM registration becomes inactive, you’ll need to reactivate it by updating your information and validating your registration.
There may be a grace period, but it’s advisable to reactivate your SAM registration as soon as possible to avoid any disruptions.
Yes, SAM provides resources and information on programs designed to support minority and disadvantaged businesses.
Minority and disadvantaged businesses can access relevant programs and opportunities by identifying themselves as such during their SAM registration.
Sub-awards are financial assistance mechanisms in which a federal award passes through a non-federal entity to carry out a portion of a federal program. SAM is used to manage and report subawards.
No, you cannot directly search for sub-award opportunities through the System for Award Management (SAM) website.
SAM offers a helpdesk, tutorials, guides, and FAQs on its website to assist users.
Yes, SAM has a dedicated helpdesk that users can contact for assistance.
SAM employs security measures to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the information you provide.
SAM takes data privacy seriously and adheres to relevant regulations to safeguard user information.
The renewal process involves reviewing and updating your SAM registration, ensuring it remains current and accurate.
Missing the annual renewal could result in your registration becoming inactive, affecting your eligibility for federal contracts and grants.
SAM primarily focuses on businesses and organizations seeking federal contracts and grants within the United States.
No, however in-person assistance may be available through government assistance centers, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs).
Vendor performance may be assessed and recorded through the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) or other applicable systems.
SAM is not limited to U.S.-based businesses and can accommodate international businesses intending to work with the U.S. government.
You can amend your SAM registration by logging in to your account and updating the relevant information.
SAM provides access to various federal assistance programs, including grants, loans, and technical support.
SAM offers a directory of federal agencies, offices, and contacts to facilitate communication with government entities.
Eligibility criteria can vary depending on the specific contract or grant opportunity, but factors such as size, legal status, and compliance with federal regulations are common considerations.
Sole proprietorships can register in SAM and participate in federal procurement opportunities.
Payments are typically processed through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) based on the information provided in your SAM registration.
Contact the relevant government agency or contracting officer to address payment issues.
Your TIN is essential for tax reporting and payment purposes when conducting business with the federal government.
Yes, you can update your TIN in your SAM registration to reflect any changes.
SAM provides a mobile-friendly website, allowing users to access the system on various devices. However, there are no mobile apps available.
Yes, you can use SAM to research federal opportunities, stay informed about government procurement, and explore potential avenues for future business ventures.