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.

In general, here’s a rough estimate of the timeframes you might encounter:

1. Immediate Confirmation: Upon submission through SAM, you’ll typically receive an immediate confirmation that your application has been received. This is often in the form of an acknowledgment or receipt.
2. Initial Review: After submission, your application will go through an initial review to ensure it meets basic eligibility criteria. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the agency.
3. Evaluation and Scoring: If your application passes the initial review, it will then undergo a more detailed evaluation process. For complex contracts or competitive grants, this stage can take several weeks to months.
4. Notification of Selection: Once the evaluation is complete, you will receive a notification of the selection outcome. If you are awarded the contract or grant, this can happen within a few weeks to a few months after the evaluation phase. However, if your application is not successful, you should also expect to receive a notification.
5. Negotiation (Contracts): In the case of federal contracts, if you are selected, there may be a negotiation phase where you discuss terms, conditions, and pricing. This can extend the time frame further.
6. Award and Funding (Grants): For grants, once selected, the awarding agency will work with you to finalize details and provide funding. This process can also take some time.

It’s important to note that each federal agency may have its own specific timelines and procedures, so it’s advisable to review the specific solicitation or grant announcement for estimated timeframes. Additionally, factors like the complexity of your application, the competitiveness of the opportunity, and any required clarifications or additional documentation can also impact the response time.

In summary, while there is no fixed duration for hearing back about the status of a federal contract or grant application submitted through SAM, it’s essential to be patient and proactive. Regularly check your SAM account and email for updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the respective agency’s point of contact if you have questions or concerns about the timeline.