SAM.gov Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Contractors

If you want to do business with the federal government, you need to register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Registration is free and typically takes a few weeks to process.

Before you start

You'll need the following before you begin registration:

• A DUNS number or UEI. The federal government transitioned from DUNS numbers to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in April 2022. New registrants receive a UEI automatically during SAM.gov registration.
• Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, or your Social Security Number if you're a sole proprietor.
• Your bank account and routing number for electronic funds transfer (EFT) setup. This is how the government pays contractors.
• Your NAICS codes that describe your business activities.

Step-by-step registration

1. Create a Login.gov account

SAM.gov uses Login.gov for authentication. Go to login.gov and create an account with your email address. You'll need to set up two-factor authentication.

2. Go to SAM.gov and start registration

Visit sam.gov, sign in with your Login.gov account, and select "Get Started" under entity registration. Choose whether you're registering as a new entity or updating an existing registration.

3. Enter your entity information

Provide your legal business name, physical address, and entity type (corporation, LLC, sole proprietor, etc.). If you don't have a UEI yet, SAM.gov will assign one during this step.

4. Select your NAICS codes

Choose the NAICS codes that describe your business activities. You can select multiple codes. Your primary NAICS code should reflect your main line of business.

5. Set up Electronic Funds Transfer

Enter your banking information so the government can pay you electronically. This is a required step.

6. Enter your points of contact

List your government business point of contact and electronic business point of contact. These individuals will be responsible for maintaining your SAM.gov registration.

7. Complete representations and certifications

Answer the required questions about your business, including size status, ownership, and any relevant certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, etc.).

8. Submit and wait

After submission, SAM.gov validates your information with the IRS and other government databases. This process typically takes 7-10 business days but can take longer if issues arise.

Maintaining your registration

SAM.gov registrations expire annually. You'll receive email reminders before expiration. If your registration lapses, you cannot receive new contract awards until you renew.

Common issues

• IRS validation failures are the most common delay. Make sure your legal business name and EIN match exactly what the IRS has on file.
• CAGE code assignment happens automatically for U.S. entities. International entities may need to request one separately through DLA (Defense Logistics Agency).
• Registration changes (like updating your address or bank information) can be made anytime by logging in and editing your registration.

Using Kontrakk with your SAM.gov registration

Once registered, you can use Kontrakk to search for opportunities that match your NAICS codes and set-aside eligibility. Kontrakk indexes active solicitations from SAM.gov daily.