Step-by-Step Guide to Register Your Small Business on SAM.gov

Registering your small business in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the essential first step to bidding on federal contracts and applying for federal assistance. This process is free, but it requires careful preparation and ongoing management to maintain your registration status. This guide breaks down the registration process, helping you understand key steps to successfully register and start doing business with the federal government.

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Why Register on SAM.gov?

Registration on SAM.gov enables your business to:

• Bid on government contracts as a prime awardee.
• Apply for federal grant opportunities and assistance programs.
• Obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI), a critical identifier for federal transactions.

If your business only needs to report on subcontracts or as a sub-awardee, you may only need the UEI without a full registration.

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Step 1: Create a Login.gov Account

SAM.gov uses Login.gov for secure user authentication. Before registering your entity, you must:

1. Visit SAM.gov.
2. Click on Sign In to be redirected to Login.gov.
3. Set up a Login.gov account by providing your email, a password, and verifying your identity.
4. Once your Login.gov account is created, it will redirect you back to SAM.gov to start your entity registration.

Note: If you already have a Login.gov account, you can use it to sign in and proceed directly.

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Step 2: Gather Required Information

Completing registration requires detailed information about your business. Prepare the following data upfront to expedite the process:

• Legal business name and physical address.
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), such as Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Business type and structure (e.g., LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship).
• NAICS codes that describe your business activities.
• Banking information for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
• Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is no longer used; instead, SAM.gov assigns your Unique Entity ID.
• Point of Contact details including email and phone.

You can download the official Entity Registration Checklist to ensure you have all necessary documentation.

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Step 3: Start Entity Registration on SAM.gov

Once logged in via Login.gov and your information prepared:

1. On SAM.gov homepage, click Get Started.
2. Choose Register Entity if you intend to bid on federal contracts or apply for federal assistance.
3. Follow the prompts to enter your business information, structure, financial details, and points of contact.
4. Upon submitting the registration, SAM.gov will assign your business a Unique Entity ID if you don’t already have one.

Tip: The registration process typically takes up to 10 business days to validate and activate.

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Step 4: Understand the Unique Entity ID vs. Registration

• Unique Entity ID (UEI) Only: If you do not intend to apply for contracts or assistance but need to report as a sub-awardee, you can request a UEI only without full entity registration.
• Full Registration: Required if you want to bid or apply for federal awards. UEI is automatically provided with registration.

Important: Only registered entities with an active SAM.gov account and UEI can receive federal contracts directly.

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Step 5: Regularly Renew and Update Your Registration

SAM.gov registration remains active for 365 days from the activation date. To maintain eligibility:

• Renew your registration annually before it expires.
• Update any changes in your entity details, banking information, or points of contact.
• Log into your Entity Workspace on SAM.gov to manage updates and renewals.

Failing to renew on time can cause your status to become inactive, and you will not be eligible for contract awards or assistance until reactivated.

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Troubleshooting and Support

• Validation Delays: Some registrations require additional documentation and manual review, which can extend activation time.
• Technical Issues: Use the Federal Service Desk for help via live chat, phone, or web form.
• Free In-Person Help: Look for APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers – PTACs) for no-cost assistance with your SAM.gov registration.

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Conclusion

Registering your small business on SAM.gov is the gateway to participating in the federal marketplace. By following these steps — setting up a Login.gov account, preparing your business information, completing registration, and keeping your data current — you position your business to access lucrative government contract opportunities. Start early, stay organized, and use available resources to simplify your SAM.gov registration experience.

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For detailed instructions and resources, always refer to the official SAM.gov website and the Federal Service Desk support.

To learn more about how GovScout helps businesses find and win federal contracts, visit govscout.io or email hello@govscout.io.