SAM.gov (System for Award Management)

Full Definition

The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is the official U.S. government website that consolidates multiple federal procurement and award systems into a single platform. SAM.gov serves four critical functions: entity registration for all organizations doing business with the federal government, the Contract Opportunities search portal where agencies post solicitations and awards, the exclusions database listing debarred or suspended entities, and the wage determination repository for Service Contract Act and Davis-Bacon Act compliance. Entity registration requires providing your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), CAGE code, NAICS codes, business size representations, socioeconomic certifications, banking information for electronic funds transfer, and points of contact. Registration must be renewed annually or your entity becomes inactive and ineligible for new awards.

Why It Matters

SAM.gov registration is the mandatory first step in government contracting and typically takes two to four weeks for initial processing. Small businesses should complete registration well before they plan to submit their first proposal because an active SAM.gov registration is required at the time of award. Select all NAICS codes relevant to your capabilities during registration as this determines which set-aside opportunities you are eligible for. Keep your registration current by setting calendar reminders 60 days before expiration. The Contract Opportunities section replaces the former FedBizOpps (FBO) system and is where you will find RFPs, RFQs, Sources Sought notices, and award announcements. Small businesses should also complete their SBA certifications through SAM.gov to access set-aside programs.

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