What Is SAM.gov? How to Register in the System for Award Management

Last updated: October 2026 · Sources: SAM.gov, GSA.gov, Acquisition.gov

What is SAM.gov used for?

• Registering your business as a federal contractor and getting your Unique Entity ID. The UEI replaced the DUNS number in April 2022.
• Finding contract opportunities. SAM.gov replaced FedBizOpps in 2019. See how to find federal contract opportunities.
• Checking exclusions: whether a company is barred from federal contracts.
• Looking up wage determinations for contracts covered by the Service Contract Act and Davis-Bacon.

Registration in SAM.gov is also the first requirement to get on the GSA Schedule.

How do I register in SAM.gov?

1. Create a Login.gov account and use it to sign in to SAM.gov.
2. Choose the registration type. To bid on contracts, choose an “All Awards” entity registration. An ID-only registration gives you a UEI but doesn’t let you bid.
3. Enter your core business data. Your legal business name and physical address must match your IRS records exactly. You’ll also need your TIN/EIN and bank details for electronic payments.
4. Add your NAICS and PSC codes for what you sell. Agencies use them to find you and to check small business size.
5. Complete the representations and certifications (FAR 52.204-8): size status, ownership and compliance statements.
6. Submit and wait for validation. Your CAGE code is assigned during the process. Once everything is verified, your registration becomes active.

How long does SAM registration take?

SAM.gov’s status tracker says most registrations are processed in a few business days, and external reviews can take up to ten business days. Plan for one to two weeks, and longer if your name or address doesn’t match IRS records. That mismatch is the most common cause of delay.

How often do I have to renew SAM registration?

Every 365 days. SAM.gov recommends starting your renewal 45–60 days before it expires. If your registration lapses, you can’t receive new awards, and GSA Schedule holders can run into payment and modification problems. Read our SAM renewal guide.

Common SAM.gov mistakes

• Paying for registration. SAM.gov is free. Companies that charge to “register you in SAM” are not the government.
• Name or address mismatches between SAM.gov, the IRS and your bank.
• Choosing ID-only registration when you need to bid.
• Letting the registration expire during an active bid or a GSA offer.

Frequently asked questions

Is SAM.gov registration free?

Yes. There is no charge to get a Unique Entity ID, register your business or renew your registration in SAM.gov.

How long does SAM registration take?

Most registrations are processed in a few business days, but validation can add up to ten business days. Plan for one to two weeks, and make sure your business name and address match IRS records.

How often do I need to renew my SAM registration?

Every 365 days. Start the renewal 45–60 days before the expiration date so you don’t lose eligibility for awards.

What replaced the DUNS number?

The Unique Entity ID (UEI), a 12-character code assigned in SAM.gov. It replaced the DUNS number for federal awards in April 2022.

How do I log in to the System for Award Management?

Go to SAM.gov and select Sign In. SAM.gov uses Login.gov, so you sign in with your Login.gov email, password and second authentication step. If you don’t have a Login.gov account, you can create one from the same screen.

Is it “System for Award Management” or “System for Awards Management”?

The official name is the System for Award Management (SAM). You’ll often see “System for Awards Management” or “System of Award Management”, but they all refer to SAM.gov.

Do I need SAM.gov registration to get on the GSA Schedule?

Yes. An active SAM.gov registration with a UEI is the first requirement for a GSA Schedule offer.

Registered in SAM and ready for the next step? Check your GSA eligibility in a few minutes, or book a free 20-minute call.