Doing Business As(DBA)

Overview

"Doing Business As" (DBA) refers to a trade name or fictitious business name under which a company conducts business that differs from its legal entity name. In government contracting, DBA names must be properly registered with state and local authorities and disclosed in System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration. The legal entity name — not the DBA — is typically used on contracts, though the DBA may appear in marketing and correspondence.

Why It Matters in GovCon

Proper DBA disclosure is important for government contracting compliance. SAM.gov registration requires both the legal entity name and any DBA names. Inconsistencies between the legal name, DBA, and names used on proposals or invoices can cause payment delays, registration issues, and questions about organizational identity during responsibility determinations.

Key Details

• Registration: DBA names must be registered with the appropriate state or county authority where the business operates.
• SAM.gov: Both the legal entity name and DBA name(s) should be included in the SAM.gov entity registration.
• Contracts: Government contracts are typically issued under the legal entity name, not the DBA.
• Proposals: Offerors should use their legal name on proposal cover pages and ensure consistency with SAM.gov records.
• Name Changes: Changes to legal names or DBAs must be updated in SAM.gov and may require contract modifications.

Related Terms

• System for Award Management (SAM)
• UEI (Unique Entity Identifier)
• CAGE Code
• Entity Registration