System for Award Management(SAM)
The official government website where businesses register to do business with the federal government and where contract opportunities are posted.
Overview
The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is the federal government's primary platform for vendor registration, entity validation, and contract opportunity posting. Every business that wants to receive federal contracts, grants, or assistance awards must register in SAM.gov and keep their registration active. It is also where agencies post solicitations and contract award data.
Why It Matters in GovCon
SAM.gov registration is the absolute first step for any business entering federal contracting — without it, you cannot receive a contract award. Your SAM profile includes your NAICS codes, business size, socioeconomic certifications, and capabilities, which agencies use for market research and to determine your eligibility for set-asides.
Key Details
- Registration: Free, but requires a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), NAICS codes, banking information, and various representations and certifications.
- Renewal: Must be renewed annually — an expired registration makes you ineligible for awards.
- Contract Opportunities: SAM.gov hosts all federal solicitations (formerly on FBO/beta.SAM.gov).
- Entity Validation: SAM validates your business entity information through a multi-step process that can take 7-10 business days.
- Exclusions: SAM also maintains the list of excluded parties (debarred/suspended contractors and individuals).
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data pulls opportunities directly from SAM.gov and enriches them with AI analysis, matching scores, and estimated values — giving you a more powerful way to search and evaluate the same opportunities with less manual effort.
Related Terms
- Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- NAICS Codes
- Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)
- Contracting Officer (CO)
More Agencies Terms
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The independent congressional agency that investigates federal spending, audits government programs, and adjudicates bid protests.
The federal agency responsible for managing government buildings, providing products and services to agencies, and administering the GSA Schedule program.
A federal agency that develops technology standards and guidelines, including the cybersecurity frameworks required for government contractors.
The office within each major federal agency responsible for promoting small business participation in the agency's contracting activities.
The federal database (now part of CPARS) where agencies record and retrieve contractor performance evaluations for use in source selection.
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