SAM.gov is the U.S. government’s official, free system for registering as a federal contractor and searching for contract opportunities—and registration is mandatory before you can be awarded or paid. This complete guide covers SAM registration step by step, what to prepare, how to search SAM.gov for contracts, and how to reach SAM.gov support.
What is SAM.gov (System for Award Management)?
SAM.gov, the System for Award Management, is the official website where businesses register to do business with the federal government, obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI), and find posted contract opportunities. It is free. For a plain-language primer, see what is SAM.gov.
What you need before SAM registration
- Legal business name and physical address (must match IRS and bank records exactly)
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN/EIN)
- Bank routing and account numbers for electronic payment
- Your NAICS codes
How to register in SAM.gov
- Create a Login.gov account and sign in at SAM.gov.
- Choose “Register Your Entity” and request your Unique Entity ID (the UEI replaced the old DUNS Number).
- Enter your business, banking, and points-of-contact details.
- Complete the representations and certifications (reps & certs).
- Submit and wait for entity validation—allow several days to a few weeks.
Want it done right the first time? See our GSA registration support.
How to search SAM.gov for contracts
Use the “Contract Opportunities” area to find SAM.gov contracts and opportunities. Filter by NAICS code, set-aside, agency, and place of performance, then save the search and enable alerts. For a deeper walkthrough, see our SAM.gov search tips, and to act on what you find, our guide to finding and winning government contracts.
SAM.gov homepage, login, and contact number
The SAM.gov homepage and login are at SAM.gov (look for the official .gov domain). SAM.gov is supported by the Federal Service Desk (FSD)—the official SAM.gov contact number is 1-866-606-8220, with help at FSD.gov. SAM.gov staff will never charge you to register.
Keeping your registration active
SAM registration must be renewed every 12 months. An expired registration makes you ineligible for award and can interrupt payments, so set a renewal reminder.
Frequently asked questions
Is SAM.gov registration free?
Yes. Registering and searching on SAM.gov is completely free. Third-party sites that charge only to submit the form are optional services, not the government.
What is the SAM.gov contact number?
SAM.gov is supported by the Federal Service Desk at 1-866-606-8220 (FSD.gov).
How long does SAM registration take?
Plan for several days to a few weeks depending on entity validation and IRS/CAGE checks.
Need a hand with registration and a GSA strategy? Book a free discovery call. — Reviewed by the GSA Focus team.
