How to register in SAM.gov and find federal contracts

Last reviewed Nov 5, 2026 against the official sources listed below.

To register in SAM.gov, sign in with a Login.gov account and complete an entity registration with your legal business name and address, taxpayer identification number (TIN), bank details for electronic payment, and the NAICS codes for your work. Registration is free, gives you a 12-character Unique Entity ID (UEI), and must be renewed every 365 days. Allow at least ten business days for it to become active. You do not need an account to search contract opportunities on SAM.gov, but you must have an active registration to be awarded a federal contract.

What is SAM.gov?

SAM.gov is the U.S. government's System for Award Management. It is where businesses register to do business with the federal government, and, in SAM.gov's own words, "a centralized source for finding and bidding on U.S. government contract opportunities."

Under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR 5.101), agencies must publicize proposed contract actions expected to exceed $25,000 through the government-wide point of entry, which is the Contract Opportunities section of SAM.gov. The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul version of Part 5 sets this at more than $20,000.

Does it cost anything to register in SAM.gov?

No. SAM.gov's entity registration checklist says: "SAM.gov is FREE to use. There is no charge to get a Unique Entity ID, register your entity, and maintain your entity registration at SAM.gov." Private companies sell registration help, but GSA notes these services "are optional and are not affiliated with the government." If you get stuck, the free Federal Service Desk (FSD.gov) handles SAM.gov account and technical help.

What do I need before I register?

From the SAM.gov entity registration checklist and the Federal Service Desk quick start guide:

Your legal business name and physical address.
Your taxpayer identification number (TIN). U.S. entities also sign an IRS consent form for the taxpayer name and address.
Bank account details for electronic funds transfer: account type, routing number and account number.
The NAICS codes that describe your work. Product Service Codes (PSCs) are optional.
A CAGE code if you have one. If you do not, answer "No" and one is assigned to you.

Each NAICS code has an SBA size standard, which decides whether your business counts as small for contracts under that code. See the SBA guidance on NAICS codes and size standards.

How do I register step by step?

Select Sign In on SAM.gov. Your username and password are managed by Login.gov, so you create or use a Login.gov account and are sent back to SAM.gov to finish your profile.
Select Get Started and choose Register Entity, not Get a Unique Entity ID. An "All Awards" registration lets you bid on contracts. Your Unique Entity ID is assigned during registration.
Enter your business details, TIN, banking information, points of contact and NAICS codes, then complete the representations and certifications.
Submit and watch your email. SAM.gov advises allowing at least ten business days for the registration to become active.

What is the difference between a Unique Entity ID and full registration?

The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is a 12-character, alpha-numeric ID that SAM.gov assigns. It replaced the old DUNS number, so you no longer get your ID from a third-party website.

You can request a UEI alone with just your legal business name and physical address, but SAM.gov warns: "If you choose to only get a Unique Entity ID, you cannot apply directly for federal awards." To bid on and win federal contracts as a prime contractor, complete the full entity registration.

How often do I have to renew?

Every year. SAM.gov says: "You must renew your registration every 365 days to keep it active." You can update your registration at any time or during renewal. Put the renewal date on your calendar so your registration does not go inactive while you are bidding.

How do I find federal contract opportunities?

Search the Contract Opportunities section of SAM.gov. The Federal Service Desk notes that you do not need a SAM.gov account just to view opportunities. Filter by your NAICS codes, place of performance and set-aside type.

LibertyBids checks SAM.gov for you and emails the federal opportunities that match your trade, location and certifications every morning, free. Browse them by state or trade, or set up a free alert.

Frequently asked questions

Is SAM.gov registration free?

Yes. There is no charge to get a Unique Entity ID, register your entity or maintain your registration at SAM.gov. Paid registration services are optional and not affiliated with the government.

How long does SAM.gov registration take?

SAM.gov advises allowing at least ten business days after you submit your registration for it to become active.

How often do I need to renew my SAM.gov registration?

Every 365 days. You can update your registration at any time in between.

Do I need a SAM.gov account to search federal contracts?

No. You can view contract opportunities on SAM.gov without an account. You need an active entity registration to be awarded a contract.

What replaced the DUNS number?

The Unique Entity ID (UEI), a 12-character alpha-numeric value that SAM.gov assigns when you register.

Official sources

Rules and amounts change. Always confirm with the official source and the solicitation itself before you bid. Spotted something out of date? Email support@libertybids.com.