What is SAM.gov registration?

What registration involves

You create an account, validate your legal business name and address, and receive a Unique Entity ID (UEI) — the identifier that replaced the DUNS number in 2022. You then complete entity registration: core data, banking details for payment, NAICS codes, size metrics, and the representations and certifications federal law requires.

Defense-related and many other contractors are also assigned a CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity code) during processing. Plan for the full process to take from a few days to several weeks, especially if entity validation documents are requested.

It is free — beware paid "help"

Registering in SAM.gov costs nothing, and renewing costs nothing. An entire industry of third parties sends official-looking emails offering to register or "renew" you for hundreds of dollars; none of them are required, and some are outright scams.

If you want help, the free options are the Federal Service Desk (FSD), and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (now APEX Accelerators), which assist small businesses with registration at no cost.

Keeping your registration active

Registration expires after 365 days and must be renewed before lapse; an expired registration makes you ineligible for award and can interrupt payments on active contracts. Set a renewal reminder at least 60 days ahead, since renewals re-trigger validation checks.

Note for Canadian firms: foreign entities can and do register in SAM.gov to bid on US federal work — you will need a UEI and an NCAGE code as part of the process.

Frequently asked questions

How much does SAM.gov registration cost?

Nothing. Registration and annual renewal are free. Any email or company charging for it is an optional third-party service at best and a scam at worst.

How long does SAM.gov registration take?

Commonly a few days to a few weeks end to end. Entity validation — proving your legal name and address — is the usual bottleneck, so have formation documents ready.

What is a UEI?

The Unique Entity ID — a 12-character identifier SAM.gov assigns to your business. It replaced the DUNS number in April 2022 and appears on every federal contract action involving your firm.

Can Canadian companies register in SAM.gov?

Yes. Foreign entities register with a UEI and an NCAGE code and can bid on US federal opportunities, subject to any trade-agreement or domestic-preference restrictions in each solicitation.