What Is SAM.gov?
SAM.gov is the free official government website where businesses register to work with the federal government and agencies post contract opportunities.
SAM.gov in plain English
SAM stands for System for Award Management, and the General Services Administration (GSA) runs it. Registering gives your business a UEI and, if you register to bid on contracts, a CAGE code. You sign in through Login.gov.
Registration is free. Plan on at least 10 business days for a new registration to go active, often longer, and renew it every year. If it lapses, no awards or payments can be processed.
Be wary of anyone charging a fee to register you or asking for payment by gift card or wire. Real SAM.gov and GSA emails end in .gov.
Related terms
- UEI (Unique Entity ID): A UEI (Unique Entity ID) is the 12-character ID SAM.gov assigns to your business. It replaced the DUNS number on April 4, 2022.
- CAGE code: A CAGE code is a five-character ID the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) assigns to a business location that registers to bid on federal contracts.
- NAICS code: A NAICS code is a six-digit industry code, such as 561720 for janitorial services. Each solicitation generally carries one, and it sets the size standard.
- FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation): The FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) is the main rulebook for how federal agencies buy goods and services.
Put it to work
- What SAM.gov is and what it does
- How to register on SAM.gov
- Check a SAM.gov registration status
- Search SAM.gov contract opportunities
Looking for another term? Browse the full glossary or the government contracting glossary guide.