SAM.gov (System for Award Management)
The official U.S. government system where contractors must register to do business with federal agencies and where contract opportunities are posted.
SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the central hub for federal procurement. Every business that wants to receive federal contracts must have an active registration in SAM.gov. It also serves as the primary database where agencies post contract opportunities.
SAM.gov Registration
Registration is free and must be renewed annually. You will need your DUNS number (now UEI), business information, banking details for electronic funds transfer, and NAICS codes that describe your business capabilities.
Finding Opportunities on SAM.gov
SAM.gov replaced the former FBO.gov (FedBizOpps) as the place to find contract opportunities. You can search by keyword, NAICS code, agency, set-aside type, and more. ProposalApp integrates directly with SAM.gov to help you find and match opportunities to your capabilities automatically.
Entity Validation
SAM.gov assigns each registered entity a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) which replaces the former DUNS number. This identifier is required on all federal proposals and contract documents.
Frequently asked questions
Is SAM.gov registration free?
Yes — SAM.gov registration is completely free. You do not need to pay any third-party service to register. Registration must be renewed annually to remain active.
How long does SAM.gov registration take?
Initial registration typically takes 7–10 business days for the IRS to validate your EIN. Renewals and updates are usually processed faster. Having your UEI, NAICS codes, and banking information ready speeds the process.
What is the difference between SAM.gov and FBO.gov?
FBO.gov (FedBizOpps) was the legacy opportunity portal that was retired in 2019. SAM.gov now combines entity registration, opportunity listings, and exclusions in one system.