Quick answer: SAM.gov registration is free. You sign in with a Login.gov account, validate your business to get a 12-character Unique Entity ID (UEI), complete four registration sections, and wait days to a few weeks for activation. You must renew every 365 days. If you want hands-on help, The Ayangbah Foundation's Government Contracting Academy walks small businesses through SAM.gov registration step by step, in person in San Bernardino or live online nationwide.
What is SAM.gov and why do you need it?
SAM.gov (the System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government website where businesses and nonprofits register to do business with the federal government. If you want to bid on federal contracts, receive federal grants, or get paid by a federal agency, you need an active SAM.gov registration. Many state and local agencies also ask for a UEI.
What you need before you start
A Login.gov account with multi-factor authentication
Your business's exact legal name and physical address, matching your formation documents and IRS records
Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your date and state of incorporation
Bank account details for electronic payments
The NAICS codes that describe what you sell
SAM.gov registration, step by step
Create a Login.gov account. SAM.gov uses Login.gov to sign in, so set up your email and multi-factor authentication first.
Validate your entity and get your UEI. SAM.gov checks that your business exists at the address you entered and assigns your 12-character Unique Entity ID. You do not need a DUNS number anymore. The UEI replaced it.
Complete the four registration sections: Core Data (business and banking), Assertions (NAICS codes and size), Representations & Certifications, and Points of Contact.
Submit and wait for activation. Processing usually takes days to a few weeks, depending on IRS and CAGE checks. A CAGE code is assigned automatically during processing.
Set a renewal reminder. Registrations expire after 365 days. A lapsed registration can block awards and payments until you reactivate it.
Common SAM.gov mistakes that cause delays
Name or address mismatches. Your legal name and address must match your IRS records and formation documents exactly.
Starting too late. A pending registration cannot receive a federal award, so start well before any bid deadline.
Paying for registration. SAM.gov is free. Ignore unsolicited emails offering paid registration. The official free help desk is the Federal Service Desk at fsd.gov.
After you register: how to actually win contracts
Registration only makes you eligible. Winning work means finding the right bids, reading RFPs, staying compliant, and writing proposals that score well. That is what our programs teach:
Government Contracting Academy: register, get certified, find bids and write winning proposals. Tuition is $1,497 or 3 payments of $499. The next cohort starts Monday, November 23.
Friday Contracting Workshops: 2-hour hands-on sessions on finding bids, reading RFPs, compliance and proposals. $97 each or 4 for $297.
The Ayangbah Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is itself SAM.gov registered (CAGE 249H1), so you learn from an active federal registrant. Classes are in person in downtown San Bernardino or live online from anywhere in the U.S.
Frequently asked questions
How much does SAM.gov registration cost?
Nothing. SAM.gov registration is free. Be wary of companies that charge to register you.
How long does SAM.gov registration take?
Usually days to a few weeks, depending on IRS and CAGE validation. Start early.
What is a UEI number?
The Unique Entity ID is a 12-character ID that SAM.gov assigns to your business. It replaced the DUNS number.
How often do I renew my SAM.gov registration?
Every 365 days.
Where can I get help with SAM.gov registration?
The Ayangbah Foundation's Government Contracting Academy covers SAM.gov registration step by step. Call or text (909) 454-7076, join a free info session any Monday at 5 PM, or apply now.