SAM.gov Registration: Complete Guide for Grant Applicants

If you want to apply for federal grants or contracts, you MUST be registered in SAM.gov. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

What is SAM.gov?

The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is the official federal government database of entities doing business with the government. Registration is:

• FREE (never pay a third party)
• Required for all federal awards
• Valid for one year (must renew annually)

Before You Start

Gather Required Information

For All Entities:

• Legal business name
• Physical address (no P.O. boxes)
• Phone number
• Tax Identification Number (TIN/EIN)
• DUNS → UEI number (assigned during registration now)
• Banking information (for payments)
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) details

For Government Contracts:

• NAICS codes for your business
• Product and Service Codes (PSC)
• Size standards determination

For Grants:

• Grant programs you're interested in
• Organizational information
• Authorized representative details

Step-by-Step Registration

Step 1: Create a Login.gov Account

SAM.gov uses Login.gov for authentication.

1. Go to login.gov
2. Create an account with your email
3. Set up multi-factor authentication (required)
4. Verify your identity

Time needed: 10-15 minutes

Step 2: Access SAM.gov

1. Go to sam.gov
2. Click "Sign In" and use your Login.gov credentials
3. If first time, you'll be prompted to create a SAM.gov profile

Step 3: Start Entity Registration

1. Click "Register Entity" from your workspace

2. Select registration purpose:

   • Federal Assistance (grants)
   • Federal Contracts
   • Both

3. Enter basic information:

   • Legal business name (exactly as on tax documents)
   • Doing Business As (DBA) if applicable
   • Physical address

Step 4: Get Your UEI

As of April 2022, SAM.gov assigns Unique Entity Identifiers (UEI):

• Replaces the old DUNS number system
• Assigned automatically during registration
• Keep this number — you'll need it for all applications

Step 5: Enter Core Data

Entity Information:

• Legal structure (LLC, Corp, Nonprofit, etc.)
• State of incorporation
• Year established
• Fiscal year end

Financial Information:

• Annual revenue (ranges)
• Number of employees
• EIN/TIN

Step 6: Complete Representations & Certifications

This is the longest part. You'll certify:

• Business size (small business status)
• Socioeconomic status (if applicable)
• Tax delinquency status
• Criminal history
• OFAC compliance
• Lobbying restrictions

Be accurate — false certifications have legal consequences.

Step 7: Add Points of Contact

Required contacts:

• Government Business POC (contracting officer contact)
• Electronic Business POC (SAM administrator)
• Alternate POCs (backups)

Step 8: Enter Banking Information

For EFT payments:

• Bank name and address
• Routing number
• Account number
• Account type

Verify carefully — errors delay payments.

Step 9: Submit and Wait

After submission:

• SAM validates your TIN with IRS (1-2 business days)
• CAGE code assigned (for contracts)
• Full activation: 7-10 business days typically

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Paying Third Parties

SAM registration is FREE. Sites charging fees are scams or unnecessary "services."

❌ Using P.O. Boxes

Physical address required. P.O. boxes will be rejected.

❌ Name Mismatches

Legal name must EXACTLY match IRS records. "Inc" vs "Inc." matters.

❌ Letting Registration Expire

Set a calendar reminder — you must renew annually.

❌ Outdated Information

Update SAM within 30 days of any changes (address, banking, etc.)

Troubleshooting

IRS TIN Validation Failed

• Check name matches exactly with IRS
• Verify EIN at irs.gov
• May need to call IRS: 1-800-829-4933

Registration Taking Too Long

• Normal: 7-10 business days
• If over 2 weeks: Contact Federal Service Desk
• Phone: 866-606-8220

Locked Out

• Use Login.gov password reset
• Don't create duplicate accounts
• Contact helpdesk if needed

After Registration

Track Your Grants

• Use SAM.gov to find opportunities (integrated with Grants.gov)
• Set up saved searches
• Enable email notifications

Keep Records

• Save your UEI number
• Print your registration confirmation
• Document your CAGE code

Stay Compliant

• Renew before expiration
• Update any changes within 30 days
• Review certifications annually

GrantNavigation Integration

Once registered in SAM.gov:

1. Search for grants on GrantNavigation
2. Check eligibility for specific programs
3. Save programs to track deadlines
4. Apply directly through Grants.gov

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Need help finding the right grants? Start your search or check eligibility.