SAM.gov (System for Award Management)

SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the U.S. government's official website where companies register to do business with federal agencies and where most federal contract opportunities are posted.

What is SAM.gov (System for Award Management)?

SAM.gov is the central hub run by the federal government, found at https://sam.gov. It does two main jobs. First, it is where agencies publish solicitations, the announcements that tell you what the government wants to buy. By law (FAR Part 5), federal solicitations above the simplified acquisition threshold must be synopsised here, so it holds roughly 50,000 active opportunities at any time and more than 5.5 million historical records.

Second, it is where companies register before they can win a federal contract. Your registration creates a public entity profile that lists your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), your NAICS code selections, your business size status, and any certifications you hold. There are over 300,000 contractor profiles in this entity data. SAM.gov was formerly known as FedBizOpps (FBO). It is free to use, and registration is mandatory before award.

Why SAM.gov matters for government contractors

You cannot win a federal contract without an active SAM.gov registration, so it is the first step for any new contractor. It is also where you watch for opportunities and download the actual RFP documents. The rules that govern those solicitations come straight from the FAR, and the 8(a) program certifications you carry show up in your entity profile, where contracting officers verify your set-aside eligibility.

Example

A small IT firm registers on SAM.gov, receives a UEI, and lists NAICS code 541512 with its small business status. A contracting officer posts a solicitation for help-desk support set aside for small businesses. The firm finds the notice on SAM.gov, downloads the RFP package, and submits a proposal as a qualified offeror.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SAM.gov registration free?

Yes. Registering on SAM.gov is free, and no agency or third party should ever charge you to create or maintain your entity record. The only cost is your time. Watch out for paid services that imitate the official site.

What is a UEI on SAM.gov?

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is the universal ID assigned to every registered contractor. It links your entity profile across federal systems, including award records, so agencies and partners can confirm who you are. You receive it during registration.

Are all federal opportunities posted on SAM.gov?

No. Coverage is broad but not complete. Solicitations above the simplified acquisition threshold must be synopsised here, but many smaller buys and orders through specific contract vehicles bypass SAM.gov entirely. You should monitor other portals to avoid missing opportunities.

What was SAM.gov called before?

SAM.gov was formerly known as FedBizOpps (FBO), sometimes written FedBizOpps.gov. The opportunity-posting function moved into the consolidated SAM.gov system, which now combines opportunity announcements and contractor registration in one place.

How do I find solicitations on SAM.gov?

Use the search on SAM.gov to filter active opportunities by keyword, NAICS code, set-aside type, and agency. Each listing includes the solicitation number, deadline, and downloadable documents. For step-by-step guidance, see our SAM.gov registration guide.