Registering your business in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the first official step to qualify for federal government contracts. The process may feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can complete your registration quickly and confidently. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step so you can avoid mistakes, save time, and get ready to bid on contracts.

Step 1: Create a Login.gov Account
Before you can register in SAM.gov, you need a free Login.gov account. This will be your secure sign-in for all federal systems.
👉 Go to login.gov and set up your account using your business email.
Step 2: Gather Required Business Information
Have this information ready before you start:
Legal business name (as registered with your state)
EIN (Employer Identification Number) or SSN (if sole proprietor)
Physical address and mailing address
Banking information (for direct deposit)
NAICS code(s) that describe your business activities
Step 3: Start Your SAM.gov Registration
Visit SAM.gov and click Register Entity. Follow the prompts to complete:
Business details
Core data (TIN, DUNS/UEI number)
Representations and certifications
Points of contact
Step 4: Validate and Submit
SAM.gov will validate your information with IRS and other databases. Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Step 5: Keep Your Registration Active
SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually. Mark your calendar to update your record before it expires.
Use consistent business names across IRS, UEI, and banking to avoid errors.
Apply for multiple NAICS codes if you offer more than one type of service.
Double-check your banking info to prevent payment delays.
Save your SAM.gov confirmation PDF for your records.
Registering in SAM.gov is just the first step. To actually win contracts, you’ll need bidding strategies, templates, and plug-and-play systems.
👉 Check out the Weekend Warrior Bootcamp to learn how to submit your first winning bid.
Once you’re registered, you’ll be ready to apply the strategies from 5 Proven Strategies to Write Winning GovCon Proposals.
At GC Plug and Play, we help entrepreneurs and small businesses win government contracts with proven, plug-and-play systems.
Newsletter
Subscribe now to get daily updates.
Created with © Lashawn Nicole
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Cookies