SAM.gov Registration: The Complete Guide for 2026

SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the federal government's primary contractor database. Without an active SAM.gov registration, your business cannot receive federal contract awards, regardless of how well you bid. This guide covers everything you need to know for 2026.

What Changed in 2026

• UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) fully replaced DUNS numbers
• Login.gov is now required for all SAM.gov accounts
• Annual renewal reminder emails now arrive 60 days before expiration
• Enhanced cybersecurity certifications now required for certain NAICS codes

The Registration Sections Explained

Core Data

Your legal business name, address, TIN, UEI, NAICS codes, and business type. Must match IRS records exactly.

Assertions

Business size, ownership structure, and any certifications. This determines set-aside eligibility.

Representations & Certifications

Federal compliance certifications including FAR clauses. Read each carefully — these are legally binding.

Points of Contact

Who agencies contact about your registration. Keep this current.

Maintaining Your Registration

SAM.gov registrations expire annually. An expired registration means you cannot be paid on existing contracts and cannot receive new awards. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your expiration date. The renewal process takes about 30 minutes if your information hasn't changed.

After Registration: What's Next?

Once registered, you can search and bid on federal contracts through SAM.gov. Use IEContracts to cut through the noise and find opportunities that match your business profile — filtered by keyword, state, NAICS code, and set-aside type.

Ready to start searching? Find federal contracts on IEContracts — no account required.