BIDWATCH

Bid Watch › Guides › How to register on SAM.gov

Contractor guide

How to register on SAM.gov, step by step.

Before you can win most federal construction contracts, your business has to be registered on SAM.gov, the government's official contractor system. Registration is free. Here's what you need and how to get through it.

Before you start, have these ready

  • Your legal business name and physical address, exactly as the IRS has them.
  • Your EIN (tax ID number) from the IRS.
  • Bank account and routing numbers. The government pays by direct deposit.
  • Your NAICS codes: the industry codes for the work you do. Most construction codes start with 236, 237 or 238. Grounds, cleaning and snow work often fall under 5617.
  • Contact people for the business: usually the owner and whoever handles bids.

Step 1: Create a Login.gov account

SAM.gov uses Login.gov to sign in. Go to SAM.gov, click Sign In, and create a Login.gov account with your work email. You'll set up a second way to confirm it's you, like a text code.

Step 2: Get your Unique Entity ID (UEI)

The UEI is the government's ID number for your business. SAM.gov assigns it for free when you validate your business name and address. If your address doesn't match public records, you may be asked to upload a document such as a utility bill or IRS letter.

Step 3: Complete the full registration

Choose to register for all awards (not "financial assistance only"), so you can bid on contracts. You'll fill in your business details, bank information, NAICS codes and the standard government questions called "representations and certifications." Fill out the SBA small business section too, so contracting officers can find you.

Step 4: Wait for approval

SAM.gov checks your tax ID with the IRS and reviews your information. This often takes a week or two and can take longer, so register before you find the bid you want. You'll get an email when your registration is active.

Step 5: Renew every year

Registrations expire after one year. SAM.gov emails reminders. Renewing is free, and a lapsed registration can cost you an award.

Watch out for fees. Registering on SAM.gov is always free. Companies that call or email offering to "register you" for a fee are not the government. If you want free help, your state's APEX Accelerator office walks contractors through it at no cost.

Questions

Does it cost money to register on SAM.gov?

No. Registering and renewing on SAM.gov is free. Companies that charge a fee to register you are private businesses, not the government.

How long does SAM.gov registration take?

Often one to two weeks once you submit, but it can take longer if your business information needs extra checks. Register before you need to bid.

Do I need SAM.gov to bid on government construction jobs?

For most federal contracts, yes. Many state and local agencies use their own registration systems instead, so check the bid posting for what it requires.

Bids by state

WisconsinIllinoisMinnesotaIndianaMichigan

Bids by trade

General construction & renovationConcrete, paving & asphaltRoofing, masonry & exteriorsLandscaping & tree workPressure washing & cleaningPainting & coatingsHVAC, plumbing & electricalDemolition, excavation & siteworkFencing, gates & guardrailSnow & ice removalFlooring, drywall & interiorsHighway, bridge & utilities

Guides

How to register on SAM.govHow to bid government jobsSmall business set-asidesHow to price a bid