If you’ve seen my reel from the CEO in the Making Series, you already know how critical it is to register on SAM.gov if you want to break into the federal contracting world. If you’re ready to step into the CEO role, grow your business, and land federal contracts—this is where you start.

This guide walks you through the entire SAM.gov registration process to help you position your business for success.

Why Register in SAM.gov?

SAM.gov is your business’s online resume for government contracts—without it, agencies won’t even know you exist. If you want to work with the federal government, this is your first step.

By registering, you’ll be able to:

•  Bid on federal contracts and secure high-value projects.
• Receive federal assistance and grants.
• Qualify for exclusive certifications like 8(a), WOSB, and DBE to access set-aside contracts.

And the best part? Registration is completely FREE.

Step 1: Gather Your Business Information

Preparation is key. Before starting your registration, make sure you have the following details ready:

• Legal Business Name & Address – Ensure consistency across all official documents.
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) – Issued by the IRS.
• Banking Information – For direct deposit payments from the government.
• NAICS Codes – These classify your business activities (find yours on the NAICS website).
• Unique Entity ID (UEID) – The government’s new way of identifying businesses.
• DUNS Number – A unique identifier for your business (you can obtain one for free).

Having this information on hand will streamline the process and help you avoid delays.

Step 2: Create a SAM.gov Account

To begin, you need an account on SAM.gov. Here’s how to set it up:

Visit SAM.gov.

Click “Sign In” and log in with your Login.gov credentials. (If you don’t have an account, create one)

Once logged in, go back to SAM.gov and complete your profile setup.
This step ensures your access to government contracting opportunities.

Step 3: Start Your Entity Registration

Now that your account is set up, it’s time to register your business:
On your dashboard, click “Get Started” and select “Register Entity.”
Choose your purpose for registering (e.g., bidding on contracts or applying for federal grants).

Enter your entity details, including:

DUNS Number & UEID
TIN/EIN
Business Structure
Financial Information
Provide your Points of Contact (POC) details—this includes your government business and electronic business POCs.
Complete the Representations and Certifications section, which verifies your compliance with federal requirements.

You can also check the Entity Registration Checklist here.

Step 4: Submit & Monitor Your Registration

Once all details are entered:

• Review your information carefully to avoid errors.
•  Submit your registration.
• Monitor your email for confirmation and any additional instructions.

Processing typically takes 7-10 business days. Once approved, your business will be officially registered in SAM.gov and eligible for federal contracting opportunities!

Next Steps: Get Certified & Start Winning Contracts

Now that you’re registered, take the next step to increase your chances of securing government contracts:

• Look into Certifications – If you’re eligible, consider applying for 8(a), WOSB, or DBE certifications to access exclusive federal opportunities. (You can check our Step By Step Certification Guide here)
• Start Networking – Attend government contracting events and build relationships with agency representatives.
• Research Contract Opportunities – Visit SAM.gov regularly to search for open solicitations.

Registering in SAM.gov is a crucial milestone for businesses seeking government contracts and federal funding. While the process requires attention to detail, following these steps will set you up for success.

If this sounds like something you want to do but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place! Join our Project Manager to CEO Workshop on March 1st and 2nd.