What is System for Award Management (SAM)?
System for Award Management (SAM) is a free site that combines the systems of Central Contractor Registration (CCR)/FedReg, Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA) and the Excluded Party List System (EPLS) to streamline the process of obtaining government contracts.
Future SAM phases will add the features of other programs used in the processes of government procurement and awards.
All current and potential government vendors must register in System for Award Management to be granted contracts by the state. You will need to provide necessary information relevant to procurement and financial transactions.
Vendors must complete a one-time registration. You must update or renew your registration every year in order to maintain active status.
SAM is a Business Marketing Tool
SAM enables government agencies and contractors to search for your business based on ability, scale, place, experience, ownership and more.
It allows users to search for SBA-certified companies under the 8(a) Development and Hubzone Programs.
SAM integrates the web-based ORCA program which offers the appropriate company information like accounting procedures and travel policies and verifies that the organization fulfills the federal requirements like complying with equality legislation.
SAM validates the information of the vendor and shares the secure and encrypted data electronically with the finance offices of the Federal Agencies. They do this to facilitate paperless payments via electronic funds transfer (EFT).
SAM shares the data with government procurement systems and electronic business systems; so you only need to upload business information to a single database, which will then automatically fill the SBA database.
If you are interested in receiving certifications for Small Disadvantaged Company, HUBZone or 8(a), you will need to apply to SBA separately.
How to Register with SAM
To register with SAM, go to their website at SAM.gov with the following information:
- DUNS Number
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Employment Identification Number (EIN)
If you register a new entity in SAM to do business with the U.S. government, they need a notarized letter showing that you are the entity manager. This will enable your entity registration in their system.
How Long Does It Take to Register with System for Award Management (SAM)?
It will take up to two weeks to register with SAM after completing the online registration and submitting the notarized letter validating the agency manager. Changes will be reflected in Grants.gov after one business day.
The company must have an EIN first. You will need an additional 5 weeks to apply to receive an EIN from the IRS if your business does not have one.
