If you're looking to do business with the federal government, registering your business in the System for Award Management (SAM) is a crucial first step. SAM is a government-wide registry of contractors and vendors that is used to manage the federal procurement process, as Contracting Officer's typically cannot award a contract to your company unless you are appropriately registered in SAM.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before you begin the registration process, you'll need to make sure that your business is eligible to do business with the federal government. You cannot do business with the federal government if you cannot supply products in compliance with the Buy America Act (BAA) or the Berry Amendment (for DoD). Further, if you have been disbarred or suspended, you cannot do business with the government.
For all other small businesses, you will be required to have a registration in SAM before you can compete for a contract.
Step 2: Gather Your Information
Before you start the registration process, make sure you have all the necessary information at hand. You'll need to provide basic information about your business, such as its legal name, address, and contact information. You'll also need to provide information about your business structure, such as whether it's a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Additionally, you'll need to provide financial information, such as your TIN and UEI number (this is now automatically provided for new registrations, but if you've had a DUNS in the past you will need to request a UEI).
Step 3: Create an Account
To register your business in SAM, you'll need to create an account on the SAM website. Once you've created an account, you'll be prompted to provide your business information.
Step 4: Complete Your Registration
Once you've created your account and provided your business information, you'll need to complete your registration by filling out additional forms and providing more detailed information about your business. You'll need to provide information about your products and services, your industry codes, and your past performance history. You'll also need to provide information about any certifications or accreditations your business has.
Please note that you will need to answer questions on your representations (small business status, etc) and you also will need to find your NAICS for the main products or services you provide. The NAICS you select are important, as you cannot be awarded a contract for a NAICS that you have not listed in your SAM registration. This can be updated as your business grows, and you can list more than one. You should also verify your small business status for each NAICS by checking the SBA Size Standards.
Step 5: Submit Your Registration
After you've completed all the necessary forms and provided all the required information, you'll need to submit your registration. You'll receive a confirmation email once your registration has been successfully submitted. Keep an eye out for this, as you will be notified if there are problems with your registration as well. If you don't address missing or incorrect information, you won't have an active SAM registration.
Step 6: Maintain Your Registration
Once your business is registered in SAM, it's important to keep your information up-to-date. You'll need to renew your registration annually and update your information as necessary. Contracting Officers will pull your SAM registration prior to any possible contract award, and you must be current and accurate as of the day of award or you could miss out on the opportunity.
Registering your business in SAM can be a complex process, but it's an essential step if you want to do business with the federal government. At Federal Edge Consulting, we can help guide you through the process and ensure that your registration is complete and accurate. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you succeed in the federal market.
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