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SAM.gov Guide

How to Use SAM.gov: A Plain-English Guide for Small Businesses

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SAM.gov is where every federal contract opportunity is posted — but the interface was built for procurement specialists, not business owners. This guide explains exactly what you need to know to find and evaluate government contracts, step by step.

What Is SAM.gov and Why Does It Matter?

SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the U.S. federal government's central database for vendor registration and contract opportunities. Most federal contract opportunities expected to exceed $25,000 are publicized through SAM.gov, with some lower-dollar opportunities handled through other public posting methods or exceptions. Micro-purchases and many very small buys may not appear on SAM.gov. per FAR 5.101

For small businesses, SAM.gov is both a requirement and an opportunity. You must register to receive any federal payment, and you must check it regularly to find contracts that match your capabilities. There are over 15,000 active solicitations on SAM.gov at any given time.

Before You Start: What You Need to Register

Have these ready before you begin registration:

  • UEI (Unique Entity Identifier). This replaced the DUNS number in April 2022. You can get a UEI through SAM.gov itself — it's the first step in registration.
  • EIN (Employer Identification Number) or Social Security Number for sole proprietors.
  • Your NAICS code(s). The North American Industry Classification System codes that describe your business activities. You can have multiple codes. See our NAICS code guide.
  • Banking information for electronic funds transfer (for receiving payments).
  • Your certifications if applicable — 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB. You'll enter these during registration.

How to Search for Contract Opportunities on SAM.gov

You don't need an account to search for contract opportunities. Go to beta.sam.gov and click Contract Opportunities in the top navigation.

Search by keyword

Enter terms that describe what you sell — e.g., "IT support," "janitorial services," "cybersecurity consulting." Keywords search the solicitation title and description. Be specific — broad terms return thousands of results.

Filter by NAICS code

Every solicitation has a primary NAICS code. Filtering by your NAICS code(s) shows only opportunities in your industry. This is the most reliable way to find relevant work.

Filter by set-aside type

Under Contract Opportunities > Filters, you can filter by set-aside type: Total Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, and more. This shows only the contracts you're eligible to bid on based on your certifications.

Filter by agency

Focus on agencies that buy what you sell. DoD (Army, Navy, Air Force), VA, DHS, and GSA are the largest buyers. Filtering by agency helps you build relationships with specific contracting offices over time.

Understanding a SAM.gov Solicitation Page

When you click on an opportunity, you'll see a detailed solicitation page. Here's what the key sections mean:

  • Notice Type. "Combined Synopsis/Solicitation" means you can bid directly. "Sources Sought" is market research — you can respond to show interest, but it's not a solicitation yet. "Pre-Solicitation" means a formal solicitation is coming.
  • Set-Aside. Who's eligible to bid. "Total Small Business" means any small business. Named programs (8(a), HUBZone, etc.) mean only certified businesses can compete.
  • NAICS Code. The industry classification for this contract. Your business size standard is determined by this code.
  • Response Deadline. The date and time by which you must submit your quote or proposal. This is non-negotiable.
  • Attachments. The actual solicitation documents — Statement of Work, pricing templates, terms and conditions. These are what you need to read before bidding.

Want to understand solicitation documents in depth? See our guide on how to read a government solicitation.

Common SAM.gov Mistakes to Avoid

  • Letting your registration expire. SAM.gov registrations must be renewed annually. An expired registration means you cannot receive contract awards or payments. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your renewal date.
  • Missing amendments. Solicitations are frequently amended — deadlines change, requirements are updated, Q&A responses are added. If you're planning to bid, monitor the solicitation for amendments.
  • Responding to Sources Sought as if it's a solicitation. Sources Sought notices are market research, not solicitations. Respond to express interest and demonstrate capability, but don't submit a full proposal.
  • Wrong NAICS code on your profile. If your registered NAICS codes don't match the solicitation's NAICS code, you may not qualify as small business even if your revenue is well below the threshold.

How EasyGov Makes SAM.gov Easier

EasyGov syncs from SAM.gov daily and solves the three biggest pain points:

  • AI plain-English summaries. Instead of reading through pages of legalese, get a clear summary of what the agency wants, who can bid, and when it's due — in under 60 seconds.
  • One-click set-aside filters. Click your certification type and see only the opportunities you're eligible for.
  • Bookmark tracking. Save opportunities and track their deadlines without managing SAM.gov watchlists.
Browse contracts on EasyGov →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register on SAM.gov to bid on government contracts?

Yes. Any business that wants to receive a federal contract or grant payment must be registered and active in SAM.gov. Registration is free. You'll need your UEI number (Unique Entity Identifier), which you can obtain through SAM.gov itself.

How long does SAM.gov registration take?

SAM.gov registration typically takes 1–3 business days once you submit your application, though it can take up to 10 business days during busy periods. Your registration must be renewed annually to remain active.

Can I search SAM.gov without registering?

Yes. Anyone can search for contract opportunities on SAM.gov without an account. Registration is only required when you want to bid on a contract or receive payment. EasyGov also lets you browse opportunities without creating an account.

What is the difference between SAM.gov and FBO.gov?

FBO.gov (Federal Business Opportunities) was merged into SAM.gov in 2019. If you see references to FBO.gov, they're referring to the same contract opportunity database that now lives at beta.SAM.gov. All opportunities are now posted on SAM.gov.