Skip to main content

How to Register in SAM (System for Award Management)

Written by site_admin on . Posted in Uncategorized.

What is SAM?

In 2012, the General Services Administration launched the first phase of the System for Award Management (SAM) eventually consolidating the capabilities of eight federal procurement systems into one system.  The Central Contractor Registration (CCR), Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), and the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) were migrated into the new System for Award Management in this first phase.

Why Should I Register in SAM?

If you are interested in any of the following then you MUST register in SAM:
• Doing business with the federal government
• Getting paid
• Gaining exposure so federal agencies can identify you as a vendor
• Being eligible to respond to federal bids, RFP’s, and solicitations that require a CAGE code, which is provided upon completed registration

How Do I Register in SAM?

There is no fee charged by the federal government to register your business in SAM.  So you have a choice — you can either do it yourself or you can hire a federal procurement expert to assist you with the registration.

If you were previously registered in CCR and ORCA you need to perform the following steps BEFORE your account expires.  If you are new to registering to do business with the federal government you need to perform all of the items below, except Step 4.

      Step 1    Go to https://www.sam.gov
      Step 2    Set-up a new user account in SAM.
      Step 3    Validate your identity.
      Step 4    Migrate your information from the CCR and ORCA legacy systems.
      Step 5    Complete the following mandatory sections in SAM:
                     a)  Core Data
                     b)  Assertions
                     c)  Representations and Certifications
                     d)  Points of Contact
      Step 6    If you are a small business, complete your company profile in the SBDS with keywords, and capabilities so that prime contractors and federal agencies can find you.

Keep your account active, up-to-date, and complete to ensure continued visibility and exposure to the federal government and to get paid !

Need Help?

Need help with SAM Registration?  BH Sky is available to assist you. Speak to a federal procurement expert at BH Sky.  Phone 866-468-7420.  Email us or visit us on the web.