Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about SAM registration, renewal, UEI, CAGE Codes, and registration assistance.
What is a SAM registration?
SAM.gov is the federal System for Award Management. Organizations use an entity registration for many federal contracting and assistance activities.
How often does a SAM registration need to be renewed?
SAM.gov requires entity registrations to be renewed every 365 days to remain active.
Should an existing registration be updated before renewal?
If your entity information has changed, it is good practice to update it promptly rather than waiting until renewal. It is also wise to begin the annual renewal before expiration so there is time to resolve validation issues and reduce the risk of an inactive registration affecting federal award or payment processing.
What is a Unique Entity ID (UEI)?
The Unique Entity ID is the identifier assigned through SAM.gov for an entity.
What is a CAGE Code?
A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is an identifier used for U.S. entities in federal systems. Requirements vary by entity and registration.
How long can it take for a registration to become active?
SAM.gov advises allowing up to 10 business days after submission for a registration to become active. If entity information has changed significantly or a validation issue arises, the process can take longer because information may need to be corrected, validated, and resubmitted.
Does SAM.gov charge a registration fee?
No. SAM.gov itself is free to use for registration, renewal, updates, and Unique Entity ID services. SAM Registry Support is an optional independent assistance service.
Can you help with an existing registration?
Yes. Assistance is available for renewals, entity-information updates, business details, points of contact, and other registration-related questions.
How do I request assistance?
Use the Need Help button on this site, request assistance from the registration page, or call 1-877-408-9449.
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