Guides / How-to
How to register on SAM.gov so you can bid
You can search SAM.gov without an account. To submit an offer you need an active entity registration and a Unique Entity ID. Registration is free. Third parties that charge for it are optional helpers, not the government.
What you need before you bid
- Unique Entity ID (UEI) assigned in SAM.gov.
- Active entity registration for your company, with representations and certifications filled in.
- A free Login.gov account to sign in.
Searching Contract Opportunities and reading notices does not require any of that. Start registration early; do not wait until the week a solicitation is due.
High-level steps
- Create or use a Login.gov account and open SAM.gov.
- Start an entity registration for your legal business name and physical address. SAM.gov's own registration walkthrough is the official checklist; follow it rather than an outside "expediter" who charges a fee.
- Get your Unique Entity ID as part of that process.
- Complete the core data, assertions, and representations and certifications (including small-business size for the NAICS codes you work under).
- Submit and wait for the registration to show as active. Keep a calendar reminder to renew before it expires.
Exact screens and document lists change. Use SAM.gov entity registration help and the in-product guidance as the source of truth.
Timing and common snags
- It can take weeks, especially if names, addresses or tax IDs do not match other government records.
- Never pay SAM.gov for registration. Fees from private firms are optional services.
- Banking and points of contact must stay current; outdated contacts cause missed emails about renewals or awards.
- Size standards depend on the NAICS code on each solicitation. See our set-aside guide and NAICS codes for facilities trades.
After you are active
- Save searches for your trades and states (search walkthrough).
- Follow individual notices so amendments reach you.
- Keep your representations accurate; you certify size and socioeconomic status on offers.
Free help
- APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs): free counseling for firms that want federal work.
- SBA local assistance: Small Business Development Centers and related programs.
- SAM.gov help desk links from the site footer when you are signed in.
General information from the Bid Brief team, not legal or contracting advice. SAM.gov's current instructions control. We aren't affiliated with SAM.gov, GSA or any government agency. Last reviewed Nov 5, 2026.
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- Checklist: bidding your first federal janitorial contract: A printable checklist from registration to start-up, for small cleaning companies.
- How set-asides work for small cleaning and landscaping firms: Small business, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB and SDVOSB set-asides, size limits and the rules that trip people up.
- How to respond to a Sources Sought notice: What a Sources Sought or RFI is, why small firms should answer, and what to put in a short reply.
- Weekly bid list vs checking SAM.gov yourself: When a free weekly facilities list helps, when to search SAM.gov yourself, and how Bid Brief fits.
- Sources Sought vs solicitation: what's the difference?: Side-by-side: market research notices versus real requests for offers, and what to do with each.
- How to register on SAM.gov so you can bid: High-level steps for a free Unique Entity ID and active entity registration before you submit an offer.
- NAICS codes for janitorial, grounds and facilities work: Common NAICS and PSC codes for cleaning, landscaping, snow, pest and facilities support, with search tips.
- How to find VA janitorial and grounds contracts: Searching Department of Veterans Affairs facilities work on SAM.gov, including SDVOSB priority.