Getting Started with SAM.gov: A Small Business Guide

BidStacker Team•December 15, 2025•8 min read

What is SAM.gov?

SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government website for managing federal awards. It's where all federal procurement opportunities are posted, and where you need to register before you can bid on any government contract.

Why It Matters for Small Businesses

The federal government spends over $700 billion annually on contracts, and a significant portion is set aside specifically for small businesses. If you're not on SAM.gov, you're missing out on a massive market.

Setting Up Your SAM.gov Account

  • **Get a UEI Number** — The Unique Entity Identifier replaced the old DUNS number. You get this automatically when you register on SAM.gov.
  • **Create Your Account** — Visit SAM.gov and click "Get Started." You'll need your business information, banking details, and tax ID.
  • **Complete Your Entity Registration** — This is the most important step. Fill in your capabilities, NAICS codes, and business size.
  • **Wait for Validation** — SAM.gov validates your information with the IRS and other agencies. This can take 7-10 business days.

    • Finding Opportunities

    Once registered, use the Contract Opportunities search to find RFPs. Filter by:

  • **NAICS codes** matching your industry
  • **Set-aside types** (Small Business, 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB)
  • **Agency** preferences
  • **Geographic location**

    • How BidStacker Helps

    BidStacker automatically syncs with SAM.gov daily, pulling in new opportunities and scoring them against your business profile. Instead of manually searching SAM.gov every day, you get a curated feed of matching contracts with AI-powered match scores.

    Ready to start winning contracts?

    Join thousands of small businesses using BidStacker to find and win government work.

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