SAM.gov registration is completely free for nonprofit organizations seeking grants. No fees are required to register, maintain, or renew accounts. Nonprofits must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), designate an E-Business Point of Contact, and provide business address and tax information. The process typically takes 7-10 business days to complete. Organizations should be vigilant against scam services charging unnecessary fees and phishing attempts impersonating SAM.gov. Proper security measures protect organizations throughout the registration journey.
Understanding SAM.gov Registration Costs
Transparency stands at the core of the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration process. The federal government maintains a straightforward fee structure: there are no costs to register or maintain an account on the official SAM.gov platform.
Organizations should understand that the entire registration process can be completed without any payment to the government. Organizations can register directly through the official SAM website to avoid unnecessary fees associated with third-party services.
No payment or fee is required to register or maintain your organization’s account on the official SAM.gov platform.
While third-party service providers offer assistance with SAM.gov registration for fees ranging from $100 to $800+, these services remain entirely optional. The government provides free resources, including a helpline and detailed guides, to support self-registration. Users are encouraged to be cautious of unsolicited emails claiming to represent SAM and requesting payment for registration services.
Organizations concerned with budget constraints should utilize these no-cost options.
For both nonprofits and for-profit entities, annual renewals, data updates, and entity validation services are provided at no charge through the official SAM.gov website. Since April 4, 2022, the government has replaced DUNS numbers with UEI numbers for uniquely identifying entities in the federal procurement system.
Nonprofit Organization Requirements and Exemptions
Nonprofit organizations face specific requirements when engaging with the federal grant system, building upon the no-cost registration foundation discussed earlier.
The nonprofit registration process mandates several essential elements, including obtaining a unique entity identifier (UEI) and designating an E-Business Point of Contact.
To complete registration, organizations must provide their physical business address, tax information, and potentially additional financial documentation.
While SAM.gov registration is free for all entities, nonprofits should be aware that:
- Annual renewal is required within 60 days of expiration
- Registration information must remain current and accurate
- Each grant program has specific eligibility criteria beyond SAM registration
Professional assistance services exist for managing the registration process, though these services are separate from the no-fee government registration system itself.
The registration process typically takes 7-10 business days for completion, so nonprofits should plan accordingly when applying for time-sensitive funding opportunities.
Expert guidance from consultancies like FGA can significantly simplify the process and ensure compliance with FAR requirements when navigating the complex registration steps.
Organizations should utilize official guidelines provided by the government to avoid paying unnecessary fees to third-party services that charge for what is essentially a free registration process.
Protecting Your Organization From Sam-Related Scams
Numerous scams target organizations registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), creating significant financial and security risks for nonprofits.
Effective scam identification requires vigilance against phishing emails that impersonate official SAM.gov communications, often containing suspicious links or requesting credentials.
Organizations should verify sender addresses carefully, noting that legitimate SAM communications come exclusively from .gov domains. The GSA never charges direct fees for registration, a common premise in fraudulent schemes. While businesses can register independently at no cost, some choose to work with legitimate services that offer expertise in navigating the complex registration process. Compromised accounts can lead to altered payment processes and potentially jeopardize your contract eligibility. Scammers frequently use urgent language in their communications to pressure organizations into making hasty decisions.
Protect your organization by:
- Enabling multi-factor authentication for all SAM.gov accounts
- Training staff in phishing awareness
- Using only the official SAM.gov portal for updates
- Reporting suspicious communications to the FTC
- Regularly monitoring account activity for unauthorized changes
Remember: No legitimate “accredited” third-party SAM registration services exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the SAM.Gov Approval Process Typically Take?
The SAM.gov approval process typically takes 6-8 weeks for completion, though recent changes may extend this to 10 weeks.
Registration delays can occur due to business complexity, information inaccuracies, or high submission volumes.
After submitting a notarized letter, approval generally requires 7-10 business days.
Organizations can expedite the process by double-checking information, preparing documents early, and seeking technical support when necessary.
Can Foreign Nonprofits Register in SAM.Gov for U.S. Federal Grants?
Yes, foreign nonprofits can register in SAM.gov to pursue U.S. federal grants.
Foreign nonprofit eligibility requires specific documentation, including a DUNS Number and NCAGE Code, which must be obtained before SAM registration.
Organizations must select “Foreign Owned and Located” in the General Information section.
The registration process involves different requirements than domestic entities, but international grant opportunities remain accessible once properly registered.
Foreign entities cannot include non-U.S. banking details and must complete IRS validation.
Is SAM.Gov Registration Required for Sub-Recipients of Federal Funding?
Subrecipients of federal funding are not required to complete full SAM.gov registration. However, they must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
Pass-through entities must verify that subrecipients have a UEI before issuing subawards. This streamlined requirement reduces administrative burden while maintaining accountability in the federal funding process.
Unlike prime recipients who need active SAM registration, subrecipients are exempt from this registration requirement but must still follow applicable agency terms and conditions.
How Do Entity Mergers Affect Existing SAM.Gov Registrations?
Entity consolidation impacts SAM.gov registrations considerably, often requiring full re-registration rather than simple transfers.
When organizations merge, the registration transfer process requires:
- Appointment of an internal Entity Administrator (not third-party)
- CAGE code verification for the new entity structure
- Review of active contracts for transferability
- Communication with contracting officers
The merged entity must comply with SAM.gov’s post-2022 security protocols to maintain administrative privileges and prevent registration closure.
Can Multiple Programs Within One Nonprofit Use the SAMe SAM Registration?
Yes, multiple programs within one nonprofit can use the same SAM registration.
This program sharing approach promotes registration efficiency by centralizing administrative responsibilities under a single Unique Entity ID. Organizations benefit from streamlined management of federal grants and contracts across all their initiatives.
The nonprofit must guarantee that all program information remains consistent in federal systems and that the registration is renewed annually.
This unified approach simplifies compliance requirements and financial management for the entire organization.