SAM profile privacy settings enable organizations to control public visibility through the opt-out functionality. Only administrators can modify these settings during registration or profile updates. Opting out reduces public exposure but maintains government access, potentially limiting contracting opportunities. Entities with opted-out profiles remain visible only to users with .gov or .mil email addresses. Organizations must balance privacy concerns against business development needs when configuring their visibility preferences. Further exploration reveals important API access considerations for data protection.

Understanding the SAM Profile Opt-Out Mechanism

Transparency in federal contracting systems comes with important privacy considerations for entities registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Organizations can control their public visibility through SAM’s opt-out functionality, which restricts profile discovery in public searches while maintaining essential contracting capabilities.

The opt-out implications vary greatly based on user roles within the system. Only administrators can modify these privacy settings through the “Information Opt Out” section during registration or updates. This limitation creates a responsibility hierarchy where designated personnel must manage visibility preferences. To protect sensitive information, administrators should implement strong security protocols when accessing and modifying these critical privacy settings.

While opting out reduces public exposure, it does not delete data or prevent government access. Similar to a Universal Opt-Out Mechanism, the SAM opt-out feature allows entities to indicate their privacy preferences automatically. Entities must weigh the benefits of reduced visibility against potential decreases in contracting opportunities, as opted-out profiles may receive fewer solicitations from agencies seeking specific capabilities. Profiles with opt-out status can only be viewed by users with .gov or .mil email addresses, ensuring government access while limiting exposure to non-government entities.

Managing API Access for Controlled Data Visibility

Beyond the profile opt-out options, SAM’s data access ecosystem extends to the Application Programming Interface (API) layer, which requires specific controls for protected information.

The system implements tiered API key permissions that enforce appropriate data filtering based on user credentials and authorization levels. To ensure data remains protected during transmission, all API communications are secured using TLS encryption. These measures align with federal cybersecurity standards to maintain the highest level of protection for government platform users.

Tiered API key permissions establish data boundaries through credential-based filtering, protecting sensitive information while enabling appropriate access.

Federal system accounts can process up to 10,000 requests daily, while non-federal users without SAM.gov roles face stricter request limits of just 10 requests per day.

This differentiation guarantees sensitive data remains protected while allowing necessary access for authorized users. User access to these API features requires completion of the user registration process.

When implementing API access, administrators should:

• Deliver API keys via the `x-api-key` header rather than URL parameters
• Use system accounts for bulk operations to avoid throttling
• Implement query parameter filtering for precise data retrieval
• Apply role-based access controls to match operational requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is Event Participation Data Retained After Registration?

SAM’s data retention policy for event registration information follows a standard 30-day period, though this may extend longer to meet legal obligations unless users explicitly request data purging during account cancellation.

Can I Selectively Opt-Out of Sharing Certain Profile Sections?

Yes. SAM’s profile customization allows selective sharing of specific data sections. Users can utilize removable permissions (blue checkboxes) to opt-out of sharing certain information while maintaining required data disclosures for regulatory compliance.

How Are Conversation Logs From SAM.Coach Events Protected?

Conversation logs from SAM.Coach events are protected through secure server storage, data encryption, and centralized access management. User consent is required for sharing, and detailed audit logs monitor for unauthorized access or suspicious activity.

What Happens to My Data During Agency System Transitions?

During agency system shifts, entity data undergoes secure migration following established protocols. Information is automatically transferred with validation checks, while maintaining historical records and user access rights throughout the consolidation process.

Can I Request Deletion of My Demographic Information Post-Event?

California residents can exercise data privacy rights to request demographic deletion post-event. While non-Californians depend on company policy, CCPA provides legal basis for demographic information removal through verifiable consumer requests under regulatory provisions.