What You Can’t Forget While Doing SAM Registration

In spite of the fact, that the Federal Government launches business development program for the small business of the state, it’s true that the businesses owners also need to take part in the business development program, get certified and registered with the SBA. One of the primary requisites to win government contract is SAM registration.

SAM refers to System for Award Management. Here are eight tips to help you get through SAM registration process hassle free.    

1. Free of cost registration:  SAM registration in the government website is completely free of cost.  Hence, do not get confused by look-alike websites! Remember that official government websites end in “.gov” or “.mil”. Once you sign up in the SAM website, you will be redirected to the commercial website which will charge a fee for assistance in registration.

2. Get in Touch with the  Impact Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC): If you are planning to do everything  without  paying  any penny contact with PTAC  to find opportunities, as well as understanding the government market. Register for Impact PTAC assistance at http://impactptac.com or call 701-356-2664.

3. Seek Online assistance:  For SAM registration, you can now   leverage  online tutorials.  There are YouTube videos and user guides to help you in the process.  You can also check out the famous 382-page paper guide if you want to understand all the technical aspects of the database. (or if you need some night-time reading materials).

4. Get a Legal Business name: Make sure to use the exact legal name of your company in your SAM registration. Check with the Secretary of State to make sure you are using the exact legal name.

5. Get Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number:  The DUNS number from DUN & Bradstreet is the key requisite of SAM  Registration. So,  before applying to SAM,  you have to apply for the DUNS number. And,  then again, you have to wait for 10 days to receive your number and have it activated online. As a side note, the Government is in the process of adopting a new number system that will be unique to the Government.

7. Identify your NAICS (North American Industry Classification) codes: While  doing  SAM Registration, identifying your NAICS codes  is also important. NAICs number helps in classifying your business industry. You will need one primary code for your SAM registration, but you can have multiple codes so be sure to reference all that apply to your business. Government agencies will assign a NAICS code to their purchase,  which  can  be further classified by the Government officials.

8. Complete your  small business profile – If you  are done  with  SAM  registration, it’s time to  enroll  with SBA Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) portal and build up a profile. It helps in identifying small businesses, the prime contractors as well as your prospective clients . Make sure it is accurate and be sure to fill in keywords, capabilities and other items as requested. Note that you can also use this database to see what NAICS, keywords and capabilities that your competitors have entered.

 
Now that you've registered in SAM and have completed your SBA small business profile, you're ready to search for bidding opportunities! A good place to start is www.fbo.gov - the Government must post all requests for bids over $25,000 on this website.

Remember, SAM registration is required if you want to do business with Federal agencies. There is no charge to register at SAM.gov and help with the registration process is readily available, at no charge, from SBA or the PTAC.