While government contracting can be lucrative, it’s not necessarily an easy process, and even the first step – SAM.gov registration – can be complicated and confusing. At Federal Contractor Registry, we can help you complete this process, as well as provide you with some facts to help you better understand the world of federal contracting.
- SAM.Gov Registration is Required
No company or entity can sell goods or services to the federal government without completing registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). This is the central database for all contractors, and you must maintain an active listing to bid on contracts.
The government does not charge a fee for SAM registration, but the process is extremely complicated and time-consuming. Many business owners prefer to hire a third-party registration service because it saves time, but also ensures that the registration is completed accurately and optimized for success.
At Federal Contractor Registry, we understand that a SAM profile is more than just a simple registration; it’s truly a searchable resume. Contracting officers and prime contractors use SAM.gov to find vendors, and a weak or incomplete profile can equate to missed opportunities.
For instance, we can provide you with a strategic capabilities narrative that includes industry-specific keywords that prime contractors and procurement agents use to search for vendors. We will select the best NAICS codes for your profile. Typically, this entails choosing one primary NAICS code tied to your main revenue stream and perhaps two relevant secondary codes.
Additionally, our team has a full understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), which can be complicated for business owners to navigate, helping to ensure that your registration is accurate, compliant, and positioned for success from the start.
- Certifications Can Open Doors
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several programs for small business owners who wish to participate in the federal marketplace. The government actually sets aside certain small contracts specifically for small businesses, and these set-aside contracts can be easier to win than larger contracts, as there tends to be much less competition.
These programs include certifications as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). You also can apply for HUBZone certification or the 8(a) Business Development Program.
However, while these programs can be highly beneficial, you do need to make sure that you highlight these certifications in your SAM profile. Federal procurement agents and prime contractors often search in SAM specifically for WOSBs, VOSBs, SDVOSBs, or businesses in HUBZones and the 8a certification program.
The team at Federal Contractor Registry can help you determine which small business set asides are the best fit for your company, help you sign up with the SBA, and ensure that these certifications appear on your profile.
- Subcontractors Must Comply With Federal Law
Subcontracting can be a great way to get started in government contracting. Subcontractors worked under a prime contractor, and this contractor handles virtually all of the back and forth with the federal agency. With subcontracting, you are building a government resume and learning the ropes of contracting without having to deal with the federal bidding process.
However, it is important to understand that subcontractors often are held to the same standards as prime contractors. You must comply with all Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) outlined in the contract. This means you need to read the contract carefully and be aware of any flow-down clauses.
These are clauses that apply both to the prime contractor and subcontractors. Sometimes these are mandatory flow-downs, which are required by federal law, but prime contractors also might add discretionary flow-downs to manage risk.
Whether mandatory or discretionary, once you sign a contract, you are legally bound to follow these clauses. You must read all of these clauses carefully and ensure that you are following the rules to the letter. Failure to do so can result in suspension from the contract and impact your ability to work as a subcontractor or prime contractor in the future.
- You Need to Create an Internal Compliance Program
A federal agency can audit you at any time, which is why it’s important to document every aspect of a contract as well as create an internal system to ensure that you are following all federal and contractual regulations. This program typically includes:
- Written Policies & Procedures
- Employee Training
- Internal Audits & Performance Checks
- Reporting Procedures
Not only do you need to have this program in place, but it also needs to be reviewed and updated frequently. If an audit occurs, and you don’t have a system in place, you likely will be scrambling to provide documentation for the federal agency, and this can cause suspensions or even contract terminations.
- It’s Smart to Keep Up With Contracting News
During the last few years, federal contracting has undergone some drastic changes, and it is crucial that all contractors, including subcontractors, regularly monitor the latest news in contracting.
For instance, on March 26, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order that prohibits “racially discriminatory diversity, equity (DEI), and inclusion practices by contractors and subcontractors.” This means if your company has a DEI policy in place and you are a contractor or subcontractor in the middle of a contract, the federal agency has the right to cancel, terminate, or suspend the contract if they determine that your policy is “racially discriminatory.”
This means contractors and subcontractors need to review their internal DEI policies and ensure they align with federal anti-discrimination laws. It also means contractors need to be prepared for any audits or challenges that may arise. Keep in mind, this does not ban diversity efforts; it simply means you cannot have hiring practices in place that favor a specific race, such as having hiring quotas in place.
- You Need To Actively Track Contract Opportunities
In the private sector, it’s not uncommon for a business to contact another business for goods and services. In the federal marketplace, agencies must create formal solicitations and post them publicly, which means opportunities don’t come directly to you – you have to go find them.
Contractors should regularly monitor SAM.gov and other procurement platforms for new opportunities, sources sought notices, and requests for proposals (RFPs). Staying consistent with this process ensures you don’t miss relevant contracts and gives you more time to prepare competitive, compliant proposals.
- Renew Your SAM Account Annually
Your SAM listing will expire every 12 months, and if you do not renew, you cannot bid on federal contracts. Many subcontractors also are required to keep active SAM accounts. We recommend renewing your listing at least 4-6 weeks ahead of the expiration date because it can take several weeks for the Federal Service Desk to approve your renewal. If you don’t want to deal with the hassles associated with this process, we do offer SAM renewal services.
Get Started With SAM.gov Registration!
Government contracting has its share of challenges, but it can be an excellent way to expand your business and boost profitability. If you would like us to complete your SAM.gov registration, simply head to our homepage and click on the green New Registration tab.