If you’re new to federal contracting, SAM.gov is something you’ll eventually come across. While you don’t need a SAM.gov account to use SwiftSam to discover opportunities, you will need one if you plan to bid on federal contracts.
This guide walks you through the process of creating a SAM.gov account so you're ready when it's time to take the next step.
1. What Is SAM.gov?
SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government site for:
- Registering to do business with the federal government
- Getting a Unique Entity ID (UEI)
- Submitting proposals or bids
- Managing official government contract documents
2. Why You Might Need an Account
If you're using SwiftSam to explore federal contracting opportunities, you can search, sort, and save potential contracts without ever leaving the platform.
However, once you're ready to take action — submit a bid or apply for a grant — that’s when SAM.gov becomes essential.
3. How to Create a SAM.gov Account
Follow these steps to set up your account:
Step 1: Go to SAM.gov
- Visit https://www.sam.gov
- Click “Sign In” in the top-right corner
You'll be redirected to Login.gov, the secure authentication provider for SAM.gov.
Step 2: Create a Login.gov Account
- Click “Create an account”
- Enter your email address and verify it
- Set a secure password (12+ characters)
- Enable two-factor authentication using a phone number or authenticator app
🔐 Your Login.gov account will also work with other federal systems.
Step 3: Link to SAM.gov
- Once logged in through Login.gov, you’ll be redirected back to SAM.gov
- Complete your profile by adding your name, organization (if applicable), and contact details
Step 4: You're In!
You now have a SAM.gov user account. From here you can:
- Register your business (if needed)
- Request a UEI
- Submit contract bids or grant applications
4. Pro Tips & Resources
- Registration vs. Account: Creating an account gives you access. To bid on contracts, you must also register your entity — a separate process that can take up to 10 business days.
- Avoid Fees: SAM.gov registration is 100% free. Be cautious of third-party services charging high fees.
5. When You're Ready to Bid...
Once your SAM.gov account is active and your entity is registered, you can start submitting bids on the opportunities you’ve been tracking with SwiftSam.
And if you haven’t already, start your free SwiftSam trial to make searching for federal contracts simpler, faster, and smarter.
Still have questions? Email us anytime at sam@swiftsam.com or visit our docs page.
Let’s make federal contracting easier — together.