How do I register as a government vendor?

For federal contracts, register your entity in SAM.gov. For state contracts, register on each state's vendor or e-procurement portal. For local governments, register with each city, county, school district or utility, or on the shared bid platform it uses. Have your tax ID, W-9, insurance certificates and commodity codes ready.

The Unique Entity ID is the identifier SAM.gov assigns to entities doing business with the federal government. It replaced the DUNS number on April 4, 2022.

How often do I renew my SAM.gov registration?

Every year. GSA says SAM.gov registrations must be renewed annually to stay active and keep you eligible for federal awards.

Is SAM.gov registration free?

Registering in SAM.gov itself costs nothing. Some private companies charge to help with registration, which is optional; you can register directly at SAM.gov.

NIGP codes are a commodity and services classification system used by many state and local agencies. Vendors pick the codes that match their products so they receive bid notices in those categories.

Government Vendor Registration Checklist: SAM, State, Local

Key takeaways

Federal contractors register in SAM.gov, which assigns a Unique Entity ID (UEI). The UEI replaced the DUNS number on April 4, 2022.
SAM.gov registrations must be renewed every year to stay active.
Each state, and many cities, counties and school districts, run their own vendor registration, often on their e-procurement platform.
Have your tax ID, W-9, insurance certificates, commodity codes and any small business certifications ready before you start.

Before you start: gather your information

Legal business name and address, exactly as registered with the IRS and your state.
Tax ID (EIN) and a current IRS Form W-9.
Banking information for electronic payment.
Certificates of insurance for general liability and any other coverage your work requires.
Points of contact for sales, contracts and accounts receivable.
Ownership information, needed for certifications and some registrations.
Product and service codes: NAICS codes for federal registration, and commodity codes such as NIGP codes for many state and local agencies.

Federal: SAM.gov

To be eligible for federal contracts and grants, your entity registers in SAM.gov, the System for Award Management. SAM.gov assigns a Unique Entity ID (UEI), which replaced the DUNS number on April 4, 2022.

Registration vs. a UEI only. GSA notes that getting a UEI alone does not make you eligible for federal awards; prime contractors need a full registration.
Annual renewal. Registrations must be renewed every year to stay active.
It's free. You can register directly at SAM.gov at no cost.
CAGE code. A Commercial and Government Entity code is assigned as part of registration.

State vendor registration

Each state runs its own vendor registration, usually on its central procurement or e-procurement portal. Registering lets you receive bid notices, submit responses and get paid. Some states also require registration with the secretary of state or a state tax account before award. See our list of state procurement portals.

Local government registration

Cities, counties, school districts, special districts and utilities usually have their own vendor registration, either on their website or on a shared platform. Register with each agency on your target list, and note which platform it uses. See government bid sites.

Certifications

Federal small business programs run by the SBA, such as 8(a), HUBZone, women-owned small business (WOSB) and veteran-owned small business certification.
State and local certifications for small, minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses, which vary by state and city.
Industry requirements such as security frameworks for technology vendors serving government.

Certifications can open set-asides and reserved purchases. Apply for those you qualify for, and keep them current.

The checklist

Gather your legal name, tax ID, W-9, banking details and insurance certificates.
Register (or renew) in SAM.gov if you sell to federal agencies or grant-funded buyers.
Choose NAICS and commodity codes that match how agencies describe what you sell.
Register on each target state's vendor portal.
Register with each target local agency or its bid platform.
Apply for certifications you qualify for.
Set calendar reminders for renewals, insurance expirations and certification updates.

Common mistakes

Too few commodity codes, which means missed bid notices.
Letting registrations lapse, which can delay awards and payments.
Mismatched names or addresses between your tax records and registrations.
Registering and waiting. Registration makes you eligible to buy from; it doesn't create demand.

How KSG helps

Registration gets you on the list. Kensington Sales Group gets you in front of the buyers, researching target agencies and booking meetings with the people who own the problem. See our B2G lead generation service.

Registration requirements vary by agency and change over time. This checklist is general information; confirm requirements with each agency.

Sources: GSA, Registration in SAM.gov is different from only getting a UEI; SAM.gov.

Government vendor registration checklist: federal, state and local.