Everything you need before you start — in the right order
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SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the federal government's official vendor database. You must be registered and active in SAM.gov before you can receive any federal contract or grant. Registration is free — but it's detailed. Use this checklist to gather everything before you start so you don't get stuck halfway through.
⚠️ Watch Out for Scams
SAM.gov registration is 100% FREE at sam.gov. Never pay a third party to register for you — scammers charge $300–$500 for something you can do yourself for free. RickerTime can guide you through the process, but we will never charge you just to submit the form.
Step 1 — Business Identity
Legal Business Name
Must match exactly what's on your IRS/EIN documents. No abbreviations unless that's your legal name.
Business Physical Address
A real street address — no P.O. boxes for the primary address.
Business Mailing Address
Can be a P.O. box if different from physical.
Business Start Date
The date your business was legally formed or incorporated.
Business Phone Number
A working number where the government can reach you.
Business Website (if applicable)
Optional but recommended — adds credibility.
Step 2 — Tax & Legal IDs
EIN (Employer Identification Number) Required
Your federal tax ID from the IRS. Get one free at irs.gov if you don't have one yet.
UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) Required
Replaced the DUNS number in 2022. You'll get this automatically when you create your SAM.gov account — no pre-registration needed.
Business Structure
LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Sole Proprietor, Partnership, etc.
State of Incorporation / Formation
The state where your business is legally registered.
State Business License Number (if applicable)
Required in some states. Check with your state's Secretary of State office.
Step 3 — NAICS Codes
Primary NAICS Code Required
The 6-digit code that best describes what your business does. Look up codes at census.gov/naics.
Additional NAICS Codes (up to 10 recommended)
Add every code that applies to your services. More codes = more contract opportunities you're eligible for.
Product Service Codes (PSC)
Optional but helpful. These describe specific products or services you offer to the government.
Step 4 — Banking Information
Bank Name
The financial institution where you receive payments.
Bank Routing Number (ABA)
9-digit number found on the bottom left of a check.
Business Checking Account Number
Must be a business account — not a personal account.
Account Type (Checking or Savings)
Most businesses use checking.
Step 5 — Points of Contact
Government Business POC (name, title, phone, email)
The person agencies contact for business matters. Usually the owner or a senior manager.
Electronic Business POC (name, title, phone, email)
The person who handles electronic payments and invoicing. Can be the same as above.
Past Performance POC (name, title, phone, email)
The person who can speak to your previous contract work. Can be the same person.
Step 6 — Certifications & Representations
Small Business Self-Certification
Based on your NAICS code and SBA size standards. Check sba.gov/size-standards.
Ownership & Control Information
Names, titles, and % ownership of all owners with 20%+ stake.
Certifications You Hold (WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), etc.)
List any certifications you've already received. These unlock set-aside contracts.
FAR/DFARS Representations & Certifications
A series of yes/no compliance questions. Read each one carefully — these are legal representations.
Step 7 — After You Submit
Allow 7–10 business days for IRS validation
SAM.gov verifies your EIN with the IRS. This is the most common delay — plan ahead.
Save your UEI number
You'll need this on every proposal, capability statement, and certification application.
Set a renewal reminder for 364 days from activation
SAM.gov registrations expire annually. A lapsed registration means you can't receive payments — even on active contracts.
Download your SAM.gov registration confirmation
Keep a copy for your records and include it in your capability statement package.