Any entity pursuing government contracts—including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grantees—must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

In this Federal database at SAM.gov, users can register to do business with the U.S. government, update or renew an entity registration, check status of an entity registration, and search for entity registration and exclusion records. Registration at the official SAM website (www.sam.gov) is free. Do not be confused by look-alike web sites or companies offering to register on your behalf.

Recent changes have been made to enhance system security and deter fraud. SAM.gov has partnered with Login.gov to implement multi-factor authentication for registered SAM.gov users. Effective June 29, 2018, when users go to SAM.gov and log in, they will be asked to create a Login.gov account. During initial Login.gov registration, users will be asked to enter an email address. Be sure to use your existing SAM email address to create the account. Access to a working phone number (mobile or landline) is also needed to register as Login.gov will send a security code.

To learn more about the recent changes occurring with SAM.gov registration, click here.

Remember, there is never a charge to register at SAM.gov. For questions or assistance, contact the community development staff at the NCRPC.

This article appeared in the July 2018 NCRPC Newsletter.