Deactivating a SAM.gov profile enhances security against phishing attacks and unauthorized access. Entity administrators can immediately deactivate registrations through the system, while user profile deactivation requires contacting the SAM Help Desk. Unlike inactivity, deactivation stops automatic renewal notifications and removes associated roles. Organizations should implement this measure during extended periods of non-use or when security concerns arise. The complete deactivation process involves additional steps to guarantee proper account protection.
Understanding SAM Profile Deactivation vs. Inactivity
While managing access to SAM.gov, users often confuse the concepts of profile deactivation and inactivity policies. The key distinction is that SAM.gov entity registrations remain active for 365 days from submission regardless of login frequency, unlike Grants.gov accounts which automatically deactivate after a year of inactivity. Entities can track their registration progress through the Entity Status Tracker to ensure continued compliance.
Unlike Grants.gov’s automatic timeout, SAM.gov registrations stay active for 365 days regardless of login patterns.
SAM.gov deactivation procedures require manual intervention by an entity administrator, as the system has no automatic security-based deactivation. Entity Administrators must be company representatives per the March 2023 update that restricts these roles to employees, officers, and board members. Maintaining accurate information is critical for preventing unwanted deactivation of your SAM.gov registration.
When administrators implement deactivation, the action takes effect immediately and necessitates a formal reactivation process. This process typically includes entity validation through SAM.gov’s Entity Validation Service (EVS), which confirms the organization’s existence and uniqueness before restoring access.
Understanding these differences helps organizations maintain appropriate security controls and administrative workflows.
Recognizing and Avoiding SAM.gov Security Scams
Beyond understanding the mechanics of SAM.gov profile deactivation, users must remain vigilant about security threats targeting the platform.
Sophisticated phishing tactics have emerged, with attackers creating convincing emails that mimic official SAM.gov communications. These messages often lead to fraudulent login pages designed to steal credentials. The government contracting process makes SAM users particularly attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking valuable information.
The system’s vulnerabilities stem from previously weak email verification protocols and publicly searchable contact information, which facilitate targeted attacks. Recently, cybercriminals have successfully diverted federal payments to bank accounts controlled by hackers after gaining unauthorized access. Contractors should verify sender addresses before clicking links, watching for subtle domain misspellings that indicate spoofing attempts. The GSA has been criticized for its delayed response to the security breach after its initial discovery.
To protect accounts, users should:
- Activate two-factor authentication immediately
- Review account activity regularly
- Deactivate profiles during extended periods of inactivity
- Scrutinize all SAM.gov communications for authenticity markers
Step-by-Step Guide to Secure Profile Deactivation
Maneuvering the deactivation process for SAM.gov profiles requires understanding specific procedures based on account type and intended outcome. Users must differentiate between entity registrations, which automatically deactivate after 365 days without renewal, and user profiles that require login every 395 days to remain active.
For entity registrations, administrators can navigate to the status page and select “Deactivate Registration.” This prevents automatic renewal notifications while removing the entity from public searches.
Effective account monitoring includes verifying email communications come from .gov or .mil domains to prevent phishing.
For user profiles, role management is critical—deactivation removes all associated roles and notifies administrators. Since self-deactivation isn’t available, users must contact the SAM Help Desk with full name, account email, and justification to permanently deactivate profiles. Understanding the registration process steps is essential for properly managing your profile’s full lifecycle from creation to deactivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Deactivated SAM Profile Be Partially Restored for Specific Contracts?
No partial profile restoration exists in SAM. The system requires complete reactivation to regain contract eligibility. Contractors must fully restore their SAM registration to “active” status before becoming eligible for any federal opportunities.
How Does Profile Deactivation Affect Existing Subcontractor Relationships?
Profile deactivation disrupts subcontractor relationships by halting contract performance and payments. Effective subcontractor communication becomes critical, while relationship management challenges emerge as prime contractors cannot fulfill obligations until registration is restored.
Are International Entities Subject to Different Deactivation Protocols?
International entities follow the same deactivation procedures as domestic ones in SAM. No distinct international protocols exist, though international entities may face additional documentation requirements during validation processes following security incidents or reactivation.
What Happens to Past Performance Records After Profile Deactivation?
Past performance records typically remain accessible after deactivation, though a deactivation impact analysis reveals potential challenges. Performance record retention practices allow data viewing through “Inactive” filters, while CPARS maintains independent documentation regardless of SAM status.
Can Multiple Administrators Deactivate the Same Profile Simultaneously?
Multiple administrators with sufficient profile management permissions cannot deactivate the same profile simultaneously. SAM systems typically enforce a lock mechanism during user operations, preventing concurrent actions on a single account by different administrator roles.