To update a submitted SAM profile, users must sign in through login.gov to access their workspace. Once logged in, select “Update Entity” from the Registration Details panel if the status shows “Active” or “Expired.” Point of Contact changes process immediately, while other modifications require IRS and CAGE validation, taking 10-12 business days. Check the SAM.gov inbox regularly for validation requests. The following sections provide step-by-step instructions for guiding through the entire update process.
Accessing Your Existing SAM.gov Registration
To successfully access an existing SAM.gov registration, users must navigate to the official website at sam.gov and locate the “Sign In” button positioned in the upper right corner of the homepage.
Before entering accessing credentials, users must accept the U.S. Government System terms that appear on screen.
Once accepted, the system will prompt for login.gov credentials, which may require a one-time security code depending on chosen authentication methods.
After successful authentication, the system redirects users to their SAM.gov workspace where they can manage registrations.
Within the workspace, locate the Entity Registration widget to view existing registrations.
Users requiring access to a registration they don’t currently have must obtain an entity administrator role from an authorized user before proceeding with any updates.
For many beginners, understanding the registration process steps beforehand can significantly simplify navigating through the SAM.gov system.
Navigating the Entity Update Process
Once users have successfully accessed their SAM.gov registration, the next phase involves managing the entity update process.
To begin updates, users must verify they meet entity requirements, including having administrator privileges and confirming their registration status is Active, Expired, or Work in Progress.
From the Registration Details panel, select “Update Entity” to initiate changes.
Users face common update challenges when their registration status is “Submitted,” as this prevents any modifications until processing completes.
When choosing update types, consider whether only Points of Contact information needs changing (which processes immediately) or if a full registration renewal is required.
Remember that thorough updates will trigger IRS and CAGE code validation, potentially resulting in processing delays of up to ten business days.
If your registration appears complete but shows as inactive, carefully check for incomplete verification processes or missing documentation that could be preventing your entity from achieving active status.
Post-Update Verification and Timeline Management
After submitting updates to a SAM profile, registrants must navigate a verification process that confirms data accuracy and compliance with federal standards.
Most updates require IRS and CAGE validation through the Entity Validation Service, which typically takes 10-12 business days to complete. Point of Contact changes are the exception, processing immediately without validation.
Registrants should track post-update verification status by logging into their SAM.gov workspace and selecting “Check Registration Status” from the Home menu. The dashboard displays pending validation steps and completion progress.
To manage timelines effectively, organizations should:
- Confirm consistency with IRS/CAGE records before submission
- Monitor the SAM.gov inbox for validation requests
- Avoid repeated edits during processing
- Consider third-party registrars for complex updates
This verification process is an essential component of the federal procurement systems that SAM has consolidated to streamline government contracting processes.
For organizations encountering difficulties during the verification process, SAM.gov offers customer service representatives who can provide specialized assistance with renewal-related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Update My SAM Profile While Under Review?
Yes, SAM.gov allows profile updates while under review. Users can access the “Update Entity” option in their registration panel. Changes to Core Data, Reps & Certs, and Entity Information can be made during the review process.
How Do I Change My Business Size Classification?
To change business size classification, organizations must log into SAM.gov, navigate to Entity Registration, update financial data or employee counts based on business size criteria, and submit recertification to trigger the classification process.
What Happens if My CAGE Code Expires?
When a CAGE code expires, entities face significant expiration consequences including inability to bid on federal contracts or process invoices. Reactivation requires completing an annual SAM registration renewal to restore CAGE code eligibility and functionality.
Can I Transfer My SAM Registration to Another Entity?
SAM registrations cannot be transferred between entities. The entity transfer process is not permitted as each organization must maintain its own unique registration. Registration limitations require new entities to create separate SAM profiles.
Are Certain SAM Profile Sections Locked After Initial Submission?
Yes, certain profile sections become restricted after initial submission. These typically require validation from authorities like the IRS or DLA, a process taking 7-12 business days before users can request access through SAM support.