Getting Started
Before you can even submit an SBIR grant application, there is a multi-step process, with several layers of registration, that you must complete. We’ll outline the process and detail the procedures below. It can take up to 48 hours for this registration process to be completed, so it is important to finish this well before the actual submission deadline. If you’ve already registered on SAM.gov, you can skip directly to the instructions for registering on SBIR.gov.
Understanding SAM.gov
The System for Award Management (SAM) is an official website of the U.S. government designed to help entities manage federal awards. Registration on SAM.gov is mandatory for businesses seeking to apply for federal funding opportunities, including SBIR grants.
Why Register on SAM.gov?
- Eligibility for Federal Contracts: Registration is the first step to becoming eligible to apply for federal contracts and grants.
- Visibility: Being listed on SAM.gov makes your business visible to federal agencies looking for contractors.
- Streamlined Process: Once registered, you can use your SAM.gov registration to apply for opportunities across various federal agencies.
Step-by-step Instructions for SAM.gov Registration
Create a Login.gov Account:
- Go to Login.gov.
- Click “Create an Account” and enter your email address.
- Download and install a verifier app (e.g., Okta Verify or Google Authenticator) on your smartphone or use your phone number for two-factor authentication. Link your authenticator method of choice to Login.gov by scanning the QR code or entering a provided passcode.
Register and Login on SAM.gov:
- Go to https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
- Click “Sign in” (bottom of the page) and use your Login.gov credentials. Enter the code texted to you or displayed on your authenticator app and your email.
- Complete your SAM.gov profile with your contact information.
Create an Entity:
- Click “Create New Entity” on https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration.
- Select “Directly with the U.S. federal government”, then “Apply for federal financial assistance”.
- Select “Federal government”
- Click “Select” under the Financial Assistance column.
- Indicate that you are not registering a government entity.
- If you are applying to Department of Defense SBIRs, indicate that you are applying for federal assistance from the Department of Defense (despite the warning that this is “Not common”). Otherwise, indicate that you are not.
Enter Entity Data and Validate Your Entity:
- Enter your legal business name and address on the Enter Entity Information page.
- Verify the accuracy of the information provided.
- If you don’t see your company’s information under LEGAL ENTITIES LIST on the Review Entity Information page, that’s okay. Just select “I don’t recognize my entity in this list”, and select Next to continue.
- You’ll then be given an opportunity to enter your company’s incorporation information (start year and state of incorporation). Keep in mind that you will need to submit documentation to verify this information.
Upload Documents for Proof of Company:
- Upload documents linking your company name to its physical address and start year (ex. Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation).
You have finished registering on SAM.gov — you should receive your UEI number within 48 hours.
Step-by-step Instructions for SBIR Registration
You must have registered on SAM.gov and received your UEI number before completing this step. Please see the section above detailing step-by-step instructions for SAM.gov Registration, if you haven’t. Ensure to complete all steps in a single session to avoid restarting the process.
Start by going to SBIR Registration: https://www.sbir.gov/registration.
Certifcation tool to check if you qualify for SBIR:
In order to qualify for SBIR, you must be:
- For-profit company that is fewer than 500 employees
- Principal place of business located in the United States
- Over 50% of firms’ equity owned by US citizens or permanent residents
UEI/Email Check:
- You must have your UEI from registration on SAM. gov. Fill out that and your email address. All other fields are optional.
SBC Information:
After filling out your Company Name and Address, you will be asked the following ownership questions:
- What percentage (%) of the SBC is majority-owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds or private equity firms?
- Is the SBC majority-owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds or private equity firms?
- Number of Employees including all affiliates: You can check the definition of affiliates here: https://www.sbir.gov/affiliation.
- Woman-owned: An SBC that is at least 51% owned by one or more women, or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by women, and women control the management and daily business operations.
- Socially/Economically Disadvantaged: A firm can register as Disadvantaged under SAM.gov using the following criteria: The firm must be 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged persons. The disadvantaged person or persons must be socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged
- HUBZone-owned: HUBZone is a United States Small Business Administration (SBA) program for small companies that operate and employ people in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones). Firms will need to reside within an area that has been determined to be a HUBZone, meet eligibility requirements and register with the SBA
Points of Contact: Fill out contact information for CEO, Business Official, CFO, and Contracting Official.
- Companies can have the same individual holding several or all of the titles listed above. These are required fields to complete the registration process — but don’t worry if you’re not sure who to put, since Points of Contact information can be updated through the company profile anytime once you’ve created your account.
Registration Complete:
- You should be able to login into your account and view your company profile, including your SBC Certificate. Download and save your SBC Certificate, which has your SBC Control ID.
Congratulations — you can now find and apply for your first SBIR/STTR!