Why do I need a UEI or a SAM.gov registration?

Beginning August 2026, USAC will use SAM.gov banking information to pay all Universal Service Fund (USF) invoices, including E-Rate BEAR invoicing. If you are planning to apply for E-Rate reimbursement funds, your library will need to make sure it has a Uniform Entity Identifier (UEI), which will be USAC's point of reference for your SAM.gov registration. Your contacts, banking information, and entity registration must all be current in SAM.gov to receive payment from USAC.

 

How do I start?

Try to login to the SAM site. 

  • If you think you have forgotten your password, you can try to reset it.
  • If you don't think you have a login, you can create an account.
  • VERY IMPORTANT: Using another person’s email address and password to access SAM.gov is prohibited by federal law.  You will need to make your own personal login for SAM.gov.

How can I find my entity registration?

Once you have logged into SAM.gov, click on "Workspace" near the top right, and then click "See All" under the Entity Information section near the middle left.

Alternatively, you can click on "Search" from the home page, and do a Keyword Search for your entity.

  • Pro tip: Make sure you select both "Active" and "Inactive" from the Status options in the search box.

 

What if my entity registration is expired?

 

What if I get stuck while trying to register for SAM.gov?

The Federal Service Desk (FSD) is your resource for SAM.gov help. If FSD is unable to help, you can try to contact your US Representative. They all offer some level of help with federal agencies:

VERY IMPORTANT: 

There are many unscrupulous people and organizations that offer "SAM.gov" registration or renewal services for a price. These are all scams. Do not send money to them, and do not be taken in by their false claims of urgency. If you have questions about your SAM.gov registration, contact OPLIN, and we will help you verify the status of your organization's registration.