SAM.gov is the federal government's official system for entity registration and award management. If your municipality applies for federal grants, receives federal funding, or works with federal agencies, maintaining an active and accurate SAM.gov registration is an important administrative responsibility.
Many Vermont municipalities encounter questions about renewing registrations, managing entity administrators, or responding to validation and compliance requirements. While these processes are essential for accessing federal funding opportunities, they can also be confusing and time-consuming.
VLCT has developed a variety of resources to help local officials navigate SAM.gov requirements. This page brings those resources together in one place, providing guidance for every stage of the process—from obtaining a UEI and completing an initial registration to renewing your account and resolving common issues.
Whether you are setting up a new municipal registration, preparing for a grant application, or troubleshooting an existing account, these resources can help you understand requirements, avoid common pitfalls, and keep your municipality eligible for federal funding opportunities.
Use the links below to find the information most relevant to your situation.
Are you having difficulties with your SAM.gov registration? Is your registration inactive? Has the person with administrative privileges for your account left municipal service?
This resource assists municipalities with finding answers to their most frequently asked questions about SAM.gov (a.k.a. SAM). In most cases, the questions link directly to SAM's Frequently Asked Question (FAQ).
VLCT Resource: Answers to SAM.gov Frequently Asked Questions | Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Login.gov and SAM.gov are both official U.S. government websites, but they serve different purposes. It’s important to know how they work – especially if you’re a municipal official or volunteer helping with grants or federal programs.
Learn more at Understanding the Difference Between Login.gov and SAM.gov | Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
If your SAM (System for Award Management) registration becomes inactive, it must be reactivated. An inactive status can affect your eligibility for federal funding, such as FEMA Public Assistance and some transportation and community development grants and loans.
Learn about the steps you can take to reactivate the account: What Should We Do if Our SAM.gov Account Becomes Inactive? | Vermont League of Cities and Towns
If SAM.gov asks for a NAICS code when you renew your municipality's registration, you've inadvertently chosen to renew as a business rather than a municipality.
Find out how to fix this error at Is SAM.gov Asking for a NAICS Code During Your Registration Renewal? | Vermont League of Cities and Towns.