Before you apply: SAM.gov, UEI and the SBA Company Registry

Most agencies expect you to complete several registrations before you submit, and some take days or weeks, so start early:

• SAM.gov. Register your entity in the System for Award Management and get a Unique Entity ID (UEI). This is needed to receive federal awards.
• SBA Company Registry. Register on SBIR.gov to get an SBC Control ID, which you attach to proposals.
• The agency's submission system. Examples: the DoD SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) for DoD topics; Grants.gov plus eRA Commons for NIH; Research.gov for NSF (NSF also asks for a Project Pitch first).

The exact list differs by agency and changes over time, so check the solicitation's instructions.

Official sources

• SAM.gov – Entity registration
• SBIR.gov – How to apply (registrations)
• DoD SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal
• NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund)

This guide is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Rules change; the solicitation and SBA policy directive govern.