US Federal Procurement
Overview
The United States federal government is the world’s largest single purchaser of goods and services, spending hundreds of billions of dollars each year on everything from information technology and professional services to construction, healthcare, transportation, defense, and scientific research. Opportunities exist for both U.S. and qualified international companies that understand the federal procurement process and can deliver innovative, high-quality solutions. While the federal marketplace is governed by established regulations and procedures, it is also transparent, competitive, and designed to provide fair access to qualified suppliers. This section of International Gov Strategies introduces the essential resources, organizations, and tools that will help you understand how the federal market operates, identify contracting opportunities, and develop a successful strategy for entering and expanding within the U.S. federal marketplace.
SAM.gov is the U.S. government’s central online system for registering organizations that want to do business with the federal government and for accessing federal procurement and assistance information. Operated by the U.S. General Services Administration, it consolidates several legacy systems into a single platform that supports contractor registration, entity validation, contract opportunities, and award dataA current SAM.gov registration is generally required before an organization can receive many federal contracts or grants. During registration, entities provide identifying, tax, banking, and business information, complete required federal representations and certifications when applicable, and undergo an identity and entity validation process designed to improve the accuracy and integrity of federal procurement records.
Core Services
SAM.gov serves as the authoritative registration system for entities seeking federal contracts, grants, or certain other federal financial assistance. Organizations can register and maintain their entity information, while government agencies use the platform to verify eligibility, manage procurement processes, publish contract opportunities, and provide access to federal award and wage determination information.
Foreign Companies Registration Process
A foreign company can register directly in SAM.gov and compete for U.S. federal contracts or grants. The process is very similar to that for U.S. companies, but there are several additional requirements. You can begin the process through SAM.gov Entity Registration.
Step 1. Obtain an NCAGE Code
Before a foreign (non-U.S.) company can register in SAM.gov, it must obtain a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code.
- The NCAGE code is free.
- Most companies receive it within 1–3 business days.
- You must request it before starting your SAM registration.
Step 2. Create a Login.gov Account
The company representative creates a Login.gov account and then signs into SAM.gov to begin the registration.
Step 3. Register the Entity in SAM.gov
During registration, the company will provide:
- Legal business name
- Physical business address
- Country of incorporation
- NCAGE code
- Banking information (Electronic Funds Transfer is optional for many foreign entities)
- Tax information, if applicable
- Points of Contact
- Business classifications
- NAICS codes describing products and services offered
Step 4. Receive a Unique Entity ID (UEI)
During the registration process, SAM.gov assigns the company a Unique Entity ID (UEI). This replaces the old DUNS number and is required for doing business with the U.S. federal government.
Step 5. Entity Validation
SAM.gov validates:
- Company name
- Physical address
- NCAGE information
- Ownership information
The information must match exactly across all submitted records to avoid delays.
Step 6. Activate the Registration
Once validation is complete, the registration becomes Active. Under normal circumstances, activation takes about 10 business days, although additional validation requests can extend the timeline.
Before starting, gather:
- Legal business registration documents
- Physical business address (not just a mailing address)
- NCAGE Code
- Company ownership information
- Primary Points of Contact
- Banking information (if desired for payments)
- NAICS codes
- Product or service descriptions
The General Services Administration (GSA)is an independent U.S. federal agency created in 1949 to provide centralized administrative, procurement, technology, and property-management services for the federal government. Rather than delivering public-facing programs directly, it functions as the government’s shared-services organization, helping other federal agencies acquire goods and services, manage office space, operate vehicle fleets, and modernize technology. GSA facilitates over $84 billion of products, services and solutions that enable federal agencies to efficiently accomplish their missions while saving taxpayer dollars.
The GSA’s core purpose is to make government operations more efficient and cost-effective. It supports federal agencies by:
Managing federal office buildings and real estate
Negotiating and administering government-wide contracts
Purchasing products and services on behalf of agencies
Operating federal vehicle fleets
Developing government-wide management and procurement policies
Providing technology and digital-service platforms used across government
Acquisition.gov is the U.S. federal government’s central online portal for acquisition policy and regulations. Managed as part of the federal acquisition policy infrastructure, it provides authoritative access to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), agency acquisition supplements, policy updates, and related guidance used by federal contracting professionals across executive agencies.
Acquisition.gov is designed for contracting officers, program managers, legal professionals, contractors, and anyone researching federal procurement. Major features include:
The complete Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) with searchable and downloadable formats.
Agency acquisition regulation supplements, including the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
Federal Acquisition Circulars (FACs) and regulatory updates.
Policy letters, guidance, and acquisition training resources.
News about changes to acquisition regulations and modernization efforts.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) were a network of organizations that helped businesses compete for government contracts by providing no-cost or low-cost counseling, training, and technical assistance. In 2023, the program was rebranded as the APEX Accelerators program, reflecting an expanded mission to help businesses navigate the full government marketplace while continuing the core services historically associated with PTACs.
Organizations participating in the program typically provide assistance such as:
Understanding government contracting requirements.
Registering in federal procurement systems.
Identifying contract opportunities.
Preparing bids and proposals.
Navigating certifications for small and disadvantaged businesses.
Understanding cybersecurity, compliance, and procurement regulations.
Connecting businesses with government buyers and prime contractors.
Most counseling is individualized, allowing businesses to receive guidance based on their experience, industry, and contracting goals.
FAI was established under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to strengthen the capabilities of the civilian federal acquisition workforce. It develops competency models, provides learning resources, supports career development, and works with federal agencies to promote consistent acquisition standards across government. The institute is part of the U.S. General Services Administration and collaborates with acquisition leaders throughout the federal government.
FAI administers and supports several government-wide certification programs for civilian agencies. These include certifications for contracting professionals (FAC-C), Contracting Officer’s Representatives (FAC-COR), and Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM), along with continuous learning requirements that help professionals maintain their credentials over time. Training is available through instructor-led courses, virtual learning, and online resources.
Although the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) was created primarily to train the federal acquisition workforce, it is also a valuable learning resource for vendors who want to understand how government buyers think and how the procurement process works. The Federal Acquisition Institute provides a window into how federal procurement professionals are trained. By studying the same acquisition principles, terminology, and processes used by government buyers, suppliers can better understand agency requirements, prepare stronger proposals, and compete more effectively in the U.S. federal marketplace.