GovCon Acronym Decoder
Government contracting runs on shorthand. Search any acronym and get a plain-English definition, when you will run into it, whether you need one, and where it comes from.
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4 of 172 terms matching "SAM"
System for Award Management
The federal government's official registration database. Every entity that wants to receive a federal contract or grant must have an active registration here.
When you see it
Before you can bid anything, and every year after that when your registration comes up for renewal.
Do you need it
Yes. An active SAM registration is mandatory before award, and most agencies check it before they will even talk to you.
Where it comes from
General Services Administration (GSA) operates SAM.gov. Registration is free.
System for Award Management
The federal government's official registration database. Every entity that wants to receive a federal contract or grant must have an active registration here.
When you see it
Before you can bid anything, and every year after that when your registration comes up for renewal.
Do you need it
Yes. An active SAM registration is mandatory before award, and most agencies check it before they will even talk to you.
Where it comes from
General Services Administration (GSA) operates SAM.gov. Registration is free.
General Services Administration
The government's central buying and real estate agency, and the home of the MAS program and SAM.gov.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Contracting Officer
The same role as CO. The 'K' is longstanding shorthand for 'contract' in government writing, so KO and CO mean the same person.
When you see it
In DoD and legacy documents and emails.
Do you need it
Just know it is the same person as the CO.
Where it comes from
Convention, not regulation.
Subline Item Number
A subdivision of a CLIN used to break out different funding sources, delivery dates, or components under the same line item.
When you see it
On contracts funded by multiple appropriations or with phased deliveries.
Do you need it
Invoice at the SLIN level when the contract requires it.
Where it comes from
FAR Subpart 4.10.
Knowing the words is step one
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