SAM.gov vs. Federal Processing Registry: Key Differences Explained
Confused about SAM registration? You?re not alone. This guide helps you understand what each does?and why it matters.
What Is SAM.gov?
SAM.gov is the official U.S. government system run by the General Services Administration (GSA). It?s required for businesses, nonprofits, and agencies that want to:
Get paid by federal agencies
Bid on procurement opportunities
Registration is free, but there?s no live support.
Third-Party Registration Help Explained
Federal Processing Registry is a private SAM registration assistance service. It helps organizations:
Navigate the complex SAM.gov system
Get help with renewals, validation, and documentation
Track renewal deadlines and compliance dates
FPR has completed over 20,000 successful SAM filings
Side-by-Side Feature Breakdown
Feature
SAM.gov (GSA)
Official Government Platform
Yes
Federal Processing Registry (FPR)
No
Free to Use
Yes
Federal Processing Registry (FPR):
Fee for support services
Step-by-Step Help
None
Federal Processing Registry (FPR):
Full assistance
TIN/UEI/CAGE Troubleshooting
No support
Federal Processing Registry (FPR):
Expert guidance
Customer Support
Not provided
Federal Processing Registry (FPR):
U.S.-based phone/email support
Turnaround Time
Varies (slow)
Federal Processing Registry (FPR):
1?3 business days most often
Renewal Reminders
No -- emails that often end up in spam
Federal Processing Registry (FPR):
Yes
Compliance Documentation
None
Federal Processing Registry (FPR):
Provided
The official system is DIY. FPR offers human help.
Risks of Confusion
Getting it wrong can result in:
Being ineligible for contracts
SAM expiration issues
Thousands of organizations choose FPR to avoid mistakes
Is It Legal to Use a Third-Party SAM Service?
Yes?using a third-party like FPR is legal, and thousands do it every year.
FPR is transparent that it is not a government agency. What you pay for is:
Support from real professionals
Expert-level compliance review
And it works: Over 20,000 successful filings and 1,000+ 5-star reviews.
Choosing the Best Path to SAM Compliance
Use SAM.gov directly if:
You?ve done it before
You?re confident fixing IRS or UEI issues yourself
Use Federal Processing Registry if:
You need a stress-free renewal
You want reminders, documentation, and expert assistance
Ready to Get Help with SAM Registration?
Register or Renew with Expert Support:
https://federalprocessingregistry.com/register-online/
Email: help@federalprocessingregistry.com
Call (888) 618-0617