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SAM.gov Information
Small businesses play a vital role in making our lives better. Whether it’s that charming café you frequently visit, the independent bookstore you love, or the local contractor who remodeled your kitchen, you interact with them every day. However, not all small businesses serve the general public; some provide goods and services to the federal government. And that’s where SAM.gov comes in.
SAM.gov is where your small business can register to be able to contract with the federal government. The person who registers your business will be responsible for managing your information in the system. They’re called your Entity Administrator. They’ll have some different jobs to do, but the most important is renewing your SAM.gov registration annually. If you have only one Entity Administrator and they’re unavailable, you can’t renew your entity registration. An expired registration means your entity can't do business with the federal government, so don't let that happen!
For those of you with only one Entity Administrator, ask them to invite others to help manage your registration. They’ll need to choose the new Entity Administrators carefully since the added users will have the ability to add others and manage your registration as well. By adding more Entity Administrators, you’ll help ensure your small business continues to work with the federal government and keep it going strong!
More About SAM.gov
SAM is 100% free to all users. Contact an APEX advisor for assistance with SAM registration.
Don’t make the mistakes that cause delays with your entity registration in SAM.gov. The Federal Service Desk (FSD) shares seven reasons entity validation documents are rejected learn more.
The IAE facilitates the federal awards processes in multiple online systems, including the SAM. Those systems are used for registering to do business with the federal government, listing contract opportunities, capturing contractor performance, viewing contract data, searching assistance listings, reporting subcontracts, and learn more.
FPDS.gov ezSearch Transition to SAM.gov
Effective February 24, 2026, the General Services Administration will decommission the ezSearch function within FPDS.gov. All ezSearch capabilities are now available in SAM.gov, which is the authoritative source for federal contract awards data.
Users should begin using SAM.gov exclusively to search contract awards data. After February 24, ezSearch will no longer be available in FPDS.gov.
To search contract awards data in SAM.gov, users must have a SAM.gov account and sign in through Login.gov. Contract data will remain publicly available at USASpending.gov for users who prefer not to create an account.
All data previously available in FPDS.gov has been migrated to SAM.gov. The updated system includes improved navigation between Contract Opportunities, Contract Awards, and Subaward Reporting, more intuitive search filters, and enhanced search tools.
For more information, visit: https://sam.gov/fpds
Regional News
NDDOT 2026 Construction Program
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has outlined a significantly expanded 2026 construction program, projecting $745-$810 million in estimated bids. That is up from $345 million in 2025. NDDOT indicates roughly $400 million of the increase as stemming from several large federal discretionary grant projects that now have funding allocations from federal agencies and state matching funds. Many of these will be multi-year builds. Roughly half of the 2026 program will be delivered through NDDOT's core federal funding. 2026 is the final construction year under the current federal transportation bill (IIJA/BIL), which ends in fall of 2026. NDDOT is actively supporting federal reauthorization discussions, emphasizing streamlined regulations and greater funding flexibility.
Sentinel Deployment & Minuteman III Decommissioning & Disposal
This website provides key information on the Air Force’s Sentinel Deployment and Minuteman III (MMIII) Decommissioning and Disposal Project, formerly known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD). It serves as a resource for outside agencies, landowners, and the public, offering up-to-date details about the project. The goal is to replace all MMIII ICBMs in the U.S. with Sentinel ICBMs, upgrading key components while maintaining the existing nuclear warhead configuration. Stay informed with ongoing updates throughout the project’s duration. Read More
North Dakota Secretary of State
Registration and reporting requirements with ND Secretary of State (SOS) vary by business type. State agencies need to ensure that vendors have complied with SOS and business license requirements stated in solicitations. Learn more about how to bid at the ND OMB Doing Business with the State website or contact your ND APEX advisor.
Manufacturing and Onshoring Resources
SBA recently announced the launch of a portal and accompanying handbook to help small businesses identify U.S. manufacturers and producers. With a database of more than one million American suppliers, the searchable portal will empower job creators to source domestic suppliers to support their operations.
Looking for support to grow or strengthen your manufacturing business? Explore this list of statewide and regional resources available to help manufacturers succeed.
Cybersecurity
Win or Lose: Using CMMC 2.0 Proposed Rule to Position Yourself for DOD Contracts
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program has been a headache for many defense contractors since the idea was first introduced in 2019. The program seeks to protect unclassified information, including federal contract information (FCI) and controlled unclassified information (CUI) not intended for public release, shared by the Department of Defense (DOD) with its contractors and subcontractors. In December 2023, the DOD proposed a rule to formally codify the CMMC Program in a phased rollout. The DOD has now released a proposed rule relevant to Phase 1, another steps towards the ultimate goal of requiring certain DOD contractors handling sensitive information to achieve a particular CMMC level as a condition of contract award. DOD contractors that process, store, or transmit FCI or CUI (or plan to do so in the future) must become familiar with the CMMC Program as it could ‘make‑or‑break’ winning or losing major government contracts.
MySBA Certifications
To increase opportunities for America’s small business owners, the SBA has rolled out MySBA Certifications, a streamlined technology tool that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to apply for multiple certifications with a single application.
SBA is now accepting applications for VetCert, HUBZone, Women-Owned and Economically-Disadvantaged Women-Owned, and 8(a) small business certifications. If you have an account in the MySBA loan portal or VetCert, you can log in with that account email and password. If you have an existing account for HUBZone, WOSB or EDWOSB, or the 8(a) program, you must create a new account to apply. To report a change to your business for a current certification, use the VetCert, HUBZone, WOSB or EDWOSB, or 8(a) program websites. Entity-owned firms cannot apply for certification yet, but that application will be coming soon.
Contact your North Dakota APEX Accelerator advisor for assistance with any of the SBA certification programs.
America's Seed Fund Community Resources
America's Seed Fund awards non-dilative funding to startups and small businesses to develop technology and chart a path toward commercialization. How do innovators and founders learn about America's Seed Fund? Most often it's through their entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) - the accelerators, incubators, investors, labs, and other programs that help them along their journey.
This site is designed to support the entire innovation ecosystem - the ESOs that support entrepreneurship and the innovators (startups and small businesses) - building technology that is critical for America's economic prosperity, global competitiveness, and national security.
If you click the link and scroll down, you can sign up for the newsletter!
Innovative Solutions Needed
Discover a variety of innovative challenges,where you can participate and share your own creative ideas to potentially win major federal rewards. There are countless different and unique opportunities to participate in! Click the link below to learn more.
DHS Science and Technology Request
DEFENSEWERX (DWX), in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, is searching for innovative capabilities to address DHS challenges. Our North Dakota businesses might have the solution!
Submit your technology for DHS S&T's review and the potential to help secure our Nation. Technology Submission Form