There are four essential registrations that small businesses must complete to apply for an SBIR or STTR award.  These registrations must be completed BEFORE the application can be submitted, and in certain instances the process can be lengthy, so it is crucial to begin these registrations as soon as possible.  Each of these systems serves a different function within the application process.  The registrations are: 

1. DOE Office of Science Portfolio Analysis and Management System (PAMS)
2. The System for Award Management (SAM)
3. SBA Registration
4. Grants.gov    

Portfolio Analysis and Management System (PAMS) 

Registration with PAMS is required for applicants to submit their Letters of Intent (LOI).  Registration with PAMS is fairly straightforward but it is a two-step process and applicants are encouraged to register early so that they do not miss the LOI submission deadline.  Click here for further instructions and registration information about PAMS and/or visit the PAMS registration page within this guide. 

System for Award Management (SAM) 

Registration with SAM provides applicants with their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which is a requirement for any entity doing business with the federal government.  Applicants are required to enter their UEI on the SF424 and the application cannot be submitted without this number.  It is advised that applicants begin the SAM registration process immediately as it can take up to 8 weeks due to high demand.  Click here for further instructions and registration information about SAM and/or visit the SAM registration page within this guide

SBA Registration

Registration in the Small Business Administration (SBA) Company Registry is required to participate in SBIR and STTR federal funding programs and applicants will be required to provide proof of their SBA company registration.  Although the SBA registration will likely only take you a few moments to complete, you will need your business’s UEI to complete the process. You will need to begin your SAM registration prior to SBA registration as your businesses UEI is generated as the initial part of the SAM registration.  Click here for more information about SBA registration through SBIR.gov and/or visit the SBA registration page within this guide.

Grants.gov 

Registration with Grants.gov is required for applicants to access the SBIR/STTR grant application system, documents, and workspace.  Although it is a one-time only registration process, it does involve several steps and will take some time.  Therefore, applicants are encouraged to start the registration early and allow several weeks to complete the process.  Click here for further instructions and registration information about Grants.gov and/or visit the Grants.gov registration page within this guide.