Topics on this page: Register with D-U-N-S® & SAM | Get Your Codes | Find Contract Opportunities | Make an Impression | Learn How HHS Does Business | Small Business Programs
Register with D-U-N-S® and SAM
D-U-N-S®
First, you must register with the Data Universal Numbering System or D-U-N-S®. The D-U-N-S® Number is a copyrighted, proprietary means of identifying businesses on a location-specific basis. The D-U-N-S® Number is widely used by both commercial and federal entities and was adopted as the standard business identifier for federal electronic commerce. It can take up to four weeks for this process or even longer if there are problems with your information. It can take up to four weeks to get your number, or even longer if there are problems with your information.
SAM
Secondly, businesses, individuals, or agencies who want to do business with the Federal Government need to register with the System for Award Management (SAM). There is no fee for registering. Your can also update your information if previously registered through the Central Contractor Registration (now replaced by SAM). It can take three days to register.
Get Your Codes
There are important codes that every company should know when doing business with HHS.
Keep these codes handy anytime you are working with HHS:
- D-U-N-S® – You’ll need this number for identification in Government systems.
- Tax ID – Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online and get your EIN immediately.
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) – The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.
- Small Business Designations – Size standards for small businesses are based on the NAICS classification and can be based on annual receipts or number of employees.
Find Contract Opportunities
- Find HHS contracting opportunities at Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps.gov).
- If you have a small business, be sure to attend one of our Vendor Outreach Sessions. Check the Small Business Events Calendar for more information.
- HHS Forecast Opportunities – The HHS Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) maintains the Procurement Forecast Data Repository. It is intended to inform vendors - especially small businesses - about HHS's potential procurement opportunities prior to their official solicitation. (Forecast Disclaimer)
FORECAST DISCLAIMER - All projected procurements are subject to revision or cancellation. Final decisions on the extent of competition, small business participation, estimated value, or any aspect of the procurement action will not be made until each procurement is initiated. Forecast data is for planning purposes only and is not a commitment by the government to purchase the described products and services.
Note: Check the Grants section to locate grant opportunity information.
Make an Impression
Learn How HHS Does Business
- Vendor Communication Plan
- HHS Service Contract Inventory
- Find out about the Contract Administrative Tools used for managing federal contracts.
Small Business Programs
If you are a small business program interested in working with HHS, you may be interested in this information:
- HHS Small Business Vendor Outreach Calendar
- Get Ready for the Vendor Outreach Sessions
- Call our Small Business Staff and Specialists
- Sign up for our Small Business emails
