Federal Acquisition Regulation: Clarification of System for Award Management Preaward Registration Requirements
FAR Council finalizes rule clarifying that SAM.gov registration must be active and current at the time of bid submission, not just at award. No changes to existing interim rule.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Government Contracting (SAM/FAR) space on July 30, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated Medium urgency. All entities seeking federal contracts, including small businesses, defense contractors, GSA schedule holders, and grant recipients. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Effective August 7, 2025 (date of publication). No transition period specified.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Government Contracting (SAM/FAR) continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
The rule finalizes without changes the interim rule that requires SAM.gov registration to be active and current at the time of offer submission, not just at award.
Who it affects
All entities seeking federal contracts, including small businesses, defense contractors, GSA schedule holders, and grant recipients.
What you must do
Ensure SAM.gov registration is active and current before submitting any bid or proposal. Verify that all representations and certifications are up to date.
Deadline
Effective August 7, 2025 (date of publication). No transition period specified.
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