The federal government is shut down as of October 1, 2025. For federal contractors, this isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a major business disruption. While news reports focus on furloughed federal employees, contractors face a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). If you’re trying to complete or renew your SAM.gov registration, you’ve likely hit a wall. What now?
This guide breaks down exactly how the 2025 government shutdown impacts SAM.gov operations. We will explore the status of the Federal Service Desk (FSD), explain the delays you can expect, and provide actionable tips and alternative resources to help you navigate this period of uncertainty. Don’t let a shutdown derail your government contracting goals.
The State of SAM.gov and the Federal Service Desk
During a government shutdown, non-essential federal operations cease. Unfortunately, this includes the support services that are critical for federal contractors.
Federal Service Desk (FSD) is Closed
The most immediate impact for contractors is the closure of the Federal Service Desk. An alert on SAM.gov confirms that as a result of the temporary shutdown, the FSD is not open. This means no live agent support via phone or web form. If you encounter an error, need to resolve a validation issue, or have a question about your registration, you are on your own.
While the FSD’s live support is unavailable, its website remains partially functional. You can still access knowledge base articles and use the virtual agent for automated assistance. These resources can solve common problems but are no substitute for a live expert when dealing with complex entity validation issues.
SAM.gov Remains Online, But with Delays
The SAM.gov website itself is still operational. You can log in, enter data, and submit your registration or renewal. However, the backend processes that validate and approve your information are at a near standstill. The government employees responsible for manually reviewing and validating entity information have been furloughed.
What does this mean for you? Any new registration or renewal submitted after the shutdown began will be stuck in “Pending” status. The entity validation process, which requires a government official to verify your company’s details, cannot be completed. Until the government reopens and employees return to work, your registration will not be activated. Expect significant backlogs and extended processing times even after the shutdown ends.
Actionable Tips for Managing SAM Registration Delays
While you can’t force the government to reopen, you can take proactive steps to manage the situation and position your business for a quick recovery. Your goal is to be at the front of the line, ready for approval, when normal operations resume.
1. Complete and Submit Your Registration Anyway
It may seem counterintuitive, but don’t wait. If you need to register or renew, gather all your information and submit your application now. The system will time-stamp your submission, placing you in the queue. When the government reopens, FSD agents will process applications in the order they were received. Waiting only puts you further behind the thousands of other businesses in the same situation.
Completing the data entry now also gives you a chance to identify potential problems. Is your business address listed identically with the IRS and your registration? Are your banking details correct? Use this time to double-check every field for accuracy. This reduces the risk of your application being rejected for simple errors once it finally gets reviewed.
2. Document Everything Meticulously
Documentation is your best friend during a shutdown. Create a detailed log of every action you take related to your SAM.gov registration. This record is crucial for protecting your business interests.
Your log should include:
- Dates and times of your registration submission or renewal attempts.
- Screenshots of your pending status, error messages, or any system glitches.
- A record of all communications, including emails to your contracting officer (CO) or inquiries submitted through the FSD virtual agent.
- Notes on any business impact, such as missed bid opportunities or contract delays directly caused by the registration hold-up.
This documentation will be invaluable if you need to request a deadline extension or file a Request for Equitable Adjustment (REA) for increased costs once the government is funded again.
3. Communicate Proactively with Contracting Officers
If your pending SAM registration is holding up a specific contract award or option year renewal, communicate with your Contracting Officer immediately and in writing. While many COs are furloughed, those working on “excepted” or essential activities may still be available.
In your email, clearly and concisely explain your situation. State that you have submitted your SAM registration renewal and are waiting for government validation, which is paused due to the shutdown. Attach a screenshot of your “Pending” status as proof. This written record demonstrates that you have done everything in your power to remain compliant. It creates a paper trail that may support a contract extension or protect you from being found non-compliant for reasons outside of your control.
Alternative Resources to Stay Compliant and Informed
With the FSD closed, you need to find other sources of information and support. Relying on non-governmental experts and tools can help you stay ahead.
Lean on Third-Party Registration Services
A government shutdown is precisely when a professional third-party SAM registration agency, like the Federal Contracting Center, proves its worth. While no third-party can magically get your registration approved during a shutdown, they provide critical administrative support.
The case managers at Federal Contracting Center can:
- Prepare and submit your registration accurately, minimizing the chance of errors that could cause further delays once the government reopens.
- Help resolve common validation issues before submission, such as mismatches in your company name or address.
- Monitor your registration status and provide you with immediate updates when processing resumes.
- Manage the SAM renewal process proactively to ensure you don’t miss your window and risk a lapse in your registration.
- Think of it as having an expert manage the tedious administrative work and monitor the situation for you, freeing you up to focus on running your business.
Use Other Government Data Systems
While SAM.gov’s support is down, other federal procurement data websites are often still accessible. These can be valuable for market research and strategic planning.
- FPDS.gov (Federal Procurement Data System): Access historical contract data to research agency spending habits and identify potential competitors.
- USAspending.gov: Track federal awards and get a broad overview of the government spending landscape.
Use this downtime to refine your business development strategy. Analyze which agencies receive priority funding after shutdowns and which contracts are deemed essential. This intelligence can help you diversify your portfolio and build resilience against future disruptions.
Consult Industry Associations and Legal Experts
Organizations that serve the government contracting community are excellent sources of information during a shutdown. Trade associations, law firms specializing in government contracts, and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), now known as APEX Accelerators, publish frequent updates and guidance. These resources can help you understand complex issues like stop-work orders, your rights under specific contract clauses, and how to prepare for a claim.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Reopening and Beyond
The shutdown will eventually end. When it does, there will be a frantic rush to get operations back on track. By taking the right steps now, you can ensure your business is ready.
First, expect a massive backlog. The FSD will be inundated with thousands of pending registrations. Patience will be necessary. If you have a case manager from a SAM management service like the Federal Contracting Center, they will stay on top of your submission and work to get it pushed through as quickly as possible.
Second, be prepared to respond to information requests. Once an agent finally reviews your file, they may have questions or require additional documentation. Respond to these requests immediately to avoid having your application sent to the back of the queue.
Finally, use this experience as a lesson. Government shutdowns have become a recurring feature of the federal fiscal landscape. Smart contractors build resilience by diversifying their client base, maintaining strong cash flow, and having a contingency plan. Review your contracts and identify which are vulnerable to funding gaps. Explore opportunities with state and local governments or in the commercial sector to mitigate the risk of full dependency on federal funding.
Navigating a government shutdown is challenging, but it is manageable. By staying proactive, documenting your actions, and leveraging expert resources, you can protect your business and be ready to hit the ground running the moment the government reopens.
Need help with your SAM.gov registration? The experts at the Federal Contracting Center are here to assist. Contact us today to ensure your registration is prepared correctly and ready for approval.
