Guide
How to Screen Vendors Against SAM.gov
By Keelstar Team · Updated June 1, 2026
The short answer
Search SAM.gov for the vendor's legal name and DUNS or UEI before contract execution or first payment. Review active exclusions, debarments, and suspensions — not just registration status. Record the search date and result, and re-screen on the same schedule as OIG checks for vendors touching federal funds.
What SAM.gov exclusions cover
SAM.gov consolidates federal exclusion records from agencies that award contracts and certain assistance programs. A debarred vendor cannot receive federal contracts or subcontracts during the exclusion period. For healthcare, this matters for hospitals with federal grants, vendors subcontracting on government healthcare work, and nonprofits receiving HHS funding.
Who to screen
Screen prime vendors, subcontractors, and individuals with substantial involvement in federally funded work. Billing companies, EHR implementers on grant-funded projects, and construction firms on federally financed hospital expansions are common SAM screening targets.
How to search
Use the SAM.gov search and Exclusions API or the public search interface. Search legal entity name, former names, and — when available — UEI (Unique Entity Identifier). Entity records may list excluded persons linked to the organization. Document every name variant searched.
SAM vs OIG — do not conflate them
A vendor cleared on OIG may still be debarred on SAM, and the reverse is also true. Healthcare providers focused only on LEIE miss SAM exposure on the federal contracting side. Your vendor compliance checklist should list both explicitly.
Flow-down to subcontractors
Federal acquisition regulations require contractors to flow down exclusion certifications to subcontractors. If you are the prime, you are responsible for verifying subs — not accepting a one-line rep in a proposal. If you are a sub to a hospital or government entity, expect SAM certification requests in onboarding packets.
Evidence to retain
Save search date, entity name, identifiers used, exclusion status, and screenshot or system export. Tie the record to the vendor master file and refresh on your re-screening calendar — typically monthly or quarterly for high-risk healthcare vendors.
Frequently asked questions
- Is SAM registration the same as SAM exclusion screening?
- No. Registration confirms an entity can do business with the federal government. Exclusion screening checks whether the entity is debarred or suspended — a vendor can be registered and still excluded.
Related guides
Put this into a monitored workflow
Exclusion Monitor handles this continuously — with reminders and an audit trail.