A JV needs a written SBA-compliant agreement, SAM.gov entity setup, its own UEI and CAGE code, and the correct entity type to bid directly.
Summary
How do joint ventures register in SAM.gov for federal contracts? A JV needs a written SBA-compliant agreement, SAM.gov entity setup, its own UEI and CAGE code, and the correct entity type to bid directly.
According to SAM.gov, an entity that wants to apply for federal awards as a prime awardee needs a registration, and that registration assigns a Unique Entity ID during the process. SAM.gov also says that if you do not want to apply directly for awards, you may not need a full registration and may only need a Unique Entity ID. For joint ventures, SBA adds a separate requirement: the joint venture agreement must be in writing and follow SBA rules, the JV must be separately identified with its own name, and it must have both a UEI and a CAGE code in SAM.gov. SBA further says the entity type should be designated as a joint venture, with the individual partners listed as immediate owners. If a mentor-protégé structure is involved, the mentor-protégé agreement must be approved before the partners submit an offer as a joint venture for a small business contract.
Decide whether the entity will apply directly for federal awards or only needs a Unique Entity ID. SAM.gov uses that distinction to determine whether full registration is required.
Put the joint venture agreement in writing and make sure it follows SBA joint-venture requirements.
Create or update the SAM.gov entity record, obtain the UEI, ensure the entity has a CAGE code, and designate the entity type as a joint venture with the partners listed as immediate owners.
If the JV uses a mentor-protégé structure, the mentor-protégé agreement must be approved before the partners submit an offer as a joint venture.
SAM.gov says registration must be renewed every 365 days to stay active, and registration can take up to 10 business days to become active.
SBA says it no longer approves joint venture agreements formed to pursue competitive 8(a) contracts. SBA will continue to review and approve joint venture agreements formed to pursue sole source 8(a) contracts.