While becoming a government contractor is detailed, it starts with registering your business with the System for Award Management (SAM) and Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS).

And not just registering your business, but doing so with 100% accuracy. 

A small mismatch in your entity type, a missing NAICS code, or a vague profile narrative can derail the process and delay your ability to bid on contracts. When that happens, potential revenue grinds to a halt.

This article breaks down the most common SAM registration issues, reasons for DSBS rejection, and how to fix them quickly. 

Whether you’ve already been rejected or want to avoid costly setbacks, these insights will help you move forward confidently and clearly.

The Most Common Reasons for SAM/DSBS Rejections

You can avoid many problems simply by understanding the most common reasons for SAM and DSBS rejections. 

Here’s what sets back most businesses:

  • Mismatched business information: Your UEI, legal business name, and NAICS codes must match exactly across all registration platforms.
  • Confusion over entity type: Many rejections happen when the business structure listed doesn’t align with IRS or state records.
  • Weak DSBS narrative: A vague or incomplete profile makes your business harder to find and less appealing to contracting officers.
  • Inconsistent data across systems: Discrepancies between SAM, DSBS, SBA, and DUNS profiles often result in delays or rejections.
  • Small errors with big consequences: Minor mistakes like using abbreviations instead of full names, punctuation, or typos can force your application to be restarted.

These aren’t the only reasons for rejection, but are among the most common. 

To avoid delays, make sure the following details are identical across SAM, DSBS, SBA, and DUNS (if applicable):

  • Legal business name (including punctuation and abbreviations)
  • Physical and mailing addresses
  • Unique Entity ID (UEI)
  • NAICS code(s)
  • Business structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
  • Primary point of contact and email
  • EIN and tax classification

A mismatch in these fields can trigger a rejection and cost you weeks of precious time.

Why These Small Errors Have Big Consequences

It’s easy to believe a small error will slip through the cracks, but that’s rarely true. Even minor issues can create major delays and disrupt your path to winning contracts.

Here’s why:

  • Rejected registrations delay bidding: You can’t submit proposals until your registration is approved.
  • Rejections slow an already long process: Fixing an error can add several weeks to SAM or DSBS timelines.
  • Lost time leads to lost revenue: Every delay increases the risk of missing contract opportunities.
  • DIY fixes often create new issues: Resubmitting without expert help can lead to repeated rejections.
  • Forms are more complex than they appear: Many businesses underestimate how strict and detailed these platforms are. To avoid common pitfalls from the start, check out these four mistakes to avoid when pursuing government contracts.

The bottom line: don’t let a seemingly minor error stop you from winning a contract.

The Real Cost of Going It Alone

Many small businesses try to handle the registration process themselves to save time and money. But one mistake can wipe out those savings fast. Fixing errors later costs you more delays, lost revenue, and missed bids.

Consider the following:

  • You might try to register yourself to save money: The smallest mistake can cost far more in the long run.
  • Fixing errors takes more time than doing it right the first time: Delays mean missed bids and stalled revenue.
  • There’s no way to speed up the process once you’re rejected: A flagged error forces you back to the end of the line.
  • Working with experts helps you avoid costly mistakes: You get it done right, faster, and with less risk of rejection.

On the surface, tackling the process alone makes sense. But once you consider the potential pitfalls, it’s clear that consulting with a professional is the best option. 

How to Fix Registration Issues Quickly and Effectively

Mistakes happen. While it’s not the end of the line, you’ll want to take immediate action to fix any issues quickly and effectively. 

Here are the steps you should take:

  • Review and align all registration data: Double-check that your UEI, business name, and NAICS codes match across every platform.
  • Confirm your business structure designation: Make sure your entity type is listed consistently with IRS and state records.
  • Strengthen your DSBS narrative: Highlight your capabilities, past performance, and what sets you apart.
  • Use a checklist before you submit: Catch small errors before they trigger costly delays.
  • Work with a team like Gallium Solutions: Get expert support to avoid rejections and confidently move forward.

You hope you never have to take any of these steps, but you must act fast if an issue comes to light. Any delay in fixing a registration issue will result in a delay in receiving approval. 

Get Registered Right, the First Time

Don’t let small mistakes hold your business back from landing government contracts. A single error in your registration can delay everything, costing you real opportunities to grow your business. 

A smooth, error-free registration is the foundation of government contracting success. When your SAM and DSBS profiles are done right, you’re ready to bid, win, and grow.

If you're stuck, recently rejected, or just want to avoid the guesswork, Gallium Solutions can help you get it done quickly and correctly.

Remember, “We speak government so you don’t have to.”