How long does SAM registration take, and why has mine been stuck on Submitted for three weeks?

SAM.gov registration typically takes about 10 business days to become active after all required documentation is submitted, but it can take longer depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of the information provided.

It is not normal for a registration to be stuck on "Submitted" for three weeks, especially after you have already uploaded a requested document. The Federal Service Desk is the correct point of contact for SAM.gov issues. You need to keep trying to reach them. Your bid for the school district contract is a state or local procurement, which means it follows the state procurement code and that portal's vendor guide, not the FAR. While the SAM registration is for federal contracting, some state and local entities may require it for vendor validation. However, state and local agencies run their own vendor registration portals separate from SAM.gov. You should check if the school district has its own vendor registration portal, like the Texas Centralized Master Bidders List, that you need to be registered with for this specific bid.