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What Is a Solicitation Number on SAM.gov?

Quick Answer
A solicitation number is the unique identifier the government assigns to each contract opportunity posted on SAM.gov. It identifies the agency, office, fiscal year, and sequence. Use it to find the full solicitation document, track amendments, and reference your response.

What a Solicitation Number Looks Like

Solicitation numbers follow patterns set by each agency but typically include the agency or office code, fiscal year, type of solicitation, and a sequential number.

Examples:

How to Use a Solicitation Number

Finding the full document

Enter the solicitation number in the SAM.gov search box under "Contract Opportunities." The full solicitation — usually dozens to hundreds of pages — is attached as a PDF or ZIP file. This document contains everything: scope of work, evaluation criteria, pricing instructions, and submission requirements.

Tracking amendments

Agencies frequently amend solicitations — extending deadlines, changing requirements, or issuing answers to vendor questions. All amendments are posted under the same solicitation number with amendment numbers appended (e.g., Amendment 0001, 0002). Always check for the latest amendment before submitting.

Referencing in your response

Your proposal or quote must reference the exact solicitation number. Submitting a response without the correct solicitation number can result in rejection.

Set up a SAM.gov account and use the 'Follow' feature to get email notifications when a solicitation you're tracking is amended or extended. This is free and ensures you never miss a deadline change.

Types of Solicitations

TypeCodeWhat It Is
Request for Quote (RFQ)QSimple price competition, usually for commercial items under simplified acquisition thresholds
Request for Proposal (RFP)RCompetitive proposal with technical evaluation, used for complex services and large contracts
Invitation for Bid (IFB)BSealed bid, lowest price wins, used for construction and standard specifications
Sources SoughtSSMarket research, not a solicitation — agency asking if businesses exist for a need
Combined Synopsis/SolicitationCSCombines the public notice and solicitation into one posting

What to Do When You Find a Solicitation

  1. Download and read the entire solicitation document — especially Section L (instructions to offerors) and Section M (evaluation criteria)
  2. Note the response deadline and any question submission deadline
  3. Register your interest on SAM.gov to receive amendment notifications
  4. Submit questions to the contracting officer by the stated deadline
  5. Prepare and submit your response exactly as instructed — format matters
The question period is valuable. Most solicitations allow vendors to submit written questions before the deadline. The government publishes all questions and answers as amendments. Reading the Q&A gives you intelligence about what the agency really cares about — and what your competitors are asking.

Find Open Solicitations by NAICS Code and State

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Related Guides

Federal Contracting FAQ Federal Set-Aside Programs Explained What Is a NAICS Code and How Do I Find Mine? Why Use govprocure Instead of SAM.gov Directly?