APEX Accelerator

Government Registration Resources

Before you can bid on or win a government contract, your business must be officially registered in state and federal procurement systems. Registration ensures that contracting officers can verify your eligibility, review your capabilities, and find you in official vendor databases.

The Ohio APEX Accelerator at The University of Toledo helps businesses across the region navigate these systems with confidence. Our team provides step-by-step support to help you register correctly—from state-level platforms like OhioBuys to federal systems like SAM.gov.

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State of Ohio Registration Resources

1. Register Your Business with the State - Before bidding on any state contracts, your business must be legally registered in Ohio. Visit the Ohio Secretary of State Business Services website to check registration requirements and submit your business filing.
   
   
2. Set Up a Digital Identity with OHID - Ohio uses a secure statewide login system called OHID. You’ll need to create an OHID account before accessing state-run procurement platforms. To get started, visit the OHID portal.
   
   
3. Register as a Bidder in OhioBuys - Once you have an OHID account, use it to sign in to OhioBuys, the official state purchasing system. Through OhioBuys, you can register as a vendor, receive solicitation alerts, and submit bids.
   
   • During registration, you’ll be asked to classify your products or services using United Nations Standard Products and Services Codes (UNSPSC). You can download the current UNSPSC codeset or contact the APEX team for help choosing the right code.

 

Federal Small Business Registration Resources

1. Create a Login.gov Account - The federal government uses Login.gov as a secure identity platform. You’ll need a Login.gov account to access registration portals like SAM.gov. or other government-run web portals.  Visit the site to create your Login.gov account.
   
   
2. Understand Federal Classification Systems - To register for federal contracting, you'll need to classify your business using the following code systems:
   • North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) – Identifies the industry your business operates in.
   • Product and Service Codes (PSC)– Describes what your business offers in terms of goods and services.
     
     
3. Register on SAM.gov -To bid on federal contracts, your business must have an active registration in SAM.gov. Registration includes creating an entity profile and receiving a Unique Entity ID (UEI). You can use your Login.gov credentials to sign in.
   • Before you begin, we recommend downloading the official SAM.gov Entity Registration Checklist to guide you through the process.
   • Note: SAM.gov registration must be renewed every 12 months to remain active.
     
     
4. SBA Connect and Small Business Profiles - Once registered, increase your visibility by creating a small business profile in the SBA Small Business Search. You have the ability to opt into the database when registering on SAM.gov. However, it's recommended to check the accuracy of your profile, as some information doesn't automatically transfer platforms. 

 

Need Help Getting Registered?

If you’re unsure where to start or have questions about any part of the registration process, the Ohio APEX Accelerator at The University of Toledo is here to help. Our advisors offer no-cost, one-on-one assistance to guide your business through local, state, and federal registration systems.

Interested in working with us? Create a new client account to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services before you begin.