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The SAM.gov exclusions list is the U.S. federal record of people and companies barred from federal work. If a party is on it, the government will not award them contracts, grants, or other assistance. The list sits inside SAM.gov, the System for Award Management. It is the official place to check who is excluded.
Many teams meet this list during denied party screening. It matters if you sell to the U.S. government, or if you receive federal funds. This guide explains what the list covers, who checks it, and how it differs from export and sanctions lists.
What the exclusions list is
The exclusions list names parties that federal agencies have excluded. Exclusion means a party cannot receive federal contracts or financial assistance for a set period. It can also block them from certain federal benefits.
Exclusions used to live on a separate site called EPLS, the Excluded Parties List System. That system retired. SAM.gov now holds the same function. Each record shows who is excluded, the excluding agency, and the type and dates of the action.
What an exclusion covers
An exclusion is about eligibility for U.S. federal programs. It is a form of debarment or suspension. The action can name a company, a person, or both. It can also cover linked entities.
Debarment and suspension
Debarment is an exclusion for a fixed term. It follows a formal process and usually runs for a stated number of years. Suspension is faster and temporary. An agency can suspend a party while it investigates, before any final decision.
Common reasons
Agencies exclude parties for many reasons. The record states the cause type. Common grounds include:
- Fraud or theft tied to a public contract
- Serious violation of contract terms
- Certain criminal convictions
- Failure to meet program rules
- Other conduct that shows a party is not responsible
Who checks the list
Federal buyers must check exclusions before they award work. A contracting officer reviews SAM.gov before signing a contract. Agencies also check before they hand out grants or other assistance.
The duty spreads down the supply chain. Prime contractors screen their subcontractors and vendors. Grant recipients screen their sub-recipients. If you take federal money, you likely need to check the parties you pay.
This is a normal part of who needs to do screening. It sits beside checks against export and sanctions lists. For a broad view, see our screening basics guide.
How to search SAM.gov exclusions
Anyone can search the exclusions list for free. You do not need to log in to run a basic search. Here is a simple way to do it.
- Go to SAM.gov and open the search area.
- Filter the results to show exclusions only.
- Enter the party name, or other details you have.
- Review each match with care.
- Confirm the record matches your party before you act.
Names can look alike. A match on name alone is not proof. Compare address, location, and any other data you hold. Keep a record of what you checked and when. A clear audit trail protects you later. If a hit looks wrong, treat it as a possible false positive and verify.
Federal debarment is not the same as sanctions
People often mix up these lists. They serve different goals. The SAM.gov exclusions list is about federal spending. It controls who can get U.S. government contracts and funds.
Sanctions and export lists work differently. They restrict trade and dealings for reasons of foreign policy or national security. A party can appear on one type of list and not the other. You should check the ones that fit your activity.
| List | Run by | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SAM.gov exclusions | Federal agencies via GSA | Bar parties from federal contracts and assistance |
| OFAC SDN list | Treasury | Enforce U.S. sanctions |
| BIS Entity List | Commerce | Control exports to certain parties |
For trade risk, you also watch the OFAC SDN list and the BIS Entity List. These sit outside SAM.gov. They cover a different kind of denied party.
Why it matters for your business
Dealing with an excluded party can cost you. You may lose a contract award. You may have to repay funds. Repeat problems can put your own eligibility at risk.
Good habits keep you safe. Screen new parties before you sign. Re-screen on a set schedule, since lists change. Save your results. Screening the full range of lists is part of a strong denied party screening program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SAM.gov exclusions list free to search?
Yes. You can search exclusions on SAM.gov at no cost. A basic search does not need an account. You register only if you want to manage entity records or bid on work.
How is exclusion different from a sanctions listing?
An exclusion blocks a party from federal contracts and assistance. A sanctions listing restricts trade or financial dealings for policy reasons. They come from different bodies and different rules. Check both if they apply to you.
How often should I check the list?
Check before each award or payment. Then re-check on a regular basis, because records change. Our guide on how often to screen gives more detail.
Key Takeaways
The SAM.gov exclusions list shows who is barred from U.S. federal contracts and assistance. It is free to search, and federal buyers must check it before they award work. It covers debarment and suspension, not export or sanctions rules. Screen your parties, keep records, and re-check often. If you want help building a screening process, contact our team.