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To receive email alerts, sign in to SAM.gov, save a search under Contract Opportunities, then enable Notify for that saved search. SAM.gov says a matching new opportunity triggers an email with a link back to the saved search. You can search without signing in, but saving a search and setting up alerts require an account.
Set up a SAM.gov contract-opportunity alert
- Sign in to SAM.gov. You need an account to save searches and use account features.
- Search Contract Opportunities. Open it from the SAM.gov Search menu or the Contract Opportunities page. Enter specific keywords and apply relevant filters; use Advanced Search if needed to narrow the results.
- Save the search. On the results page, open Actions, select Save, give the search a recognizable name, and save it.
- Enable notifications. Open Saved Searches from the results page or through Workspace. Find the saved Contract Opportunities search, open its Actions menu, and select Notify.
SAM.gov’s help article explains: “When a new contract opportunity matches your saved search with notifications enabled, you will receive an email with a link to your saved search.” The notification links you back to the search so you can review matching results.
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Choose search terms and filters carefully
The alert follows the search you saved, so build that search around the opportunities you want to find. Use relevant keywords and filters before saving. A search that is too broad may produce results you do not want; one that is too narrow may not match opportunities you would consider. You can review your saved search and adjust the query if your needs change.
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Know what SAM.gov alerts do—and do not—cover
Notify applies to saved Contract Opportunities searches
SAM.gov’s instructions limit Notify to saved searches in Contract Opportunities. Do not assume that saved searches in other SAM.gov domains—such as entity records, assistance listings, or wage determinations—can send the same email alerts.
Following a record is a separate feature
Follow is a record-level feature, not another way to turn on saved-search notifications. SAM.gov lets users follow certain records, including contract opportunities, entity records, exclusions, assistance listings, wage determinations, and federal hierarchy records. Followed records are managed through Followed Records; this does not extend saved-search Notify to those other domains.
Email timing and coverage are not specified
The official instructions say an email is sent when a new opportunity matches an enabled saved search, but they do not state whether delivery is immediate or batched, provide a fixed schedule, or guarantee that email will include every potentially relevant notice. Check SAM.gov directly when you need to review current opportunities.
Turn off notifications
- Open Saved Searches from the results page or Workspace.
- Find the relevant Contract Opportunities search and open its Actions menu.
- Select Stop Notify.
Troubleshoot missing or unwanted alerts
- You cannot find Notify: Confirm that you are signed in and looking at a saved search for Contract Opportunities. The Notify instructions do not cover saved searches in other domains.
- You have not received an email: Reopen Saved Searches and check that Notify is enabled for the intended search. The official instructions do not specify delivery timing, so they do not support assuming that an email must arrive immediately.
- The results do not match what you expected: Review the saved search’s terms and filters. Since the alert is tied to that search, changing its criteria may help align results with what you are seeking.
- You need account or technical help: SAM.gov directs users to its self-help resources and the Federal Service Desk. The Federal Service Desk cautions that it cannot answer questions about specific contracts, opportunities, or agency processes.
Or skip the browser setup
ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server for developers; it is not a SAM.gov alert service and does not replace the saved-search steps above. A one-call screenshot example is:
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://sam.gov -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo API documentation. ScreenshotNeo removes cookie banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before a shot. Bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are not billed. Its MCP server lets AI agents take screenshots. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. These features are for capturing web pages, not receiving SAM.gov opportunity notifications.
Learn about ScreenshotNeo, or sign up for 1,000 free screenshots a month with no card.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is SAM.gov free to use for alerts?
SAM.gov states that its services are free. The alert setup described here uses SAM.gov’s own account and saved-search features; no paid tool is indicated as necessary.
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