Central Contractor Registration (CCR)
Central Contractor Registration (CCR) was a federal database where companies were required to register in order to do business with the U.S. government. CCR has since been consolidated into the System for Award Management (SAM), which now serves as the official federal contractor registration system.
What Is Central Contractor Registration (CCR)?
Central Contractor Registration (CCR) was a federal database where companies were required to register in order to do business with the U.S. government.
CCR has since been consolidated into the System for Award Management (SAM), which now serves as the official federal contractor registration system.
Key Characteristics of CCR
Mandatory Registration System: Required for eligibility to receive federal contracts
Centralized Contractor Database: Stored core business and compliance information
Integrated Certifications and Representations: Included required federal contract disclosures
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Data: Enabled government payment processing
Now Part of SAM: Replaced and merged into the modern SAM.gov platform
Regulatory Framework
CCR registration was required under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), specifically provisions requiring contractor registration prior to award.
It also supported compliance with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA).
CCR was consolidated into the System for Award Management (SAM) in 2012.
Why CCR Matters for Contractors
Although CCR is no longer active, understanding it is important because:
Many legacy contract documents still reference CCR
Historical compliance records may reference CCR registration
It explains the foundation of modern SAM registration requirements
For contractors today, active and accurate SAM registration is mandatory to maintain eligibility for federal awards.
Common Misconceptions About CCR
CCR and SAM are separate systems.
CCR was merged into SAM and no longer exists as a standalone system.
Registration is optional for small contracts.
Federal contractors must be registered in SAM prior to award, regardless of size thresholds (with limited micro-purchase exceptions).
CCR registration guaranteed contract awards.
Registration only established eligibility; it did not guarantee selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CCR still active?
No. CCR was retired and fully integrated into SAM.gov.
What replaced CCR?
The System for Award Management (SAM) replaced CCR and consolidated multiple federal procurement systems.
Do I still need to register if CCR is no longer used?
Yes. Contractors must register and maintain active status in SAM.
Why do older contracts still mention CCR?
Many legacy documents have not been updated to reflect the transition to SAM.
Related Government Contracting Topics
System for Award Management (SAM): The current federal contractor registration system that replaced CCR and serves as the primary eligibility database.
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): The 12-character identifier that replaced the DUNS number for entities registered in SAM.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): The governing procurement regulation requiring contractor registration prior to award.
Representations and Certifications: Mandatory disclosures contractors complete within SAM during registration.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): The government's required payment method for federal contractors, supported through SAM registration data.