The Division of Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement (OSE) (within the Integrated Award Environment) is responsible for coordinating user testing of SAM.gov features and functions. To discover problems that can be fixed before features are made available and to get feedback from users on ideas for future enhancements, we test to see how users interact with the website. There are no wrong answers to these tests!

What kinds of tests can I participate in? 

There are two types of tests we use frequently: user acceptance testing (UAT) and usability testing. 

During user acceptance testing:

• Users test on their own, using a script provided by OSE. Testers follow the script to complete tasks and actions in our testing environment, alpha.sam.gov.
• The test typically takes less than an hour to complete.
• The tester emails a form with specific feedback about the results of their test.
• Testers focus on testing features to see how they work “in real life” before those features are made available on the website; testing may involve technical, usability, or other types of interactions within alpha.sam.gov.
• Testers can complete tests on their own time within a given testing time frame.

During usability testing: 

• Users test live in a one-on-one or group interview (over Google Meet or Zoom).
• The test typically takes 15–30 minutes to complete.
• Testers interact in real time with features or mockups, and follow a sequence of steps directed by the test facilitator, who observes the tester.
• Testers usually focus on how user-friendly a specific feature is. Tests take place early in the design and development process, or when features are being considered for improvements.
• Testers can choose from several available testing appointments during weekdays.
  
  

What kind of feedback can I give in a test? 

We love to hear from our users! Tests give us an opportunity to hear about your experiences when you interact with SAM.gov. While we welcome general feedback about SAM.gov during testing, the point of testing is to look at specific parts of the site and provide structured feedback so we can compare answers to similar questions from different users. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to address technical issues unrelated to testing. If you have a different technical issue you need help with, please reach out to fsd.gov. If you would like to leave more generalized feedback and ideas, you can always use the feedback tool to provide your input. The feedback tool is located at the bottom of every page of SAM.gov. We regularly read that feedback and use it to make recommendations to the SAM.gov product team.

Who can test?

We need to hear from a variety of federal and non-federal users through testing to ensure that the input that shapes SAM.gov represents the diverse experiences and backgrounds of our users. We look for all levels of experience, roles, organizations, and job types of people who use SAM.gov. Many of our testers have provided valuable feedback on multiple tests, and, as of 2021, 100% of our testers say they would be willing to test again in the future.

How can I get involved?

Sign up as a tester! When you sign up, we use information you provide to match you with future tests. If we find one we think you’d be a good match for, we contact you. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be asked to test, and there is no obligation to participate. You can also let us know if there’s a certain area you’re really interested in testing. Please note that testing does not influence your or your entity’s likelihood of being awarded contracts, grants, or sub awards.

If you’re interested in being a tester, please sign up here.