Use of SAMHSA Logo by Partners, Contractors, Grantees, and Vendors
General Policy
The SAMHSA logo, seal, and other official symbols are for official SAMHSA use only. Federal government seals and logos are not in the public domain and cannot be used without specific authorization from the agency.
Organizations outside the federal government, including contractors, grantees, vendors, and other partners, may not use the SAMHSA logo on their materials.
Using the SAMHSA logo on non-government materials may give the impression that SAMHSA endorses or favors an organization, its products, services, or personnel. Federal agencies are prohibited from implying endorsement of private organizations.
This policy applies regardless of whether the organization is nonprofit or commercial, and regardless of how the work is funded.
Use on Proposals or Consulting Deliverables
Contractors may not use the SAMHSA logo, seal, or symbol on:
- Proposals
- Consulting deliverables
- Other contractor-produced materials prepared for their own use or distribution
Publications Developed by Contractors
In limited cases, contractors may include the SAMHSA logo on materials they produce.
This is allowed only when all of the following conditions apply:
- The product is developed specifically as an official SAMHSA publication
- The publication will be distributed by SAMHSA
- The use of the logo is directed and approved by the SAMHSA project officer
If these conditions are not met, the SAMHSA logo may not be used.
Private Sector Logos on Government Publications
SAMHSA offices may not place private sector or contractor logos on government publications or other government communication products.
Private sector logos are considered institutional advertising. Including them on government materials may imply that the government endorses or favors a particular organization, product, or service.
Federal regulations prohibit this practice.
Federal Printing Regulations
Section 13 of the Government Printing and Binding Regulations states that government publications or printed materials cannot include advertising or content that implies government endorsement of a private entity, product, or service.
Stevens Amendment Requirement
Organizations receiving SAMHSA funding must include Stevens Amendment language when communicating about federally funded activities.
This requirement applies to materials such as:
- Press releases
- Publications
- Requests for proposals
- Bid solicitations
- Social media
- Toolkits and resource guides
- Websites
- Presentations describing SAMHSA-funded projects