What is the Government Buying?

As you decide if this is the right market, you should explore what they are buying today. Go to the SAM website to see the latest Request for Quotations, Invitations for Bids and Request for Proposals. You will also find contract awards, sources soughts and much more. beta SAM is free and open to everyone.

Does the Government buy what you sell?

If you want to increase your chances of getting a Government contract you must identify who is buying what, how much is the Government paying for, and who are they buying it from. Most of this information is available in the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). Just by using a simple a Google like search, you will have immetiate access to these information.

Forecast of Contracting Opportunities

Information on planned federal contracting opportunities. It is important to learn about potential contracting opportunities as far in advance as possible. This way you will be able to plan and start your proposal strategy early in the process. Most Federal Agencies publish their forecast in the Agency Recurring Procurement Forecasts. 

DUNS Number

You no longer need a DUNS number to register to do business with the Government. You will get an unique identification number as part of the SAM registrstion process. It is free and easy to obtain. 

Register in SAM

The System for Award Management (SAM) is an official central contractor registration website of the U.S. government. You can use this site for FREE to:
Register to do business with the U.S. government and update or renew your registration. Click here to register

Small Business Profile (DSBS)

Don't forget to complete your small business profile as part of your SAM registration. It is an important tool used by most federal buyers and prime contractors to find potential vendors. Click here to look at your profile. 

Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone)

The HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program stimulates economic development and creates jobs in urban and rural communities by providing Federal contracting preferences to small businesses. Click here to learn more.

8(a) Business Development Program Certification

To help provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the 8(a) Business Development program. Click here to learn more.

Women-Owned Small Business Program

Joining the women’s contracting program makes your business eligible to compete for federal contracts set aside for the program. You can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs you qualify for. Click here to learn more.

Veterans Small Business Certification

It provides the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs the authority for Service-Disabled and Veteran-Owned Small Business set-aside and sole source contracts. Click here to learn more.

DoD Mentor Protégé Program

The program helps small businesses expand their footprint in the defense industrial base. Successful agreements provide a winning relationship for the protégé, the mentor and the DoD. Click here to learn more. 

SBA Mentor Protégé Program

SBA Mentor-Protégé program enhances the capability of small businesses to compete more successfully for federal government contracts. The program encourages private-sector relationships. Click here to learn more. 

Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)

The Federal Acquisition Regulations System consists of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which is the primary document, and agency acquisition regulations that implement or supplement the FAR.  Click here to access the FAR.

FAR Supplemental Regulations

Many Federal Agencies have their own set of rules that supplement the FAR. It is important that you become also familiar with the supplements regulations of the agencies that you are targeting   Click here to register.

Glossary of Procurement Terms

To work with the government, you need to speak its language. And that includes knowing and using its alphabet soup of acronyms, especially when responding to an RFP or bid. This guide lists acronyms and abbreviations commonly used by the United States federal government. Click here for the glossary