At FedBiz Access, we’ve simplified the process for you. The Getting Started In Government Contracting guide covers:
1) Introduction: Why this market is worth your time
- How small businesses sell to the largest buyer in the world
- What “set-asides” mean and why they matter
- How this guide helps you start fast and avoid common mistakes
2) Federal buying basics, explained simply
- Who buys, the basic rules, and where opportunities appear
- What RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs are in plain English
- Why following instructions is half the win
3) SAM.gov and SBS (Small Business Search)
- SAM.gov as vendor sign-up, UEI, and the main federal opportunity board
- SBS as the small-business directory buyers actually search
- How to get visible and follow opportunities
4) Get ready to sell: NAICS, UEI, CAGE, SAM, SBS
- Picking the right NAICS codes and confirming you are “small”
- UEI and CAGE basics and how they tie to SAM
- Building a strong SBS profile that matches your capability statement
5) Procurement levels and methods
- Small, medium, large buys and what changes at each level
- Micro-purchases, Simplified Acquisitions, and formal competitions
- What “Sources Sought” means and how to use it to get on the radar
6) Contract types
- Fixed-price versus cost-reimbursement in everyday terms
- When each model fits and how risk shifts between you and the agency
7) Contracting vehicles
- What a “vehicle” is and why it speeds up awards
- IDIQ, GSA Schedule (MAS), and now also BPA, GWAC, and MAC explained
- How task orders limit the competition to vendors already on the vehicle
8) Finding work you can actually win
- Smart search filters on SAM.gov and agency sites
- Set-asides and eligibility checks
- Quick fit tests so you pursue only the right bids
9) Certifications that open doors
- 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, VOSB/SDVOSB and how they shrink your competition pool
- Where to apply and how to show approvals in SBS
10) Teaming and subcontracting
- Working with primes, joint ventures, and when teaming makes sense
- How to leverage partner past performance while you build your own
11) Proposal basics
- Read the RFP like a recipe, outline to match, answer what’s asked
- Proof with past performance, price clearly, and submit a clean, compliant package
12) Pricing and accounting essentials
- Direct vs indirect vs unallowable costs
- Simple controls that help you pass audits and get paid on time
13) Delivering after award
- Kickoff, communication with the Contracting Officer, invoicing, and reporting
- Quality, schedule, and ethics expectations
14) SLED market (State, Local, and Education)
- Why starting local builds past performance and trust
- Different codes and portals, cooperative contracts, and quick-win tactics
- How SLED wins feed your future federal bids
15) Your first 30 days
A week-by-week checklist from registration to your first submission
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the federal government contracting process, helping businesses navigate the market, understand regulations, and prepare for successful contracting.
