Top 10 Tips for New Government Contractors (That You Might Not Know Yet)
If you’re new to the world of government contracting—welcome. It’s exciting, but let’s be honest—it’s also complicated. From registration hurdles to figuring out what the heck a NAICS code even is, the road to winning your first award can feel like learning a new language. But don’t worry. We’ve compiled a top-10 list of real, practical tips that go beyond the basics—and we’ve sprinkled in some helpful services along the way to make the journey easier.
Let’s dive in.
1. Master the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
Most beginners don’t realize that the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the playbook for doing business with the federal government. It governs everything—how agencies buy, what they buy, and how they evaluate proposals. If you’re not at least familiar with Parts 12, 13, and 19 of the FAR, you’re walking in blind.
🧠 New contractors benefit by getting help from a firm that can break this down into understandable insights. FedBiz Access offers strategy calls where we walk clients through these rules in plain English and help apply them to real-world bids.
2. Get Registered in SAM.gov—The Right Way
Every government contractor must register in SAM.gov to receive a Unique Entity ID (UEI)—but this is more than a simple form. Mistakes here can delay your ability to bid, or worse, hide your business from procurement officers.
🧰 FedBiz Access has helped tens of thousands of businesses successfully complete and optimize their SAM and DSBS registrations. We don’t just fill in forms—we ensure your profile is attractive to buyers and searchable.
3. Choose the Right NAICS Codes (It’s Not Just About Accuracy)
Picking the right NAICS codes affects your eligibility for small business set-asides and how visible you are to agencies searching for vendors. But here’s a hidden tip: if you don’t list the codes buyers are searching under—even if they’re adjacent to your service area—you may never be found.
📊 This is where our NAICS Alignment Service comes in. FedBiz Access ensures your profile lists not just relevant codes, but strategic ones based on actual buyer data from our FedBiz365 government market research platform.
4. Develop a Capability Statement That Doesn’t Look Like Everyone Else’s
A capability statement is your government-facing resume. Most of them look the same—generic and forgettable. If yours doesn’t clearly showcase your differentiators and value in 30 seconds or less, it won’t be remembered.
📄 FedBiz Access specializes in government-formatted Capability Statements that are proven to get attention. We even offer video-enhanced “Company Snapshot Videos” to attach to outreach.
5. Use Certifications to Open More Doors
Certifications like WOSB, SDVOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, DBE, MBE unlock a whole new tier of opportunities, including sole-source awards and set-asides. But navigating SBA applications can feel like deciphering tax code.
🎯 That’s why we offer a Certification Expediting Service—helping you avoid delays and fast-track your eligibility.
6. Do Smart Market Research (Not Just a Keyword Search)
Knowing which agencies are spending in your niche, who they’ve awarded contracts to, and what’s coming down the pipeline is critical. That’s the foundation of winning strategy—but most new contractors don’t know where to look beyond SAM.gov.
🔍 FedBiz Access gives clients access to FedBiz365, where you can filter upcoming opportunities, agency forecasts, competitor awards, and “hidden” pre-solicitation intel not public yet. It’s like SAM.gov… supercharged.
7. Make Friends with OSDBUs and Attend Industry Days
Each agency has an Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). These folks are your bridge to opportunity—they host events, provide forecasts, and can even advocate for your business internally.
🤝 We help clients connect with these offices by packaging outreach through our Federal Connections Package, including targeted email campaigns that attach your capability statement and snapshot video.
8. Learn the Contract Types (So You Price Smartly)
Winning is one thing—profiting is another. If you’re bidding on a Fixed-Price contract when your service involves variable costs, you could be setting yourself up for loss. Understanding the difference between T&M, Cost Plus, IDIQ, and BPA contracts helps you bid smarter.
🛠️ FedBiz Access helps clients evaluate solicitations before bidding. In one-on-one calls, we walk through contract types and help flag pricing traps so you’re protected from preventable mistakes.
9. Be Meticulous with Compliance and Invoicing
You won the contract. Awesome. But the work isn’t over—agencies expect timely, accurate invoicing through systems like IPP, and failing to submit the right reports can damage your reputation or delay payment.
10. Always Request a Debrief—Win or Lose
Whether you win or not, you’re entitled to a debriefing from the contracting officer. This is one of the most valuable learning opportunities in government contracting. You’ll learn how your bid was evaluated and how to improve next time.
📞 We teach our clients how to properly request a debrief, interpret feedback, and use it to adjust future proposals. Combined with market research, it’s a one-two punch that improves your next bid.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
Government contracting is complex, yes—but it’s also one of the most rewarding paths for small businesses looking for sustainable growth. If you follow these tips, you’ll avoid common pitfalls, stand out from the crowd, and start building long-term agency relationships.
Want some help navigating the maze?
🦅 FedBiz Access has been helping businesses win in the government marketplace for over 24 years. Our clients have secured over $36 billion in awards. Whether it’s registration, certifications, market research, or direct marketing—we’re here to walk beside you.
👉 Schedule a complimentary consultation with a FedBiz Specialist today.
Need Help? Just Ask.
Questions about anything you just read? We’re happy to help. From SAM registration to tailored outreach campaigns, our team makes government contracting less overwhelming and more rewarding.
