How to bid on a U.S. federal contract

The government buys from businesses of every size, and the process is more approachable than it looks. Here are the steps in plain English, in the order most businesses go through them.

1. 1

   Register in SAM.gov (it's free)

   SAM.gov is the U.S. government's official system for contractors. To be awarded a federal contract you need an active registration, which also gives you a Unique Entity ID (UEI).

   Registration costs nothing. Approval can take several weeks, so start before you find a contract you want. Be wary of anyone charging a fee to register you.

2. 2

   Pick your NAICS codes

   NAICS codes are industry codes. Agencies tag every opportunity with one, and you list the codes that describe your business in your registration. For example, 561720 is janitorial services.

   The code also decides what counts as a "small business" for that work, because the size limit depends on the industry.

3. 3

   Check whether you qualify for a set-aside

   Some contracts are reserved ("set aside") for particular kinds of businesses, such as small businesses, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, 8(a) or HUBZone firms. Only eligible businesses can bid on those.

   Many contracts have no set-aside and are open to everyone. If you may qualify for a program, the SBA explains how to certify.

4. 4

   Know what kind of notice you are looking at

   Not every listing is a bid you can submit today. The label tells you where it stands:

   • Sources Sought: the agency is researching who can do the work. It is not a bid, but responding puts you on their radar.
   • Presolicitation: a heads-up that a solicitation is coming. Use the time to prepare.
   • Solicitation: the real call for offers. You can submit before the deadline.
   • Special Notice: general information, often not a bid.
5. 5

   Read the whole solicitation

   The listing is a summary. The real requirements are in the attachments. Look for:

   • What the work is (the scope or statement of work) and where it happens.
   • How offers are judged (price only, or price plus experience).
   • The deadline, the deadline for questions, and how to submit.
   • Required forms, certifications and any site visit.
   • How long the contract runs and whether there are option years.
6. 6

   Ask questions before the deadline

   The listing names a contracting officer or point of contact. If something is unclear, ask in writing. Questions usually have their own cutoff date, earlier than the bid deadline, and answers are often shared with every bidder.

7. 7

   Prepare and price your offer

   Follow the instructions exactly. Offers that skip required parts can be rejected, however good the price is.

   Price for the whole contract term, including labor, materials, travel, insurance and your margin. Show relevant past work, even small jobs for private customers.

8. 8

   Submit on time, the way they ask

   The solicitation says how to submit: through SAM.gov, by email, or through an agency portal. Submit early. Late offers are generally not accepted.

9. 9

   After you submit

   The agency evaluates the offers and announces an award. If you do not win, you can usually ask for a debriefing to learn how to improve next time. Many winners bid more than once.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always follow the instructions in the specific solicitation you are responding to.