Author: Noah King

Federal contracting offers small businesses access to significant growth opportunities. Registering your business in SAM as well as completing your federal small business registration profiles not only opens doors for prime contractors to reach out to you directly, but also helps your business stand out in a competitive field. Additionally, the U.S. government sets aside billions annually for programs like HUBZone, WOSB, VOSB, and 8(a), which support minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses that each come with benefits like exclusive contracts directly awarded to businesses with the specific certification.

The first step toward federal contracting is completing your SAM registration. This online portal is the federal governments way to know if a business can do business with them as well as tracking where money is going, to who, and for what. After becoming registered, you may have the change to complete your small business certifications by discovering if you are a small business according to the SBA Size Standards. These credentials enhance your chances of winning contracts and establishing your company as a reliable partner for federal projects.

Federal contracts provide more than just revenue—they offer stability and long-term growth potential. With multi-year agreements and dependable payment schedules, they can help build a strong foundation for your business. Taking the time to pursue these certifications could be the key to unlocking a future of success in the federal marketplace.

USBRI has been helping companies of all business structures since 2011 with both SAM and Federal Certifications. A talented CRS (Certified Registration Specialist) will be assigned to your company to take you through the process of the SAM Registration as well as the SBA profiles. If would like to speak to a CRS directly about these opportunities, call the USBRI Help Desk at 1-888-646-9998.

To check the status of your SAM Registration as well as seeing if you qualify for the Federal Small Business Certification, use the tools by clicking either button below.

Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) have unique opportunities to secure federal contracts through set-aside programs designed to prioritize veterans’ access. Both the federal government and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) encourages veteran entrepreneurship by dedicating a percentage of contracts specifically for these businesses, allowing veterans to leverage their skills and discipline in support of essential government projects.

For many, the first step involves getting registered and active in SAM. The next step would be completing certifications with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which can lead to exclusive contract opportunities, as well as access to mentorship programs and valuable networking resources.

Once certified, veteran-owned businesses can pursue contracts in industries like construction, IT, and consulting, with agencies actively seeking qualified veteran entrepreneurs. Strategies such as teaming arrangements and joint ventures can increase eligibility for larger projects, giving veterans even more options to grow their businesses. With consistent demand for skilled veteran-owned companies, the federal marketplace offers veterans a rewarding path for expanding their businesses and continuing to serve the country in a meaningful way.

USBRI has been assisting businesses since 2011 with the SAM Registration and Federal Certifications, including the VOSB/SDVOSB. Reach out to the help desk at 1-888-646-9998 and a dedicated CRS (Certified Registration Specialist) will assist you with any questions you may have.

To check the status of your SAM Registration as well as seeing if you qualify for the Federal Small Business Certification, use the tools by clicking either button below.

How to Bid On and Win Federal Contracts

Step 1: Get Your Business Registered in SAM

The System for Award Management (SAM) is the U.S. Federal Governments portal for determining where contracting dollars are going, to who, and for what. Any business or sole proprietor looking to do work or provide a service for the Federal Government MUST be registered in SAM. This registration ensures that you’re recognized as a legitimate federal contractor, allowing you to be seen by agencies searching for vendors.

Step 2: Determine Your Small Business Size Standards and NAICS Codes

The SBA (Small Business Administration) has many opportunities for Small Businesses to obtain and win contracts. 25% of federal contracting dollars are allocated annually to Federally Certified Small Businesses. Below are five of the SBA’s Small Business Size Standards:

• Must be considered a small business by SBA standards
• Must have listed the proper NAICS codes in SAM Registration
• Must not surpass average annual revenue based on NAICS codes
• Must not surpass number of employees based on NAICS codes

Step 3: Identify Relevant Contract Opportunities

There are several platforms where you can find federal contract opportunities:

• SAM.gov: The primary platform for government contract listings. You can set up email notifications for relevant opportunities.
• Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS): A helpful tool to research past contracts and identify agencies that frequently buy what you offer.

Use keywords and your NAICS code to search and filter relevant contracts. Start by bidding on smaller contracts to gain experience before pursuing larger, more complex opportunities.

Step 4: Analyze the Solicitation

Once you find a contract opportunity, analyze the solicitation document carefully. This document includes:

• Scope of Work (SOW): Outlines the specific services or products required.
• Evaluation Criteria: Details on how bids will be judged, such as technical expertise, pricing, or past performance.
• Proposal Submission Guidelines: Follow these instructions exactly to avoid disqualification.

Step 5: Develop a Winning Proposal

Your proposal should not only meet the requirements but also demonstrate why your business is the best choice. Include sections on:

• Technical Approach: Explain how you’ll meet the contract requirements, highlighting any unique methodologies or technologies.
• Past Performance: Showcase relevant past projects, including any completed government contracts or similar work for private-sector clients.
• Pricing: Offer a competitive yet fair price that aligns with industry standards.
• Staffing Plan and Qualifications: Emphasize your team’s experience and credentials to build credibility.

Tip: Tailor each proposal to the specific agency’s needs, avoiding a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Step 6: Submit Your Proposal and Follow Up

Submit your proposal according to the guidelines and keep track of all important deadlines. After submission, follow up to confirm receipt and politely inquire about the timeline for decisions. Staying proactive and respectful shows agencies that you’re engaged and professional.

Step 7: Be Prepared for Negotiations and Contract Award

If your bid is selected, be prepared to negotiate. Agencies may seek adjustments to pricing, timelines, or deliverables before finalizing the contract. Flexibility and clear communication during this stage can help you secure the award.

Step 8: Deliver High-Quality Performance

Winning a contract is just the beginning. By delivering high-quality performance, you can build a positive reputation within the federal contracting space, increasing your chances of future awards. Collect feedback, build relationships, and seek referrals within the agency to position your business for success in future bids.

If you are ready to get started in Federal Contracting and are unsure where to get started, reach out to the USBRI Help Desk at 1-888-646-9998 and a dedicated CRS (Certified Registration Specialist) will be able to assist you.

If you are unsure if you have a SAM Registration, use the SAM & UEI Status Lookup Tool by clicking the button below.

The VA (Veterans Affair) department of the federal government knows how to take care of our veterans. The federal government allows the VA to set-aside a percentage of federal contracting dollars every year as well as other benefits including:

• Bid on exclusive contracts set aside for businesses with the VOSB or SDVOSB Certification
• 5% of federal contracts designated for SDVOSB certified businesses.
• Access to federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across various government agencies.
• 70% of Americans show a preference for doing business with veteran-owned companies.
• Fewer competitors in federal contract bids where regulations favor VOSBs.
• Higher likelihood of being approached for “no-bid” contracts under $25,000.

If you are a veteran-owned company that is looking to partake in any of the benefits above, reach out to the USBRI Help Desk at 1-888-646-9998 and a CRS will be able to assist and answer any questions you may have.

USBRI has been assisting entity of all business structures since 2011 with SAM and SBA Certifications. Having a dedicated Certified Registration Specialist facilitate the process for you will guarantee it is done in a timely manner with ease and efficiency.