Guide to Getting Started in Government Contracting

Guide to Getting Started in Government Contracting

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:  Obtain your Federal Small Business Certification

With your SAM Registration in place and your Small Business eligibility determined, have a CRS help you fill out your DSBS, SBA, and Small Business Profiles to be reached out directly by prime contractors.

Step 4: Bid and Win Contracts!

Once you have done the above steps, you are on your way to government contracting. Ask your CRS for more details on bidding and winning federal contracting.

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