How to bid on government contracts as a small business
A short, practical checklist. It's general information, not legal advice; the solicitation and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) control.
1. Register (it's free)
- Federal: register your entity on SAM.gov to get a Unique Entity ID. Registration is free; renew it every year.
- Cities run their own vendor systems: NYC uses PASSPort, Los Angeles uses RAMP. Check each notice.
2. Know your NAICS codes
NAICS codes describe what you do (for example 238160 Roofing Contractors). Each federal notice lists one, and its SBA size standard decides whether you count as “small” for that contract. Search by code or by trade on Aeonis Bids.
3. Understand set-asides
- Total small business set-aside: only small businesses (for that NAICS code) can compete.
- 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB/EDWOSB: reserved for firms with that SBA certification (or VA verification for VA veteran set-asides).
- Sole source: intended for a specific firm; usually not open to competition.
- No set-aside: full and open competition; small firms can still bid.
4. Read the notice type
- Sources sought / RFI: market research. Responding can shape a future set-aside, but it isn't a bid.
- Presolicitation: advance notice; the solicitation comes later.
- Solicitation / combined synopsis-solicitation: the actual request for bids, quotes or proposals.
5. Before you bid
- Download every attachment and amendment from the official notice.
- Note the exact deadline, time zone and submission method, and ask questions before the question deadline.
- Check bonding, insurance, licensing, wage-rate (Davis-Bacon/Service Contract Act) and site-visit requirements.
6. Free help
APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs) and SBA offer free counseling on government contracting.