Federal Contracting Guides
In-depth guides covering every aspect of federal government contracting. Whether you're registering on SAM.gov for the first time or preparing a proposal for a multi-billion dollar IDIQ vehicle, these guides provide clear, actionable information backed by regulatory references and real-world examples.
How to Get Government Contracts — Complete Guide
A step-by-step walkthrough for businesses new to federal contracting, from SAM.gov registration to winning your first award.
SAM.gov Registration Walkthrough
Detailed instructions for registering your business on the System for Award Management, including required documents and common pitfalls.
Choosing the Right NAICS Code for Your Business
How to identify and select NAICS codes that align with your capabilities and the contracts you want to pursue.
Understanding Federal Contract Types
Fixed-price, cost-plus, time-and-materials, IDIQ — what each contract type means and when the government uses it.
Small Business Certifications Explained
A guide to 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, and VOSB certifications — eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Building and Presenting Past Performance
How to document and present your past performance record for federal contract proposals.
Subcontracting vs. Prime Contracting for Newcomers
The pros, cons, and strategies for entering federal contracting as either a subcontractor or a prime contractor.
Bid Protest Basics
When and how to file a bid protest with the GAO or Court of Federal Claims, including timelines and requirements.
Data sourced from USASpending.gov , SAM.gov and eCFR . Federal contracting data is public domain.