You can win government contracts with no prior federal experience—you just have to build credibility before you bid. Agencies care about risk, so your job early on is to look like a safe, capable choice. Here are six proven ways to land your first award with no past performance.
Can you get government contracts with no experience?
Yes. Every contractor started with zero federal past performance. The path is to register correctly, target the right (lower-competition) opportunities, and build a track record step by step. Start with the full roadmap in our guide to getting government contracts.
6 ways to win your first contract with no past performance
- Subcontract to a prime first. Use SBA SubNet to find primes seeking subcontractors—the fastest way to build past performance.
- Pursue small-business set-asides. Reserved competitions mean fewer, smaller rivals.
- Start with micro-purchases and simplified acquisitions. Smaller buys are faster and less competitive.
- Get the right certifications. Programs like the WOSB program open doors closed to others.
- Build a strong capability statement. Lead with commercial past performance and differentiators.
- Register and stay active in SAM.gov. You cannot be awarded or paid without it.
How a GSA Schedule helps new contractors
A GSA Schedule makes you easy to buy from and signals that the government has already vetted you—valuable when you do not yet have a long award history.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need past performance to win a government contract?
It helps, but it is not always required—especially for set-asides and smaller buys. Commercial past performance and subcontracting can substitute early on.
What is the easiest government contract to win first?
Often a subcontract under a prime, or a small set-aside under the simplified acquisition threshold, where competition is limited.
Ready to map your first win? Book a free discovery call. — Reviewed by the GSA Focus team.
