How to Get Government Contracts
The U.S. government is the largest buyer on earth. This guide shows you exactly where to find federal contracts and bids, how to search SAM.gov, and the proven steps to win them — then how a GSA Schedule turns it into a repeatable sales channel.
A buyer that never runs out
Federal agencies must buy from the private sector every single year — recession-proof demand.
Set-asides level the field
Nearly a quarter of contract dollars are reserved for small businesses and socioeconomic programs.
A GSA Schedule compounds
One pre-negotiated contract lets any agency buy from you for up to 20 years.
Speed beats size
A well-positioned small firm that responds fast and precisely routinely beats larger competitors.
What are government contracts?
A government contract is a legally binding agreement in which a federal, state, or local agency buys goods or services from a private business. Federal contracts are the largest, most standardized market, governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). They split into two worlds: defense (DoD and the military branches) and civilian agencies (everything else — the VA, DHS, Energy, and dozens more). State and local governments run their own parallel markets.
How to get government contracts in 7 steps
Register in SAM.gov
Mandatory and free. It assigns your Unique Entity ID (UEI), which replaced the DUNS Number. See our SAM.gov guide →
Identify your NAICS codes
They decide which solicitations you match and whether you qualify as small. NAICS in government contracting →
Confirm size & set-aside eligibility
Each NAICS code carries an SBA size standard. Check the SBA size standards →
Find the right opportunities
Use the complete resource list below — SAM.gov is the official starting point.
Build a capability statement & past performance
Your one-page federal business card. No track record yet? Subcontract first, then bid as a prime.
Respond to solicitations
Answer every evaluation factor in the RFP/RFQ exactly, and submit on time — late is disqualified.
Get a GSA Schedule
Turn one-off bidding into a repeatable channel. Explore the GSA MAS →
Where to find government contracts and bids
The complete set — official systems plus the forecasts, social channels, events, and policy signals experienced contractors monitor to spot work before it is formally posted. Be wary of paid "government contracts site" services that just repackage this free data.
| Resource | What it gives you |
|---|---|
| SAM.gov | The official government contracts website — every federal solicitation above the simplified acquisition threshold, with email alerts. |
| Agency procurement forecasts (Acquisition.gov) | Each agency's forecast of upcoming buys — see opportunities before they post. |
| GSA eBuy | RFQs issued directly to GSA & VA Schedule holders. |
| GSA Advantage | The government's online catalog/marketplace for Schedule products. |
| Agency social media & the U.S. Digital Registry | Agencies post pre-solicitation signals on LinkedIn and X; the Digital Registry verifies official accounts. |
| Agency events & Industry Days | Pre-solicitation briefings (e.g., GSA FEDSIM) where agencies preview upcoming needs. |
| Executive Orders & the Federal Register | Signal where funding is heading — often months before solicitations appear. |
| USAspending.gov | Award history — research who won what, and for how much, before you bid. |
| APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs) | Free local counseling and bid-matching. |
| SBA SubNet | Subcontracting opportunities — the fastest way to build past performance. |
| State & local portals | Each jurisdiction's own government bid site for non-federal work. |
Not sure where your business fits?
In 20 minutes we'll map your NAICS codes, eligibility, and the fastest path to your first (or next) award.
Book a Free Discovery CallHow to search SAM.gov, step by step
Sign in at SAM.gov and open "Contract Opportunities."
Enter keywords and filter by your NAICS code.
Add filters for set-aside type, agency, and place of performance.
Sort by response date and review the full solicitation package.
Save the search and turn on email alerts so new bids reach you automatically.
Types of government contracts
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) | One set price for a defined scope — most common. |
| Time & Materials (T&M) | Pay by labor hours plus materials. |
| IDIQ | Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity — an umbrella for recurring orders. |
| BPA | Blanket Purchase Agreement for repeated similar buys. |
| GWAC | Governmentwide Acquisition Contract, usually for IT. |
| GSA Schedule (MAS) | A pre-negotiated, governmentwide commercial catalog. Learn more → |
Set-aside programs that give small businesses an edge
How a GSA Schedule accelerates everything
A GSA Schedule is a pre-vetted, governmentwide contract that lets any agency buy from you directly — often without a full open competition. Instead of starting from scratch on every solicitation, you become an easy, low-risk vendor whose products and services sit in a catalog buyers already shop. For many companies it's the single highest-leverage move to win government contracts repeatedly.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the official government contracts website?
SAM.gov is the official U.S. federal site for contract opportunities. Registering and searching are free.
How do I get a government contract with no experience?
Subcontract to an established prime to build past performance, register in SAM.gov, and pursue small-business set-asides where competition is limited.
Do I need a GSA Schedule to win government contracts?
No — but it makes you far easier to buy from and unlocks streamlined ordering and set-asides that non-Schedule vendors can't access.
How much does the government spend on contracts?
Well over $700 billion per year across civilian and defense agencies, with at least 23% targeted to small businesses.
Ready to turn federal demand into revenue?
We've helped hundreds of businesses win and manage GSA Schedule contracts. Let's map your fastest path to an award — no cost, no obligation.
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