Securing a federal government contract can be a game-changing opportunity—especially for small businesses looking to expand their revenue and break into stable, long-term markets. With billions of dollars up for bidding and awarded in federal procurement annually, knowing the step-by-step processes can safeguard regular work and sustainable growth. Winning a federal contract is more than making a bid; it is the entire journey from getting registered on an assortment of government websites to complying with various federal regulations.
This guide walks you through registering on SAM.gov to comply with the FAR, including everything in between, so that your business is ready to compete in federal contracting.
Step 1: Register Your Business on SAM.gov
The first and perhaps the most important step to being qualified for a federal contract is registering your business on SAM.gov. SAM stands for the System for Award Management, and it is the official U.S. government site. It combines several systems Contractor Registration, Online Representations and Certifications Application, and Excluded Parties List System into one easy interface.
During registration, you will require the following
- Unique Entity ID (UEI) – a new identification number that has taken the place of the former DUNS number.
- Your business NAICS codes (used to classify what type of services or products you provide)
- Banking information for payments directly into your account
- Taxpayer ID Number (TIN) or Employer ID Number (EIN) — used for identifying a business or individual for tax-related purposes.
- Complete a series of questions about your business and certify that the information provided is accurate.
- Respond to representations and certifications regarding your company’s structure, capabilities, and compliance with federal requirements.
Step 2: Create a Winning Capability Statement
This one-page document summarizes your company’s competencies, differentiators, past performance, and key data. It acts as your business resume when engaging with government buyers.
You can learn the process of writing a federal capability statement through an in-depth guide that makes sure you highlight the most important things for contracting officers. Keep the tone professional, concise, and targeted. Also, ensure that your branding (logo, colors, fonts) is consistent with the rest of the business documents to stimulate trust and recognition.
Step 3: Explore Opportunities on SAM.gov and DIBBS
- Use the Contract Opportunities portal on SAM to find all current opportunities for federal contracts. You can filter using NAICS code, agency, set-aside type (e.g., small business, woman-owned), and location.
- For Department of Defense (DoD) depot-level contracts—especially those issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)—vendors should access opportunities through the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).
DIBBS is the primary online portal where DLA posts solicitations, including Requests for Quotes (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Purchase Orders. It allows vendors to search for .
Make yourself visible by remaining active on both sites. Create alerts to notify you of every new opportunity that fits your profile.
Step 4: Know the Federal Acquisition Regulation
If you are going to make your way through the federal procurement process, you need to understand and comply with the procurement rulebook, the FAR, or the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This set of procedures streamlines actions for awards below certain thresholds, creating opportunities for smaller vendors to bid and compete with larger concerns.
You can learn about the FAR 13 simplified acquisition process from training materials and resources prepared especially for small contractors. You will want to understand how FAR applies to your bid and contract performance processes to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.
Step 5: Meet the SBA Classifications of a Small Business
The SBA is instrumental in making sure small businesses, have a reasonable shot of getting federal contracts. Make sure your business qualifies under these guidelines before bidding.
Get the full SBA guidelines for small businesses, for that matter, as they give the eligibility conditions for certifications such as:
• 8(a) Business Development Program
• Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
• HUBZone Certification
These certifications afford you access to the contracts set aside for them and sole-source awards, an important advantage on the road to some foothold in federal contracting.
Step 6: Build Relationships with Contracting Officials
Government contracts include not just forms and portals but rather much more. Once your company is visible on SAM.gov and you’ve put together your capability statement, develop relationships with contracting officers at the various agencies that procure your kind of service or product.
These provide chances to learn more about future solicitations and pose questions directly to an agency. Contracts are most likely to go to vendors that an agency knows and trusts under FAR 13 and FAR 9 “Responsible Offeror”.
Pro tip: Send your capabilities statement following a meeting or introduction, including a summary of how your business will be able to support its mission.
Step 7: Write Proposals That Are Responsive and Competitive
Significant emphasis is placed on the proper procedure for responding to federal solicitations. Whether it is an RFI, RFQ, or RFP, it is essential that your proposal is thorough, compliant, and strategically aligned with the solicitation requirements:
• Is compliant with solicitation requirements
• Addresses all criteria for evaluation
• Provides a price that is both competitive and sustainable
• Provides previous performance and capacity to deliver
Very often, for small/new businesses, the best way to get experience and know-how is by joining a prime contractor or forming a joint venture under a mentor-protégé agreement.
Be sure to include your UEI, NAICS codes, and contact information visible on the cover page or in the very first section of the proposal.
Step 8: Stay Compliant and Perform with Excellence
Winning a contract is just the beginning. Follow all delivery timelines, communicate proactively with the contracting officer, and keep thorough documentation of expenses, deliverables, and any modifications.
Keep track of your performance ratings through systems like CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) — good ratings can help you secure future contracts.
DODSC 2025 Summit Series
If you’re looking to master the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and elevate your organization’s government contracting capabilities, the DODSC 2025 Summit Series is the place to be. This comprehensive 3-day event—”Mastering the Art of Efficient Government Contracting”—will help you develop company-wide compliance standards that can give your business a competitive edge in the federal marketplace.
Join industry leaders and procurement experts on June 23rd, 24th, and 25th from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at 8600 E. Anderson Dr, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255. All sessions will begin promptly, so arrive early and be ready to gain actionable insights that can drive real impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your compliance knowledge and position your company for long-term success in government contracting.
Concluding Remarks,
From the moment you register your business on SAM.gov to understanding the FAR 13 simplified acquisition process, each step builds the foundation for long-term success. Take the time to craft a strong capability statement, regularly browse current federal contract opportunities, and get familiar with SBA’s small business guidelines — these aren’t just formalities, they’re stepping stones to real, sustainable growth. It takes persistence and a commitment to doing things right, but if you stay consistent and prepared, you’ll be ready when the right opportunity comes along. In this space, success truly favors those who are ready to meet it.
Also Read: Avoiding Compliance Pitfalls in CME Programs
