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100 direct answers to common questions about federal contracting, organized by what you need to know.
Where to find opportunities, search strategies, data sources
Contract modifications are reported in FPDS and visible through SAM.gov award data and USASpending.gov. Search by contract number to see modification history including value changes and scope additions.
Losing bidders are not publicly identified in most cases. You can see all companies that were awarded on multiple-award contracts. FOIA requests may reveal proposal information, but proprietary details are protected.
Yes, federal construction contracts are posted on SAM.gov like other procurements. Construction has additional requirements including Davis-Bacon wages, bonding, and often geographic set-asides.
Subcontracting plans are not routinely published publicly. Contact prime contractors directly, use SBA SUBNet for subcontracting opportunities, and review publicly available small business utilization data.
No. Classified contracts are not posted on SAM.gov. They appear on classified government networks accessible only to individuals with appropriate security clearances and need-to-know access.
Contract ceiling values are available through SAM.gov award data, FPDS, and USASpending.gov. Search by contractor name, agency, or contract number to find total potential contract values.
Yes, most DOD contract opportunities appear on SAM.gov. However, classified contracts, task orders on existing vehicles, and some agency-specific procurements may appear on supplemental DOD systems.
GSA eBuy is the primary source for Schedule-specific RFQs. Agencies also post Schedule requirements on SAM.gov. Direct marketing to agencies and monitoring GSA Advantage activity are also effective.
Sole source opportunities often come from agency outreach, past performance relationships, and unique capabilities. Monitor sole source justifications posted on SAM.gov and engage agencies before requirements become formal solicitations.
Yes, virtually all federal agencies must post contract opportunities over $25,000 on SAM.gov. However, some agencies have supplemental systems, and classified work appears elsewhere.
Each state has its own procurement portal. There is no central federal-style system. Some aggregators compile state opportunities, and GSA Schedule cooperative purchasing allows state/local use of federal contracts.
Classified contracts, some sole source awards, micro-purchases under $10,000, and certain sensitive acquisitions may not appear on SAM.gov. Task orders under IDIQ contracts are sometimes not individually posted.
Average contract sizes vary enormously by category. The median is around $150,000, but averages are skewed by billion-dollar contracts. Over 90% of contract actions are under $250,000.
Contract values on SAM.gov represent obligated amounts and estimated ceilings, which may differ from final contract values due to modifications, option exercises, and funding changes.
Track contract end dates in FPDS.gov, watch SAM.gov for Sources Sought on expiring contracts, and monitor agency forecasts for recompete listings.
Search FPDS.gov, USASpending.gov, or SAM.gov award notices. The incumbent is the current contractor whose contract may be recompeted.
Check agency OSDBU websites for procurement forecasts, which list planned acquisitions. Many agencies publish annual forecast documents.
Use USASpending.gov for award data, FPDS.gov for detailed contract information, and SAM.gov for award notices.
Task orders may be competed only among IDIQ holders. Check your contract vehicle portal, agency portals, and SAM.gov for RFPs referencing the vehicle.
Filter SAM.gov by set-aside type (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB). Also check agency OSDBU offices and small business forecasts.
Our comprehensive guides provide step-by-step instructions for every aspect of government contracting.