Government Contracting Q&A
100 direct answers to common questions about federal contracting, organized by what you need to know.
Discovery Questions
Where to find opportunities, search strategies, data sources
Discovery Questions
Where do I find state and local government contract opportunities?
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.
When does the federal fiscal year start and end?
The federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. FY2026 started on October 1, 2025 and ends September 30, 2026.
How do I find subcontracting opportunities?
Use SBA SubNet, check prime contractor websites, attend industry events, and network at matchmaking events. Large primes must submit subcontracting plans.
Can a new company with no experience win federal contracts?
Yes, new companies can win federal contracts, though starting with micro-purchases, subcontracting, or GSA Schedule can build needed past performance.
How do I find set-aside contracts for my business category?
Filter SAM.gov by set-aside type (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB). Also check agency OSDBU offices and small business forecasts.
How do I find upcoming contract recompetes?
Track contract end dates in FPDS.gov, watch SAM.gov for Sources Sought on expiring contracts, and monitor agency forecasts for recompete listings.
Are federal construction contracts posted on SAM.gov?
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.
Do you need a GSA Schedule to bid on federal contracts?
No, GSA Schedule is not required. You can bid on open-market solicitations posted on SAM.gov without a Schedule.
Are the contract values shown on SAM.gov accurate?
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.
How do I find an agency's contracting forecast?
Check agency OSDBU websites for procurement forecasts, which list planned acquisitions. Many agencies publish annual forecast documents.
How do I find task order competitions?
Task orders may be competed only among IDIQ holders. Check your contract vehicle portal, agency portals, and SAM.gov for RFPs referencing the vehicle.
What determines if my business is considered "small" for federal contracts?
Size standards vary by NAICS code and are based on average annual revenue (typically $750K-$47M) or average employees (typically 500-1,500) over the past 3-5 years.
Where do I find opportunities to sell through my GSA Schedule?
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.
What types of federal contracts are not posted publicly?
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.
How do I find sole source contract opportunities?
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.
Are all federal contracts posted on SAM.gov?
No, only solicitations over $25,000 must be posted. Micro-purchases and some exceptions aren't publicly posted.
How do I find who the incumbent is on a contract?
Search FPDS.gov, USASpending.gov, or SAM.gov award notices. The incumbent is the current contractor whose contract may be recompeted.
What is the average federal contract size?
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.
How long until a contract award appears on SAM.gov?
Contract awards typically appear on SAM.gov within 30 days of award, though some may take longer depending on agency reporting practices.
Are classified contracts posted on SAM.gov?
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.
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