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100 direct answers to common questions about federal contracting, organized by what you need to know.
Who qualifies, requirements, certifications and size standards
Most VA contracts don't require security clearances. VA work typically involves healthcare, IT, and facilities rather than classified information. Background checks (not clearances) are common for patient-facing roles.
Technically yes, but winning is difficult. Most service contracts require demonstrated capability and personnel. Sole proprietors can win, but staffing plans and ability to hire are scrutinized heavily.
Federal tax delinquency over $10,000 requires disclosure and may affect contract award. Serious delinquency can result in non-responsibility determination or prohibition from award under certain appropriations.
A Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business must be 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. SBA now certifies SDVOSBs, and VA contracts require specific VA certification through VetCert.
Yes, Canadian companies can bid on most U.S. federal contracts. Canada is a TAA-designated country, and NAFTA/USMCA provisions facilitate cross-border procurement. Some security-related work may have restrictions.
It depends. Contracts involving cloud services processing federal data typically require FedRAMP. On-premise solutions, non-cloud IT services, and some agency-specific authorizations may not require FedRAMP.
Subcontractors receiving federal funding through flow-down typically need SAM registration. Teaming partners not receiving direct federal funds may not, but registration is often required by contract terms or prime contractors.
Yes, fully remote companies can win federal contracts, especially for professional services and IT work. However, some contracts require physical presence, security clearances, or on-site work that may not suit remote operations.
There are no GSA fees to obtain a Schedule contract. However, contractors invest $10,000-$50,000 or more in internal costs for proposal preparation, or $15,000-$30,000 for consultants. Ongoing costs include the 0.75% Industrial Funding Fee.
Yes, most federal contracts require minimum insurance coverage. Common requirements include general liability, auto liability, workers' compensation, and sometimes professional liability depending on contract type.
Bonding requirements depend on contract type and value. Construction contracts over $150,000 require performance and payment bonds. Supply and service contracts generally don't require bonds.
Generally no, due to organizational conflict of interest concerns. However, you can transition from sub to prime on future recompetes if you exit the current team.
Debarment, suspension, tax delinquency, criminal convictions, false statements, and violations of federal law can disqualify contractors.
No, CMMC is only required for contracts involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Many DoD contracts don't handle CUI and won't require CMMC.
Yes, you can hold multiple certifications simultaneously including 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and SDVOSB if you meet all requirements.
Businesses must have principal office in a HUBZone, 35% of employees living in HUBZones, and meet small business size standards.
Yes, nonprofits can bid on federal contracts. However, they are not eligible for small business set-asides and may face restrictions on fee/profit.
A physical address is required for SAM.gov registration, but remote/home-based businesses can compete. Some contracts require local presence.
Yes, LLCs are fully eligible for federal contracts and are a common business structure for government contractors.
No, GSA Schedule is not required. You can bid on open-market solicitations posted on SAM.gov without a Schedule.
Our comprehensive guides provide step-by-step instructions for every aspect of government contracting.