Direct answers to common questions about federal contracting, organized by what you need to know.
84 results
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
The Prompt Payment Act requires agencies to pay interest on late payments. Contractors can submit inquiries through the contracting officer. Unpaid invoices are rare but can be pursued through the Contract Disputes Act process.
Questions
Generally no. Federal contracts pay after delivery/performance through invoice submission. Limited advance payments are available in special circumstances. Progress payments provide interim financing for some contracts.
Questions
Award fee is calculated based on periodic performance evaluations against stated criteria. An Award Fee Determination Official rates performance and determines the percentage of available fee pool to pay.
Questions
Profit margins typically range from 5-15% depending on contract type, risk, and competition. Fixed-price contracts generally allow higher margins than cost-reimbursement due to risk transfer.
Questions
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.
Questions
Funded value is money actually obligated and available to spend. Ceiling value is the maximum potential contract worth. A contract may have a $10M ceiling but only $1M funded at award.
Questions
Contract ceiling value is the maximum amount that can be obligated under the contract, calculated from base value plus all potential options, CLINs, and task order maximums for IDIQ vehicles.
Questions
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.
Questions
Option years are priced in the original proposal but only exercised and funded at the government's discretion. Total contract value typically includes option year pricing, though options aren't guaranteed to be exercised.
Questions
The estimated value represents the government's projection of what the contract will cost based on their requirements analysis, market research, and budget planning. It helps contractors assess opportunity size.
Get a walkthrough of contract search, saved opportunities and the bid tools included in each plan.
