Questions
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.
Government Contracting Q&A
Direct answers to common questions about federal contracting, organized by what you need to know.
84 results
Questions
How does the government determine price reasonableness?
Contracting officers use techniques like price comparison, market research, parametric analysis, and cost analysis to determine if prices are fair and reasonable.
Questions
What triggers a right to a debriefing?
Unsuccessful offerors in negotiated procurements can request debriefings. Pre-award debriefings are available if excluded from competitive range; post-award debriefings after contract award.
Questions
How do oral presentations work in government proposals?
Some solicitations include oral presentations where your team presents to evaluators. They're evaluated like written volumes and can substitute for or supplement written proposals.
Questions
How does task order competition work under IDIQ contracts?
Task orders are competed among IDIQ holders via "fair opportunity" - all holders get notice and chance to submit unless an exception applies.
Questions
What is a responsibility determination?
Before award, contracting officers verify the winning contractor is "responsible" - has adequate financial resources, capability, record of integrity, and is otherwise qualified.
Questions
Can you negotiate terms on federal contracts?
In negotiated procurements (RFPs), discussions allow negotiation of technical approach and price. Sealed bids (IFBs) have no negotiation.
Questions
What is competitive range in government contracting?
Competitive range includes offerors who have a reasonable chance of award. Only these offerors participate in discussions before final evaluation.
Questions
How does best value evaluation work?
Best value considers both price and non-price factors. The government can pay more for a better technical solution if the premium is worth the added value.
Questions
What happens after I submit my proposal?
The government evaluates proposals against stated criteria, may conduct discussions with competitive range offerors, and then makes an award decision.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
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.
Questions
Can a subcontractor become a prime contractor on the same contract?
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.
Questions
What disqualifies you from federal contracts?
Debarment, suspension, tax delinquency, criminal convictions, false statements, and violations of federal law can disqualify contractors.
Questions
Do you need CMMC certification for all DoD contracts?
No, CMMC is only required for contracts involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Many DoD contracts don't handle CUI and won't require CMMC.
Questions
Can a business be both 8(a) and HUBZone certified?
Yes, you can hold multiple certifications simultaneously including 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and SDVOSB if you meet all requirements.
See how to find and track federal contracts
Get a walkthrough of contract search, saved opportunities and the bid tools included in each plan.