Questions
Who qualifies for HUBZone certification?
Businesses must have principal office in a HUBZone, 35% of employees living in HUBZones, and meet small business size standards.
Government Contracting Q&A
Direct answers to common questions about federal contracting, organized by what you need to know.
84 results
Questions
Can nonprofit organizations bid on federal contracts?
Yes, nonprofits can bid on federal contracts. However, they are not eligible for small business set-asides and may face restrictions on fee/profit.
Questions
Do you need a physical office to bid on federal contracts?
A physical address is required for SAM.gov registration, but remote/home-based businesses can compete. Some contracts require local presence.
Questions
Can LLCs get federal contracts?
Yes, LLCs are fully eligible for federal contracts and are a common business structure for government contractors.
Questions
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.
Questions
Can I bid on contracts using different NAICS codes?
Yes, you can bid on contracts in any NAICS code you're qualified to perform, but each solicitation specifies a NAICS code that determines size standard for that contract.
Questions
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.
Questions
Who qualifies for 8(a) certification?
Business owners must be socially disadvantaged, economically disadvantaged, and control day-to-day operations. The business must be small and at least 51% owned by qualifying individuals.
Questions
Do you need a security clearance for all federal contracts?
No, most federal contracts don't require security clearances. Only contracts involving classified information require cleared personnel.
Questions
Can a sole proprietor get a federal contract?
Yes, sole proprietors can register in SAM.gov and compete for federal contracts, though forming an LLC or corporation offers better liability protection.
Questions
Can foreign companies bid on federal contracts?
Foreign companies can bid on some contracts, but many have restrictions. Trade agreement countries have more access. Security-sensitive contracts are restricted.
Questions
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.
Questions
How long after contract award before work starts?
Work typically begins within 30 days of award, but some contracts specify immediate start or later dates. Always wait for official Notice to Proceed.
Questions
How long does it take to renew SAM.gov registration annually?
Annual SAM.gov renewal typically takes 5-10 business days for processing, assuming no changes to IRS-validated information.
Questions
When should I submit questions on a solicitation?
Submit questions as early as possible, but typically no later than halfway through the proposal period. Questions received later may not be answered in time.
Questions
How long does CMMC certification take?
CMMC certification timeline depends on current cybersecurity maturity: well-prepared organizations may certify in 3-6 months, while others may need 12-18 months of preparation.
Questions
When does past performance expire in CPARS?
CPARS evaluations remain in the system for 6 years from the date the evaluation was completed.
Questions
How long do I have to request a debriefing after losing a contract?
You must request a debriefing within 3 calendar days after receiving notice of exclusion from the competitive range or contract award.
Questions
How long does a security clearance take?
Security clearance processing times vary: Secret typically takes 3-6 months, Top Secret takes 6-12 months or longer.
Questions
When do Q4 federal spending opportunities get posted?
Q4 (July-September) solicitations typically start appearing in April-May, with peak posting in June-July for September awards.
See how to find and track federal contracts
Get a walkthrough of contract search, saved opportunities and the bid tools included in each plan.