100 direct answers to common questions about federal contracting, organized by what you need to know.
Allow 2-6 months to properly form and register a joint venture. This includes legal formation, obtaining UEI, SAM registration, and potentially SBA certification review for small business JVs.
GSA Schedule sales must be reported quarterly through the 72A system. Reports are due within 30 days after each quarter end. The Industrial Funding Fee (0.75%) is paid with these reports.
CRs maintain prior year funding levels, limiting new contracts and program changes. Existing contracts continue, but new large procurements may be delayed until regular appropriations pass.
The federal fiscal year ends September 30 and the new fiscal year begins October 1. Q4 (July-September) sees heavy contract activity as agencies obligate remaining funds before year-end.
Contract awards are reported to FPDS within 3 business days of award and appear on SAM.gov and USASpending shortly after. Press releases for major awards often come within days to weeks of award.
Ideally 12-24 months before expected RFP release for major opportunities. Even 6 months provides time for relationship building, teaming, and capability positioning. Starting at RFP release is usually too late.
Contract awards typically appear on USASpending.gov within 30-90 days of award. Initial reporting is through FPDS, which then feeds USASpending. Large agency backlogs can cause longer delays.
Work typically begins within 30 days of award, but some contracts specify immediate start or later dates. Always wait for official Notice to Proceed.
Annual SAM.gov renewal typically takes 5-10 business days for processing, assuming no changes to IRS-validated information.
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.
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Contract values, pricing, costs, bonding and insurance
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