Government Contracting Guides
Step-by-step guides to help you navigate federal contracting, from registration to winning your first contract.
What are Section 508 requirements for federal IT products?
Section 508 requires federal agencies to make ICT accessible when they develop, procure, maintain, or use it, unless undue burden applies.
How does FAR 9.402 govern suspension and debarment actions?
FAR 9.402 limits debarment and suspension to public-interest protection, requires responsible contractors, and calls for agency coordination.
How do FAR trade-agreement rules affect Buy American compliance?
FAR 25.402 ties Buy American waivers to trade agreements, acquisition value, and service-origin rules; 52.225-5 defines designated-country products.
What is the CMMC compliance roadmap under DFARS Subpart 204.75?
DFARS Subpart 204.75 puts CMMC level requirements into DoD contracts and uses SPRS for Level 1 and Level 2 compliance.
When does FAR require a small business subcontracting plan?
FAR requires a subcontracting plan only in specific high-value, subcontracting-capable awards, with exceptions for set-asides and 8(a) contracts.
When can a sole-source contract be awarded under FAR 6.3?
A sole-source award is allowed only under a stated FAR exception, with the specific authority cited in the contract and sources solicited when practicable.
When do simplified acquisition procedures apply under FAR 13.003?
FAR 13.003 directs agencies to use simplified acquisition procedures to the maximum extent practicable for purchases at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.
What does FAR Part 39 require for IT acquisitions?
FAR Part 39 sets acquisition policy for IT and ICT, including security, privacy, accessibility, market research, and several technology prohibitions.
What Is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Under FAR 13.303?
FAR 13.303 says a BPA is a simplified way to meet anticipated repetitive needs, with mandatory terms, clauses, and funding controls.
What Does FAR 16.5 Require for IDIQ Contracts?
FAR 16.5 governs indefinite-delivery contracts, prefers multiple-award IDIQs, and requires stated minimums, maximums, and order procedures.
After Proposal Submission, What Notifications and Debriefing Rights Apply?
FAR Subpart 15.5 requires certain preaward and postaward notices, and it allows a written postaward debriefing request within 3 days after award notice.
When must a contracting officer amend a solicitation?
FAR 15.206 requires amendments when requirements change, with notice to the right offerors and reissuance for material changes.
How Should a Past Performance Volume Be Written Under FAR Source-Selection Rules?
A past performance volume should mirror the solicitation’s stated factors, support comparison, and fit the FAR rules for source selection.
When should you pursue a federal opportunity under FAR bidding rules?
Pursue a bid when the solicitation method and evaluation factors match what you can deliver, and you can comply with the stated submission rules.
Which vendor portal do I register in for federal contracting?
SAM.gov, PIEE, and GSA VSC serve different registration needs; the right portal depends on whether you seek awards, specific applications, or eBuy.
How do joint ventures register in SAM.gov for federal contracts?
A JV needs a written SBA-compliant agreement, SAM.gov entity setup, its own UEI and CAGE code, and the correct entity type to bid directly.
What does FAR Subpart 4.12 require for representations and certifications?
FAR Subpart 4.12 requires SAM.gov representations and certifications, at least annual updates, and incorporation by reference in the contract.
How are federal payments set up for direct deposit (EFT)?
Fiscal Service says most federal payments are delivered by direct deposit (EFT), with waivers in limited cases and enrollment options for benefit recipients.
How do UEI and CAGE codes work in entity validation?
SAM.gov assigns UEIs during registration, while the FAR treats CAGE as a separate code that contracting officers verify before award.
How do you complete SAM.gov registration?
SAM.gov says to decide whether you need full registration or a Unique Entity ID only, sign in with Login.gov, prepare your data, and start validation.
