How to Bid on Government Contracts: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Businesses

Step 1: Register on SAM.gov

SAM.gov is the official system the US government uses to register vendors and post contract opportunities. Registering gives you a Unique Entity ID (UEI), which most federal contracts require before award. Read our SAM.gov registration guide for the details.

Step 2: Pick your NAICS codes

NAICS codes describe what your business does. Janitorial companies use 561720, landscapers use 561730, and facilities support firms use 561210. Agencies tag each contract with one NAICS code, so the right codes decide which contracts you see.

Step 3: Find open contracts that fit

Search SAM.gov's Contract Opportunities, or let GovNearby do it: we check every night and score each contract for your location and certifications. Browse live lists like janitorial government contracts by state.

Step 4: Read the whole solicitation

The solicitation tells you what the agency wants (the statement or performance work statement), how to respond, the deadline, and how the winner is chosen. Download every attachment. Note any site visit dates and the deadline for questions.

Step 5: Decide go or no-go

• Can your crew reach the site every day?
• Are you eligible for the set-aside (for example SDVOSB, WOSB, 8(a), HUBZone)?
• Do you have enough time to prepare a good response?
• Can you meet the required wages, insurance and schedule and still make a profit?

Step 6: Price it and write your response

For service contracts, price from real numbers: square footage, frequency, labor hours, required wage rates, supplies, equipment, insurance, overhead and profit. See how to price a janitorial contract. Add a one-page capability statement.

Step 7: Submit before the deadline and follow up

Submit exactly the way the solicitation says (email, a portal, or SAM.gov), before the stated time zone deadline. Whether you win or lose, you can usually ask for feedback, which makes your next bid stronger.