New to government contracting?
Too Young?Too Small?Too New?
The government doesn’t care.
The U.S. government is the biggest customer in the world, and it buys everyday services from businesses like yours all year long. Here’s how to get started, for free.
Four myths that keep people out
What’s really stopping you? Probably a myth.
Most people never try selling to the government because of something they heard. Here’s the truth.
“I’m too young.”
The truth
If you’re an adult with a registered business, your age doesn’t matter. Buyers care whether you can do the work and what it costs, not when you were born.
“I’m too small.”
The truth
Congress sets a goal for at least 23% of federal contract dollars to go to small businesses, and many purchases are set aside for small businesses only. One-person businesses win contracts.
“I need a big office and a big team.”
The truth
Plenty of federal work is done by owners and small crews, working from home or on site, bringing in subcontractors when a job needs more hands.
“I have to pay to register.”
The truth
Registering in SAM.gov is free. Anyone charging a fee to “register you with the government” is selling something you can do yourself.
What the government buys
Probably including what you already do
Federal agencies buy thousands of everyday products and services from small businesses. A few examples:
Small purchases are simpler
Two numbers every beginner should know
The micro-purchase threshold
Many purchases under this amount can be made with a government purchase card, often without a long proposal.
The small business reserve
Purchases up to this amount are generally reserved for small businesses when at least two capable small businesses are expected to compete. That’s where many first contracts are won.
Your first five steps
All free, and you can start this week
Make your business official
Register your business name with your state or city, and get a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at irs.gov. Never pay a third party for an EIN.
Register in SAM.gov
SAM.gov is the government’s official registration system, and it’s free. You’ll get a Unique Entity ID (UEI) that identifies your business on every contract. Allow a few weeks, and renew every year.
Find your industry codes (NAICS)
Six-digit NAICS codes tell buyers what you do. Look yours up at census.gov/naics, or take our free quiz for a head start.
Complete your SBA profile
Fill out your profile in SBA’s Small Business Search so buyers looking for small businesses like yours can find you. Add a clear description and keywords.
Start looking, and start talking
Search SAM.gov Contract Opportunities for your NAICS codes, and introduce yourself to agency small business offices. Small, local purchases are a great first target.
Watch out for scams
SAM.gov registration is always free. Real government emails come from .gov or .mil addresses. Ignore anyone who says you must pay to register, renew or “activate” your account, or who promises guaranteed contracts.
Free help near you
APEX Accelerators, your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and your SBA district office all offer free, one-on-one help with government contracting.
You don’t need permission to begin
We started from scratch too, and won our first federal contract within months.
Get the free two-page beginner guide with everything on this page, plus a link to the quiz. Or book a free intro call and we’ll help you find your first opportunities.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. Program rules and dollar thresholds change, so confirm current requirements on SAM.gov and SBA.gov.
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Free guide
Get the guide
Tell us where to find you and the guide is yours. No cost, no sales pitch.
Thanks! We've also emailed you a copy, so check your inbox. If it didn't open, use the button above.