The federal government posts its buying plans in public. You don’t need a pricey subscription to find work. You need to know which free tools to check, and what each one tells you.
Made Simple
- SAM.gov shows what agencies are buying right now. Most purchases over $25,000 must be posted there.
- The Forecast Tool shows what agencies plan to buy next, so you can get ready early.
- USASpending.gov shows who bought what before, and who won.
- Smaller buys often aren’t posted, so relationships matter there.
- Pick a few NAICS codes and check on a schedule. Consistency beats luck.
1. SAM.gov: what’s being bought now
When an agency expects a purchase to go over $25,000, the rules generally require it to post a notice on SAM.gov. That makes the Contract Opportunities search on SAM.gov your main stop.
You can filter by:
- NAICS code, to see work in your industry
- Set-aside type, like small business or women-owned set-asides
- Place of performance, if you want work near you or near your partners
- Notice type, from early “sources sought” notices to full solicitations
Save your searches so you don’t rebuild them every time.
Low-key power move: answer “sources sought” notices. These are agencies asking who’s out there before they decide how to buy. When enough capable small businesses respond, it helps make the case for a small business set-aside. It’s free to respond, and it puts your business in front of the people buying.
2. The Forecast Tool: what’s coming next
The Forecast Tool on Acquisition Gateway lists upcoming federal contracting opportunities across agencies. Think of it as a preview. It’s for planning only, and plans can change or be canceled. Final details are set when the solicitation is posted on SAM.gov.
Why it matters: the businesses that win often started preparing months before the solicitation dropped. The forecast gives you that head start, plus a point of contact for questions.
The same site has an Expiring Contracts Dashboard, which shows contracts nearing their end. An expiring contract often means a new one is coming.
3. USASpending.gov: who bought what before
USASpending.gov shows past federal awards. Search your NAICS code or an agency to see:
- Which agencies buy what you sell
- How often they buy it
- Who won, and roughly how big the awards were
This is your market research. If an agency bought your service three years in a row, that’s a pattern worth following.
4. The smaller buys that never get posted
Purchases under $20,000 don’t have to be posted publicly, and many small buys are made with government purchase cards. To be considered for those, agencies have to know you exist. That’s where a sharp capability statement and real conversations help. Most agencies have a small business office whose job is to help businesses like yours find the right people.
5. Subcontracting opportunities
Not ready to go after contracts on your own? Large prime contractors often look for small business partners. SBA’s SubNet lists subcontracting opportunities posted by primes.
Make it a habit, not a hunt
The businesses that win aren’t checking every website every day. They pick a few NAICS codes, save their searches and review new postings on a set schedule. Once a week is plenty for most.
Found something promising? Our free Bid or Pass Worksheet helps you decide if it’s worth your time before you spend a weekend on a proposal.
Want help sorting the good fits from the time-wasters?
Book a free 30-minute intro call. We’ll talk through what you sell and where it fits.
Last reviewed: October 20, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official sources linked here.