Your Advantages
- No experience required for many small business set-aside contracts
- Micro-purchase threshold ($10,000) allows agencies to buy from anyone
- Simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000) means less paperwork
- Free resources: PTACs, SBA offices, SCORE mentors
- GSA Advantage marketplace for commercial items
- Subcontracting with established contractors builds experience
How to Get Started
Assess Your Readiness
Make sure your business has been operating for at least 1-2 years, has stable finances, and can deliver on government requirements.
Register on SAM.gov
Create your free registration. Allow 7-10 business days for processing. This is mandatory for all federal contractors.
Identify Your NAICS Codes
Use Bureauify's NAICS lookup tool to find the codes matching your business. This determines which contracts you can bid on.
Check for Certifications
See if you qualify for 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, or other set-aside programs that reduce competition.
Visit a PTAC
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers provide FREE one-on-one counseling for government contractors.
Start Small
Target micro-purchases, simplified acquisitions, or subcontracting opportunities to build past performance before pursuing larger contracts.
Build Your Capability Statement
Create a one-page document highlighting your company, capabilities, past work, and contact information.
Search and Bid
Use Bureauify to find opportunities matching your NAICS codes and capabilities. Start with opportunities under the simplified threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a government contract with no experience?
Yes. Many small business set-aside contracts do not require past performance. You can also start as a subcontractor to build experience, or target micro-purchases (under $10,000) which have minimal requirements.
How much does it cost to start government contracting?
Registration on SAM.gov is free. The main costs are time (learning the process, writing proposals) and any certifications you pursue. You do NOT need to pay anyone to register you.
How long until I win my first contract?
Typically 3-12 months from registration to first award, depending on your industry, certifications, and how actively you pursue opportunities.
Related Resources
Ready to Find Your Contracts?
Bureauify searches across SAM.gov, USAspending, FPDS, and Grants.gov to find opportunities matched to your business. Sign up free and start winning.
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