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5 Must-Know Websites For Government Contractors

There is a lot of information out there. Some of it is extremely useful, some not so much.

For those of you who are new to this space, you need to be able to identify quality information and if it can serve you in achieving your business goals. There are several websites that can serve as your gateway to understanding and succeeding in this field as a government contractor.


Most used websites for government contracting.
USA Spending and SAM.gov are two commonly used websites for government contracting.

Here are the top five websites every beginner should know:


1. System for Award Management (SAM)

Website: SAM.gov

Purpose: Registering your business and finding contract opportunities.


This one is self explanatory. SAM.gov is the first step to start selling your product or service to the government. To do business with the federal government, you must register your business on this platform. Beyond registration, SAM.gov is a goldmine for contract opportunities. You can search the following and more:

  • Active solicitations

  • Requests for Information/Sources Sought

  • Entity Registration & Status

  • Contract Data Reports

  • Wage Determinations

  • Procurement Forecasts

By understanding how to navigate SAM.gov, you’ll position your business to win contracts and establish credibility with government buyers.


2. USAspending

Purpose: Tracking government spending.


The beauty about government contracting, is that the majority of informaiton out there is publically available. The contract amount is public. The companies winning is public. The government agencies buying is public. USAspending.gov provides transparency into how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars. This site will give you valuable insights into which agencies are spending money in your industry and who the top contractors are.

With USA Spending, you can find things like:

  • Who is buying your product

  • Where are they buying your product

  • How often do they purchase your product

By analyzing this data, you can identify trends, target agencies that align with your offerings, and better understand the competitive landscape.


3. Small Business Administration

Website: SBA.gov

Purpose: Registering for small business certifications and finding partners.


The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a vital resource for small businesses looking to gain an edge in government contracting. Through SBA.gov, you can learn about and apply for small business certifications like 8(a), HUBZone, or Woman-Owned Small Business. These certifications can give you access to set-aside contracts. Additionally, the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) tool helps contracting officers and potential partners find your business, making it an essential resource for networking and marketing your capabilities.


4. Census

Website: Census.gov

Purpose: Finding your NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes.


What's the purpose of these so called 'NAICS' codes? They identify your business. And you as the owner needs to identify the industry that you are in. NAICS codes categorize your business based on the products and services you provide. These codes are a critical part of registering your business in SAM.gov and finding relevant contracting opportunities. Census.gov is the place for identifying the correct NAICS codes for your industry. Using the right codes ensures your business appears in the appropriate searches and aligns with the government’s needs.


Purpose: A centralized hub for federal acquisition regulations.


Acquisition.gov is the primary online destination for accessing the federal acquisition regulation (FAR). This platform consolidates information to help you navigate the complex world of federal procurement.


The FAR is a good resource to reference back to if you have any questions about terms or the acquisition process that the US government must follow.


How These Websites Help See Results

By using these five websites, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools necessary to:

  • Register and market your business: SAM.gov and SBA.gov ensure you meet government requirements and connect with decision-makers.

  • Understand the competitive landscape: USAspending.gov provides insights into federal spending patterns, helping you target your efforts effectively.

  • Categorize your business properly: Census.gov and FSCPSC.com ensure you use the right codes to match your offerings with government needs.


Each of these websites will help you navigate the complex world of government contracting.

 
 
 

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