Where to look
Federal prime opportunities Federal only
SAM.gov Contract Opportunities is where federal agencies post solicitations. Anyone can search; with an account you can save searches, follow opportunities, and use interested-vendor features.
Federal subcontracting Federal only
SBA says its SUBNet system helps large federal prime contractors find small subcontractors, and small businesses can browse the listings.
Agency forecasts Federal only
Federal agencies publish procurement forecasts describing anticipated needs. Forecasts help with planning but are not guarantees that a solicitation will be issued. Start from SAM.gov and GSA's small-business resources.
State and local opportunities
Portals, registration, and rules vary by state, county, and city. Use each jurisdiction's official procurement website to find current opportunities and requirements.
Before you bid
Federal only These items apply to federal contracting. They are not universal corporate requirements.
- Entity registration in SAM.gov is required to compete for federal contracts.
- Your Unique Entity ID (UEI) is assigned through SAM.gov.
- Identify the NAICS code(s) that describe what you sell.
- For small-business set-aside contracts, you must meet the SBA size standard for the applicable NAICS code.
- Review certification eligibility only if it is relevant — see the supplier certification guide.
Next steps: check your gaps with the supplier readiness checklist and review how to respond to an RFP.
Sources & official resources
Requirements change. Always confirm current rules with the official source.
