Government contracting remains one of the largest business markets nationwide. The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s FY 2024 Contracting Snapshot reports that federal agencies awarded about $755 billion in contracts, keeping activity far above earlier benchmarks and reflecting a market that continues to evolve rather than decline. Small businesses also maintain a significant role, supported by federal policy that aims for approximately 25 percent of contract dollars to be awarded to small firms.
Many federal agencies operate small business offices, often called an Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) or an Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). These offices help small firms understand agency purchasing processes, where contracting opportunities are advertised, and the requirements that apply. They are common entry points for navigating agency-specific procurement practices.
For most small businesses, the process starts with a few core steps: confirming that your products or services match agency needs, completing SAM.gov registration and getting a UEI, and learning how to search and respond to federal contracting opportunities. From there, you can explore SBA contracting programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, and women-owned small business certifications, or work with APEX Accelerators and your local SBDC to prepare stronger bids and find teaming partners.
You can also receive free professional business advice and free or low-cost training from your local Small Business Development Center!
Federal Resources for Government Contracting
There are many federal resources available for small businesses interested in government contracting. The federal government offers a wide range of tools to assist businesses with identifying opportunities and competing effectively for contracts. The links below highlight federal programs, as well as practical guides for preparing bids, and completing the steps required to become a qualified government vendor.
System for Award Management (SAM) – register your business, get your UEI, and find official federal contracting opportunities.
USA.Gov – official federal government portal connecting you to every agency and service.
Federal Contracting (U.S. Small Business Administration) – guides and SBA programs that help small businesses enter federal procurement.
Grants.GOV – search and apply for federal grant opportunities.
SBIR Program – federal funding for early-stage research and development by small businesses, focused on innovation with commercial potential.
STTR Program – R&D funding that supports collaboration between small businesses and research institutions to advance new technologies. View our guide on SBIR and STTR.
USASpending.GOV – public database showing how the federal government spends money, including detailed yearly contract and grant obligations.
U.S. States Agency for International Development (USAID) – Independent federal agency delivering international development, humanitarian assistance, and global economic support programs.
General Services Administration
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) – Small business office for GSA contracting and vendor outreach.
IT contract vehicles and purchasing programs – technology-focused contract vehicles and acquisition programs for IT products and services.
Products & Services – opportunities to provide products, supplies, telecommunications, and IT solutions through GSA acquisition programs.
Multiple Award Schedule – long-term government wide contracts with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers.
Department of Commerce
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) – office promotes the use of small businesses in the acquisition process providing marketing and education information.
Procurement Forecasts – tools to help vendors identify upcoming contracting opportunities.
Acquisition Management Division – contract and grant opportunities with the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Vendor Information – Office of Procurement from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Department of Defense
Office of Small Business Programs – supports small businesses pursuing defense contracts and subcontracts.
Air Force Small Business – procurement forecasts, opportunities, business development, outreach and SBIR/STTR.
Navy Office of Small Business Programs – Navy contracting, including ship building, aviation, technology, logistics, and base support opportunities.
Defense Acquisition University – training and education for the defense acquisition community.
Department of Energy Resources
Office of Small Business Programs – resources for DOE contracts in energy, environmental management, research, and national laboratory support.
Guidance for Acquisition & Financial Assistance – contracting, financial assistance, and related activities from the Office of Acquisition Management (OAM).
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization – works with small businesses pursuing health, research, and human services contracts, including medical, IT, and program support.
Doing Business with HHS – overview of how to prepare for HHS contracting.
HHS Contracts – general guidance and regulations for HHS contractors.
Department of Transportation
The Transit Award Management System (TrAMS) – online tool for managing Federal Transit Administration grants.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization – supports veteran-owned and other small businesses working with the VA.
Doing Business with the VA – contracting and procurement activities within the nationwide network of business units of the VA.
Environmental Protection Agency
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Division (SDBUD) – advocates for and supports small business growth and participation in EPA acquisitions and environmental services contracts.
Contracting with EPA – provides active contract listing, acquisition guides, vendor communication plans, service contract inventory, and small business programs.
Housing and Urban Development
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization – supports small businesses pursuing contracts in housing and community development.
Forecast of Contracting Opportunities – provides a forecast of anticipated HUD contract opportunities to help vendors plan ahead and target relevant procurement.
NASA
Office of Small Business Programs – development and management of NASA programs to assist small businesses.
United States Postal Service
Business Services – overview of USPS procurement.
Suppliers: What We Buy & Who Buys What – USPS supplier programs for businesses that want to sell to the Postal Service.
State Resources for Government Contracting
Small businesses interested in state government contracting can access numerous resources designed to support their success. These tools help businesses navigate state procurement systems and pursue available contracting opportunities.
State and Province Procurement Websites – links to each state’s official procurement portal where you can register as a vendor and find state contracting opportunities.
State Procurement Office Information – contacts and basic guidance from each state’s procurement office, including how that state buys goods and services.
State and Territory Business Resources – USA.Gov information on state regulations, programs, and other support available for small businesses.
Local Governments – information for local governments by state from USA.Gov
Other Government Contracting Resources
Wage Requirements – prevailing wage requirements of various laws applicable to government contracts enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division.
Contracting Guide – comprehensive overview of government contracting from the U.S. Small Business Administration, covering business assessment, basic requirements, contract types, how to win contracts, and more.
Contracting Professionals Smart Guide – guide to assist and promote the development of the federal acquisition workforce from the Federal Acquisition Institute.
Project Spectrum (DoD) – free tools, training, and resources to help small businesses assess and improve their cybersecurity and prepare for CMMC.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) & Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) – main rule books governing federal and defense procurement.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity for Small Business – our comprehensive collection of information, resources and tools for small business cybersecurity.
SBA – Strengthen your cybersecurity – best practices and information on identifying and guarding against cyberattacks.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework – framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Protecting Unclassified Information – NIST Special Publication providing requirements for protecting the confidentiality of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) – top considerations impacting government contractors.
APEX Accelerators
APEX Accelerators, formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, provide no-cost assistance to businesses seeking to sell to federal, state, and local governments, as well as to prime contractors. More than 90 APEX Accelerators operate nationwide, offering one-on-one guidance on registrations, certifications, finding opportunities, and responding to government solicitations.
Service Area Locator – map to assist with finding an APEX Accelerator near you.
Additional Small Business Resources
Already in business or thinking about starting your own small business? Check out our various small business resources:
- View small business help topics here: Small Business Information Center
- View more business reports here: Small Business Snapshots
- View industry-specific research here: Market Research Links
- View business plans samples here: Sample Business Plans
- View our small business cybersecurity resources here: Cybersecurity
Remember, you can also receive free professional business advice and free or low-cost business training from your local Small Business Development Center!
Photo by Helloquence on Unsplash