Small Business Guide to Federal Contracting

The federal government has a number programs and services that help small business successfully compete for federal contracts. As with any new business venture, it's important to understand the opportunities available to expand your business and what to expect when entering into a contractual relationship. Doing business with the federal government is a process with several unique requirements that are unlike other contractual relationships in the private sector.

The following resources provide information that will help you understand how the federal government buys goods and services, and what you can expect when as a federal contractor.

Basic Information

• Small Business Guide to Contracting Opportunities
  This guide from the U.S. Small Business Administration provides information on programs that help small businesses successfully compete for federal contracting opportunities. Includes tutorials on how the federal government buys and provides an overview on regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Small Business Government Contracting : FAQs
  Frequently asked questions about how small businesses can do business with the federal government.
• How to Sell to the Federal Government
  GSA is the gederal government's business manager and buyer. GSA offers businesses the opportunity to sell billions of dollars worth of products and services to federal agencies through contract vehicles.

For Women, Veterans, and Small and Disadvantaged Businesses

Guidance

• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses : Contracting Guidance
  GSA provides this site to help service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses do business with the federal government.
  
• WomenBiz.gov : Gateway to Federal Government Contracting
  Provides information and assistance to women-owned businesses seeking to do business with the federal government.
• Defense Contracting Regulations : A Guide for Small Business, Small and Disadvantaged Business, and Women-Owned Business
  Introduction to the basics of defense contracting for small businesses.

Programs

• Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Certification
  The U.S. Small Business Administration certification program that provides qualified businesses with special bidding benefits on federal government contracts.
  
• SBA Office of 8(a) Business Development
  Information about programs and services that help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and federal procurement market.
• HUBZone Program
  A program sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration that helps businesses in historically underutilized areas gain access to federal procurement opportunities.

Next Step: How to Register as a Federal Contractor