From first steps
to performance.

Build your foundation

Know what you can deliver.

Start with the products or services your business can reliably provide. Consider relevant experience, staffing, delivery capacity, and financial resources. Then research whether government buyers purchase what you sell.

• Describe your capabilities in clear, specific terms.
• Gather evidence of relevant work and realistic delivery capacity.
• Identify appropriate NAICS classifications and check the applicable size standards. Being a small business does not mean you qualify for every opportunity.

Register your business

Use the official SAM.gov site.

SAM.gov is the official starting point for entity registration. Create or sign in through Login.gov, prepare your entity information, and select the registration appropriate for contracting.

• SAM validates your legal business identity and assigns a Unique Entity ID (UEI).
• Complete the remaining registration sections, review, submit, and check the actual registration status. A UEI alone is not a full registration for applying directly for federal awards.
• Renew every 365 days to keep your registration active, and keep your business information current.

Understand eligibility

Registration isn’t certification.

Explore whether a program such as 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB/EDWOSB, or veteran certification fits your business. Each has its own eligibility and application requirements.

• Review the official program requirements before applying.
• Check the requirements of the specific opportunity—not just your registration or certification status.
• Do not assume that a certification guarantees an award.

Find your market

Look for fit, not just listings.

Research agency purchasing history and upcoming procurement forecasts. Use SAM.gov to find notices, then build a focused list that matches your capabilities and capacity.

Prepare before the deadline

The solicitation isn’t the starting line.

Sources Sought notices, RFIs, and industry events can help you understand agency needs earlier. Follow each notice’s instructions and use permitted channels for engagement.

• Consider whether your capabilities fit a prime-contract role or work as a subcontractor.
• Research potential partners and define roles, responsibilities, and commercial terms before committing.
• Keep market-research response deadlines separate from solicitation deadlines. An RFI response is not a contract offer; early exchanges must respect procurement integrity.

Prepare and compete

Decide whether to compete.
Then follow the solicitation.

Read the full notice, attachments, amendments, statement of work, eligibility conditions, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions. Ask whether you can meet the requirements and deliver at a sustainable price.

• Prepare the technical, pricing, and experience information actually requested.
• Use the designated questions channel before its deadline. Track amendments and required acknowledgments.
• Confirm the exact submission deadline, time zone, and delivery method. Do not assume that starting an upload means the offer was received.

Understand the decision

An award begins the work.

Review the signed contract, delivery schedule, reporting, acceptance, invoicing, and applicable compliance requirements. Keep accurate records and use the contract’s authorized process for changes.

• Plan how you will deliver, document performance, and meet reporting obligations.
• Follow the applicable invoice and acceptance requirements.
• If not selected, review available feedback and applicable debriefing procedures promptly. The same procedures and deadlines do not apply to every procurement.

Maintain readiness

Keep learning. Stay current.

Keep registrations and business information current, monitor the notices you follow, and track relevant rule and program changes. Use official resources and qualified advice for your situation.

APEX Accelerators offer technical assistance with contracting readiness, registration, certification eligibility, and research.