How to Bid on Government Contracts: A Practical Guide for Small Businesses and Contractors

This guide consolidates our earlier posts on bidding for federal, state and local contracts into one checklist you can use on your next pursuit.

1. Get registered and positioned

Active SAM.gov registration, the right NAICS codes, any certifications you qualify for (such as SDVOSB), and a one-page capability statement.

2. Decide bid or no-bid

Before you spend estimating time, check the scope against your capabilities, the schedule, bonding and insurance requirements, liquidated damages, payment terms and the bid due date. Walking away from a bad fit is a win.

3. Read the whole solicitation

Specs, drawings, addenda, wage determinations (Davis-Bacon), special conditions, and the evaluation criteria. Submit RFIs before the deadline when something is unclear.

4. Price it right

Get supplier and subcontractor quotes early, carry the right labor rates, and include bonds, insurance, escalation and general conditions.

5. Submit a compliant bid

Follow the format exactly, acknowledge all addenda, sign every required form, and submit early. Late or non-compliant bids are usually rejected outright.

6. Learn from every result

Request bid tabulations and debriefs so each bid makes the next one stronger.

Need a hand? Book a Strategy Session with Allen Solutions Ltd at allensolutionsltd.net/book-online or call 970-703-4793.