Guide
How to Find Government ContractsFor Small Business
The federal government spends over $700 billion per year on contracts, and by law a percentage is reserved for small businesses. Here's how to find contracts in your industry, understand the set-aside programs, and research your competition — step by step.
Register on SAM.gov
Every business that wants to bid on federal contracts must register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Registration is free but takes 7–10 business days to process. You'll need your EIN, DUNS/UEI number, bank account information, and NAICS codes. Keep your registration active — it must be renewed annually.
Find your NAICS codes
Federal contracts are categorized by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. These 6-digit codes describe what your business does — for example, 541511 is Custom Computer Programming Services. Most businesses qualify under 2–5 NAICS codes. Use the Federal Contract Tracker's autocomplete to search by keyword and find the codes that match your services.
Understand set-aside programs
The federal government reserves a percentage of contracts for qualifying small businesses through set-aside programs. If your business qualifies for any of these, you'll face less competition on set-aside contracts. The main programs are 8(a) Business Development, WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business), and HUBZone. Each has different eligibility requirements and certification processes.
Research who is winning contracts
Before you bid on anything, study the competitive landscape. Use the Federal Contract Tracker to search awarded contracts by your NAICS code. See which companies are winning, which agencies are buying, how much they're spending, and whether contracts are set aside for small businesses. This research tells you where the opportunities are and who you're competing against.
Identify your target agencies
Not all agencies buy the same services. Use the Spending by Agency view to see which agencies spend the most in your NAICS codes. Focus your business development on agencies that consistently award contracts in your space. Some agencies have stronger small business programs than others — look for agencies that frequently use set-aside contracts.
Track spending trends
Federal spending fluctuates by quarter and fiscal year. Use the Trends page to see whether spending in your NAICS codes is growing, shrinking, or seasonal. Many agencies increase spending at the end of the fiscal year (September) to use remaining budget. Understanding these patterns helps you time your outreach.
Start researching government contracts
Enter your NAICS code, filter by set-aside type, and see every awarded contract in your industry. Free — 10 searches per day, no registration.
Search contracts freeSet-aside program guides
If your business qualifies for a set-aside program, you can compete for contracts reserved for your category. Read the detailed guide for each program:
Compare contract research tools
See how the Federal Contract Tracker compares to other platforms:
Frequently asked questions
How do I find government contracts for my small business?
Start by registering on SAM.gov (free, required for all federal contractors). Then identify your NAICS codes — these determine which contracts match your services. Use the Federal Contract Tracker to research awarded contracts in your NAICS codes, see which agencies are buying, and identify set-aside opportunities. If you qualify for a set-aside program (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone), get certified to access reserved contracts with less competition.
What are the main set-aside programs for small businesses?
The four main set-aside programs are: 8(a) Business Development (for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses), WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business), and HUBZone (businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones). There are also general small business set-asides that any SBA-certified small business can compete for. Each program has its own eligibility criteria and certification process.
Is it free to bid on government contracts?
Yes. SAM.gov registration is free. Accessing contract opportunities on SAM.gov is free. There is no fee to submit a bid or proposal. Be cautious of any service that charges for basic access to government contract listings — the data is publicly available. Tools like the Federal Contract Tracker charge for enhanced research features, but basic contract search is free (10 searches/day).
What is a NAICS code and how do I find mine?
NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes are 6-digit codes that describe business activities. They determine which contracts you can bid on and which SBA size standards apply to your business. To find yours, search by keyword on the Federal Contract Tracker — type your industry (e.g., 'janitorial', 'IT consulting', 'construction') and the autocomplete will show matching codes with descriptions.
How much are government contracts worth?
Federal contracts range from a few thousand dollars (micro-purchases under $10,000 don't even require competitive bidding) to billions for major defense programs. Most small business contracts fall in the $25,000 to $250,000 range. Set-aside sole-source contracts can go up to $4.5 million for services or $8 million for manufacturing. Use the Federal Contract Tracker to see actual award amounts in your NAICS codes — this gives you realistic expectations for your industry.
What is the difference between SAM.gov and the Federal Contract Tracker?
SAM.gov is the government's official system — you register there and can search for upcoming solicitations (opportunities to bid). The Federal Contract Tracker searches awarded contracts — contracts that have already been won. SAM.gov tells you what's available to bid on. The Federal Contract Tracker tells you who's winning, how much they're getting, and from which agencies. Both are useful for different stages of business development.