Answers
Federal contracting questions, answered
25 short, straight answers to the questions government contractors ask most — from registration to getting paid.
The basics
What is SAM.gov and do I need it to win federal contracts?SAM.gov is the US government’s official System for Award Management. You must have an active SAM.gov registration with a…Read →What are a UEI and a CAGE code?The UEI (Unique Entity ID) is the 12-character identifier SAM.gov assigns your business — it replaced the DUNS number. T…Read →What is a NAICS code and how do I choose one?A NAICS code is a 6-digit classification of your industry. In federal contracting it determines which opportunities you …Read →How do I know if I count as a small business?Size is set per NAICS code by the SBA — either an annual-receipts cap (commonly $9M–$47M, averaged over five years) or a…Read →What is the difference between a prime contractor and a subcontractor?The prime holds the contract with the government and is legally responsible for delivery. Subcontractors work for the pr…Read →What is the simplified acquisition threshold?Simplified acquisition procedures let agencies buy faster, with less paperwork, below the simplified acquisition thresho…Read →
Finding opportunities
How do I find federal contract opportunities?Every federal opportunity above the micro-purchase level is posted on SAM.gov. You can search it directly, or use a tool…Read →What is a Sources Sought notice?A Sources Sought is pre-solicitation market research: the agency asking “who can do this work?” Responding is marketing …Read →What do the SAM.gov notice types mean?They mark stages of one procurement: Sources Sought/RFI (market research) → Presolicitation (coming soon) → Solicitation…Read →
Set-asides & programs
What is a set-aside contract?A set-aside is a contract reserved for a specific category of small business — such as 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, or HUBZone fi…Read →What is the Rule of Two?When a contracting officer reasonably expects at least two responsible small businesses to bid at fair market prices, th…Read →What is the 8(a) program and is it worth it?SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program gives firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a nine-…Read →How do I get SDVOSB certified?Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification runs through SBA’s VetCert portal (it moved from VA in 2023)…Read →
Bidding & winning
What is the difference between an RFP, RFQ, and IFB?An RFQ asks for quotes (simpler buys, price-led). An RFP asks for proposals the agency evaluates and can negotiate (comp…Read →How long does it take to win a first federal contract?Realistically six to eighteen months from SAM registration to first award for most firms. Simplified buys and subcontrac…Read →What is a debrief and should I always request one?A debrief is your legal right to feedback after a negotiated procurement decision — your evaluated strengths, weaknesses…Read →Can I protest a contract award I think was unfair?Yes — to the agency, the GAO (most common), or the Court of Federal Claims. But protests challenge process errors, not d…Read →
Vehicles, money & compliance
What is an IDIQ contract?An Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract is an umbrella agreement: winning a seat doesn’t guarantee revenue, …Read →Do I need a GSA Schedule to sell to the government?No — plenty of firms win open-market and set-aside contracts with no Schedule. A Schedule (MAS) is worth pursuing once y…Read →How quickly does the government pay its contractors?Under the Prompt Payment Act, a proper invoice is generally due within 30 days, with interest owed automatically on late…Read →What is CMMC and does it apply to me?CMMC is DoD’s cybersecurity certification for contractors. The acquisition rule took effect November 10, 2025 and requir…Read →How long does SAM.gov registration take?Plan for one to three weeks. Getting a Unique Entity ID can be quick, but entity validation and the full registration re…Read →
About WinAContract
What does WinAContract cost?Applying for access is the first step, and search unlocks once you are approved. Paid plans add AI proposal writing, sav…Read →Where does WinAContract’s opportunity data come from?Directly from SAM.gov — the US government’s official procurement system — refreshed daily through its public API, then e…Read →How do I get in touch with the WinAContract team?Email info@winacontract.com or use the contact form. We respond to every message within one business day, and demos are …Read →
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