# How to get government contracts To get federal contracts, register for free in SAM.gov, list the NAICS codes you work in and confirm you are small for them, search SAM.gov opportunities and set-asides that match, and answer sources sought notices before solicitations come out. Respond to sources sought notices and RFIs with a capability statement; they decide whether a buy is set aside.Checked on 2026-11-12.Official source: [SBA federal contracting](https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting) | Registration | Free at sam.gov | | --- | --- | | Small business goal | 23% of prime contract dollars | | Free help | APEX Accelerators, SBA district offices | ## 1. Register Register free in SAM.gov. See the [registration guide](https://samgovapi.io/guides/sam-registration). ## 2. Know your codes Pick NAICS codes on the [NAICS lookup](https://samgovapi.io/naics-code-lookup) and check the [size standard](https://samgovapi.io/size-standard-checker) for each. ## 3. Find opportunities Search [active opportunities](https://samgovapi.io/opportunity-search) by NAICS and set-aside, and read the [set-aside programs](https://samgovapi.io/set-aside) you may qualify for. ## 4. Get in early Respond to sources sought notices and RFIs with a capability statement; they decide whether a buy is set aside. ## 5. Watch recompetes Contracts near their potential end date are re-bid; their incumbents and values are public on USAspending. ## Related - [Opportunity search](https://samgovapi.io/opportunity-search) - [Set-asides](https://samgovapi.io/set-aside)Updated 2026-11-12. Sources checked 2026-11-12.Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by GSA, SAM.gov or any U.S. government agency. Registering in SAM.gov is free at sam.gov.

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