Government contracting, explained in plain English

How to win your first government contract as a small business

A plain-English walkthrough of what it actually takes for a small business to land its first federal contract, from registration to your first bid.

July 17, 2026

What is a small business set-aside, and do you qualify?

Set-asides reserve certain government contracts for small businesses. Here is what the designations actually mean and how to tell if you qualify.

July 17, 2026

How to register in SAM.gov (and why you need to)

SAM.gov registration is required before you can be paid on any federal contract. Here is exactly what the process involves and how long it takes.

July 17, 2026

Do you need a website to win government contracts?

A website is not a legal requirement to bid on federal contracts, but it does more work in a bid than most small business owners expect. Here is why.

July 17, 2026

Government cleaning contracts: how they work

Federal, state, and local agencies buy janitorial and custodial services constantly. Here is how those contracts work and what it takes to bid on one.

July 17, 2026

Government real estate and property services contracts: how they work

Leasing, property management, and appraisal work the government contracts out constantly. Here is how it works and how to bid.

July 18, 2026

Government construction and trades contracts: how they work

Roofing, HVAC, electrical, and general construction work the government buys constantly, most of it too small for a major prime to chase.

July 18, 2026

Government landscaping and grounds maintenance contracts: how they work

Mowing, grounds care, and snow removal contracts for federal buildings, cemeteries, and bases. Here is how they work and what it takes to bid.

July 18, 2026

Government IT and software contracts: how they work

Help desk support, systems maintenance, web development, and cybersecurity work small IT shops can genuinely win. Here is how it works.

July 18, 2026

Government security services contracts: how they work

Guard staffing for federal buildings, courthouses, and bases is contracted out constantly. Here is how these listings work and what it takes to bid.

July 18, 2026

Government logistics and trucking contracts: how they work

Freight, hauling, and warehousing work for military bases and federal agencies, including where a regional carrier has a real edge.

July 18, 2026

Government healthcare staffing contracts: how they work

VA medical centers and military treatment facilities contract for clinical staff constantly. Here is how healthcare staffing contracts work.

July 18, 2026

Government professional services contracts: how they work

Accounting, HR, legal support, training, and consulting work the government buys from small, independent practices every day.

July 18, 2026

Government food service contracts: how they work

Dining facility operation and food supply contracts for bases, prisons, and hospitals. Here is how they work and what it takes to bid.

July 18, 2026

How to read a government solicitation

A plain-English walkthrough of what to look for in a real government solicitation, in the order that actually matters.

July 18, 2026

What is a NAICS code, and how do you find yours

NAICS codes determine what contracts you see and whether you qualify as a small business. Here is how the system works.

July 18, 2026

Capability statements: what they are and a simple outline

A capability statement is a one-page introduction that makes a contracting officer trust your business. Here is a simple outline to build one.

July 18, 2026

8 mistakes first-time bidders make

Most first-time bidders do not lose on price. They lose to avoidable mistakes. Here are eight of the most common ones.

July 18, 2026