← Blog · April 1, 2026

How to Find Government Contracts: A Small Business Guide

Government contracts represent over $700 billion in annual spending — and a significant share is reserved for small businesses. But finding the right opportunities can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

This guide walks you through the key steps to start finding contracts that match your business.

Step 1: Register on SAM.gov

Before you can bid on any federal contract, you need an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Registration is free, but the process takes time:

• Get a UEI — The Unique Entity Identifier replaced DUNS numbers in 2022. You'll receive one during SAM registration.
• Complete your entity registration — This includes business details, NAICS codes, certifications, and banking information.
• Keep it current — SAM registrations expire annually. Set a calendar reminder to renew.

Step 2: Know Your NAICS Codes

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes categorize your business capabilities. Government buyers use them to find vendors, so choosing the right codes is critical.

• Start with 2-3 primary NAICS codes that best describe your core services
• Look at contracts your competitors have won to see which codes they use
• Don't over-classify — agencies search by NAICS, so relevance beats breadth

Step 3: Understand Set-Asides

The government reserves certain contracts for qualifying small businesses:

• 8(a) Business Development — For disadvantaged small businesses
• HUBZone — For businesses in historically underutilized areas
• SDVOSB — Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
• WOSB/EDWOSB — Women-Owned Small Business programs

If you qualify for any of these, you're competing in a smaller pool — which dramatically improves your odds.

Step 4: Search for Opportunities

The primary sources for finding contracts:

1. SAM.gov Contract Opportunities — All federal opportunities over $25,000 are posted here
2. State procurement portals — Each state has its own system (e.g., California's Cal eProcure, Texas SmartBuy)
3. Agency forecast lists — Many agencies publish upcoming procurement plans annually
4. Subcontracting opportunities — Large prime contractors often need small business subcontractors to meet their own set-aside goals

Step 5: Automate Your Search

Manually searching SAM.gov every day is tedious and error-prone. Modern tools like GovLens automate the process:

• Match contracts to your NAICS codes automatically
• Filter by set-asides you qualify for
• Get daily email alerts for new matching opportunities
• Track competitors and see who's winning in your space

Getting Started

The biggest mistake small businesses make is waiting until they're "ready." Start now:

1. Register on SAM.gov today
2. Identify your top 3 NAICS codes
3. Set up automated alerts so opportunities come to you
4. Review 5 contracts per week to build your evaluation skills

Government contracting rewards consistency. The businesses that win aren't always the biggest — they're the ones that show up prepared, on time, every time.

GovLens helps small businesses find and win government contracts. Sign up free to start getting matched to opportunities today.