Find opportunities

We can help you confidently navigate federal contracting opportunities, whether you’re new to it or looking to expand your business. Get assistance with identifying upcoming contracts and positioning your company for future success.

Forecast of contracting opportunities

The forecast of contracting opportunities, or FCO tool is a governmentwide planning tool that shows upcoming federal contract opportunities. The tool is a nationwide dashboard that many agencies, including ours, utilize to share forecast information. It helps small businesses prepare early — sometimes months before a solicitation appears on SAM.gov.

The forecast:

• Provides current and prospective vendors with a centralized view of forecasts from participating agencies
• Allows you to learn about potential opportunities early in the process
• Includes searchable, standardized, and timely information on specific data elements
• Is for information and planning purposes only
• Does not commit the government to purchase

What you’ll find

• Planned procurements by participating agencies
• Specific data elements such as award status, estimated award date, place of performance, NAICS code, acquisition strategy, and contract type
• Whether the opportunity is scheduled to be set aside for small business participation
• Points of contact for each opportunity

 View the Forecast Dashboard

How to use the forecast tool

1. Make sure you’re registered

   Registration is not required to use the tool. Before pursuing any opportunity, however, we recommend that you register your business at SAM.gov (refer to step 4 from “register your business”).

2. Search strategically and use filters

   You can search the tool by keywords or NAICS code to locate opportunities. Searching by NAICS codes that match your firm’s capabilities may provide more refined results.

   You can also use filters to narrow opportunities by:

   • Agency
   • Place of performance
   • NAICS code
   • Estimated award date
   • Acquisition strategy, to include whether the opportunity is scheduled to be set aside for small business
   • Contract type
   • Award status

3. Contact the agency early

   Early engagement increases visibility before the formal solicitation is released and each forecast entry includes a point of contact. You can reach out with:

   • An expression of interest and a brief capabilities statement that includes any relevant past performance
   • Questions you may have about the acquisition strategy

4. Monitor for updates

   • Forecasts can and do change so all opportunities in the tool are subject to revision or cancellation
   • Final decisions on the extent of competition, small business participation, estimated value, or any other aspect of the procurement are made if and when a solicitation is posted to SAM.gov
   • We recommend that you check both systems regularly

Getting on the GSA schedule

Our Multiple Award Schedule, or MAS, is a long-term contract that allows federal agencies to buy directly from pre-approved vendors at negotiated prices.

Benefits of being on our schedule:

• Makes buying easier for agencies
• Increases your visibility
• Gives you access to our tools like eBuy
• Positions you for repeat federal work

Before applying for MAS, ensure you:

• Have at least 2 years in business, unless using Startup Springboard
• Can demonstrate financial stability
• Have strong past performance
• Understand federal compliance requirements

Note: A Schedule contract doesn’t guarantee sales. You must market, respond to requests for quotations, and maintain pricing and compliance.

 View the roadmap to get a MAS contract

Consider subcontracting

Even if your business is not yet prepared to contract directly with a federal agency, you can participate in government work through subcontracting.

Subcontracting is an excellent option because some prime Other than Small Business contractors are required to meet specific goals for utilizing small businesses, pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation clause 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

This regulation creates opportunities for small businesses.

How to find subcontracting opportunities

Search:

• SBA SubNet — View subcontracting opportunities by searching keywords, NAICS code, state, metro area, small business type being solicited, and prime contract name.
• USASpending.gov — The official open data source of federal spending information, including information about federal awards such as contracts, grants, and loans.
• SAM.gov — Track federal contracting and find subcontracting opportunities.
• Public Building Services — Our opportunities in real estate.
• GSA subcontracting directory — Lists other than small business prime contractors who have been awarded contracts with us requiring small business subcontracting plans and that have submitted subcontracting reports in the past fiscal year
  • Filter and search options: Use the “filtered results” box to narrow down contractors by NAICS code, keyword, industry category, city, or state acronym, and sort results using column header arrows
  • Research contractor details: Search using the contractor’s Unique Entity Identification (UEI) or name in FPDS.gov, USAspending.gov, and GSA eLibrary to view their prime contract history
  • Find help: Reach out to your local OSB Small Business Technical Advisor for more information about the directory

Partnerships and programs

Strategic partnerships can strengthen your proposal and expand capability coverage.

Teaming and joint ventures

A joint venture is formed for the sole purpose of pooling resources of separate businesses to support the mission of a government agency successfully and cost-effectively. It is considered a new legal entity that requires approval by the Small Business Administration, or SBA, a separate federal identification number, and a new SAM.gov user account. We do not oversee any part of the joint venture process. For further details on joint ventures, refer to the SBA website.