How to do business with GSA

Introduction

Learn how to sell your products or services to the federal government through our agency. We help federal agencies purchase the products and services they need, and small businesses play an important role in that process. If you’re interested in working with us, there are a few key steps to understand.

This training walks you through how to get started, where to focus, and how to position your business for success.

1: Understand how GSA buys goods and services

We connect federal agencies with businesses through a variety of contracting programs and tools.

One of the most common is the Multiple Award Schedule program, which allows agencies to purchase from pre-approved vendors.

What this means for you:

• You can sell directly to the government through GSA contracts
• Agencies use GSA to find trusted vendors
• There are multiple pathways to do business, depending on your offerings

2: Get ready to do business with the federal government

Before you can compete for contracts, you’ll need to complete a few key steps:

1. Register your business in SAM.gov
2. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier, or UEI
3. Identify your NAICS codes
4. Understand your small business size status

These steps ensure your business is visible and eligible for federal opportunities.

3: Explore your options for working with us

There are several ways to do business with us:

• Become a GSA Schedule contractor
  • Apply to offer products or services through the Multiple Award Schedule
  • Compete for opportunities directly with federal agencies
• Subcontract with a GSA contractor
  • Partner with an existing contractor
  • Gain experience and build past performance
• Respond to open opportunities
  • Search for contract opportunities posted by agencies
  • Submit quotes or proposals based on requirements

The best path depends on your business size, experience, and readiness.

4: Learn how to compete for opportunities

Once you’re registered and ready, you can begin identifying and responding to opportunities.

You may encounter:

• RFI — Requests for information
• RFQ — Requests for quotation
• RFP — Requests for proposal

Each requires a different level of response, from sharing information to submitting a full proposal.

5: Build relationships and stay informed

Success in federal contracting often comes from building relationships and staying engaged.

You can:

• Attend training sessions and outreach events
• Connect with small business specialists
• Network with other contractors and agencies

These connections can help you learn about opportunities and improve your competitiveness.

6: Grow your business with us

As you gain experience, you can:

• Expand into new contract opportunities
• Build a track record of successful performance
• Strengthen your position as a federal contractor

Many small businesses start small and grow over time through consistent participation.

Take the next step

 Get started with federal contracting

 Register your business in SAM.gov

 Find contracting opportunities

 Connect with a small business specialist