From Derek’s desk
Practical ideas for the bid in front of you.
Clear lessons on finding the right work, writing stronger proposals, and building a federal pipeline that is less dependent on luck.
Article 19
SAM.gov Registration for Federal Contracts: Step by Step
A SAM.gov account is not the same as an active entity registration. Here is how to prepare your business information, choose NAICS codes with room to grow, and avoid mistakes that can delay your ability to compete.
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Article 18
How to Quote Federal Supply Contracts Without Losing Money
A profitable federal supply quote requires more than adding a markup to a distributor's price. Check product compliance, sourcing rules, freight, delivery risk, and payment timing before committing to a number.
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Article 17
How to Respond to a Federal Sources Sought Notice
A sources sought response helps an agency understand whether capable businesses exist before it settles on an acquisition approach. Learn what to submit, how to demonstrate capacity, and what not to expect from the process.
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Article 16
Federal Construction Bid Bonds: A Small Business Guide
Federal construction bonds affect whether you can submit an acceptable bid and carry out an award. Understand bid, performance, and payment bonds, then build bonding requirements into your bid decision before estimating the job.
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Article 15
How to Show Past Performance Without Federal Contracts
No federal contract history does not necessarily mean you lack relevant past performance. Learn how to distinguish experience from performance, present commercial projects, and pursue opportunities without overstating your record.
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Article 14
How to Write a Federal Contracting Capability Statement
A useful capability statement helps a federal buyer understand what you deliver, why you are credible, and where you fit. Here is how to build one, use it in market research and buying conversations, and keep it from becoming a distraction from bidding.
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Article 13
NAICS Codes for Federal Contracts: Size and Eligibility
NAICS codes help determine which size standard applies to a federal procurement. Learn how to choose a primary code with growth in mind, update additional codes as your business evolves, and avoid eligibility and pre-award problems.
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Article 12
How to Get Federal Subcontracts as a Small Business
Federal subcontracting means building a business-to-business relationship with a prime contractor. Learn how to find relevant primes, become a preferred vendor over time, and evaluate opportunities before committing resources.
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Article 11
How to Price Federal Janitorial Contracts Without Guessing
A competitive janitorial bid starts with a realistic staffing plan, not a price per square foot pulled from the internet. Whether you self-perform or use subcontractors, build a federal cleaning price that accounts for labor requirements, operating costs, and your responsibilities as the prime.
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Article 10
How to Bid on More Government Contracts in Less Time
If you want to bid on more government contracts, you don't necessarily need to work more hours.
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Article 09
How to Consistently Find Government Contracts Worth Bidding
One of the most common things I hear from government contractors is, "I can't find anything to bid on."
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Article 08
How to Make One Government Contract Pay Off for Years
Winning a government contract shouldn't just pay you once.
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Article 07
How to Read a Government Contract Solicitation Like a Pro
Learning how to read a government solicitation is one of the most important skills you can develop in government contracting.
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Article 06
How to Scale Government Contracting with a Team of Employees
Growing from a one person operation into a team of five to ten employees changes everything.
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Article 05
The Highest ROI Phone Call in Government Contracting
Because one phone call can accomplish several things at once.
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Article 04
The Overlooked SAM.gov Feature That Helps You Win More Contracts
One of the simplest ways to improve your government contracting results is to stop spending so much time looking for contracts.
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Article 03
The Site Visit Advantage Most Government Contractors Miss
Site visits are one of the most valuable opportunities you can get before submitting a government proposal.
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Article 02
What Is Federal Government Contracting and How Does It Work?
Federal government contracting can seem complicated from the outside, but the basic concept is actually pretty simple.
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Article 01
When Should You Make Your First Hire in Government Contracting?
One of the biggest transitions in government contracting is going from doing everything yourself to building a team.
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