How To Use Sam.Gov to Make Money In 2024

If you’re getting into government contracting, SAM.gov should be your go-to. But, figuring everything out effectively requires strategy and confidence. In this newsletter, I’m walking you through the steps to find the right opportunities and set yourself up for success.?

Start with Advanced Search

When searching for opportunities on SAM.gov, it's important to use the Advanced Search feature. It’s basically where the magic happens. Log in to your account, head to “Contract Opportunities,” and then select “Advanced Search.”

Here’s my go-to setup:

• Notice Type - Select “Solicitation” and “Combined Synopsis/Solicitation.”
• Set-Aside - Choose “Total Small Business.”
• Due Date - I usually filter by what's due next month.

This breakdown narrows down the search to opportunities that are more manageable and suited for small businesses. My goal is to find bids where I can act as a middleman - opportunities that won't break the bank or cause unnecessary stress.

Scouting Opportunities

Once your filters are set, it's time to scroll through the list. Look for opportunities that match your strengths and resources. For example, I once found a catering gig at Fort Drum - 21 days of catering services. If you think you could easily find someone to fulfill this, you’re already halfway to winning.

While you’re browsing, don’t forget to hit the Follow button on promising opportunities. When you do this, you’ll be notified of any updates, giving you a competitive edge.

Organize Everything?

Keeping track of potential bids is important. I recommend using a tracking system like a client relations tracker. For example, once I find an interesting opportunity, I add the link to my tracker for easy reference later.

If you're an Excel enthusiast, you can export opportunities into a spreadsheet for a more detailed analysis. This makes it easier to sort and prioritize the bids that are worth your time.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Please don’t rush through the process. When you’re dealing with government contracts, mistakes can be costly. So, be very intentional when getting a price quote or submitting a bid.

Another mistake is setting unrealistic profit margins. It’s tempting to add a big markup, but keep in mind that the goal is to win. A high profit margin on a losing bid is worthless.?

And as always be confident in yourself. You need to believe in yourself and your ability to deliver, even if you’re not the one directly providing the service

If you need more practical tips and motivation to help you win in government contracting, subscribe to my official YouTube channel now.?

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I’m the author of the newly released book “The GovCon Winners Way: How To Win Government Contracts Faster Than Trying to Do It Alone!” At 28, I was awarded my first 5-figure federal government contract. I own and operate multiple government contracting businesses and have over $50 million in federal government contract awards. Today, I’ve helped my students win over $3M in Federal Government Contracts in less than 6 months, and I’ll help you, too!?

-#EverythingIsPossible