How to Find Government Contracts for Small Businesses

Start with what you actually do

The most common mistake small businesses make when searching for government contracts is using broad, generic keywords. Instead, think about the specific services you provide and search for those. A janitorial company should search for terms that match their operations, not just broad categories.

Use NAICS codes to your advantage

NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes categorize businesses by industry. Knowing your primary NAICS code helps you filter opportunities that specifically match your industry. Common codes for service businesses include janitorial services, landscaping, IT support, and facility maintenance.

Filter by location

Many government contracts require work to be performed in a specific location. Filtering by state or region ensures you focus on opportunities where you can actually deliver services.

Watch for set-asides

Set-aside contracts are reserved for certain categories of businesses, such as small businesses, veteran-owned businesses, or businesses in economically disadvantaged areas. If you qualify for any set-aside categories, these can be excellent opportunities with less competition.

Pay attention to deadlines

Government contracts have strict response deadlines. Sorting by deadline can help you identify opportunities that still have enough time to prepare a response. Avoid spending time on opportunities that are closing in the next day or two unless you already have materials prepared.

Build a repeatable process

The most successful small businesses in government contracting do not treat each search as a one-time event. They save their search filters, set up alerts for new matching opportunities, and review new listings regularly. Building a consistent review process is more effective than sporadic searching.