USFCR Blog

Understanding Federal Set-Asides: Guide for Small Businesses

Each year, the federal government aims to reserve approximately 23% of its contracting budget specifically for small businesses. These opportunities, known as federal set-asides, allow various types of small businesses to compete in the federal marketplace. But what exactly are set-asides, and how can your business qualify?

Federal set-asides refer to the percentage of federal spending reserved for small businesses, ensuring fair competition and participation. The federal government offers set-aside categories based on business types, allowing small businesses with diverse backgrounds and capabilities to qualify. Below, we’ll explain the key federal set-asides and the qualifications required.

If you’re aiming to break into the federal marketplace, your first step is securing a SAM registration. This crucial move opens the door to countless federal contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. But it’s more than just compliance—SAM registration, along with your UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) and CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity code), offers powerful tools to grow your business. Here’s a detailed look at what you can achieve once you’re registered.

Looking to win federal contracts? Understanding the Uniform Contract Format (UCF) is a critical step. Outlined in FAR 15.204-1, the UCF ensures federal solicitations follow a consistent structure, helping vendors quickly locate key information.

What is the Uniform Contract Format?

The UCF standardizes how federal solicitations are written, ensuring consistency across documents. This makes it easier for businesses to navigate the solicitation process and find relevant details for effective bid preparation. Although each solicitation might include different documents, the structure remains the same, streamlining the process.

In the competitive world of federal contracting, large businesses are always on the lookout for opportunities that provide stability, long-term growth, and the flexibility to expand their operations. One of the most powerful tools at their disposal is the Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, particularly those available through the General Services Administration (GSA). For enterprises with the capacity and infrastructure to manage large-scale projects, IDIQ contracts offer a strategic advantage that can be pivotal in securing a steady stream of revenue and business growth.

Simplified Acquisition Procedure: A Guide for Federal Contractors

The Simplified Acquisition Procedures, detailed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13, provide a more streamlined approach to federal purchasing. These procedures are designed to make the acquisition of supplies and services quicker and less burdensome for the government.

Federal Contract Proposal Writing Techniques, Strategies, and Templates

Federal contract proposal writing doesn't have to be complicated. The process can become manageable and efficient by using the right techniques, strategies, and templates. The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) provide a standardized framework for federal procurement, outlining how businesses should respond to solicitations and ensuring fair communication between government and contractors.

Government contracts come in various forms, each designed to fit specific needs. Whether you're new to federal contracting or an experienced supplier, knowing the differences between contract types is crucial for success in this complex industry. In this guide, we break down the most common types of government contracts and how they might impact your business.

Firm-Fixed-Price Contracts (Learn more) 

Firm-fixed-price contracts are the most widely used in government procurement. In this type of contract, the contractor agrees to deliver goods or services for a set price, regardless of actual costs. It’s often used when the project scope is well-defined and the risk of cost overruns is minimal.

Why It's Used: Fixed-price contracts offer predictability for both parties, making them ideal for projects with clear deliverables.

Feeling lost in the maze of government procurement? Government contract vehicles can be your map to success. These pre-negotiated agreements streamline the purchasing process, allowing businesses to secure federal contracts more efficiently and effectively.

This article covers how the federal government structures buying agreements, so you can get in on the action faster.

What Are Government Contract Vehicles?

Government contract vehicles are pre-negotiated agreements that enable government agencies to purchase goods and services from approved vendors. These agreements simplify the procurement process by establishing terms and conditions in advance, reducing the need for multiple individual contracts.

US Federal Contractor Registration client, RTG Building Services Inc. won $1.04 million in contracts with the U.S. Air Force and Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn how they accomplished this in the case study below. 

This article has been updated with the most recent information as of July 2023 to ensure its relevance and accuracy for your federal contracting needs.

Structuring a Powerhouse Federal Contracting Team at Your Business

Leaping into the world of federal contracting can supercharge any business's growth trajectory, regardless of whether you're a one-person show, running a tight-knit small business, or at the helm of a larger corporation with multiple departments. The tasks at hand remain the same:

1. Opportunity Management
2. Proposal Writing
3. Quality Assurance/Accountability
4. Back of House Operations