Skip to content 
Government contracts present a multi-billion dollar opportunity for businesses of all sizes, but navigating SAM.gov can be overwhelming. If you’re looking to secure high-value contracts with the U.S. government, mastering the SAM.gov search process is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to efficiently find, track, and win government contracts using SAM.gov.
What is SAM.gov?
SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government website for businesses seeking federal contracts. Whether you’re in construction, janitorial services, IT, or manufacturing, SAM.gov allows you to search for contract opportunities and bid on lucrative projects.
However, many businesses fail to use SAM.gov effectively, leading to wasted time and missed opportunities. This guide will help you streamline your search process and increase your chances of winning contracts.
Step 1: Register Your Business on SAM.gov
Before you can bid on government contracts, you must register your business on SAM.gov. If you haven’t done this yet, visit SAM.gov and follow the registration steps.
Note: If you’re not registered, you cannot search or apply for contracts.
Step 2: Use Smart Search Filters to Find the Right Contracts
Many businesses struggle with information overload on SAM.gov. Simply typing a keyword like “construction” will generate thousands of results, most of which won’t be relevant.
Here’s how to refine your search for better results:
1. Search by NAICS Code
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is a standardized code used by the government to categorize businesses. Instead of broad searches, use NAICS codes to filter contracts specific to your industry.
- Example: “Construction” corresponds to NAICS Code 23.
- You can find your industry’s NAICS code on NAICS.com.
2. Use Contract Opportunity Filters
Navigate to “Contract Opportunities” and apply the following filters:
- Notice Type → Select “Solicitation” (this means the government is actively seeking proposals).
- Published Date → Filter results to contracts posted in the last week (older contracts may already have bidders).
- Location (Place of Performance) → Narrow your search to your state or ZIP code.
3. Combine NAICS and Keyword Searches
Contracts don’t always show up under both NAICS codes and keywords, so it’s important to run two types of searches daily:
- NAICS Code Search → Lists contracts by industry classification.
- Keyword Search → Finds contracts with specific terms (e.g., “road construction” or “janitorial services”).
Pro Tip: Save both searches and compare the results to ensure you’re not missing any opportunities.
Step 3: Automate Your Contract Searches
Manually searching SAM.gov every day is time-consuming. Instead, automate your searches by saving search filters and setting up email alerts.
How to Set Up SAM.gov Notifications:
- Perform your search using NAICS codes and filters.
- Click on “Actions” → “Save” to store your search.
- Name your search (e.g., “Construction Contracts – March 2025”).
- Click “Notify” to receive email alerts whenever a new contract matching your criteria is posted.
Step 4: Track & Follow Important RFPs
Once you find an attractive contract opportunity, you need to track it closely.
How to Follow an RFP on SAM.gov:
- Click on the solicitation (RFP) listing.
- Click the “Follow” button to receive updates on the contract’s status.
- Review the full contract details to ensure your business qualifies.
Many large RFPs include complex requirements, so it’s crucial to analyze the fine print before submitting a bid.
Step 5: Bid on the Right Contracts
Not every contract is a good fit for your business. Before bidding:
✅ Review the contract size – Can your company handle the workload?
✅ Check compliance requirements – Some contracts have strict certifications or experience requirements.
✅ Understand deadlines – Make sure you can submit your proposal before the cutoff date.
Pro Tip: If a contract is too complex, consider partnering with another company through government subcontracting.
Bonus: Common Mistakes to Avoid on SAM.gov
🚫 Searching with Broad Keywords Only – Always use NAICS codes and filters for better results.
🚫 Skipping Daily Searches – Government contracts move fast; daily searches increase your chances of success.
🚫 Ignoring Email Alerts – Automating alerts saves hours of manual work each week.
🚫 Not Following RFPs – Missed updates can cause you to lose contract opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Winning Government Contracts with SAM.gov
Government contracts offer a huge revenue potential, but only if you use the right strategy. By following this guide, you can maximize your chances of finding and winning contracts in 2025.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Register your business on SAM.gov.
✔ Use NAICS codes and keyword searches to filter results.
✔ Save searches & set up email alerts for automation.
✔ Follow and track RFPs to stay updated.
✔ Check qualifications before bidding to avoid wasted efforts.
By spending just 15-20 minutes per day refining your search and monitoring new opportunities, you can position your business to win high-value contracts and grow in 2025.
Need Help?
If you’re struggling with the bidding process or unsure which contracts to pursue, consider working with government contract experts like SAS GPS.
🚀 Ready to start winning contracts? Head over to SAM.gov and start searching today! 🚀
