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FAQ
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Getting Started with Government Contracting
To bid on federal contracts, you must first meet several basic requirements. Key steps include registering your business in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), obtaining a Unique Entity ID (which has replaced the DUNS number), and ensuring you have the correct NAICS codes for your industry. You should also verify that you meet any eligibility criteria outlined in the solicitation, such as size standards for small businesses or specific certifications. In summary, you need to be registered in SAM, possess any required small business certifications (if applicable), and be able to comply with the solicitation’s stated requirements before you can successfully bid on a government contract.
Yes – SAM.gov registration is mandatory for federal contracting. SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government portal for contractor registration and federal contract opportunities. Being registered in SAM is required to submit bids and receive awards; without it, federal agencies cannot award you a contract or process payment. Registration is free, but it requires providing detailed information about your business (ownership, size, banking details, etc.). If you haven’t registered on SAM.gov yet, that should be one of your first steps before bidding on any federal opportunity.
SAM.gov is the primary platform for finding federal government contract opportunities, serving as the official website that posts contract solicitations—including RFPs, RFQs, and more—across all federal agencies. On SAM.gov, you can search for opportunities using keywords, NAICS codes, set-aside types, agencies, and other filters. Since late 2019, FedBizOpps (FBO) has been retired, with its functions integrated into SAM.gov, making SAM the one-stop portal for federal contracts. In addition to SAM, agency-specific procurement sites and bid notification services can be useful, and for subcontracting leads or smaller contracts, resources like the SBA’s SubNet or agency contract “forecasts” may help. Networking and industry events are also valuable for learning about upcoming opportunities that might not yet be posted. SAS-GPS offers pipeline development services that research and alert clients to relevant upcoming opportunities, helping ensure you don’t miss contracts in your industry.
An RFP, or Request for Proposal, is a type of government solicitation used when seeking a vendor to provide a solution or service, often involving a more complex or negotiated procurement. Unlike a simple price quote, an RFP requires a detailed proposal explaining how you will perform the work, including your technical approach, management plan, past experience, and pricing. RFPs are typically evaluated on best value, meaning the government considers factors beyond just the lowest price, such as technical capability and past performance. This differs from an RFQ (Request for Quotation) or IFB (Invitation for Bid), which are used for simpler requirements and generally awarded to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable bidder. In essence, an RFP is a formal invitation to submit a comprehensive proposal package that includes sections like the Statement of Work, instructions to offerors, evaluation criteria, and contract terms. Responding to an RFP is a detailed process, and SAS-GPS specializes in helping clients prepare complete, compliant, and compelling proposals in response to these solicitations.
The Statement of Work (SOW) is a crucial section of a government contract or Request for Proposal (RFP) that provides detailed outlines of the project’s objectives, scope, and deliverables. Essentially, it is the government’s description of what needs to be done and how it should be accomplished. The SOW serves as the blueprint for the project, defining the tasks to be performed, expected outcomes, timelines or milestones, performance standards, and any special requirements. For example, a construction contract’s SOW might describe the work to be completed, such as renovating a building or meeting specific engineering specifications, and include sections on materials, workmanship standards, and scheduling. In service contracts, the SOW may outline specific services, hours of operation, service level agreements, and other relevant details. It is crucial for bidders to read the SOW carefully to understand exactly what the agency expects, and when preparing your proposal, you should address every element to demonstrate how you will fulfill those requirements. A clear understanding of the SOW ensures you propose a compliant solution and helps prevent scope misunderstandings later. (Note: Some RFPs use a Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Objectives (SOO), which are similar documents focusing on outcomes, but the purpose is the same—to define the work to be done.)
A Capability Statement is a concise marketing document, usually one or two pages, that summarizes what your company does and why it’s qualified, specifically tailored for government contracting. Think of it as a company resume for federal customers. A typical capability statement includes your core competencies or services, past performance highlights (such as example contracts or clients, especially government ones), differentiators (what sets you apart from competitors), basic company information (DUNS/UEI number, CAGE code, NAICS codes, business size/status like 8(a) or HUBZone if applicable), and contact information. While a capability statement is not usually submitted in a proposal unless requested by the agency, it is extremely useful for networking and marketing in government contracting. For example, at industry days or meetings with small business specialists, they often request your capability statement, and prime contractors may ask for it to gain a snapshot of your qualifications for teaming. Essentially, it serves as a leave-behind or email attachment that quickly communicates your capabilities. Do you need one? If you are pursuing government contracts, yes—you should have one ready. It’s part of your business toolkit. A well-crafted capability statement can leave a strong impression and open doors. SAS-GPS can review or help craft your capability statement to ensure it covers all key points and presents a professional appearance. It’s often one of the first things we recommend new contractors create because it forces you to distill your value proposition and is handy for a variety of business development situations.
You don’t need to be a FAR expert, but you should have some familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation—at least the parts relevant to your contracts. The FAR is essentially the rulebook for federal procurement, and RFPs will reference various FAR clauses, such as provisions on proposal preparation, evaluation factors, and contract clauses that must be accepted. As a contractor, you are expected to comply with these clauses. At a minimum, carefully read the sections of the solicitation listing applicable FAR clauses and ensure you can abide by them. Many small business contractors learn key FAR parts over time, especially those related to their contracting type (for example, FAR Part 15 covers negotiated procurements like RFPs, and FAR Part 36 covers construction contracts). Fortunately, resources like Acquisition.gov make it easy to search and read FAR clauses; if you encounter a clause you don’t understand, you can look it up there. While you don’t need a law degree to bid, having a general understanding of federal acquisition rules will help you avoid mistakes. SAS-GPS has a VP of Compliance and a team well-versed in FAR, and we routinely guide clients through regulatory requirements, ensuring proposals and pricing comply with all necessary rules, including verifying that your proposal includes all certifications and representations required by FAR. So, if FAR compliance seems intimidating, know that help is available. In short, be aware of FAR, use it as a reference, and don’t hesitate to consult experts on any regulatory questions.
Eligibility and Certifications Help
To determine whether your business qualifies for a particular opportunity or Request for Proposal (RFP), carefully review the solicitation’s requirements and key sections. Look for minimum qualifications such as required past performance, financial or bonding capacity, security clearances, and any set-aside designations (e.g., small business, woman-owned, veteran-owned). Many RFPs specify that bidders must have completed similar projects of a certain size or scope within the past few years or hold specific certifications. If the contract requires capabilities your business doesn’t currently possess—such as a facility clearance, a specific bonding amount, or highly specialized past performance—you may not be eligible to bid as a prime contractor. It’s important to “qualify” the opportunity upfront: make sure you meet all mandatory requirements before investing time and resources into preparing a proposal. If you’re uncertain, SAS-GPS offers a free initial consultation to review the RFP and help determine whether it’s a good fit for your business.
Watch our Youtube Video explaining it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaNqe-cu9lg&t=13s
Yes, the federal government offers several programs and set-aside contracts specifically designed to help small businesses compete for and win federal work. Some contracts are designated as “small business set-asides,” meaning only small businesses are eligible to bid on them. There are also specialized programs for specific categories of small businesses, including Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, 8(a) Business Development Program for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, HUBZone Program for businesses located in historically underutilized business zones, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) the business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veteran, Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) unlike SDVOSB, this is for veteran-owned businesses where the owner does not have a service-connected disability, Native American Tribally-Owned or ANC-Owned Small Businesses and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB). If your company qualifies, obtaining the appropriate SBA certifications can give you access to these set-aside opportunities. This means you won’t have to compete against large corporations for certain contracts, significantly improving your chances of success. SAS-GPS can help you determine which programs apply to your business and how to leverage them effectively.
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Small Business Set Asides
These are certifications offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for specific types of small businesses, and they can provide a significant advantage if you qualify. The 8(a) certification is for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; HUBZone is for businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones; SDVOSB stands for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business; and WOSB refers to Women-Owned Small Business. While you don’t need one of these certifications to win all government contracts—many are open to any qualified business—some contracts are specifically “set aside” for businesses with certain certifications. In those cases, only certified businesses can compete, allowing you to avoid competition from larger firms. If your business qualifies, obtaining a certification can open the door to exclusive federal contracting opportunities.
A “set-aside” contract is reserved exclusively for a specific category of businesses, most commonly small businesses. When a solicitation is labeled as a small business set-aside, only companies that qualify as small under the relevant NAICS code and are registered as small in SAM.gov can bid—large businesses are excluded. There are also set-asides for subcategories of small businesses, such as 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB, where you must hold the corresponding certification to be eligible. The purpose of set-asides is to ensure that a fair portion of federal contracting goes to small and disadvantaged businesses. For example, if an RFP is a “WOSB Set-Aside,” only Women-Owned Small Businesses can be the prime contractor. If you don’t qualify, you would need to partner with a qualifying business, perhaps as a subcontractor, or pass on the opportunity. Set-asides offer great opportunities if you qualify, as they limit the competitive field. Always check the solicitation’s set-aside status in the synopsis or cover page, and if you qualify as a small business, ensure your SAM profile accurately reflects that status since contracting officers verify size classifications there.
Experience, Teaming & Strategic Positioning
Past performance is a critical factor in federal contracting, though the requirement can vary depending on the solicitation. Many contracts—especially larger or more complex ones—ask for evidence of relevant past performance, such as three to five similar projects completed within recent years, to help the agency assess your capability and reliability. While it’s not always required for smaller or simplified acquisitions, lacking past performance can make it harder to compete. If you don’t have prior government experience, you may be able to reference comparable work from the commercial sector or consider starting as a subcontractor to build a track record. It’s important not to bid on contracts that explicitly require past performance you cannot demonstrate, as this may lead to immediate disqualification. In such cases, teaming up with a more experienced partner to meet the requirement can be a strategic way to gain credibility and increase your chances of winning.
Learn More Here: https://sas-gps.com/services/federal-teaming-support/
If your business has no federal contract experience, you can still get started, but you’ll need to be strategic. One effective approach is to team up with an experienced prime contractor or work as a subcontractor on a government project to build your past performance. SAS-GPS offers Federal Teaming Support, through two programs, FedStarter and Fedteam, which help connect small businesses with little or no federal experience to prime contractors seeking partners. By partnering, you can contribute to projects and gain valuable experience that will enhance your credentials. It’s also wise to begin by targeting smaller contracts or those with requirements you can meet, even if they fall short of your ultimate goals. Over time, these smaller wins and subcontracting opportunities will help establish a solid track record. The key is to demonstrate performance in some capacity—whether as a prime or subcontractor—before pursuing larger prime contracts. We often tell clients that everyone starts somewhere, and we can help develop a strategy to guide your entry into federal contracting.
Learn More Here: https://sas-gps.com/services/federal-teaming-support/
Yes, teaming can be a smart strategy in many situations. Teaming involves partnering with other companies—either through a prime/subcontractor relationship or a joint venture—to jointly pursue an opportunity. You should consider teaming when: (a) you lack certain experience or qualifications that another firm can provide; (b) the contract is large and you would benefit from sharing the work; or (c) the RFP has requirements (such as a specific set-aside status or technical capability) that you don’t fully meet on your own. By teaming, you and your partner can present a combined solution that is stronger than either could offer individually. For example, if a contract is a WOSB set-aside and you’re not a WOSB, you could team with a WOSB firm—they fulfill the set-aside requirement and act as prime, while you bring your expertise as a subcontractor. Alternatively, if you have strong technical skills but lack federal project experience, teaming with a company that has a proven track record can bolster your credibility and make you compliant to bid. SAS-GPS actively facilitates these connections through our programs. We often say, “49% of something is better than 100% of nothing,” meaning it’s better to win a portion of a contract through teaming than to lose out entirely by going solo. Our FedTeam service helps clients find qualified teaming partners by connecting them with companies that have complementary skills, past performance, or certifications you may need. We ensure you don’t have to abandon a bid just because you’re missing one piece—there’s usually a partner who can fill that gap. Just remember to establish clear agreements on roles, workshare, and pricing with any teaming partner. Done right, teaming is a win-win: the government gets a strong contractor team, and you get to participate in contracts that might otherwise be out of reach.
Some government contracts, especially in defense or security sectors, require the contractor and key personnel to hold a specific security clearance, such as Secret or Top Secret. If the solicitation mandates a clearance at the time of proposal or award, you or someone on your team must already have that clearance to be eligible. Generally, you cannot bid as a prime contractor if no one in your company meets the mandatory clearance requirement. While some solicitations may allow you time to obtain a clearance, this process can be lengthy, and agencies typically prefer contractors who already possess the necessary clearance. If you lack the required clearance, a common strategy is to partner with or subcontract to a company or individual that holds it. In summary, if a clearance is explicitly required and you don’t have it or cannot obtain it quickly, you will likely be non-compliant with the RFP and should not bid as the prime. Instead, consider teaming for that opportunity while working toward obtaining the clearance for future contracts.
Bonding requirements are common in construction and infrastructure contracts and involve a guarantee from a surety company that protects the government financially if you fail to perform or default. Bonds can include bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds. Not all contracts require bonds, but they are typically found in construction or high-value projects. A bid bond may be required with your proposal to ensure that if awarded the contract, you will accept it and provide the necessary performance bond. A performance bond guarantees project completion, while a payment bond ensures subcontractors are paid. If an RFP or solicitation specifies bonding requirements, you must have a surety line of credit or arrangement in place, often through an insurance or bonding company. If your company lacks sufficient bonding capacity, you might consider partnering with a firm that has the necessary bonding or explore SBA programs designed to help small businesses obtain bonding. It’s important to verify bonding requirements early, as failing to provide a required bond will disqualify your bid.
Bid Strategy and Decision-Making
Deciding whether to bid on a contract is a critical bid/no-bid decision that requires evaluating several factors. First, determine if you meet all the requirements and qualifications—if you don’t, it’s usually best not to bid, as non-compliant proposals won’t win. Consider whether you have the necessary capabilities, past performance, and resources to deliver the work, as well as whether you can price your bid competitively. Research the level of competition, such as whether it’s a small set-aside with fewer bidders or a full-and-open competition, and assess whether the contract aligns with your overall business strategy. Evaluate your team’s current workload and the proposal timeline to ensure you have enough time and staff to prepare a quality submission before the deadline. If the RFP has a short turnaround or requirements you’re uncertain about, it might be better to pass and focus on opportunities that are a better fit. The goal is to pursue contracts where you have a strong chance of winning and avoid those that would overstretch your company or offer low odds of success. If you’re unsure, consulting with an advisor can help—SAS-GPS, for example, offers RFP reviews to help clients gauge fit and competitiveness. A disciplined bid/no-bid process will save time and increase your win rate over time.
Winning a government contract involves thoroughly meeting all the agency’s requirements while standing out from the competition. To improve your chances, ensure full compliance by following every instruction in the RFP precisely—many proposals are rejected for missing documents or formatting errors, so using a compliance matrix to track requirements is crucial. Highlight relevant experience and past performance by emphasizing projects that closely mirror the work requested and providing evidence of quality, such as high CPARS ratings or customer accolades; if you lack direct experience, consider teaming with a partner who has it and mention their expertise. Offer a strong solution or approach tailored to the agency’s needs—avoid simply repeating the Statement of Work, and instead explain how you will meet or exceed the requirements, proposing improvements or cost savings when appropriate. Be competitive on price by researching similar contracts or government budget allocations, ensuring your pricing is realistic and justified without over- or underpricing, which can raise doubts about viability. Understand the evaluation criteria outlined in the RFP and prioritize your writing accordingly, giving extra attention to key factors like past performance or technical approach. Polish your proposal to be clear, well-organized, and free of errors, using professional layout and grammar to enhance readability and demonstrate attention to quality. Many companies also benefit from a third-party expert or “red team” review; SAS-GPS offers this service to critique drafts from an evaluator’s perspective and help fix weaknesses before submission. By implementing these practices and potentially leveraging expert assistance, you will significantly improve your chances of turning bids into wins.
Not winning contracts yet can be frustrating, but it’s a common challenge for newcomers and is entirely solvable. First, consider whether you’re bidding on the right opportunities—if you’re consistently pursuing contracts where you barely meet or don’t meet the minimum requirements, such as lacking required past performance or certifications, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Target opportunities that better align with your company’s strengths and qualifications. Proposal compliance and quality are also critical; even minor oversights like missing forms or exceeding page limits can lead to rejection, or your proposal might not clearly demonstrate value. Having an expert review your proposals can help identify weaknesses. Pricing is another factor—your price might be too high and uncompetitive or too low, which can raise doubts about feasibility. Research market rates and ensure you’re efficiently estimating costs without unnecessary extras. If past performance is required, using irrelevant or insufficient examples can hurt your chances; consider building past performance through subcontracting, smaller contracts, or emphasizing key personnel’s experience. Sometimes, the competition simply had a slight edge—better pricing, innovation, or stronger past performance—so always request a debrief from the agency to understand why your bid fell short and pinpoint areas for improvement. The good news is that each proposal, win or lose, offers valuable lessons. Successful contractors refine their approach with every submission. Consider engaging a service like SAS-GPS for a “lessons learned” review to analyze your past bids and help adjust your strategy. Often, a few tweaks can make all the difference in turning the tide.
A debriefing in federal contracting is an opportunity to learn how your proposal was evaluated and why you did or didn’t win a contract. If you lose an award—or sometimes even if you win—you are often entitled to request a debriefing from the contracting agency. This can take the form of a written response, phone call, or meeting, during which the agency explains how your proposal scored against evaluation criteria, highlights its strengths and weaknesses, and answers your questions about the process. Requesting a debrief is highly recommended, especially after a loss, as the feedback provides valuable insight to improve future proposals. It also promotes transparency in government procurement, assuring you that the award decision was fair and based on stated criteria. Be sure to request the debrief within the allowed time frame—usually within three days of award notification, though RFPs may specify otherwise. While constructive criticism can be tough to hear, companies that consistently seek debriefs and apply the lessons learned typically see significant improvement in their win rates over time. SAS-GPS can assist you in interpreting debrief feedback and developing strategies to address any weaknesses in your next bid.
Price-to-win (PTW) analysis is a technique used to determine the likely winning price for a government contract, allowing you to position your bid competitively. It combines research and analysis of available information—such as the agency’s budget, historical prices for similar work, and competitors’ pricing patterns—to estimate the price the government is willing to pay and what your competitors might bid for the given scope. Based on this target, you structure your pricing to come in at or below the likely winning price, while still covering your costs and profit goals. This approach helps avoid blindly guessing on price. For example, if an RFP is for IT support services and the agency has historically paid around $5 million per year, a PTW analysis might suggest a winning bid near that figure, adjusted for any new scope. Bidding $7 million might be too high, while $3 million might be unrealistically low and non-viable. SAS-GPS offers pricing research and analysis services to help businesses develop a price-to-win strategy. Our financial experts gather data on incumbent contracts, labor rates, and competitor profiles to advise on a target price range, then work with you to meet that target—whether by adjusting your approach, identifying efficiencies, or deciding if pursuing the contract is financially worthwhile. In summary, price-to-win is about being strategic with your pricing so you neither leave money on the table nor price yourself out of the competition. It’s a crucial part of a winning proposal strategy in competitive bids.
SAS-GPS Services & Value Proposition
SAS-GPS can significantly enhance your ability to win government contracts by serving as an expert extension of your team. With over 20 years of experience in federal acquisition and a track record of helping clients secure more than $45 billion in awards, we understand what it takes to succeed. Our support includes end-to-end proposal writing and development, ensuring your submission is compliant, compelling, and professionally presented. We also provide bid strategy advice, helping you identify which opportunities to pursue or avoid and how to best position your strengths. Additionally, we assist with pricing strategy to ensure your bid is competitive. Essentially, SAS-GPS takes the heavy lifting of navigating federal procurements off your shoulders, replacing the challenge of complex RFPs with seasoned proposal experts, writers, pricing analysts, and former federal contracting professionals working to showcase your company effectively. This often leads to higher proposal scores and more contract wins. We have built many client success stories and are ready to do the same for you.
SAS-GPS offers a comprehensive range of services to support government contractors throughout the federal business development lifecycle. Our core services include full proposal writing and development, managing everything from compliance matrices to editing, graphics, and production for federal RFPs, RFQs, and task order responses across all volumes. We provide detailed pricing strategy and price-to-win analysis, performing cost estimation and competitive research to help you price bids competitively while meeting financial goals. We assist with opportunity pipeline development by researching upcoming contracts, monitoring agency forecasts, and delivering curated opportunity lists tailored to your business. Through programs like FedStarter and FedTeam, we facilitate strategic teaming partnerships, connecting newer contractors with experienced primes or qualified partners to fill gaps in certifications or experience. We also guide contractors on CPARS performance evaluations to improve their scores and future win potential. Additionally, we offer training and advisory services on federal compliance, proposal strategy, and acquisition regulations, including staff training and on-call consulting. With free educational resources such as our popular “Reading Government Contracts 101” guide, SAS-GPS acts as a one-stop shop for government contracting support, helping increase your win rate and simplify the contracting process.
SAS-GPS uses a firm, fixed pricing model for most proposal projects, offering a flat fee for a clearly defined scope of work instead of open-ended hourly billing. This approach ensures upfront cost certainty, giving clients predictability and transparency from start to finish. Each project is carefully scoped with a detailed outline of what’s included—such as writing the technical proposal, conducting reviews, and producing final documents—effectively serving as an internal Statement of Work. The result is a clear, committed price with no surprise overruns or hidden fees.
This not-to-exceed pricing model helps clients budget confidently and eliminates concerns about accumulating consultant hours. It also drives greater efficiency, allowing both your team and ours to stay focused on the mission: winning the contract. You typically work with the same team on each project, which means they quickly become familiar with your business, processes, and preferences—value that’s built right into the fixed price.
For projects with uncertain or evolving requirements, SAS-GPS also offers flexible alternatives, including retainers and pre-paid hourly blocks. These options provide structure and predictability while accommodating change.
SAS-GPS has a proven track record of success, with over two decades of experience helping clients win more than $45 billion in government contracts. Our wins span numerous federal agencies, including the General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), and many others. We have supported contracts across various sectors, such as construction and infrastructure, IT, and professional services. Our team comprises former military personnel and seasoned proposal experts who possess a deep understanding of government processes and expectations. Additionally, as a service-disabled veteran-owned and woman-owned small business, we relate closely to many of our small business clients. In summary, our expertise goes beyond writing proposals — we know how to win because we’ve done it repeatedly. This extensive experience should give you confidence that with SAS-GPS on your side, you have battle-tested expertise working to secure your success.
Most likely, yes. SAS-GPS collaborates with clients across a diverse range of industries, leveraging specialized knowledge in each sector. Our main focus areas include Construction & Architecture/Engineering, Defense & Aerospace, Security Services, Electrical & Natural Gas Utilities, Facility Maintenance & Janitorial Services, Information Technology, Logistics & Management Consulting, and Healthcare. We understand that each industry has unique contracting nuances—for example, construction bids often involve bonding and detailed cost estimating, while IT proposals typically emphasize past performance with specific software or security clearances. We tailor our proposal development approach to highlight the strengths contracting officers in your industry care about. Over the years, we’ve assembled best practices for all these sectors. If you’re in a niche outside these categories, we likely have experience there, too, or can quickly get up to speed. Ultimately, SAS-GPS brings industry-specific expertise, so when you work with us, you get a team already familiar with the terminology, requirements, and challenges of your particular sector in government contracting.
We work with companies of all sizes—from brand-new startups and small businesses to established large contractors. In fact, a significant portion of our clients are small businesses seeking government contracts, and we enjoy helping these firms navigate the federal market. At the same time, we also support Fortune 500 companies and major defense contractors in their pursuit of large federal projects. Our approach scales to each client’s size and needs: for small businesses, we can act as an outsourced proposal department, guiding you step-by-step until you’re comfortable; for larger businesses, we can augment your team or manage overflow to increase your proposal capacity. SAS-GPS itself is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, and we take pride in being accessible and responsive to fellow small businesses. As noted on our About Us page, our clients range from startups to Fortune 500 firms, so whether you’re a one-person operation or a multi-billion-dollar company, we tailor our services to your scale, ensuring every client receives the same level of dedication.
Absolutely. We understand that sometimes you don’t need full cradle-to-grave proposal development—you might just need help with certain sections, or you could be facing a tight deadline and require immediate support. SAS-GPS is very flexible in this regard. We’ve helped clients win contracts even on short-turnaround bids. If you only need partial support—such as pricing volume, compliance editing, or graphics and layout assistance—we’re happy to provide that too. One of our core philosophies is “Flexible Work Scope,” meaning we can support just a portion of your proposal if that’s what you need. Some clients handle the writing themselves but engage us to review and polish their drafts against RFP requirements. Others may need a specialist to write a specific section, such as the management plan or past performance narratives. We integrate seamlessly with your process at any stage and apply our expertise accordingly. Because we use a team-based approach, we can often assign multiple members to work in parallel if time is short. Our goal is to ensure you submit a high-quality, compliant proposal on time—even if it means working late into the night alongside you.
Definitely. While proposal writing is our core service, SAS-GPS often serves as a broader advisor and strategist for our clients’ government contracting efforts. We understand that winning contracts isn’t just about the proposal document—it’s about choosing the right opportunities, building the right team, and positioning your company for success. Our team can assist with capture strategy, which occurs before proposal writing begins, including researching the customer, understanding the competition, developing winning themes, and advising on pre-RFP steps such as meeting with agency officials or lining up partners. We also help clients map out a 12- to 18-month opportunity pipeline aligned with their business goals, enabling them to make effective resource and budget allocations. Additionally, we guide clients in improving internal proposal processes by establishing proposal libraries, templates, and review procedures—essentially helping set up a mini “proposal department” if needed. For those new to government contracting, we provide education on key topics such as proposal evaluations, debriefs, compliance, and using systems like SAM and DSBS. Our philosophy is that an informed client is a more successful client. We’re not just writers; we’re your partners in pursuit. Leveraging our vast experience securing multimillion-dollar contracts, we provide actionable insights and guidance to give you a strategic edge. So yes, whether you need high-level planning or someone to bounce government contracting ideas off, SAS-GPS can fulfill that advisory role.
SAS-GPS differentiates itself in several key ways. First, our track record of success is impressive—we’ve secured over $45 billion in contract wins for our clients over the years. This reflects the quality of our team and approach. Second, we offer firm fixed pricing on our projects, providing clients with cost certainty and no surprises. Third, we pride ourselves on a team-based, in-house approach. Unlike firms that rely on freelancers, we have a stable team of experts—many of whom are former military or federal contracting professionals—who work together consistently. This means you often work with the same team who truly learn your business and become an extension of your staff. We provide full-service support, including writing, graphics, editing, compliance, and pricing analysis, all under one roof. Another differentiator is our deep expertise in federal acquisition regulations; we ensure your proposal is not only well-written but also fully compliant, helping avoid disqualification. Lastly, we are genuinely invested in our clients’ success and limit the number of clients we take on at once to maintain quality and personalized attention. Many clients say we feel like internal team members rather than outside vendors. In summary, with SAS-GPS, you get a partner with unmatched experience, transparent pricing, a dedicated expert team, and a one-stop shop for all your government proposal needs. We like to say our mission is your mission—when you win, we win.