The Seven Steps

1. Begin with a visit to your nearest SBA and SBA-sponsored Small Business Development Center or go online to the SBA . Here you will find resources, reports, and educational programs to provide you with the necessary information to bid successfully on government contracts.
   
2. Read the essential tool of federal contracting, the Federal Business Opportunities. The CBD is published each business day by the U.S. Commerce Department and lists procurement opportunities over $25,000. 
   
3. Locate your nearest Procurement Technical Assistance Center. The PTACs assist small businesses in marketing and selling products and services to federal, state, and local governments. For locations, call 409-886-0125 and ask for the Association of Government Marketing Assistance Specialists.
    
4. Search opportunities to be a subcontractor. This is especially beneficial when you are just getting started; you gain valuable experience and begin to build credibility for your business. Review the site for the "Top 100 Contractors and Their Purchasing History" for suggestions. 
   
5. Be a team player. Team up with a similar business. There is strength in numbers, especially for newcomers. 
   
6. Network with other business owners. Build a list of your own contacts and find out about opportunities through your network.
    
7. Get your foot in the door. Get to know and visit the contracting agencies that you are interested in doing business with. See Directors of OSDBU for U.S. Government Agencies for a list of OSDBU for federal agencies. Having contacts who are familiar with you and your company’s capabilities are critical when bidding on micro-purchases from the government. (Micro-purchases are purchases under $2,500).