Federal Contractor Checklist

Form a legal business entity (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)

Required before SAM.gov registration

Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Apply free at IRS.gov — instant online

Open a dedicated business bank account

Required for EFT payment on SAM.gov

Establish your fiscal year end date

Needed for SAM.gov registration

Verify your legal business name matches IRS records exactly

Mismatches are the #1 cause of SAM.gov delays

Create a Login.gov account with identity verification

Required to access SAM.gov

Obtain your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Free — assigned directly by SAM.gov

Complete SAM.gov Core Data (address, fiscal year, etc.)

Takes 30–60 minutes

Select all applicable NAICS codes

Add every code relevant to your services

Complete Representations & Certifications (Reps & Certs)

Certify size standards and set-aside eligibility

Enter Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) banking information

Required for payment

Submit registration and wait for IRS validation (7–12 days)

You'll receive email confirmation when active

Set annual renewal reminder (365-day expiration)

Lapses = you can't receive payments

Verify small business size under your primary NAICS code

Check SBA size standards table

Apply for SBA 8(a) certification (if eligible)

9-year program, sole-source access up to $4M

Apply for WOSB certification (if eligible)

51%+ women-owned and controlled

Apply for SDVOSB certification (if eligible)

51%+ service-disabled veteran-owned

Apply for HUBZone certification (if eligible)

Business in economically distressed zone

Register with state SEMA vendor database

Separate from SAM.gov — check your state's EM agency site

Write a one-page capability statement

Core competencies, differentiators, NAICS codes, CAGE code, contact info

Create a past performance summary (even pre-federal)

Include commercial, state/local, and subcontract work

Research target agencies and their buying patterns on usaspending.gov

Find who buys what you sell

Identify 5 teaming partners in your industry

Teaming expands your capacity and experience record

Attend one agency industry day or matchmaking event

FEMA, SBA, and GSA host them regularly

Identify one IDIQ or contract vehicle to pursue

GSA MAS is the best starting point for most businesses

Set up SAM.gov saved searches and email alerts

Keyword + NAICS + agency filters

Configure GovCon AI with your NAICS codes and keywords

Get daily matched opportunities without the manual search

Monitor USASpending.gov for awarded contracts in your space

Understand who your competition is and what agencies pay

Track upcoming contract recompetes (expiring awards)

Recompetes are high-probability opportunities

Respond to at least one RFI per month

Builds market presence before solicitations drop

Submit your first proposal

You learn more from one submission than months of research

Renew SAM.gov registration annually

Renew before expiration — payments stop if lapsed

Update Reps & Certs when anything changes

Revenue, employee count, address, ownership

Review and respond to CPARS ratings

You have 14 days to comment on any rating

Maintain current business insurance (GL, E&O, etc.)

Most contracts require proof of coverage

Complete required contractor training (FAR, ethics, etc.)

Some contracts mandate annual training