The route
- 1Get certified and registeredProve who owns your business, then get on the lists buyers use.9 steps
- 2Find opportunitiesSet up searches and alerts so bids come to you.9 steps
- 3Read a solicitationKnow what a buyer is asking for and how they will score you.7 steps
- 4Write and price your responseAnswer every requirement, price it to make money, and learn from each result.9 steps
- 5Build past performanceTurn the work you have done into a record buyers will score.6 steps
- 6Find prime contractorsFind the primes who win the work and get on their list.8 steps
- 7Get paid and manage cash flowKnow the payment rules and carry the work without running dry.10 steps
Your toolkit
Every link this guide uses, grouped by the job you are doing.
Certify and register
- Supply SA certificationsWhich local certification fits you and how to apply.
- Certification checklist (PDF)Every document you need before you apply.
- Certification portalApply for or manage your Supply SA certification.
- SAM.gov registrationRequired to bid on federal contracts as a prime.
- Centralized Master Bidders ListThe Texas list state agencies use to send bid notices.
- Texas VetHUBState certification for service-disabled veterans.
Find bids
- Supply SA partner portalsProcurement pages for 16 local agencies.
- Agency matchWhich local agencies buy your kind of work.
- Buying thresholdsWhen each agency needs quotes or a formal bid.
- SAM.gov contract opportunitiesFederal solicitations and notices.
- Electronic State Business DailyWhere Texas state agencies post solicitations.
- Bid aggregators comparedTen free and paid bid sources, with prices.
- USAspending.govWho the federal government paid, for what, and how much.
- Census NAICS searchLook up the industry codes federal buyers use.
- NIGP code searchLook up the goods and services codes Texas and local buyers use.
Track your bids
- GovCon Contract CRM TrackerA free tracker for every bid you are watching and its deadlines.
Learn and get help
- Supply SA eventsWorkshops and buyer events.
- Local Procurement PlaybookFree course for businesses working with Supply SA.
- Supply SA articlesArticles on doing business with public buyers.
- SBA federal contractingSmall business programs for federal work.
- APEX AcceleratorsFree help with government proposals, including reviews of your draft.