How to find government contracts
Where federal, state and local governments post contract opportunities, how to search them, and how to use past awards to find the buyers for what you sell.
Start with who already buys what you sell
Every federal contract award is public on USAspending.gov. Before searching for open bids, look up the industry (NAICS code) or product (PSC code) you sell: which agencies and contracting offices buy it, how much, how often, and which companies win. That tells you where to focus, and which open notices are worth reading.
On SpendQuery, the industry pages (for example NAICS 541512, computer systems design) list the top buying agencies, offices and winners, and the typical contract size.
Federal opportunities: SAM.gov
Federal agencies post proposed contract actions expected to exceed $25,000 on SAM.gov (Contract Opportunities), with the solicitation, the deadline and any small-business set-aside. Purchases below that, and many orders under existing contract vehicles (GSA Schedules, GWACs, IDIQs), aren't posted publicly; to compete for those you need to hold the vehicle.
- Search by NAICS code, set-aside, agency and place of performance, and save the search so new notices come to you.
- Read sources sought and RFI notices too: they come months before the solicitation and let you shape the requirement.
- Watch contracts ending soon (recompetes): the follow-on is usually solicited 6 to 12 months before the current contract ends.
- Check agency procurement forecasts, where agencies list planned purchases for the year.
State and local opportunities
States, counties, cities, school districts and transit and port authorities each post bids on their own procurement portals and keep their own vendor registrations. Start with the governments near you and those that buy what you sell; their checkbooks (payments to vendors) show who they pay today.
Subcontracting is a way in
Large prime contractors must subcontract part of many contracts, often with small-business goals. Subaward data on USAspending.gov shows which primes subcontract the work you do, and to whom: a practical list of companies to approach.
On SpendQuery
Questions people ask
Is it free to find government contracts?
Yes. SAM.gov, USAspending.gov and most state and local bid portals are free. Paid services add alerts, analysis and convenience, but the notices themselves are public.
Do I need to register before I can bid?
To win a federal contract you need an active SAM.gov registration, which gives you a Unique Entity ID. Searching notices doesn't require one. State and local governments usually have their own vendor registration.
Why don't I see every federal purchase on SAM.gov?
Small purchases (under $25,000) don't have to be posted, and orders under existing vehicles such as GSA Schedules or IDIQ contracts are competed among the vehicle's holders, often on other systems.
More guides
Updated 2026-10-05. General information, not legal advice; the solicitation and the FAR govern each purchase.