Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and complete your registration at SAM.gov. This is a mandatory prerequisite before receiving any federal contract or grant award. Registration is free and must be renewed annually.
Search active solicitations on SAM.gov and Grants.gov. For defense-specific innovation funding, explore DoD SBIR/STTR programs designed for small businesses and research institutions.
Federal procurement follows a defined cycle: solicitation, proposal, evaluation, award, and performance. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) governs how the government buys goods and services. Understanding it before you bid is essential.
DIU's Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) and Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) allow faster, non-traditional acquisition for innovative companies that don't fit the traditional defense contractor model. These pathways were designed for companies like yours.
If you qualify, register under SBA programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, or SDVOSB. Many federal contracts include set-asides specifically for certified small businesses — giving you a competitive advantage on targeted opportunities.
Attend industry days, respond to Requests for Information (RFIs), and engage with program offices before solicitations are released. The best contracts go to vendors who have invested in understanding the government's mission. SDMAC events are a direct pathway to those relationships.