01
Legal basics1–10 days
Lesson 1Open your business
The government contracts with formal businesses. The LLC is the most common choice for small firms.
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Learn to sell to the government from scratch.
Ten short lessons in plain language, from opening your business to getting paid on your first federal contract. Every step links to the official site where it is done.
10 lessonsFree with your accountOfficial links only
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02
Legal basics1 day
Lesson 2EIN and bank account
The EIN is your company's tax number. You use it to open the account the government will pay into.
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Legal basics30 minutes
Lesson 3Your NAICS codes
NAICS codes describe what your company does. Buyers find you by them, and they decide whether you count as small.
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Legal basics1–2 weeks
Lesson 4Licenses, insurance and bonds
Before you start work you will be asked for license and insurance proof. Larger jobs also require bonds.
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Federal registration~10 business days
Lesson 5UEI and SAM.gov registration
SAM.gov is the government's official vendor registry. It is free and required for prime contracts.
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Federal registration30–90 days
Lesson 6Certifications that give you an edge
They are optional, but they open set-aside contracts where far fewer companies compete.
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Bidding20 minutes per notice
Lesson 7How to read a solicitation
Every notice has a type, a deadline and attachments. Knowing how to read them saves hours.
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Bidding15 minutes
Lesson 8Decide whether to bid
Not every solicitation is for you. Choosing well is the difference between winning and wasting time.
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Bidding2–10 hours
Lesson 9Prepare and submit your offer
A winning offer answers exactly what was asked, in the requested format, on time.
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BiddingOngoing
Lesson 10After you submit: win, get paid, grow
Win or lose, every offer teaches you something. If you are not ready yet, start as a subcontractor.
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