Your first government contract starts with the right foundation.

Start with a legally formed business, a dedicated business bank account, reliable contact information, and services you can genuinely deliver and document.

Why it matters

Federal registrations must match your legal records. Inconsistent names and addresses can delay validation.

Prepare

Formation record, legal name, physical address, ownership details, business email and banking information.

Typical timing

Varies by state

Expected cost

State and banking fees vary

Most businesses need an Employer Identification Number. Apply only through the official IRS service.

Why it matters

Your EIN identifies the business for federal tax and registration purposes.

Prepare

Legal business name, formation date, address and responsible-party information.

Typical timing

Often immediate online

Expected cost

Free

Create a Login.gov account, register for All Awards, receive a UEI, and complete the representations and certifications required to bid directly.

Why it matters

A UEI alone does not permit direct bids. Your SAM.gov entity registration must be active and renewed every 365 days.

Prepare

SAM Entity Registration Checklist, EIN/TIN, banking details, ownership, NAICS codes and points of contact.

Typical timing

Allow time for validation

Expected cost

Free

Select codes that describe work you currently perform—not every service you hope to offer later. Identify one clear primary market position.

Why it matters

Codes drive searches and set-aside eligibility, but a matching code never replaces technical capability or evidence.

Prepare

Service list, customer outcomes, invoices or project records, primary offering and realistic delivery boundaries.

Typical timing

1–2 focused sessions

Expected cost

Free

Government past performance is not required to begin. Build short project records from truthful commercial, nonprofit, subcontract, state or local work.

Why it matters

Buyers need evidence that you can perform: customer type, scope, your role, dates, outcomes and a reference where permitted.

Prepare

Three strongest projects, measurable results, work samples, dates, values or ranges and customer references.

Typical timing

2–5 days

Expected cost

Usually free

Prepare a concise one-page introduction covering core capabilities, differentiators, relevant experience, codes and contact information.

Why it matters

A capability statement supports introductions; it is not a substitute for a solicitation-specific response.

Prepare

Core services, evidence, NAICS/PSC codes, UEI/CAGE when available, differentiators and contact details.

Typical timing

1–3 days

Expected cost

Free if self-produced

APEX Accelerators help businesses understand registrations, local markets, solicitations and readiness without charging registration-service fees.

Why it matters

Personal guidance can prevent expensive registration mistakes and unrealistic pursuits.

Prepare

Business overview, registrations completed so far, target agencies and your most important questions.

Typical timing

Appointment availability varies

Expected cost

Free assistance

Study agency buying history, start with realistic subcontracting or simplified-acquisition paths, and read every solicitation attachment before deciding.

Why it matters

A NAICS match is only a lead. Set-asides, location, experience, security, deadline and submission rules can make an opportunity ineligible.

Prepare

Saved searches, target-agency list, bid/no-bid criteria, delivery capacity and honest exclusions.

Typical timing

Ongoing

Expected cost

Free official research