Federal Contracting
Readiness Checklist
10 things a veteran-owned business needs before bidding on a federal contract. Most owners are missing at least three.
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Based on real CVE & SAM.gov requirements
Updated for 2026
Are you actually ready to bid?
SAM.gov Registration Required
System for Award Management. No SAM.gov registration = no federal contract. Period. Must be active and renewed annually — lapse of even one day can disqualify a bid.
Register at sam.gov — free, takes 7-10 business days
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Required
Replaced the DUNS number in 2022. Assigned automatically when you register in SAM.gov. If you have an old DUNS-only registration, you need to update it.
Check your SAM.gov profile for UEI under Entity Registration
NAICS Codes Selected Required
North American Industry Classification System codes define what your business does. Wrong codes = missed opportunities. You can have multiple. Size standards vary by code.
Research codes at census.gov/naics — select all that apply to your work
VOSB or SDVOSB Certification High Value
Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certifications are now managed by the SBA (moved from VA in 2023). Unlocks set-aside contracts and sole-source awards up to $5M.
Apply at veterans.certify.sba.gov — DD-214 required
Capability Statement
A one-page document that tells contracting officers who you are, what you do, and why you’re qualified. Core competencies, past performance, differentiators, NAICS codes, certifications, and contact info. This gets handed out at industry days.
Build your 1-pager: core competencies · past performance · differentiators · contact
Past Performance References
Three references minimum. Private sector work counts. Government contracts are better but not required to start. Document scope, dollar value, timeline, and point of contact for each.
Build a reference sheet: client · scope · value · POC · outcome
GSA Schedule Eligibility Check
The GSA Multiple Award Schedule gives agencies a pre-approved vendor list. Requires at least 2 years in business and 2 years of commercial sales. Application takes 3-6 months but opens a massive channel.
Check eligibility at gsa.gov/sell — if you qualify, start the application now
SBA 8(a) Eligibility Review
The 8(a) Business Development Program offers sole-source contracts up to $4.5M (services) or $7M (manufacturing). 9-year term. Social and economic disadvantage must be demonstrated. Strong program if you qualify.
Review eligibility at sba.gov/8a — apply early, the 9-year clock starts at approval
HUBZone Eligibility Check
Historically Underutilized Business Zone designation provides a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition. Requires principal office in a HUBZone and 35% of employees residing in a HUBZone.
Check your address at sba.gov/hubzone-map before applying
Bonding & Insurance Requirements
Construction contracts over $150K require surety bonds. Most federal contracts require general liability at $1M minimum, professional E&O, and workers’ comp if you have employees. Get these in place before you bid.
Contact a commercial broker: GL · E&O · surety bond · workers comp
Official resources to bookmark
SBA VOSB/SDVOSB Certification
Apply for veteran-owned business certification through the SBA.
USASpending.gov
See what agencies are spending and what contracts are being awarded.
SAM.gov Contract Opportunities
Search active solicitations and set-aside opportunities.
Ready to build your strategy?
The checklist gets you ready. A strategy session with TVC gets you winning. Book a free 30-minute call to map your path to your first federal contract.
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The Veterans Consultant, LLC · VOSB · SDVOSB · Emerald Coast, FL