Resource library
Learn the work, then do it.
Guides and articles
9 results
Guide 01Registration
Getting a UEI and registering in SAM.gov
What the Unique Entity ID is, the difference between a UEI-only record and a full SAM.gov registration, what to gather first, and how to keep the registration active.
5 min read
Guide 02NAICS
NAICS and PSC codes explained
How the two classification systems differ, why NAICS codes decide whether you count as small, and how to use both codes to find the agencies that buy what you sell.
5 min read
Guide 03Capabilities
Writing a capability statement
What a capability statement is for, the sections buyers look for, how to write each one truthfully and specifically, and how to tailor it for different audiences.
5 min read
Guide 04Cybersecurity
FAR 52.204-21 and CMMC basics
The fifteen basic safeguarding requirements for federal contract information, how they relate to CMMC Level 1, and what a small business can do now to be ready.
5 min read
Guide 05Certifications
Understanding set-aside programs: 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, VOSB and SDVOSB
How small business set-asides work, what each SBA program requires, where to apply, and how to decide which programs are worth pursuing for your business.
5 min read
ArticleSolicitations
How to read a solicitation
Solicitations are long, but they follow a predictable structure. Knowing where the instructions, the evaluation criteria and the work itself live lets you decide quickly whether to bid and what a compliant response needs.
5 min read
ArticleMarket research
Market research for first-time contractors
Before you pursue a single opportunity, find out who buys what you sell, how they buy it and who already wins it. A practical method using free, official data.
5 min read
ArticleEvidence
Evidence discipline: keep the proof, not just the claim
Every statement you make to a government buyer eventually needs proof. A simple habit of collecting, naming and dating evidence saves days on every response and prevents costly lapses.
4 min read
ArticleReadiness
Why readiness comes before pursuit
Chasing the first attractive solicitation is the most common way new government contractors lose time and money. Building readiness first changes what you can win and how quickly.
5 min read
Start with the official sources.
- SAM.govEntity registration, the Unique Entity ID and contract opportunities.sam.gov(opens in a new tab)
- SBA federal contractingSize standards and the small business contracting programs.sba.gov(opens in a new tab)
- Acquisition.govThe Federal Acquisition Regulation and the PSC Manual.acquisition.gov(opens in a new tab)
- APEX AcceleratorsFree, local government contracting counseling.apexaccelerators.us(opens in a new tab)
More help inside ONE VIEW.
- Government contracting educationFifteen GovCon Academy courses with lessons, quizzes and flashcards.
- Readiness resourcesA library of official sources in 11 categories, linked from every roadmap task.
- Questions and answersWhat plans include, how payment works, and what the score is and is not.
