Getting Started with Federal Contracting Essential Steps for Your Business
SAM Registration
Register in the System for Award Management (SAM) to become eligible for government contracts, grants, and awards. This required step establishes your business in the federal procurement system.
Federal Capability Statement
Create a professional capability statement that showcases your business's strengths, past performance, and certifications to stand out to contracting officers and prime contractors.
SBA DSBS Profile
Maintain an accurate profile in the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) database, where federal agencies , prime contractors, and those seeking subcontractors or teaming partners search for small businesses.
Each of these steps plays a critical role in making your business discoverable, credible, and contract-ready in the federal space. There are no fees associated with registering in the System for Award Management (SAM).
Create SAM.gov Account
SAM Registration Overview

1

Fundamental Requirement
Registering in the System for Award Management (SAM) is a fundamental requirement for any business seeking to contract with the federal government.

2

Mandatory for Eligibility
SAM registration is mandatory for entities to be eligible for federal contracts, grants, and assistance awards, serving as the primary database used by government agencies to verify vendors.

3

Key Details Provided
Through SAM, businesses provide key details such as their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), NAICS codes, and banking information, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and streamlining the payment process.

4

Searchable Database
Registration allows companies to be searchable by contracting officers and prime contractors looking for subcontracting partners.
SAM Registration and Educational Resources
Entity Registration and Workspace Navigation
NAICS Code Resources
Search NAICS Codes: https://www.census.gov/naics/
There is a Federal Help Desk that can help you with any issues you might encounter during your SAM Registration at 866-606-8220: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp
Capability Statement Components
A capability statement is your company's resume - a concise, compelling document that clearly communicates your business's ability to meet federal agency needs.
Here's what each component should include:

1

2

3

4

1

Core Competencies
Introduce the company's core competencies and relate those to the customers' specific needs. Focus on 4-6 key strengths that align with government requirements. Use bullet points and specific examples of services or products you provide. Avoid general statements - instead, highlight specialized expertise, unique methodologies, or advanced technologies you employ.

2

Past Performance
Describe similar work you have performed for past customers. Include specific contracts, their dollar values, duration, and measurable results achieved. Highlight any government contracts, especially those with similar agencies to your target. Include testimonials or performance ratings when available. Focus on projects completed within the last 3 years.

3

Differentiators
Discuss unique techniques or approaches that are part of your business. Explain what sets you apart from competitors - this could include proprietary processes, specialized staff certifications, unique partnerships, or innovative solutions you've developed. Quantify benefits where possible, such as cost savings or efficiency improvements delivered to previous clients.

4

Corporate Data Details
List your business details comprehensively but concisely. This includes your business structure, year established, size standards, and any socio-economic certifications. This section provides credibility and helps agencies understand your business classification.
Corporate Data Details for Capability Statement
Facilities or Office Locations
List all significant and strategically placed office locations.
Relevant Codes
List UEI, CAGE, NAICS, or other codes.
Contact Information
Include complete and up-to-date contact information for key personnel.
Certifications
Document all relevant business certifications and qualifications.
Capability Statement Usage

1

1

Business Card/CV
These typically one (1) page document acts a Business Card / CV for your company and are widely used.

2

2

Preparation Process
My suggestion would be to write them down, perhaps below each section here, before you transfer the information to the template.

3

3

Samples Reference
Search the web for Capability Statement for examples...there are plenty.
SBA Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) Profile Overview
Database Importance
Maintaining an updated SBA Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile is essential for small businesses seeking federal contracting opportunities.
Active Use
Government agencies and prime contractors actively use the DSBS database to identify qualified small businesses for set-aside contracts, subcontracting, and market research.
Key Information
An up-to-date profile ensures that key information—such as capabilities, past performance, certifications (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone), NAICS codes, and contact details—is accurate and aligned with current contracting needs.
Benefits of an Updated DSBS Profile

1

1

Increased Visibility
A well-optimized DSBS profile increases visibility in the federal marketplace.

2

2

Better Selection Chances
Improves a company's chances of being selected for direct awards or teaming opportunities.

3

3

Enhanced Credibility
Reinforces credibility in the federal marketplace.

4

4

Competitive Edge
Without an updated profile, small businesses may miss out on valuable contracting prospects and limit their competitive edge.
—
SAM Integration
Most of the information in SBA (DSBS) will be migrated in from SAM, including your website address.
—
Custom Elements
What you will need to add is a Capability Narrative, Keywords, and Performance History (does not need to be work done for government).
—
Company Information
Take advantage of this space to present your company and the services you provide.
Adding Your Capability Statement to SBA DSBS
You can add a link to your Capability Statement (see below) on your SBA (DSBS) Profile (step by step instructions): https://sbaone.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/DSBS/pages/2742910980/Add+a+Capabilities+Statement+Link
SAM.gov and Registration FAQs
Do I need a SAM.gov account to search for contract opportunities?
No, you can search for the following public information on SAM.gov without a user account: federal assistance listings, contract opportunities, contract awards, federal hierarchy, wage determinations, entity exclusions.
What features require a SAM.gov account?
You need a user account to access functionality beyond the basic public search. Create an account and log in to use these features: view entity registrations, save searches, download search results and individual records, follow selected records, manage data entry for your entity or federal agency.
Is SAM registration mandatory for federal contracts?
Yes, registering in the System for Award Management (SAM) is a fundamental requirement for any business seeking to contract with the federal government. SAM registration is mandatory for entities to be eligible for federal contracts, grants, and assistance awards.
What information do I need to provide for SAM registration?
Through SAM, businesses provide key details such as their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), NAICS codes, and banking information, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and streamlining the payment process.
Who can help with SAM registration issues?
There is a Federal Help Desk that can help you with any issues you might encounter during your SAM Registration at 866-606-8220: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp
Capability Statement FAQs
What is a federal Capability Statement?
A federal Capability Statement is a critical marketing tool for businesses seeking to win government contracts. It serves as a concise, targeted document that highlights a company's core competencies, past performance, differentiators, and key certifications.
Why is a Capability Statement important?
Government agencies often require Capability Statements during market research to identify potential vendors, and many prime contractors use them to evaluate subcontractors. A well-crafted Capability Statement demonstrates credibility, aligns with federal procurement needs, and helps businesses stand out in a competitive marketplace.
What should be included in a Capability Statement?
A Capability Statement should include: 1. Core competencies - Introduce the company's core competencies and relate those to the customers' specific needs. 2. Past performance - Describe similar work you have performed for past customers. 3. Differentiators - Discuss unique techniques or approaches that are part of your business. 4. Corporate data - List your business details including facilities or office locations and relevant codes (UEI, CAGE, NAICS).
SBA (DSBS) Profile FAQs
What is the SBA Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS)?
The DSBS is a database maintained by the Small Business Administration that government agencies and prime contractors actively use to identify qualified small businesses for set-aside contracts, subcontracting, and market research.
Why is an updated DSBS profile important?
An up-to-date profile ensures that key information—such as capabilities, past performance, certifications (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone), NAICS codes, and contact details—is accurate and aligned with current contracting needs. A well-optimized DSBS profile increases visibility, improves a company's chances of being selected for direct awards or teaming opportunities, and reinforces credibility in the federal marketplace.
How do I add my Capability Statement to my DSBS profile?
You can add a link to your Capability Statement on your SBA (DSBS) Profile by following the step by step instructions available at: https://sbaone.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/DSBS/pages/2742910980/Add+a+Capabilities+Statement+Link
About NAPEX - National Apex Accelerator Alliance
The National Apex Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) serves as a premier resource hub designed to support small businesses in navigating the federal contracting landscape. Funded through cooperative agreements with the Small Business Administration (SBA), NAPEX provides expert guidance, personalized counseling, and specialized training to help businesses compete effectively in government markets.
Our nationwide network of Apex Accelerators delivers no-cost technical assistance to small businesses interested in selling their products and services to federal, state, and local governments. We specialize in helping businesses with SAM registration, capability statement development, certification guidance, and procurement readiness assessments.
NAPEX accelerators are strategically located across the country to ensure small businesses have access to localized support and region-specific contracting opportunities. Our mission is to increase the number of small businesses participating in government contracts while strengthening America's supply chain through diverse and resilient small business participation.

National Apex Accelerator Alliance

Services - National Apex Accelerator Alliance

Your local APEX Accelerator is your gateway to government contracting success. We provide a wide range of help, with most...read more