64 federal contracting terms in plain English. NAICS, FAR, DCAA, IDIQ, set-asides — every acronym a small business actually needs, defined without the acquisition-speak.
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The SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Provides access to sole-source contracts up to $4.5M (services) or $8M (manufacturing), mentoring, and a nine-year development period.
Read full definitionFormerly known as PTACs (Procurement Technical Assistance Centers). Free DoD-funded consulting programs that help businesses understand and compete for government contracts. Services include registration assistance, bid matching, proposal review, and training. Find your local APEX at apexaccelerators.us.
Read full definitionAn evaluation approach where the government considers factors in addition to price when making an award decision. The government selects the proposal that offers the greatest overall benefit, which may not be the lowest-priced offer.
Read full definitionThe strategic analysis a contractor performs to decide whether to pursue a specific contract opportunity. Considers factors like competitive landscape, past performance fit, resource availability, and probability of win.
Read full definitionA simplified acquisition method that establishes "charge accounts" with qualified vendors. Allows agencies to make recurring purchases without issuing new solicitations for each transaction. Often used for supplies or repetitive services under the micro-purchase threshold.
Read full definitionCommercial and Government Entity code — a unique five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to entities doing business with the federal government. Obtained automatically through SAM.gov registration.
Read full definitionA one- to two-page document that serves as a business resume for government buyers. Includes core competencies, past performance, differentiators, and company data (UEI, CAGE code, NAICS codes, certifications).
Read full definitionThe business development professional responsible for leading the pursuit of a specific contract opportunity. Develops win strategy, builds customer relationships, shapes the opportunity, and assembles the proposal team. Typically earns $150K-$220K.
Read full definitionThe government official with legal authority to enter into, administer, and terminate contracts on behalf of the government. Only COs can bind the government to a contractual agreement.
Read full definitionA document that maps every requirement in a solicitation to the corresponding section of your proposal. Ensures no requirements are missed and demonstrates full responsiveness to evaluators.
Read full definitionA government employee designated by the Contracting Officer to assist in managing contract performance. CORs monitor day-to-day work, review deliverables, and report to the CO, but cannot modify contract terms.
Read full definitionContractor Performance Assessment Reporting System — the government's database for recording contractor performance evaluations. Past performance ratings in CPARS directly affect your ability to win future contracts.
Read full definitionA cost-reimbursement contract type where the government pays allowable incurred costs plus a negotiated fixed fee (profit). The contractor has less risk than FFP since costs are reimbursed, but must have a DCAA-compliant accounting system.
Read full definitionThe DoD agency that audits defense contractor accounting systems, incurred costs, and pricing proposals. DCAA-compliant accounting systems are required for cost-reimbursement contracts and may be required for fixed-price contracts.
Read full definitionA post-award meeting where the government explains to unsuccessful offerors why their proposal was not selected. Provides valuable feedback on evaluation scores, strengths, weaknesses, and how the winning proposal compared.
Read full definitionEconomically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business — an SBA certification for women-owned businesses whose owners meet additional economic disadvantage thresholds. Provides access to set-asides in a broader range of NAICS codes than standard WOSB certification.
Read full definitionThe method by which the government pays contractors. Banking information for EFT must be provided during SAM.gov registration. All federal contract payments are made electronically.
Read full definitionThe primary set of rules governing how the federal government purchases goods and services. The FAR covers everything from competition requirements and contract types to payment terms and dispute resolution. Available at acquisition.gov.
Read full definitionA contract type where the contractor agrees to perform work for a set price regardless of actual costs. The contractor bears all risk of cost overruns but keeps any savings. The most common contract type in federal procurement.
Read full definitionAn agency's published projection of upcoming procurements for the fiscal year. Includes estimated value, NAICS code, set-aside status, and anticipated solicitation/award dates. Forecasts are non-binding but the best window into what's coming before it posts on SAM.gov.
Read full definitionA procurement where any responsible business — large or small — can submit a proposal. This is the default method for federal acquisitions above the simplified acquisition threshold, unless a set-aside or exception applies.
Read full definitionA long-term, government-wide contract with pre-negotiated pricing administered by the General Services Administration. Also called MAS (Multiple Award Schedule). Gives agencies a streamlined way to buy from pre-approved vendors.
Read full definitionGovernment-Wide Acquisition Contract — a pre-competed contract vehicle available to multiple federal agencies, typically for IT services. Examples include Alliant 2 and 8(a) STARS III.
Read full definitionHistorically Underutilized Business Zone — an SBA program for businesses with principal offices and 35%+ employees in designated economically distressed areas. Benefits include set-asides, sole-source contracts, and a 10% price evaluation preference.
Read full definitionIndefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity — a contract type that provides for an indefinite quantity of services or supplies during a fixed period. Work is ordered through individual task orders or delivery orders, each competed among IDIQ holders.
Read full definitionA contract that allows the government to acquire supplies or services by issuing individual orders. Includes IDIQ contracts, requirements contracts, definite-quantity contracts, and GSA Schedules.
Read full definitionA fee paid by GSA Schedule holders on their schedule sales, currently 0.75%. This fee funds GSA's Federal Acquisition Service operations. Paid quarterly based on reported sales.
Read full definitionA document required when an agency uses other than full and open competition. Explains why competition is limited (sole-source, set-aside, brand-name) and must be approved at appropriate levels based on contract value.
Read full definitionLowest Price Technically Acceptable — an evaluation method where the government awards to the lowest-priced proposal that meets all technical requirements. Price is the deciding factor once technical acceptability is established.
Read full definitionSBA program that pairs experienced government contractors (mentors) with small businesses (proteges). Enables joint ventures on contracts, with the mentor providing business development, technical, and financial assistance.
Read full definitionThe dollar amount below which the government can make purchases without formal solicitation procedures — currently $10,000 for most agencies. Government purchase card (credit card) transactions typically fall under this threshold.
Read full definitionNorth American Industry Classification System code — a six-digit code that classifies every type of business activity. Used to categorize solicitations and determine small business size standards. Each NAICS code has a specific revenue or employee count threshold.
Read full definitionNATO Commercial and Government Entity code — the international equivalent of a CAGE code, assigned to non-U.S. entities through their country's national codification bureau. Required before foreign entities can register on SAM.gov.
Read full definitionA situation where a contractor's other activities or relationships may give it an unfair competitive advantage or impair its objectivity. Must be disclosed and may disqualify contractors from certain opportunities.
Read full definitionOffice of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization — every major federal agency has one. OSDBUs help small businesses connect with procurement opportunities and advocate for small business participation within their agency.
Read full definitionA contractor's track record of delivering quality work on previous contracts. Evaluated as part of most federal proposals. Includes relevance, quality, schedule adherence, and customer satisfaction. Documented in CPARS for federal contracts.
Read full definitionThe designated person at an agency or contractor organization who handles inquiries about a specific matter. In SAM.gov profiles, contractors list government business POCs, electronic business POCs, and past performance POCs.
Read full definitionA form sent to your references during proposal evaluation asking them to rate your performance on previous contracts. The government uses PPQ responses to assess the risk of awarding you a new contract.
Read full definitionA contract awarded directly by a government agency to a business. The prime contractor is responsible for overall contract performance and may use subcontractors to perform portions of the work.
Read full definitionThe professional responsible for managing the proposal development process from RFP release to submission. Creates the proposal schedule, assigns writers, ensures compliance with all requirements, and manages production. Typically earns $160K-$240K.
Read full definitionA formal challenge to a contract award decision, typically filed with the GAO (Government Accountability Office) or Court of Federal Claims. Contractors may protest if they believe the solicitation or award violated procurement law.
Read full definitionA four-character code used by the government to categorize the type of product or service being purchased. Similar to NAICS codes but used specifically for federal procurement classification.
Read full definitionA document in a solicitation that describes required outcomes and performance standards rather than how the work must be done. Allows contractors flexibility in their approach while holding them accountable for results.
Read full definitionThe new solicitation issued when an existing contract is nearing the end of its period of performance. Typically posted 6–18 months before the incumbent contract expires. Incumbents have an advantage, but vulnerable recompetes are the single best source of winnable federal work for small businesses.
Read full definitionA pre-solicitation document where an agency asks industry for information to help plan a future procurement. Not a solicitation — no contract will be awarded from an RFI. Responding demonstrates interest and helps shape the eventual requirement.
Read full definitionA formal solicitation asking contractors to submit detailed proposals including technical approach, management plan, past performance, and pricing. Evaluated based on stated criteria in the solicitation.
Read full definitionA solicitation asking contractors to submit price quotes for specific goods or services. Typically used for simplified acquisitions or orders under existing contract vehicles like GSA Schedules.
Read full definitionThe FAR requirement that a contracting officer must set aside a procurement for small businesses if there is a reasonable expectation that at least two qualified small businesses will submit competitive offers at fair market prices.
Read full definitionSystem for Award Management — the official U.S. government website for entity registration, contract opportunities, contract data, and wage determinations. Registration is free and mandatory for any business seeking federal contracts.
Read full definitionSmall Business Administration — the federal agency that supports small businesses through programs including 8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone, and WOSB certifications, lending programs, counseling, and advocacy.
Read full definitionService-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business — an SBA certification for businesses 51%+ owned and controlled by veterans with service-connected disabilities. Provides access to set-asides, sole-source contracts, and VA Veterans First priority.
Read full definitionA procurement restricted to specific categories of small businesses. Types include small business set-asides, 8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone, and WOSB set-asides. Large businesses are excluded from competing on set-aside contracts.
Read full definitionThe dollar amount below which agencies can use streamlined purchasing procedures — currently $250,000. Procurements below this threshold have less paperwork, faster timelines, and are generally reserved for small businesses.
Read full definitionA category code within the GSA Multiple Award Schedule that identifies specific products or services. Contractors must be approved under the relevant SIN(s) to offer those items through their GSA Schedule.
Read full definitionA contract awarded to a single contractor without competition. Available to certified 8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone, and WOSB businesses up to $4.5M for services and $8M for manufacturing, at the contracting officer's discretion.
Read full definitionA pre-solicitation notice where an agency asks industry to express interest and capability for a planned procurement. Used to determine whether a set-aside is appropriate (Rule of Two). Responding is critical for shaping set-aside decisions.
Read full definitionA document that describes the specific tasks, deliverables, and timelines required under a contract. More prescriptive than a PWS, telling the contractor exactly how work must be performed.
Read full definitionA plan required of large business prime contractors on contracts over $750,000 detailing how they will use small business subcontractors. Creates a pipeline of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Read full definitionA contract type where the government pays a fixed hourly rate for labor plus actual costs for materials. Used when the scope of work cannot be clearly defined. Riskier for the government than fixed-price, so used sparingly.
Read full definitionAn individual order for services issued under an IDIQ or other indefinite delivery contract. Task orders define specific work requirements, period of performance, and funding for a portion of the overall contract.
Read full definitionA formal agreement between two or more businesses to pursue a specific contract opportunity together. Defines roles, responsibilities, and work share. Can be structured as prime/subcontractor or joint venture.
Read full definitionA 12-character alphanumeric identifier that replaced the DUNS number in April 2022 as the primary entity identifier for federal contracting. Generated automatically during SAM.gov registration.
Read full definitionVeteran-Owned Small Business — an SBA certification for businesses 51%+ owned and controlled by veterans. Provides access to VA Veterans First contracting priority. Distinct from SDVOSB, which requires a service-connected disability.
Read full definitionWomen-Owned Small Business — an SBA certification for businesses 51%+ owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens. Provides access to set-aside contracts in designated NAICS codes where women-owned businesses are underrepresented.
Read full definitionMindy translates acquisition-speak inside your daily briefing — set-asides, NAICS, incumbents, recompete timing, all in plain English. So you read opportunities, not a glossary.
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