Blog / page 3
Field notes from the hunt.
32 articles, newest first
BasicsMay 7, 2026SAM.gov Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Vendors
Everything you need to register on SAM.gov: what the system is, the documents to gather, each registration step, common delays, and how to stay active once approved.
Priya Raman, Contributing Editor / 4 min read
BasicsMay 5, 2026How to Read an RFP: A Section-by-Section Breakdown
Reading an RFP well means working through six core sections in the right order: scope, evaluation criteria, submission rules, deadlines, terms, and pricing.
Priya Raman, Contributing Editor / 6 min read
Winning WorkMay 2, 2026How to Win Your First Government Contract: A Realistic Playbook
A realistic path from zero government experience to a first contract win: where to start, how to build past performance, and the mistakes that sink first-time bidders.
Marcus Webb, Government Contracting Writer / 4 min read
Finding RFPsApril 30, 2026Free Ways to Find Government RFPs (No Paid Tools)
Every free source for government RFPs: SAM.gov, Grants.gov, state portals, free aggregator tiers, and agency mailing lists, plus the honest time cost of doing it free.
Maya Chen, Procurement Analyst / 6 min read
BasicsApril 28, 2026RFP vs RFQ vs RFI: What Each One Means and How to Respond
The practical differences between an RFP, RFQ, and RFI: what the buyer is signaling with each, how evaluation works, and how your response should change.
Priya Raman, Contributing Editor / 4 min read
Winning WorkApril 24, 2026How to Bid on Your First RFP: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Bidding on your first RFP follows a clear path: register, find a fit, make a go decision, plan the timeline, write to the criteria, then submit early.
Marcus Webb, Government Contracting Writer / 6 min read
BasicsApril 21, 2026What Is an RFP? A Plain-English Guide for First-Time Bidders
An RFP is a formal request a buyer issues asking vendors to propose a solution and a price. Here is what an RFP is, what is inside one, and why it matters.
Priya Raman, Contributing Editor / 6 min read
Finding RFPsApril 16, 2026How to Start Bidding on Government Contracts: A Small Business Guide
A step-by-step start-here guide for small businesses: the mindset, SAM.gov registration, the federal-state-local layers, picking your lane, and your first 30 days.
Sam Evans, Founder / 6 min read