From SAM to Signed: Win Your First Federal Contract (2026–27 Edition) — Premium Digital Edition + 9 Templates

The federal government buys everything. Here's how to become one of its suppliers.

Winning your first federal contract isn't about luck or connections. It comes down to doing the right steps in the right order. This field guide takes you from registration to your first signed contract, in plain English and without the jargon.

What you'll learn

• Whether federal work is right for you, with an honest readiness self-assessment
• How to choose NAICS codes and confirm you qualify as small
• How to register in SAM.gov correctly the first time, and avoid paid "registration" scams
• Which SBA certifications are worth your time: 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone and SDVOSB
• How to build a one-page capability statement contracting officers actually read
• How to find opportunities, win micro-purchases and team with prime contractors
• How to make bid/no-bid decisions and write a compliant first proposal
• A 90-day launch plan from registration to first bid

What's included

• The complete guide as a printable, letter-size PDF (92 pages)
• 9 editable templates: Federal Readiness Self-Assessment (Excel); NAICS Code Finder and size check (Excel); SAM.gov Registration Checklist with renewal reminders (Excel); One-page Capability Statement template (Word); Target Agency Map (Excel); Bid/No-Bid Scorecard (Excel); Compliance Matrix (Excel); Opportunity Pipeline Tracker (Excel); 90-Day Launch Plan tracker (Excel)

By Carrie Yun Arredondo, who has 20+ years of federal enterprise growth experience, Shipley capture training and a seat on the National Small Business Association Council.

Instant digital download. Licensed for use within the purchaser's organization. General information, not legal advice. Current as of September 2026.