SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the U.S. government's official portal for vendor notifications including:

• RFI (Requests for Information)
• Sources Sought
• Set Aside Solicitations
• Sole Source Notices

Since 11/6 (election day), over 3,700 RFI (Request for Information) Sources Sought have been posted on SAM.gov representing a  423% increase over last year's postings during the same time period on SAM.gov. This means unprecedented opportunities for Small Businesses for direct contracts, teaming and sub-to-prime.

Why this Matters Now:

While it is unclear why this significant increase is happening in Q1 of the new federal fiscal year, what is important is every RFI and Sources Sought provides Small Businesses with a pathway to direct award or minimally competed contracts. According to FPDS.gov, many of these notices are awarded by "Other than Full and Open Competition". There are many avenues being used right now by buyers to purchase in your market, when it comes to pre-solicitations - you MUST respond to be considered. By proactively actively leveraging SAM.gov notice and accompanying information, your business can engage federal buyers early, before they decide their acquisition strategy. In addition, by knowing before the RFP, you can secure subcontracting or teaming opportunities, and gain a competitive edge in the federal marketplace.

Responding to RFIs and Sources Sought:

Every RFI and Sources Sought provides Small Businesses with the opportunity to be positioned for before an RFP is created. The increase in activity shows that federal buyers are actively seeking qualified businesses for Sole Source Set-Aside contracts based on your Socio-Economic category.

This briefing will review the fundamentals of your RFI/Sources Sought response:

1. How to search SAM.gov and not miss notices
2. Understanding what they need from you
3. Proving Yourself to Buyers