U.S. Government Contracting
for Foreign Contractors
The U.S. government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world — spending over $700 billion annually at the federal level and more than $2 trillion across state and local governments. We help foreign contractors navigate the registration, certification, and procurement processes required to compete and win in this vast market.
Annual Federal Contracting Spend
Annual SLED (State, Local & Education) Spend
Federal Goal for Small Business Contracting
U.S. Government Contracting
The U.S. federal government is the world's largest buyer of goods and services, spending over $700 billion annually across defense, civilian, and intelligence agencies. For foreign contractors, this represents a massive opportunity — but it requires navigating a complex system of registrations, certifications, and procurement regulations.
Key Points
- SAM.gov registration is mandatory to bid on federal contracts
- Understand the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency-specific supplements (DFARS, etc.)
- Contract vehicles (GSA Schedules, IDIQ, GWACs) streamline repetitive purchasing
- Socio-economic set-asides reserve contracts for small and disadvantaged businesses
- Foreign contractors must comply with Buy American Act, TAA, and trade agreement requirements
How We Help
We guide you through SAM registration, NAICS code selection, past performance documentation, and bid strategy — ensuring you're positioned to compete and win federal awards.
U.S. SLED (State, Local, & Education) Contracting
State, local, and education (SLED) governments collectively spend over $2 trillion annually — more than three times federal procurement. This market includes 50 states, thousands of counties and municipalities, K-12 school districts, and higher education institutions. SLED procurement is decentralized, with each jurisdiction having its own rules and portals.
Key Points
- Cooperative purchasing agreements (e.g., NASPO ValuePoint) allow multi-state access via a single award
- Each state has its own procurement portal (e.g., Cal eProcure, COMMBUYS, TxSmartBuy)
- Most SLED contracts are below $100K — ideal for small and mid-size contractors
- Master service agreements (MSAs) and term contracts simplify repeat purchasing
- Residency preferences and local vendor set-asides exist in many states
How We Help
We identify the right SLED markets for your offerings, register you on the relevant state portals, and pursue cooperative contracts that unlock multiple jurisdictions at once.
State Procurement
State procurement encompasses everything agencies buy — from IT systems and professional services to construction, vehicles, and supplies. Each state's central procurement office publishes solicitations, maintains vendor registries, and administers cooperative contracts. Understanding each state's unique laws, preferences, and evaluation criteria is essential for success.
Key Points
- Register as a vendor in each target state's e-procurement system
- Respond to RFPs, RFQs, and IFBs following state-specific formatting and submission rules
- Leverage state small business, minority, and women-owned business certifications
- Understand prompt payment laws and contract administration requirements
- Pursue statewide master contracts and term schedules for broader market access
How We Help
We manage multi-state registration, track solicitations that match your capabilities, and prepare compliant, competitive proposals tailored to each state's evaluation criteria.
Mentor-Protégé Program
The Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) pairs large, experienced government contractors (mentors) with small businesses (protégés) to help the latter develop technical, managerial, and financial capabilities. The SBA administers the All Small MPP, while agencies like DoD and NASA run their own versions. Protégés gain access to mentor resources, guidance, and teaming opportunities — and mentors can earn credit toward subcontracting goals.
Key Points
- SBA All Small MPP is open to any small business with an approved mentor agreement
- DoD Mentor-Protégé Program offers reimbursement and credit for mentor assistance
- Protégés can receive direct assistance: technical, management, financial, and contracting
- Mentors may form joint ventures with protégés to pursue set-aside contracts
- Program participation strengthens past performance and capability development
How We Help
We help you assess program eligibility, identify and vet potential mentors or protégés, negotiate agreements, and manage SBA/agency approvals — maximizing the strategic value of the relationship.
Set-Aside Business
The federal government sets aside a significant portion of contracts exclusively for small businesses — ensuring they can compete on a level playing field. Set-asides reserve competitions for businesses meeting specific size standards and socio-economic categories, reducing competition and increasing the win probability for qualifying firms.
Key Points
- Contracts below the micro-purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds default to small business set-asides
- Rule of Two: agencies must set aside a contract if at least two small businesses can reasonably compete
- Socio-economic set-aside categories: WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, and 8(a)
- Sole-source set-asides are available for certain categories and dollar thresholds
- Subcontracting plans require large primes to allocate a percentage of work to small businesses
How We Help
We verify your size eligibility, determine which set-aside categories you qualify for, and target solicitations where your business has a competitive edge — increasing your win rate.
8(a) Certified Business
The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program is a nine-year program designed to help small, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal marketplace. 8(a) certified firms gain access to sole-source contracts (up to $4.5M for goods, $4M for services), competitive set-asides, and specialized business development assistance — making it one of the most powerful certifications in federal contracting.
Key Points
- Sole-source contract ceiling: $4.5M (manufacturing/supply) and $4M (services)
- Nine-year program term divided into developmental (4 yrs) and transitional (5 yrs) stages
- Joint ventures with established firms for larger contracts under the 8(a) program
- Access to SBA business development specialists and MBA-style training
- Must be 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
- Requires demonstrating potential for success (track record, financial capacity, character)
How We Help
We guide you through the entire 8(a) application process — eligibility assessment, narrative development, document preparation, and SBA submission — and help you leverage the certification to win sole-source and competitive contracts.