GovCon

The GovCon Market

The U.S. government is the world's largest buyer, spending over $700 billion annually on contracts. Federal procurement alone accounts for roughly $500 billion, with state and local governments adding another $200+ billion. GovCon spans every industry imaginable — IT, defense, construction, healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, and more.

GovCon for Beginners

If you're new to government contracting, the critical first steps are:

1. Register in SAM.gov — mandatory for any federal contract
2. Get your NAICS codes right — these determine which opportunities you're eligible for and your size standard
3. Understand set-asides — small business set-asides reserve ~25% of federal contracting dollars for small firms
4. Pursue certifications — 8(a), SDVOSB, and HUBZone certifications unlock sole-source and set-aside opportunities
5. Start small — micro-purchases (under $10,000) and simplified acquisitions ($10K–$250K) have less competition and simpler requirements

Key GovCon Terminology

Government contracting has its own language. Essential terms include: RFP (Request for Proposal), CO (Contracting Officer), FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity), past performance, and capture management.

GovCon Resources

The GovCon community is active on LinkedIn, Reddit (r/govcontracting), and at events like the GovCon Summit and AFCEA conferences. The SBA offers free training through Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) in every state. Industry publications like Washington Technology and GovConWire cover news and contract awards.