Federal Contracting Readiness Assessment

SAM.gov registration

Active, current registration with accurate NAICS codes, business size, and points of contact; renewed annually before expiration.

Unique Entity ID (UEI)

UEI obtained and matches all corporate formation documents and state filings.

Entity structure & state filings

Business is properly incorporated, in good standing in its state(s) of operation, with clean corporate records.

NAICS code alignment

Primary and secondary NAICS codes accurately reflect the firm's actual capabilities and target agency requirements.

Representations & Certifications

Reps & Certs in SAM.gov are complete, accurate, and consistent with the firm's actual size and ownership status.

Suspension & debarment check

No open exclusions; leadership has confirmed no individuals are listed on the SAM.gov Exclusions list.

Small business size standard

Firm has confirmed its size status against SBA size standards for its target NAICS codes.

8(a), HUBZone, WOSB/EDWOSB, SDVOSB/VOSB eligibility

Ownership, control, and eligibility documentation reviewed against SBA criteria; applications filed where the firm qualifies.

Certification maintenance plan

A named owner is responsible for tracking recertification deadlines and reporting requirements.

State & local certifications

Relevant state/local certifications (MBE, DBE, etc.) obtained where they support the federal strategy.

Government-compliant accounting system

System can segregate direct/indirect costs and track by contract, in line with FAR Part 31 cost principles; DCAA-compliant if pursuing cost-type work.

Indirect rate structure

Firm has calculated (or can calculate) overhead, fringe, and G&A rates, and understands provisional vs. actual billing rates.

Working capital & cash flow runway

Firm can cover payroll and costs through typical 30–90 day federal payment cycles.

Bonding capacity

For construction or high-value work, the firm has established a bonding relationship and known capacity.

Audit readiness

Financial statements, timekeeping, and cost records are organized well enough to withstand a pre-award survey or incurred cost audit.

Insurance coverage

General liability, workers' comp, professional liability, and cyber coverage meet typical federal contract minimums.

Cybersecurity posture (NIST 800-171 / CMMC)

Firm understands its required CMMC level, has a System Security Plan (SSP), and a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) for gaps.

FAR/DFARS clause awareness

Leadership can identify which flow-down clauses commonly apply to its target work (e.g., Buy American, Service Contract Act, Davis-Bacon).

Labor law compliance

Wage determinations, EEO reporting (if 50+ employees), and affirmative action plan requirements are understood and assigned to an owner.

Export control screening

Firm has assessed ITAR/EAR exposure if its products, services, or technical data could be controlled.

Organizational conflict of interest (OCI) review

Firm has a process to identify and mitigate OCI before pursuing an opportunity.

Data rights & IP policy

Firm understands how it will assert restrictions on proprietary technical data, software, and background IP.

Ethics & compliance program

A basic code of business ethics and conduct exists, as required above the simplified acquisition threshold.

Relevant past performance

Firm has commercial or government contracts of similar size, scope, and complexity to what it intends to pursue.

References & CPARS strategy

Firm has identified references who can speak to performance, and a plan to build a CPARS record once awards begin.

Capability statement

A one-page capability statement exists with core competencies, differentiators, NAICS codes, and past performance examples.

Market research & agency mapping

Firm has identified 3–5 target agencies/programs whose missions and buying patterns genuinely match its offering.

Competitive positioning

Firm can articulate why a Contracting Officer would choose it over incumbents or larger competitors.

Pipeline & opportunity tracking

Firm actively monitors SAM.gov, agency forecasts, and industry days, and maintains a tracked pipeline.

Teaming & subcontracting relationships

Firm has identified potential primes or subcontracting partners and can execute teaming agreements.

Proposal development capacity

Firm has a repeatable proposal process, template library, and in-house or contracted proposal writing capability.

Pricing strategy

Firm can build a compliant, competitive price-to-win using its actual cost/rate structure.

GSA Schedule / IDIQ strategy

Firm has evaluated whether a GSA Schedule, GWAC, or agency-specific IDIQ vehicle fits its go-to-market plan.

Executive sponsorship

A senior leader owns the federal strategy and can commit budget and time to a 12–24 month entry timeline.

Security clearance posture

Firm understands facility and personnel clearance requirements for its target work, and has a plan to obtain them.

Contract & program management bench

Firm has, or can hire, staff who understand federal contract administration, not just delivery.

Realistic timeline expectations

Leadership understands federal entry typically takes 12–24+ months before first award, and has resourced accordingly.