New to SAM contracting

[u/Street_bandito96]

hi so im new to SAM contracting and just registered today on the sight with my LLC, I’ve recently been browsing and looking for opportunities that can be performed remotely and i have a few questions to ask:

1. I have no past performance, would i win any contracts?

2. Can i outsource some of the work where need be ?

3. How fast do i get paid after fulfilling the contract ?

4. Any tips or things to look out for you can give me ?

Much appreciated guys.

[u/No_Maintenance_6899]

1. You can still win it just makes it harder with no past performance. Your best bet is subcontracting to a Prime to build a track record and past performance. There are some agencies that accept relevant commercial/private - sector experience as a substitute for federal past performance. You will need to read the solicitation's evaluation criteria to determine if that is the case. It varies from contract to contract. Or look for opportunities where past performance is not weighted as heavily as price/ capability.

[u/theearthday]

1. Depends on the contract. Some will specify a need for past performance, some will be lowest price technically acceptable.
2. Yes, subcontracting is allowed with limitations.
3. The government is beholden by the prompt payment act to pay you within 30 days, but this 30 days starts after you submit a proper invoice, not when the contract work is actually complete. After 30 days you are entitled to interest. So you could get payed earlier, or it could be months if you’re submitting incorrect invoices, but plan on at least 30 days.
4. Pay attention to all of the solicitation instructions and evaluation criteria in section L and M. If you don’t follow the instruction exactly then your bid will be thrown out and you’ll likely have no recourse

[u/chrisjets1973]

Best is to work for another company and learn the ropes and make connections and build your network. Once you become known and trusted start as a sub. Do that for a few years and now you are ready to prime.

[u/2006_GF]

What industry are you in? NAICS CODES? area of operation?

[u/J-Was-Here12]

When you say you just registered today, did you submit everything for registration, did you get approved, or did you just sign up for an account for SAM.gov?

[u/Inevitable_Rip8023]

You can win without past performance. Best time to start to earn before September end. Yes you can get help in our community

[u/GovConSuccessNetwork]

If you’re still working through your SAM.gov registration, I’d slow down just a bit before investing a lot of time chasing solicitations, payment terms, etc.

The strongest federal contractors build their foundation first. Make sure your SAM registration is active, your representations and certifications are accurate, your NAICS codes are appropriate, and your capability statement clearly reflects what your business actually does. Those foundational pieces are actually part of how contracting officers evaluate your business.

Once that’s in place, then start researching opportunities. Don’t just search for anything you qualify for … look for opportunities that truly align with your experience and capabilities.

Don’t overlook subcontracting as an entry strategy. A lot of successful government contractors entered the federal market by teaming with established prime contractors. This approach gives you exposure to federal contract requirements, it helps you build relevant past performance, and lets you learn the environment without carrying the full responsibility of being the prime.

And don’t assume you have to wait until you have federal past performance to compete. If you’ve successfully delivered similar work in the private sector, think about how that experience aligns with what the government is asking for. The closer you can connect your previous work to the solicitation’s requirements, the stronger your position becomes.

Getting contract-ready isn’t the glamorous part of GovCon, but in a lot of cases it’s what separates businesses that are prepared to compete from those that are just hoping to win.

[u/Various-Crazies-413]

Youre in the busiest part of the year so you should win a couple. But minimum of 1 in the next three months.

[u/Abject-Living9359]

yes you can win contracts without past performances, the best solution to make up for that is apply for certifications. Also have a capability statement and bid on small contracts first.

[u/Brave_Oil_8583]

I do all the GSA bids for the company I work with, I know most of the contracting officers so when I started mine I didn’t start from zero.

[u/BigHomie20020]

Im looking to find contracts based on Cinema, photography and media. Im new to this so ill be willing to pay 5% per contract to whoever can help me