CLEAR ANSWERS. CONFIDENT DECISIONS.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Federal contracting is complex. Patriot Courage helps companies understand the rules, registrations, programs, and strategic steps needed to compete with confidence.

FEDERAL CONTRACTING BASICS.

Questions Companies Ask Before Entering Federal

Get clear answers to common questions about federal contracting, registrations, set-asides, proposals, and working with Patriot Courage.

01

Why is federal contracting so hard and complicated?

There are over 400 agencies with nuanced variations of different rules, regulations, registrations, programs, protocols and compliance factors to navigate. This creates a complex web of ever-changing variables that need understanding & constant monitoring to handle this dynamic environment.

02

What are small business set-asides?

Contracts reserved by the federal government that limit competition to qualifying small businesses. They are designed to help small businesses compete for and win federal contracts, ensuring a fair opportunity in government procurement. These include:

  • SBA - Small Business Set-Aside
  • SBP - Small Business Set-Aside Partial
  • 8A - 8(a) Competitive
  • 8AN/8A-Sole - 8(a) Sole Source
  • HZC/HZS - HUBZone Competitive / Sole Source
  • SDVOSBC/SDVOSBS - Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Competitive / Sole Source
  • WOSB/EDWOSB - Woman-Owned & Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned
  • BI - Buy Indian
  • VSA/VSS - Veteran Set-Aside & Veteran Sole Source (VA Only)
03

My company is not a small business…can I still sell to the federal government?

Yes. However, as part of an overall effective strategy, your chances of winning contracts rise via use of set-aside partnerships.

04

What is a Mentor Protégé Joint Venture?

A mentor and its protégé can joint venture (JV) as a small business for any small business contract. The JV can then pursue any type of set-aside contract for which the protégé qualifies.

05

What is SAM.gov?

It is the official U.S. government website designed for organizations to register and manage their business dealings with the federal government. It serves as a central hub for federal contracting, grants, and award management.

06

Is it difficult to write a government proposal?

A solid proposal must be compliance-driven. The government provides precise solicitation instructions. Therefore, proposals should address every evaluation factor, and ensure pricing is consistent with the required technical approach.

07

What is a NAICS code?

The North American Industry Classification System codes classify the type of work your business performs. Contractors select the NAICS code that most closely matches their primary service offering.

08

What is a GSA Schedule?

GSA Schedule contracts are indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts, meaning there is no set limit on how much can be sold to the government or for how long. GSA Schedule contracts are a part of the General Service Administration’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program.

09

What is CPARS?

It is the government’s Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System. It is used to evaluate contractors on their performance of awarded contracts that either meet or exceed a particular dollar threshold dependent on the type of contract. Negative CPARS ratings can damage future competitiveness and may require a formal response or dispute process. Positive CPARS ratings can set you up for future contracts.

10

What is a UEI number?

The Unique Entity Identifier is the federal government’s identifier for contractors. It replaced the DUNS number and is issued through SAM.gov during registration.

11

What is a CAGE code?

It is a Commercial and Government Entity code that identifies contractors doing business with the federal government. It is commonly required for awards and contract administration.

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