Free tools for small businesses entering federal contracting
Seven free tools for US small businesses starting in federal contracting — no account, no email required. Check whether federal agencies actually buy what you sell, find your NAICS code, test an address against the SBA HUBZone map, score your bid readiness, work through the 9-step SAM.gov registration, see how a contracting officer evaluates you, and build a one-page capability statement PDF.
Are these tools really free?
Yes — all seven run in your browser with no account, no email, and no payment. They pull from public federal sources including USAspending/FPDS award data, Census Bureau NAICS definitions, and SBA HUBZone layers.
Do I need to register in SAM.gov before using these?
No. The demand check, NAICS search, HUBZone map, and scorecard all work before you register — they are designed to tell you whether registering is worth your time. SAM.gov registration itself is free and requires no paid intermediary.
What does it actually cost to start federal contracting?
The required registrations are free: SAM.gov charges no fee, your UEI is assigned during SAM registration, and your CAGE code is issued automatically for domestic entities. Your real cost is time, plus optional certifications like HUBZone or 8(a).
How big is the federal small business market?
The statutory government-wide goal is 23% of prime contract dollars to small businesses. In FY2025 the government awarded roughly 28% — about $179 billion — per the SBA's FY25 Small Business Procurement Scorecard.
How small does a contract get?
Below $15,000 a purchase is a micro-purchase and can go on a government purchase card with no competition. Between $15,000 and the $350,000 simplified acquisition threshold, purchases are generally reserved for small businesses under FAR Part 13.