Getting onto major government contract vehicles is a huge milestone for small businesses. Whether you are a prime contractor or a sub, these contract vehicles, when positioned correctly, could bring in steady revenue and solid past performance. Every small business should also be aware of the major contract vehicles that have been set aside for small businesses. These competitive contracts are geared towards fulfilling the agencies small business goals. If marketed correctly, awardees of these contracts could graduate from small business to large business during the course of the period of performance. Below are four major contracts that all small businesses should be aware through 2015.

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The GSA Multiple Award Schedule program has grown exponentially over the past ten years. Fueled by increased government spending during the wars in the Middle East, and then again by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), contractors under the GSA Schedule program have certainly benefited from the extra funding. In the 2014 fiscal year, there were 22,176 contractors on the GSA Schedule who accounted for $32,842,659,165 in total sales. That is a significant market size, regardless of what industry you compare it against. However, where there is opportunity, there is also risk. Too often, executives and business leaders chase federal sales opportunities without worrying about the contract requirements until afterwards. Consequently, many GSA Schedule contractors learning of the importance of compliance the hard way. After all, is it really “success” if you win a multi-million dollar contract, only to be forced to give the money back a few years later?

Responding to a government Request for Proposal (RFP) can be a daunting task. I have often heard the comment “I don’t even know where to start.” It is normal for companies, both large and small, to use outside proposal support to help them through this process. But before you run out and hire a proposal company to help you on your next big proposal, read through our Do’s and Don’ts to ensure that your dollars are being spent wisely.

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Many companies make the mistake of depending on FedBizOpps and General Services Administration eBuy to find all of their government opportunities. This strategy is problematic, in ways other than the obvious limitation of utilizing only two government procurement databases for your search. It is not incorrect to use GSA eBuy, however it only displays opportunities associated with the categories you have be awarded.