How to Find Federal IT Contracts on SAM.gov

Start with NAICS codes

Federal opportunities are categorized by NAICS code. For IT and software work, focus on:

• 541511 — Custom Computer Programming Services
• 541512 — Computer Systems Design Services
• 541519 — Other Computer Related Services
• 518210 — Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services
• 541715 — Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (AI/ML)

Use keyword search effectively

SAM.gov's keyword search is broad. Terms that consistently surface real IT work:

• "artificial intelligence" or "machine learning" — narrows to AI-specific solicitations
• "software development" — broad but filters for actual dev work
• "data analytics" — common in DoD, HHS, and DHS opportunities
• "cloud migration" or "AWS" or "Azure" — infrastructure modernization

Combine a NAICS code filter with one keyword to dramatically reduce noise.

Set up email alerts

SAM.gov allows saved searches with email notifications. Set one up for each of your primary NAICS codes and check the digest weekly. The system sends alerts as new opportunities are posted.

The downside: SAM.gov alerts are noisy. You'll get a lot of irrelevant opportunities mixed in.

Filter by set-aside status

Many federal IT contracts are set aside for specific business categories:

• Small Business (SB) — broadest set-aside
• 8(a) — socially and economically disadvantaged businesses
• WOSB — women-owned small business
• HUBZone — historically underutilized business zones
• SDVOSB — service-disabled veteran-owned

Unrestricted opportunities are open to all. Filter to what applies to your business to avoid wasting time on ineligible bids.

Watch for RFIs before the RFP

A Request for Information (RFI) or Sources Sought notice usually appears 60–90 days before the actual solicitation. Responding to RFIs builds your visibility with the agency and sometimes influences the final requirements. These show up in SAM.gov as "Presolicitation" notices.