Breaking into Government Contracting: Lessons from My 1:1 with GSA OSDBU
For many small businesses, the first step into federal contracting feels overwhelming. Registrations, compliance requirements, and the complexity of solicitations can feel like a wall.
To learn how first-time businesses can overcome this, I recently had a 1:1 meeting with GSA’s OSDBU (Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization). Their role is to support small and disadvantaged businesses—and they generously walked me through strategies and resources worth sharing.
✅ Subcontracting as the Entry Point
Instead of trying to win prime contracts right away, subcontracting is often the most effective first step. By partnering with experienced primes, small businesses can build past performance, understand government processes, and establish credibility.
In fact, for contracts above certain thresholds (>$750K for services, >$1.5M for construction), primes are legally required to submit subcontracting plans—so they actively look for qualified small business partners.
✅ How to Find the Right Primes
- GSA eLibrary: Identify prime contractors by NAICS code and reach out with your capability statement.
- GSA Subcontracting Directory: Explore over 2,000 primes currently seeking subcontractors.
- Agency Procurement Forecasts: Spot upcoming opportunities and engage contracting officers early.
- APEX Accelerators: Free programs that provide hands-on help with SAM registration, capability statements, and NAICS matching.
✅ Why OSDBU Matters
Every federal agency has an OSDBU office. Their mission is to help small and disadvantaged businesses succeed in contracting. From my own meeting, I saw firsthand how much time and attention they dedicate to guiding businesses through the process and connecting them with the right resources.
At Cliwant, we specialize in guiding first-time contractors—helping them with consulting, teaming strategies, and introductions to set-aside primes.
👉 Curious how this could work for your business?
