Is searching SAM.gov free?

Yes. Searching Contract Opportunities and registering your entity on SAM.gov are free. Be wary of third parties charging to register you.

How do I see only set-aside contracts on SAM.gov?

In Contract Opportunities, open the Set Aside filter and select the set-aside types you qualify for, such as Total Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB or SDVOSB.

What is a sources sought notice?

Market research the agency does before deciding how to buy. Responding shows small-business capability and can lead the agency to set the work aside.

How to find set-aside contracts on SAM.gov

SAM.gov is the official place where federal agencies generally post contract opportunities expected to exceed $25,000. Here's how to find the ones set aside for businesses like yours.

Step 1: Open Contract Opportunities

Go to SAM.gov Contract Opportunities. You don't need an account to search, though you need a SAM.gov account to save searches and get alerts. To bid, your business must also complete free entity registration (Register your entity on SAM.gov).

Step 2: Filter by set-aside

In the left-hand filters, open Set Aside and choose the programs you qualify for, such as Total Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB or SDVOSB. Only pick certification-based set-asides if you're certified.

Step 3: Narrow by NAICS and place of performance

Add your NAICS codes under Product or Service Information, and your state under Place of Performance. Our industry pages and state pages show the same slices pre-filtered.

Step 4: Check the notice type

Notice types include sources sought, presolicitation, solicitation and combined synopsis/solicitation. Sources sought and RFIs are market research: responding can help convince an agency to set the work aside for small businesses.

Step 5: Read the whole notice

Download the attachments, note the response deadline and time zone, and check the set-aside, NAICS code and size standard listed. Questions go to the contracting officer named in the notice.

Step 6: Save the search

Signed-in users can save a search and get email notifications. Or let us do it: SetAside Signal pulls every new set-aside from SAM.gov's public data each morning, groups it by type, state and industry, and emails it to you free.

Stuck? APEX Accelerators (free government contracting help) offer free help with SAM.gov registration and bid preparation.

Frequently asked questions

Is searching SAM.gov free?: Yes. Searching Contract Opportunities and registering your entity on SAM.gov are free. Be wary of third parties charging to register you.
How do I see only set-aside contracts on SAM.gov?: In Contract Opportunities, open the Set Aside filter and select the set-aside types you qualify for, such as Total Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB or SDVOSB.
What is a sources sought notice?: Market research the agency does before deciding how to buy. Responding shows small-business capability and can lead the agency to set the work aside.

SetAside Signal is an independent publication, not a government agency, and this isn't legal advice. Rules change, so confirm details at sba.gov, sam.gov and acquisition.gov. Reviewed Oct 15, 2026.