Learn government contracting, one clear lesson at a time
20 beginner-friendly modules covering the fundamentals of federal contracting - from SAM.gov registration to building a long-term growth strategy. Free, self-paced, and written in plain English.
All beginner modules
Video lessons and downloadable worksheets are on the way - text lessons are available now.
What Is Government Contracting?
A plain-English overview of how federal, state, and local governments buy from private businesses - and why small businesses can absolutely compete.
Is Your Business Ready for Government Contracting?
An honest readiness check across finances, operations, compliance, time commitment, and market fit - before you chase your first opportunity.
SAM.gov Registration and Your Unique Entity ID (UEI)
Register your business the right way in SAM.gov, get your Unique Entity ID, and avoid the mistakes that stall or delay most new registrants.
NAICS Codes and Small Business Size Standards
Choose the right NAICS codes and understand SBA size standards - the two decisions that shape your opportunity pipeline.
Socioeconomic Certifications and Set-Asides
Understand small business set-asides: WOSB, EDWOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), and how eligibility works.
Understanding the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
A plain-English introduction to the Federal Acquisition Regulation - what it is, why it matters, and how to use it without memorizing thousands of pages.
How the Government Buys
Micro-purchases, simplified acquisitions, RFQs, RFPs, IFBs, IDIQs, BPAs, GWACs, and GSA Schedules - explained simply.
Finding Government Contract Opportunities
Learn where and how to find federal contract opportunities, build a repeatable pipeline, and qualify opportunities before you pursue them.
Reading a Solicitation
Learn how to read a solicitation properly, identify the sections that matter most, and build a compliance review process.
Go/No-Go Decision Making
Learn a repeatable framework for deciding which opportunities to pursue and which to walk away from.
Creating an Effective Capability Statement
Build a one-page marketing document that quickly tells government buyers who you are, what you do, and why to choose you.
Building and Leveraging Past Performance
How to build, document, and present past performance - including using subcontracting as a starting point.
Pricing Basics for Government Contracts
Direct vs. indirect costs, labor rates, fringe, overhead, G&A, fee, price realism, and price reasonableness.
Proposal Basics: Building a Winning Response
Proposal structure: compliance matrix, technical, management, past performance, pricing, resumes, and forms.
Contractor Responsibility & Compliance
Contractor responsibility, ethics, compliance obligations, labor laws, cybersecurity basics, recordkeeping, and protecting your contracts.
Subcontracting, Teaming & Strategic Partnerships
Learn how to enter the federal market through subcontracting, teaming, joint ventures, and mentor-protege partnerships.
Working with Contracting Officers & Government Buyers
Learn how to build professional relationships with government buyers, understand acquisition roles, communicate appropriately, and develop a business development strategy.
Understanding Government Contract Types
Learn how Firm-Fixed-Price, Time-and-Materials, Labor-Hour, Cost-Reimbursement, IDIQ, and BPA contracts work so you can price smarter and manage risk.
Contract Award, Performance & Invoicing
Learn what happens after contract award: kickoff, contract administration, deliverables, invoicing, performance documentation, and closeout.
Building Your Government Contracting Growth Strategy
Build a practical roadmap for long-term success: target agencies, opportunity pipelines, relationships, KPIs, and a 12-month action plan.
Disclaimer: GovCon Learning provides educational information only and is not legal, accounting, or procurement advice. Always verify requirements with official government sources.