GovCon Acronym Decoder
Government contracting runs on shorthand. Search any acronym and get a plain-English definition, when you will run into it, whether you need one, and where it comes from.
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11 of 172 terms matching "NDA"
Non-Disclosure Agreement
A mutual agreement to protect information exchanged during a pursuit.
When you see it
Before teaming conversations get specific.
Do you need it
Sign one before sharing rates, resumes, or past performance.
Where it comes from
Commercial practice.
Related terms
Non-Disclosure Agreement
A mutual agreement to protect information exchanged during a pursuit.
When you see it
Before teaming conversations get specific.
Do you need it
Sign one before sharing rates, resumes, or past performance.
Where it comes from
Commercial practice.
Related terms
Cost Accounting Standards
Rules governing how certain large contractors measure, assign, and allocate costs.
When you see it
On large cost-type contracts. Most small businesses are exempt.
Do you need it
Usually not at the start, but understand the exemption you are relying on.
Where it comes from
48 CFR Chapter 99.
Related terms
National Institute of Standards and Technology
The agency whose publications, especially SP 800-171, define the security controls contractors must implement for controlled information.
When you see it
Referenced in DFARS clauses and cybersecurity requirements.
Do you need it
If you handle CUI, NIST SP 800-171 compliance is required.
Where it comes from
U.S. Department of Commerce.
National Science Foundation
Research funding agency with facilities and IT contracting.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Standard Form 1449
The standard solicitation and award form used for commercial products and services.
When you see it
As the cover page of most commercial-item solicitations.
Do you need it
Sign and return it correctly. Errors here can make an otherwise good offer unawardable.
Where it comes from
GSA standard forms.
North American Industry Classification System
The six-digit codes that classify what an industry does. Each federal opportunity is assigned one NAICS code, and that code determines the small business size standard for that opportunity.
When you see it
On every solicitation, in your SAM profile, and in every market research report.
Do you need it
Yes, you select the codes that describe your business in SAM. Note that the contracting agency, not you, assigns the NAICS on a given opportunity.
Where it comes from
U.S. Census Bureau maintains the codes; SBA sets the size standard for each one.
Performance Work Statement
A statement of work written in terms of outcomes and measurable standards rather than prescribed steps. It gives you freedom in how you deliver.
When you see it
On performance-based service contracts, usually paired with a QASP.
Do you need it
Your approach should show you can hit the standards, not just repeat them back.
Where it comes from
Contracting office, per FAR Subpart 37.6.
Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan
The government's plan for how it will measure your performance against the standards in the PWS, including metrics and acceptable quality levels.
When you see it
Attached to performance-based service solicitations.
Do you need it
Read it as carefully as the PWS. It is the scorecard you will be graded on, and it should shape your staffing and QC plan.
Where it comes from
Contracting office, tied to FAR Part 46 and performance-based acquisition.
Small Business Administration
The federal agency that sets size standards, runs the socioeconomic certification programs, and advocates for small business across government.
When you see it
Everywhere size status, certifications, and set-asides come up.
Do you need it
Yes. Your certifications and size status all trace back to SBA rules.
Where it comes from
U.S. Small Business Administration.
Knowing the words is step one
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