US federal procurement is the largest, most process-driven market on earth. You can’t bid until you’re registered, and most agencies buy through contract vehicles. Here’s the route in.
Selling to the US federal government is gated by registration and contract vehicles. Nothing happens until you’re registered on SAM.gov, and most recurring sales flow through schedules like the GSA Multiple Award Schedule. This guide covers the mandatory first steps, the route for each sector, the credentials you’ll need, and how Sales Source gets you registered and selling.
A portal or framework is the compliant route a public body uses to buy. Get registered on the right one and you become buyable; rely on relationships alone and you may never even be invited to bid.
Every country runs its own system. Here’s the lay of the land in the United States, then the named route for each sector.
The right route depends on what you sell and who you’re selling to. Choose your sector to see the named portals and frameworks, exactly how to register, the credentials buyers expect - and a direct link to each official site.
Getting registered is only half the battle - you then have to win business. We do both: we map the right route for your offer, get you registration- and bid-ready, and put a local team on the competitions and call-offs.
We identify the portal, framework or panel that fits your product and sector - no wasted bids.
We help line up registration and the credentials each route demands, so you’re eligible to bid.
Our local team supports the tender or application so you actually secure the route to market.
A local, native-speaking rep works the call-offs and competitions, turning your place into pipeline.
Book a discovery call and we’ll map the exact routes for your product, and show you how we’d get you registered and selling in the United States.
Register your entity on SAM.gov - it’s free, requires a Unique Entity ID and CAGE code, takes several weeks, and must be renewed annually. You must have an active registration before you can submit any federal bid.
The GSA Multiple Award Schedule is a government-wide catalogue of pre-negotiated commercial products and services. Unlike most vehicles you can apply at any time, and once awarded, agencies can buy from you directly or through eBuy.
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is now mandatory for Department of Defense contractors and their subcontractors, phasing in from late 2025. For defence work it is a pass/fail gate, not optional.
Yes. A large share of federal work is reserved through SBA programs and set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB and SDVOSB, and subcontracting to a prime is a practical way to build the past performance agencies look for.
We know the portals, the credentials and the buyers in the United States. Book a discovery call and see how we’d get you registered and selling.