Your Government Contracts Questions Answered by Women Who Get It

Listen, I know what you’re thinking. Government contracts sound like something for old men in suits with connections, not for you. You’re over here trying to figure out your major, pay your tuition, or survive your first 9-to-5 without crying in the bathroom.

But what if I told you that the same hustle you use to sell your art on Etsy, plan events for your sorority, or manage three group projects could be your ticket to landing a contract that pays your rent for a year? The U.S. government is legally required to spend nearly a quarter of its budget with small businesses. Yeah, let that sink in.

And the very first, non-negotiable step to getting a piece of that pie? Registering on SAM.gov. It’s not as scary as it sounds, I promise. Let’s break it down like I’m walking you through it on FaceTime.

Why Bother with Government Contracts Anyway?

Because you’re tired of applying to 50 jobs on LinkedIn and hearing nothing back. Because that side hustle is cute, but you need real, consistent money that doesn’t depend on the algorithm. Government contracts are stable, they pay on time (seriously, it’s the law), and they can be massive.

We’re not just talking about building tanks. The government needs everything. Graphic design for their social media. Catering for office events. Research for public health campaigns. Website development. Tutoring services. Event planning. If you have a skill, they probably need to buy it.

Think of it like this: while your friends are fighting over who gets the last summer internship at that overhyped startup, you could be setting up a business that gets paid directly by the Department of Education. The mindset shift is everything.

What Actually Works: The SAM.gov Walkthrough (No Jargon)

Okay, sis. Let’s get into it. SAM.gov stands for System for Award Management. It’s the official website where you have to register to do business with the U.S. government. It’s not the most glamorous site, but it’s the gatekeeper. Here’s the real, step-by-step tea.

First, you need a UEI. This is a Unique Entity ID. The good news? You get this FOR FREE directly on SAM.gov. The old way required a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet, which was a whole thing. Now, you just go to SAM.gov, click “Get Started,” and answer questions about your business to generate your UEI. It’s the government’s way of giving your business a social security number.

Next, you’ll create a login.gov account. This is just a secure username/password. Pro tip: Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. You do NOT want to lose these login details.

Now, the actual registration. You’ll need:

✅ Your Social Security Number (if you’re a sole proprietor) or your business EIN (get one for free from the IRS website in 10 minutes).

✅ Your NAICS code (that thing I told you to Google earlier).

✅ Your bank account and routing number for electronic payments.

✅ A description of what your business does. Write this clearly, like you’re explaining it to your auntie.

That’s the law. That’s billions of dollars, girl. And they have specific goals for women-owned small businesses. They are literally looking for you. Your registration puts you on their radar.

The form is long. I won’t lie. It might take you 2-3 hours if it’s your first time. But you don’t have to do it in one sitting. Save your progress. Get up, stretch, get some water. This isn’t a race. It’s an investment.

The Truth Nobody Tells You

Here’s the insider secret: Registering on SAM.gov does NOT mean contracts will start falling in your lap. It’s like getting a driver’s license. It legally allows you to drive, but you still have to find the car, get in, and go somewhere.

After you register, the real work begins. You have to go *find* the opportunities. You use SAM.gov to search for “Contract Opportunities.” This is where you’ll see what’s out there. Filter for your NAICS code. Look for things marked “Set-Aside for Small Business” or “Women-Owned Small Business.”

The other truth? It’s okay to start small. The government has something called “Micro-Purchases” under $10,000. These often don’t require a long, competitive bid. A government credit card holder can just… buy from you if you’re registered and your price is right. This is how a LOT of people get their first yes.

What You Think It Is	What It Actually Is
❌ Only for huge defense contractors	✅ For any small business (catering, design, writing, research)
❌ All about who you know	✅ All about being registered and finding the right opportunity
❌ Too complicated to figure out	✅ A tedious but straightforward process (like FAFSA for business)

This is the kind of stuff women talk about inside TechMae every single day. No judgment, just real ones keeping it real. We share which agencies are easiest to work with, how to decode the proposal language, and celebrate when someone lands their first contract.

Related: This post is a must-read for women on their journey to building sustainable success without burning out.

Start Here: Your 60-Minute Game Plan

Don’t get overwhelmed. Block one hour on your calendar this week. Just one. Here’s exactly what to do in that hour.

Minute 0-10: Go to SAM.gov. Just look at it. Don’t panic. Click “Learn About Entity Registration.” Skim it.
Minute 10-20: Get your NAICS code. Google “[what you do] NAICS code.” Write it down.
Minute 20-30: If you don’t have an EIN (Employer Identification Number) and you want to separate your business from your personal finances, go to IRS.gov and apply. It’s instant.
Minute 30-60: Start the registration. Create your login.gov account and begin filling out the form. Just get as far as you can. Save it.

Boom. You’re no longer just thinking about government contracts. You’re in the system. You’ve started. That’s 90% more than most people ever do.

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