Breaking Into Government Contracting: How Long Does It Take to Register to Bid on Government Contracts?

Most businesses new to federal contracts have a hard time getting started. Even administratively, the steps can be confusing and overwhelming for business leaders.

A common question we get is: how long does it take to register a business to bid on federal government contracts? Here's a quick breakdown of the actual administrative time it takes to get set up with the three most critical initial registration steps.

Spoiler alert: registering to bid on government contracts is not that hard. As a business owner, you can absolutely handle these registration steps on your own.

1. Initial Registration (SAM.gov)

Bottom line: Required to do business with the government. There is no way around it – just jump in and follow the registration steps.  During the registration process, you will obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), submit your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, and identify whether or not you are eligible to bid on Small Business set-aside contracts, according to the SBA’s size standards.

Time it takes to complete: 1.5 - 6 hours

Approval wait time: 2 - 3 weeks

2. SBA Business Certifications

Bottom line: If your business is service-disabled, veteran-owned, women-owned, or HUBZone eligible, you may qualify for set-aside contracts with less competition and more opportunities.

Time it takes to complete: 12 - 16 hours

Approval wait time: 8 - 12 weeks

3. 8(a) Certifications

Bottom line: 8(a) is a business development program that helps socially and economically disadvantaged individuals through federal contract preferences, including set-aside and sole-source contracts.

Time it takes to complete: 12 - 24 hours

Approval wait time: 60 - 120 days

Registration complete? Time to strategize your business's federal market roadmap.

Serellium offers rapid and full-service support to small, medium, and large businesses seeking to enter and expand in the federal contracting market.

In a matter of weeks, we will position your business for federal contracts by providing a data-driven roadmap tailored to your business. This includes an actionable entry strategy grounded in expert federal market research, refined capability offerings, and a targeted plan for you to pursue the highest demand and most accessible entry points.

Serellium is on a mission to help businesses brand new to government contracting enter the federal market seamlessly. By leveraging cutting-edge market analytics, a methodical process, and a deep understanding of private and government sectors, we're eliminating the barriers that have long plagued the $774 billion-per-year government contracting system. Our approach isn't just about winning government contracts; it's about fostering a new era of public-private collaboration that benefits all Americans. 

Book a call with us today to get started.