So you’ve found a contract opportunity on SAM.gov (or through GovTenders) — and now you’re staring at a 30-page PDF filled with acronyms, legalese, and technical requirements.

If you’re new to government contracting, it can feel like reading a foreign language.

Don’t worry — this guide will walk you through how to read a solicitation, what to look for, and how to decide if you should bid.

What Is a Government Solicitation?

A solicitation is the government’s official request for bids or proposals. It contains:

• What the agency needs
• Who’s eligible to apply
• How to submit your bid
• When the work starts
• How it will be evaluated

There are three common types of solicitations:

• IFB (Invitation for Bid) – formal, sealed bidding (lowest price wins)
• RFP (Request for Proposal) – more complex, evaluated on best value (not just price)
• RFQ (Request for Quotation) – often used for smaller, informal purchases

Each one includes similar sections — here’s how to understand them.

How to Break Down a Solicitation

Rather than reading everything in order, focus on these critical parts first:

✅ 1. Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS)

What exactly does the agency need you to do or deliver?

• Read this carefully to determine if you can actually perform the work
• Check for scope, deliverables, and special requirements

✅ 2. Instructions to Offerors / Proposal Submission Requirements

What documents do you need to submit — and how?

• This section tells you how to package your bid
• May include technical proposal, pricing breakdown, past performance, etc.
• Deadlines and delivery method (email, upload, or physical)

✅ 3. Evaluation Criteria

How will they score or judge your bid?

• Look for terms like “Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA)” or “Best Value”
• Understand if they prioritize price, experience, certifications, or technical detail

✅ 4. Contract Type & Period of Performance

What kind of contract is it, and how long is the work expected to last?

• Fixed-price, cost-plus, T&M, etc. (see Article 4)
• Start and end dates — is it realistic for your team?

✅ 5. Set-Aside Status & NAICS Code

Who is this contract intended for?

• Is it open to all, or set aside for small, woman-owned, veteran-owned, etc.?
• Do you match the NAICS code listed? If not, your bid may be rejected.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Skimming instead of scanning
Read strategically. Don’t ignore the fine print — it often hides dealbreakers.

🚫 Missing attachments
Often, key requirements (pricing tables, compliance forms) are in separate files.

🚫 Assuming it’s a fit based on the title alone
Dig into the scope — the title might not reflect the full scope of work.

🚫 Submitting late
Federal deadlines are hard cutoffs. One minute late, and you’re out.

Should You Bid? Quick Decision Checklist

✅ You can meet all requirements
✅ You can deliver by the deadline
✅ You have the experience or team to do the work
✅ You understand the evaluation criteria
✅ You can offer competitive pricing

If you’re missing any of these, it may be better to pass and track a similar opportunity later.

How GovTenders Helps You Focus on What Matters

Instead of downloading every full PDF, GovTenders:

• 📝 Shows summarized scopes and requirements
• 📁 Highlights key criteria like set-asides, NAICS codes, and due dates
• 🔔 Lets you filter out contracts that don’t match your business profile

We do the heavy reading — so you can focus on submitting strong proposals.