Sources Sought Notices
The earliest signal in federal contracting. A Sources Sought notice means an agency is researching the market before writing its solicitation — and the small businesses that respond shape whether the contract gets set aside at all.
291 active notices. Updated daily from SAM.gov.
Base Operation Contract for a Military Enclave
School Choice Education Voucher Platform
Protective Coating Maintenance
Surgical Tables
Laser Engraver System for Lackland Arts & Crafts
Aviation Gasoline for Air Show
Learning Architect and Faculty & Staff Instructor Support Services
Ford F-350 Crew Cab Pickup Truck and Spares
Turntable Pallet Wrapping Machine
Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment
Ephesoft Transact Software
Dishwashing Machine Lease and Maintenance
Adjustable Sprinkler Heads
Windshield Wiper Assembly
Soxhlet Extractor System
Sources Sought — common questions
What is a Sources Sought notice?expand_more
It's market research, not a solicitation. Before an agency writes an RFP, it posts a Sources Sought notice asking 'who can do this work?' Businesses respond with a short capabilities statement — there is no bid, no pricing, and no award at this stage.
Why respond if there's nothing to win yet?expand_more
Because responses drive the set-aside decision. If enough capable small businesses respond, the Rule of Two pushes the contracting officer to reserve the eventual contract for small business — possibly for your certification specifically. Responding also puts your firm on the agency's radar before the RFP is written.
How long do I have to respond?expand_more
Response windows are typically two to four weeks from posting, and they're firm. Each notice lists its own response deadline and submission instructions — read the notice itself, since formats vary by agency.
What should a response include?expand_more
A concise capabilities statement: your company profile (UEI, CAGE, size status, certifications, NAICS codes), a point-by-point answer to what the notice asks, and two or three directly relevant past performances. It's market research, not a proposal — a few strong pages beat a long one.
Set-Aside Pro is an independent publication, not affiliated with the SBA or SAM.gov. Each notice's own text controls what a response must include — read it before submitting.