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.
282 active notices. Updated daily from SAM.gov.
Replace Dietetics and Cath Lab Flooring in Buildings 1 and 1D
Asbestos Baseline Surveys
Test and Evaluation Professional Training
Emergency Medical Services
Epilog Fusion CNC CO2 Laser
Laundry and Linen Services
Fire Alarm and Suppression Systems Services
Logistics Services Support for Marine Corps Equipment
F-35 Engine Run Simulator
Turn Circle Frame for a 2007 John Deere Grader
Wooden Fixtures and Displays
Underground Fuel Storage Tank Maintenance and Repair
HVAC System Repair and Upgrade
Biomedical Waste Removal Services for a Federal Prison
Shower/Toilet Chair with Armrests
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.