Government contracting is the regulated process by which government entities purchase goods and services from private companies, typically through competitive solicitations and evaluations. In the U.S., it is governed by the FAR and agency-specific rules, uses various contract types, and includes set-aside programs for small and disadvantaged businesses.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are competitive research and development programs that fund phased innovation. Beyond providing R&D funding, SBIR and STTR awards can also enable direct award opportunities across the federal enterprise.
The General Services Administration Multiple Award Schedule (GSA MAS) is a long-term, government-wide contracting program that pre-negotiates pricing, terms, and conditions for commercial products and services. Once on schedule, agencies can order quickly without full open-market competitions. It has become a key avenue the federal government procurment.
