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# General infrastructure contracting and subcontracting

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## Content

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## Quick takeaways

                  - The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is investing hundreds of billions of federal, state, and local contracting and subcontracting dollars. Your small business may stand to benefit.
                  - Visit  SAM.gov  for federal contracting opportunities. Visit  your state’s procurement website  for state-level contracting opportunities.
                  - Use SBA’s counseling, capital, bonding, and more to successfully complete contracts.

## About small business infrastructure contracting and subcontracting

###         Background      

In 2021, President Biden’s $1.2 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is ushering in once-in-a-generation investments to rebuild America’s roads, bridges, and railroads as well as expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. 

 The Biden-Harris Administration has taken steps to make sure that small businesses are capitalizing on these contracting and subcontracting opportunities.  Today, in communities all across the country, small businesses are playing a big part in completing these projects.

###         What contracting and subcontracting opportunities are available?      

Investing in America contracts and subcontracts exist at the federal, state, and local levels. They also exist across industries. Many of these contracting dollars are distributed by states and localities, which requires interested small businesses to contact their state government. This page includes a general starting point for interested small businesses.Additional information is available for High-speed internet contracting opportunities and Contracting with the Department of Transportation.

###         Why do these contracts matter for my small business?       

Your small business may be eligible for contracts ranging from tens of thousands to tens of millions of dollars. These investments offer an opportunity to transform your small business. 

###         Is my small business eligible to participate?       

There are opportunities for small businesses across diverse industries. These may include your business. Specific needs are listed for each contract opportunity. 

###         How can my small business identify contracting opportunities?       

### Federal government contracts

                        - The official U.S. government site for contract opportunities is  SAM.gov .                            - You can search for contract opportunities in several ways. One way is by using NAICS code. Another is by setting aside specific criteria. You can also filter by place of performance or date. Additionally, you can search by federal agency or other filters.
                          - If you identify a contract of interest, register on SAM.gov.
                          - You will receive a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to bid on government proposals. 
                        - Access the database of acquisition forecasts for federal agencies  at  Acquisition.gov                             - Click on the “Small Business” link for the agency you are interested in working with.
                          - Navigate to the contracting or procurement forecast link on the agency’s website. 
                        - Read the  White House's BIL Guidebook                            - Scroll down to the BIL program spreadsheet and search for programs of interest.
                          - Click on the “+” (plus) sign. 
                          - Any active SAM links will be listed, directing you to the appropriate contracting link. 

### State government contracts

                        - Visit your state’s  procurement website .
                        - Want to learn from local federal contracting experts? Reach out to your local  APEX Accelerators . 

###         How can my small business identify sub-contracting opportunities?       

### Federal government subcontracts

                        - SubNet  is****SBA’s directory for federal subcontracting opportunities. Search by state or territory.
                        - Read our  Directory of federal government prime contractors with subcontracting plans.  The directory lists federal government contractors with requirements to subcontract to small businesses.                            - Use the data in the spreadsheet to locate the prime contractor's website.
                          - Assess their subcontractor requirements. 
                          - Follow the directions outlined to learn how to do business with the firm. 
                        - GSA’s Subcontracting Directory  catalogs large business prime contractors.                            - Search for prime contractors by name, state, and NAICS code. 
                          - You must contact prime contractors directly to learn more about subcontracting opportunities.    

## How SBA can help your small business

### Certifications

SBA provides certifications for small businesses that want to do business with the federal government. These certifications enable small businesses to access specific set-aside contracts. Small businesses can be certified as: 
                  - Veteran-owned
                  - Service-disabled veteran-owned
                  - Woman-owned
                  - Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) firm
                  - 8(a) participant firm

### Coaching and training

SBA provides counseling, training, and technical assistance. These are meant to help businesses improve their contracting capabilities. 

### Financing

SBA guarantees small business loans for payroll and contract start-up costs. These may be relevant for your small business. Ex: Federal contractors typically get paid 45 – 60 days after contract start. Employees are usually paid every 15 days. 

### Surety bonds

Surety bonds provide the customer with a guarantee that the work will be completed. This helps small businesses win contracts. Many public and private contracts require surety bonds. Surety bonds are offered by surety companies. SBA guarantees surety bonds for certain surety companies. This allows these companies to offer surety bonds to small businesses that might not otherwise get them. Eligible businesses include: 
                  - Small businesses according to SBA’s size standards
                  - Small businesses with a small contract up to $9M for non-federal contracts and up to $14M for federal contracts
                  - Small businesses that meet the surety company’s credit, capacity, and character requirements. 

Find surety bond agencies in your state.

## State procurement websites

## Additional resources for your small business

###         Identify local investments with a public investment tracker      

                        - Select your state or territory in the  White House's Investing In America tracker
                        - Navigate to any state of interest and select “public infrastructure.” 
                        - You can also use the key under the image to select a specific investment. Ex: Businesses specializing in clean energy can select that option to see all related projects nationwide. 
                        - Search results include the project name and state agency. This gives you a starting point to continue your research on projects in your firm’s industry or geographic area. 

###         Identify state investments with BIL state fact sheets      

                        - Find your state on  the White House's BIL State Fact Sheets  page.
                        - Learn about how BIL dollars are being spent in your state. 
                        - Use this information as a starting point to learn more about projects in your state where your firm may be a good fit.  

###         Include your business in the contracting database used by government agencies      

                        - When you register in SAM.gov, you will automatically be included in  Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) . 
                        - This gives agencies the ability to identify your firm for potential contracting opportunities.