Government Contracting - Government Acquisition Regulations

Government contracting can be lucrative, but as you might imagine, doing business with the federal government requires compliance with some unique laws and regulations designed to ensure that the taxpayers' money is wisely spent.

Federal Acquisition Regulation - the FAR
The "meat and potatoes" of government contracting, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) comprises the body of rules regulating the federal government's purchasing process. The FAR is intended to ensure government buying is conducted in a consistent, fair and impartial manner. The FAR applies to all agencies in the executive branch. The legislative and judicial branches are not required to comply with the FAR, but tend to follow it in spirit and content.

Federal Contracts - Your Responsibilities
Guide to the terms and conditions unique to federal government contracts.

Guide to Winning Federal Contracts
An indispensable guide from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

GSA Schedules Contract Training
The General Services Administration (GSA), the government's purchasing agent, sponsors workshops for small business interested in obtaining GSA Schedule contracts.

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) form a nationwide network of procurement professionals dedicated to helping small business succeed as government contractors.

SBA Office of Government Contracting
Helps small businesses meet their requirements to receive government contracts.

Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy
No government agencies buys more goods and services than the Department of Defense. This guide introduces the basics of defense contracting for small businesses, with an emphasis for small businesses, disadvantaged, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.

In addition, almost all federal government contractors are required to comply with employment and labor laws covering non-discrimination, affirmative action, veteran employment and wages.