How do I find contracts on SAM.gov by NAICS code?

In Contract Opportunities, open the NAICS filter, enter your codes, and keep the status on active. Save the search to get email alerts.

How do I get email alerts from SAM.gov?

Create a free SAM.gov login, run a search, then save it and turn on notifications. You will be emailed when new notices match.

What does combined synopsis/solicitation mean on SAM.gov?

The notice and the solicitation are posted as one, typically for commercial items, and response windows are often short.

Why can I not find a contract I know exists?

It may be below the posting threshold, an order under an existing vehicle such as a GSA Schedule, posted under a different NAICS code, or archived after its response date.

Filters that cut hundreds of notices to a few

How do you search SAM.gov for contracts?

On SAM.gov, open Contract Opportunities, keep the status on active, and filter by your NAICS codes, the set-asides you qualify for, notice type and place of performance. Then sign in and save the search with email alerts, so new matching notices come to you instead of you hunting for them.

NAICS beats keywords

Keyword search on SAM.gov matches notice text, which is short and written inconsistently. NAICS codes are assigned to every solicitation, so filtering by the codes you are registered under catches notices that never use your words.

Know the notice types

Presolicitation: a buy is coming. Combined synopsis/solicitation: the whole request is in the notice, often with a short response window. Solicitation: a full RFP, RFQ or IFB. Sources sought: market research, worth answering. Special notice: events and industry days. Award notice: who won, useful for history.

Set-asides decide who can compete

Filter to total small business, partial small business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB or EDWOSB set-asides you qualify for. Unrestricted notices are open to all, including large firms.

Save the search and let it come to you

A saved search with notifications on turns SAM.gov from a daily chore into an inbox. Create one per service line so each alert is easy to triage.

The limit of filters

Filters reduce volume. They do not read the statement of work, check the incumbent or tell you whether you can win. That is still a human, or an agent, reading the attachments.

How to search SAM.gov for contract opportunities

Open Contract Opportunities — On sam.gov, choose Search and select the Contract Opportunities domain.
Filter to active notices — Keep the status on active so you only see notices still open for response.
Filter by NAICS code — Enter the NAICS codes you are registered under. This is more reliable than keywords alone.
Add set-aside and notice type — Narrow to the set-asides you qualify for and to the notice types you want, such as solicitations or sources sought.
Narrow by place of performance — Limit by state or ZIP if the work must be performed on site.
Save the search — Sign in and save the search with email notifications so new matching notices come to you.
Open every attachment — Read the statement of work, Section L, Section M and any amendments before deciding to bid.

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Published 5 October 2026 Written by the GovDealAI team Something wrong here? corrections@govdealai.com — we correct and date it.

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