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Course

COURSE4SB

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Teacher

DCI

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Course

Last Updated

September 9, 2025

5.00 /1

About Course

This course is designed to guide small businesses through the government contracting journey. Learners will gain a clear understanding of how to enter and succeed in the federal marketplace. The course begins with a welcome and overview from Carmela, explaining the mission behind the program and what participants can expect. It includes a structured breakdown of each module, detailing how the content builds progressively to support GovCon success. Participants will learn the definition and components of a government contract, the importance of small businesses in federal procurement, and how the fiscal year impacts opportunities. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to pursue, win and manage government contracts.

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What Will You Learn?

  • The benefits of government contracting for small businesses
  • The Department of Defense procurement process
  • Legal and regulatory requirements including FAR, DFARS, and SAM
  • Major government contract types and their implications
  • How to prepare your business for government contracts
  • Step-by-step SAM registration process
  • How to develop a capability statement
  • Compliance responsibilities and DLA/DIBBS requirements
  • How to build a strategic plan for targeting contracts
  • How to read and respond to RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs
  • Navigating the DIBBS portal for bidding
  • Components of a government contract proposal
  • How to write compliant and competitive proposals
  • Developing an effective pricing strategy
  • Post-award contract responsibilities and performance metrics
  • Managing subcontracts and ensuring compliance
  • Invoicing and payment process including WAWF
  • Dealing with contract disputes and adapting to policy changes
  • Expanding your government contract portfolio
  • Networking with agencies and leveraging small business resources
  • Assessing and using set-aside programs for business growth
  • Strategies for scaling your GovCon business

Course Curriculum

Introduction
Welcome to the course! Get an overview of what to expect, who this course is for, and how it will guide you through the government contracting journey. Introduction and Welcome to COURSE4SB! A warm welcome from Carmela, the mission behind the course, and what learners can expect to gain from it. Course Description An overview of the course's purpose, who it’s designed for (small businesses), and the transformation students will experience by the end. Course Outline A breakdown of the course structure — walking through each module and explaining how they build on one another to support your GovCon success. Update to Course Outline Details recent or upcoming changes to the course content, layout, or module structure, keeping learners informed and up to date. What is a Contract Explains the basic definition and components of a government contract, using simple language and real-world examples to demystify the term. Importance of Small Business and What is a Fiscal Year? Covers why the government prioritizes working with small businesses, including goals and set-asides — plus a breakdown of how the federal fiscal year impacts opportunities and timing.

  • 1 Course Intro1
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  • 2 Course Description1
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  • 3 Course Outline1
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  • 4 Course Update1
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  • 5 WhatAContract1
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  • 6 ImportanceSB FY1
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What’s Next
A roadmap for scaling: from subcontracting to prime opportunities, GSA schedules, and building a long-term pipeline of government work. Now What Guides you on the next steps after completing the course — how to apply what you've learned, stay organized, and begin pursuing real contract opportunities. Strategies for Long-Term Success Shares proven tactics for sustaining and growing your government contracting business over time — including pipeline development, performance tracking, and continuous learning. Appreciation for Watching A sincere thank-you message from Carmela, acknowledging your commitment and encouraging you to stay connected and confident in your GovCon journey.

Networking and Resources
Tap into the power of relationship-building in GovCon and access key tools, directories, and programs that support small businesses. Welcome to Module 9 Introduces Module 9, focused on networking, relationship-building, and making the most of small business resources to grow in the government market. Building Relationships with the Government Teaches how to connect with Contracting Officers, Small Business Specialists, and agency stakeholders to build trust and stay top-of-mind for opportunities. Leveraging the Industry Covers how to engage with industry events, associations, and teaming partners to stay competitive and increase visibility in the federal marketplace. Assessing Small Business Set-Aside Programs Helps you evaluate which set-aside programs (WOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, 8(a)) best fit your business goals — and how to use them to your advantage.

Common Challenges
Avoid costly mistakes and misunderstandings by learning about frequent pitfalls and how to overcome them from someone who's been on the inside. Welcome to Module 8 Introduces Module 8, which focuses on navigating challenges, resolving issues, and scaling your presence in the government contracting space. Dealing with Contract Disputes Covers how to handle conflicts or misunderstandings with the government — including contract modifications, terminations, and how to protect your business. Adapting to Changing Policies Explains how to stay updated with evolving regulations, compliance updates, and shifts in procurement priorities — so your business stays ahead. Expanding Your Government Portfolio Provides strategies for growth — from pursuing larger contracts and new agencies to leveraging past performance and certifications to win more work.

Post-Award and Closeout
Get guidance on wrapping up contracts properly, handling modifications, and positioning your business for repeat awards and referrals. Welcome to Module 7 Introduces Module 7, focused on managing contract performance, tracking success, and getting paid — crucial steps for sustaining and growing in government contracting. Evaluating Contract Performance Teaches how to assess your performance using contract metrics, handle CPARS evaluations, and maintain a strong reputation for future awards. Invoicing and Payment Process Walks through how to properly invoice the government, including using systems like WAWF (Wide Area Workflow), and tips to avoid payment delays.

Contract Performance
Explore your responsibilities after award, including communication, delivery, reporting, and staying in compliance to ensure success. Welcome to Module 6 Introduces Module 6, which focuses on what happens after you win a contract — from performance to compliance and subcontractor management. Fulfilling Government Contracts Covers how to successfully deliver on your contract — including timelines, quality control, communication with the Contracting Officer, and meeting deliverables. Compliance Reviews key post-award compliance requirements — such as reporting, invoicing, cybersecurity, and maintaining proper documentation to avoid issues during audits. Managing Subcontracts Explains how to work with subcontractors effectively — from drafting agreements to ensuring they meet performance and compliance standards under your prime contract.

Proposal Development
Learn how to craft a compliant, competitive, and compelling proposal — including templates, pricing tips, and insider advice. Components of a Government Contract Proposal Breaks down the essential elements of a compliant proposal — including the technical approach, past performance, pricing, and certifications. Writing Winning Proposals Covers how to write clear, persuasive, and tailored proposals that align with solicitation requirements and stand out to contracting officers. Importance of Pricing Strategy Explains how to develop a competitive pricing strategy that balances profitability with what government buyers are looking for — and avoids pricing yourself out of the competition.

Benefits of Government Contracting
Learn why working with the government can be a game changer — from steady income and long-term contracts to reduced competition in niche markets. The Benefits Explains the advantages of government contracting for small businesses — including consistent income, reduced competition, and growth potential. Types of Set-Asides Covers the different set-aside categories (like small business set-asides and sole source contracts), and how they increase your chances of winning. Types of Socio-Economic Set-Asides Breaks down set-asides specific to certain groups — such as Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, HUBZone, and 8(a) — and how to qualify. Understanding the DoD Procurement Process Provides a simplified look at how the Department of Defense buys products and services, including phases like planning, solicitation, award, and performance. Legal and Regulatory Requirements Reviews key laws and regulations (like FAR, DFARS, and SAM registration) that govern how federal contracts are awarded and managed. Types of Contracts Explains the major contract types you’ll encounter — fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, IDIQ, and more — including pros, cons, and risk considerations for small businesses.

Navigating the Bidding Process
Understand how to read solicitations, differentiate between RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, and make confident decisions about which ones to pursue. Introduction to Module 4 Introduces Module 4’s focus — helping you understand how to respond to solicitations and submit winning bids confidently. Opportunities Explains how to spot and evaluate different types of contract opportunities (RFIs, RFQs, RFPs), including which ones are worth your time and effort. Key Steps in Responding to RFQs/RFPs Walks through the full response process — from reviewing requirements and writing your proposal to submitting it properly and on time. Navigating DIBBS Demonstrates how to use the DLA’s DIBBS portal to search, bid, and submit quotes on defense logistics contracts, especially for product-based businesses.

Market Research and Targeting
Discover how to find the right agencies and contracts for your business using free tools and proven strategies from a former contracting officer. Intro to Module 3 An overview of what you’ll learn in Module 3 — focused on finding the right contract opportunities and building a winning strategy to pursue them. Identifying Potential Contract Opportunities Shows how to search for real contract opportunities using tools like SAM.gov, agency forecasts, and subcontracting directories — with tips on spotting the right fit. Conducting Market Research and Competitor Analysis Teaches how to research your target agencies and analyze competitors to understand pricing, past awards, and what makes a winning bid. Creating a Strategic Plan for Contract Targeting Guides you through building a focused action plan for which contracts to pursue, when to go after them, and how to align with agency needs.

Preparing for Government Contracts
Covers the foundational steps: getting your business compliant, securing registrations like SAM, and gathering required certifications. Module Re-Names Explains updates to course module names, ensuring learners understand where to find specific content and how the new layout supports their learning path. Preparing Your Business for Government Contracts Covers essential steps to get your business ready — including registrations, certifications, and internal systems needed for compliance and eligibility. SAM Registration A step-by-step walkthrough of how to register in the System for Award Management (SAM), including common mistakes to avoid and how to complete it successfully. Developing a Capability Statement Teaches how to create a professional capability statement that clearly communicates your company’s value, experience, and qualifications to government buyers. Compliance Covers the rules and responsibilities you must follow before and after contract award — including ethics, reporting, cybersecurity, and recordkeeping. DLA/DIBBS Requirements Introduces the Defense Logistics Agency and how to register and bid on opportunities through DIBBS (DLA’s online portal), including what documentation is needed. Technical Data from DLA Explains how to access and interpret technical data packages from the DLA — critical for product-based contractors — and how to use this info to submit accurate bids.

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DCI
5.00 Rating 1 Course 55 Students

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Featured Review

RK

Roger Koofer

7 months ago

This is a great insiders course on government contracts. I have taken other courses and they always seem to have unanswered questions and the need for more information. Here you will find what you’re looking for. Get this course now! You will not be disappointed.

$297.00
This course includes:
Lectures 47
Skill Level All Levels
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