Last reviewed on May 12, 2026.
How to use these checklists
Each list below collects the items that, in general practice, separate a clean submission from a rework cycle. They are not exhaustive — every solicitation adds its own requirements — but they cover the foundations most contractors revisit on every pursuit.
SAM.gov registration
- Obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI) — issued through SAM.gov, no separate D&B step required
- Gather tax documentation: W-9, taxpayer identification number, legal business name as filed
- Banking details (routing and account) for electronic funds transfer
- Identify primary and alternate NAICS codes that match the work performed
- Designate a primary point of contact and Entity Administrator
- Compile any small business or socioeconomic certifications already held
- Create a Login.gov account before starting the registration in SAM
- Complete Core Data, Assertions, Reps & Certs, and Points of Contact sections
- Submit and monitor for IRS and CAGE code validation (typically 7–10 business days)
- Plan to renew annually — registration lapses end eligibility to receive awards
First contract submission
- Read the entire solicitation, including all attachments, before drafting anything
- Identify Section L (instructions) and Section M (evaluation factors) explicitly
- Build a compliance matrix linking each requirement to the section that addresses it
- Attend any pre-bid or pre-proposal conference; review the Q&A document
- Submit questions through the prescribed channel before the deadline
- Check for amendments daily until proposal submission
- Complete every required form and representation, even those that seem boilerplate
- Run a separate compliance read whose only job is page count, formatting, and naming conventions
- Confirm the submission method works ahead of the deadline (test uploads, not at 4:55 pm)
- Capture the receipt confirmation and archive the as-submitted version
Proposal development
| Phase |
Tasks |
| Capture |
Opportunity qualification · Competitive analysis · Teaming strategy · Win theme development · Bid/no-bid decision |
| Planning |
Kickoff meeting · Compliance matrix · Outline development · Writing schedule · Color review dates |
| Writing |
Technical approach · Management plan · Past performance · Price proposal · Resumes & letters of commitment |
| Review |
Pink (50%) · Red (90%) · Gold (final) · Compliance check · Pricing validation · Executive review |
| Submission |
Final compliance check · Format conversion · Upload or physical delivery · Confirmation receipt · Internal archive |
Contract management
Contract startup
- Read the contract end-to-end, including all incorporated clauses
- Schedule a kickoff with the Contracting Officer and COR
- Submit any required post-award documents (insurance certificates, key personnel resumes, security forms)
- Set up accounting codes that segregate this contract
- Brief the project team on deliverables, reporting, and acceptance criteria
- Initialize tracking systems for deliverables, modifications, and invoices
Contract closeout
- Confirm all deliverables have been accepted in writing
- Submit final invoice within the contractually required window
- Disposition any government-furnished property
- Address patent rights, data rights, and subject inventions
- Execute release of claims when payment is received
- Pursue the final CPARS evaluation before the window closes