Cal Digital And Logistics LLC
Federal Contracting Playbook

30-Day FederalSetup Checklist

A comprehensive, step-by-step playbook for small businesses to establish their federal contracting foundation — from business registration to securing your first cybersecurity contract or subcontract.

6

Phases

39

Action Items

30

Days

$0

Cost to Start

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Progress
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Days 1–5

Business Foundation & Legal Setup

Days 6–10

Federal Registration & Certifications

Days 11–17

Cybersecurity Compliance Framework

Days 18–22

Capabilities Statement & Marketing

Days 23–27

Contract Vehicles & Teaming

Days 28–30

First Contract Pursuit

Objective: Establish the legal and administrative infrastructure required to operate as a federal contractor.

01Register your business entity (LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp)

02Obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS

03Open a dedicated business bank account

04Obtain a DUNS Number / Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

05Identify and document your primary NAICS codes

06Secure a professional business address (not a P.O. Box)

Objective: Complete all mandatory federal registrations and pursue small business certifications that give you a competitive edge.

01Register in SAM.gov (System for Award Management)

02Create a profile on beta.SAM.gov / Contract Opportunities

03Determine eligibility for SBA small business certifications

04Apply for applicable SBA certifications

05Register in DSBS (Dynamic Small Business Search)

06Obtain a CAGE Code (Commercial and Government Entity)

07Register on GSA eBuy and explore GSA Schedule opportunities

Objective: Establish your internal cybersecurity posture and begin the compliance journey required for federal contracts.

01Conduct a NIST SP 800-171 self-assessment

02Submit your NIST 800-171 score to SPRS

03Develop your System Security Plan (SSP)

04Create a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)

05Assess your CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 readiness

06Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems

07Establish encrypted email and data-at-rest encryption

08Document your incident response plan

Objective: Develop the core marketing materials that federal buyers and prime contractors use to evaluate your firm.

01Write a professional Capabilities Statement (1–2 pages)

02Document 3–5 past performance examples

03Build or update your professional website with federal focus

04Create a LinkedIn company page optimized for federal contracting

05Identify 10 target federal agencies for your services

06Research and identify 5–10 prime contractors to partner with

Objective: Position your firm on the right contract vehicles and establish teaming relationships that accelerate your first award.

01Research GWAC and IDIQ vehicles relevant to cybersecurity

02Apply for GSA IT Schedule 70 / MAS (Multiple Award Schedule)

03Attend agency small business outreach events

04Register on prime contractor supplier portals

05Identify and pursue a teaming agreement with a prime contractor

06Join relevant industry associations (AFCEA, ACT-IAC, NCMA)

Objective: Identify, qualify, and begin pursuing your first federal contract or subcontract opportunity.

01Set up automated alerts on SAM.gov for cybersecurity solicitations

02Identify 3 active solicitations to respond to (RFI, Sources Sought, or RFP)

03Submit at least one Sources Sought or RFI response

04Reach out to 3 prime contractors about subcontracting opportunities

05Schedule a meeting with your local PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center)

06Develop your 90-day post-checklist action plan

Expert Guidance

Don't Navigate Federal Contracting Alone

Cal Digital And Logistics LLC has guided dozens of small businesses through the federal contracting process. From SAM.gov registration to CMMC certification to your first contract award — we've done it, and we can help you do it faster.

CMMC readiness assessment & gap analysis
SAM.gov registration & profile optimization
Capabilities statement development
Prime contractor teaming introductions
Proposal writing & review support
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Key Resources
SAM.gov — Federal RegistrationSBA Certifications PortalCMMC Official SiteNIST SP 800-171 PublicationGSA Multiple Award SchedulesUSASpending.gov — Contract DataFind Your PTACAFCEA — Federal IT Networking