The Federal Government contracts for $450 billion worth of supplies and services each year from 500,000 contractors. The Federal Government is one of the very few areas of the economy that is growing its contract spending has doubled in the last decade and is expected to increase even more! The Government has established goals of $100 billion in contract awards to small businesses, $25 billion to minority-owned businesses, $25 billion to women-owned businesses, and $15 billion to veteran-owned businesses! For 25 years, GETTING STARTED IN FEDERAL CONTRACTING has been the standard reference for government contract information, guidance, and advice. Now, this revised and expanded fifth edition provides all the help you need to win your fair share of Federal Government business: How to locate contracting opportunities Key personnel Key regulations Internet sources of information Different types of contracts Electronic contracting Special set-aside programs for small, minority-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses Small business subcontracting goals for large businesses Simplified procedures under $100,000 Bids and proposals Selling commercial supplies and services Selling foreign products Federal Supply Schedules Unique procedures for architect-engineering contracts and construction contracts Labor laws Protests against contract awards Contract administration How to protect your rights Integrity and ethics rules PLUS: Sample solicitation; Forms; Examples; Key websites; Abbreviations; Glossary; Detailed index; and Much More!