How to find out who won a government contract, and for how much

When the government awards a contract, the details become public: who won, the amount, the dates and often how many offers came in. For a bidder this is gold: it tells you the price that won last time and who you are up against.

Where to look

• SAM.gov award notices and contract data: the official award records.
• USAspending.gov: federal spending by agency, company and contract, searchable for free.
• DIBBS: past award prices for each NSN that DLA buys.

What to look for

• The winning price, and the quantity it was for.
• The number of offers received. One bid means little competition.
• Who won, and whether they win often at that office.
• When the contract ends, since that is when it will be bought again.

How to use it

Price near the last winning price for the same item and quantity, adjusted for time and your costs. Target buys where awards drew one or two offers. And watch contracts nearing their end, so you are ready when the re-bid posts.

Sources

• SAM.gov
• USAspending.gov
• DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS)

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