Federal contracting for small businesses: how to register on SAM.gov, qualify for set-asides, and get certified through SBA — explained by two Business Opportunity Specialists from the SBA Houston District Office.

The federal government awarded $179 billion in prime contracts to small businesses in FY 2025 — nearly 28% of all federal spending. In this episode of the SCORE Houston Podcast's SBA Series, host PV Bala sits down with Ida Benson and Jesus Gomez to turn that opportunity into a practical action plan.

What you'll learn:

— What products and services federal agencies buy from small businesses

— Business readiness: cash flow requirements, market research, and SAM.gov registration

— Set-aside contracts and the 23% small business spending goal

— SBA certifications: HUBZone, Women-Owned (WOSB), Veteran-Owned (VOSB/SDVOSB), and Small Disadvantaged Business (8a)

— How to get your UEI number, complete your SAM registration, and identify NAICS codes

— Building past performance from zero — including subcontracting as an entry strategy

— How Apex Accelerators provide free registration, market research, and proposal support

— Where to research contract opportunities: SAM.gov, USAspending.gov, and Acquisition.gov

0:00 – Intro & Welcome to SCORE Houston SBA Series 0:00

0:51 – Meet the Guests: Ida Benson & Jesus Gomez 0:51

2:45 – The Opportunity: $179B in Federal Contracts 2:45

4:08 – Business Readiness Checklist & Cash Flow 4:08

5:51 – Common Reasons Small Businesses Fail 5:51

8:22 – What Are Set-Aside Contracts? 8:22

13:51 – Local vs National Bidding Advantage 13:51

15:01 – Set-Aside Categories: WOSB, VOSB, HUBZone & More 15:01

17:18 – SAM.gov Registration Explained 17:18

20:14 – NAICS Codes: What They Are & Why They Matter 20:14

23:02 – Finding Opportunities & SAM Notifications 23:02

23:40 – Certifications: HUBZone, WOSB, VOSB Benefits 23:40

26:16 – Building Past Performance From Zero 26:16

29:11 – What Is Apex Accelerators? (Free Help) 29:11

32:38 – Capability Statements Explained 32:38

34:04 – Recap: Key Resources & Advice 34:04

38:29 – Action Plan: How to Get Started Today 38:29

40:29 – Closing & Where to Get Free SCORE Mentoring 40:29

Guests:

Ida Benson — Business Opportunity Specialist, SBA Houston District Office

Jesus Gomez — Business Opportunity Specialist, SBA Houston District Office

Host: PV Bala — Certified SCORE Mentor

Free small business mentoring: www.score.org/houston

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Let us know what you think of this episode. What subjects you would like us to cover in next episodes.

Give your comments at https://scorehoustonpodcast.blogspot.com or write to pv.bala@scorevolunteer.org. Let us know what you like of this episode and suggest subjects on which you wish to know more.