Software development RFPs and government contracts

A software development RFP (request for proposals) is a notice in which a government agency asks companies to build and modernize software applications, with a price and a proposal sent by a deadline. Federal agencies publish them on SAM.gov as solicitations, combined synopsis/solicitations or requests for quotes; presolicitations and sources sought notices announce them earlier.

7 on Nov 6, 2026, from 4 federal agencies in 2 states. 81 more are announced (presolicitations and sources sought notices). 1 of the open bids are set aside for small businesses. The list is updated every day from SAM.gov.

Bids for this service mostly use 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) and 513210 (Software Publishers). Check the NAICS code in each notice: it decides the size standard for small-business set-asides.

The middle half of the 15 recent awards with a published amount was between $718.4K and $5.3M (median $3M), from SAM.gov award notices. The award amount is the value in the notice, often including options.

Register your business in SAM.gov (free) to get a Unique Entity ID, check that your NAICS code and size fit the notice, read the full solicitation and its amendments on SAM.gov, and send your offer before the deadline. Set-aside bids are limited to eligible small businesses, such as 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB or WOSB firms.