217: Navigating Government Contracting: Pre-Solicitation vs. Source Sought Explained

In this episode, we delve into the distinction between pre-solicitation and source sought in government contracting. Source sought represents the government's initial market research phase aimed at deciding whether the requirement should be designated for a small business or fall into specific socioeconomic categories. During this phase, the government assesses whether to engage directly with small businesses or implement a veteran-owned set-aside program.

On the other hand, pre-solicitation entails a notice provided approximately a month before the solicitation is officially released. This advanced notice allows contractors to adequately prepare for the upcoming opportunity. Notably, a significant portion of set-asides is now being directed towards Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts and isn't as prevalent in the open market.

If you're interested in learning how to effectively search for set-asides specifically tailored for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), tune in now for valuable insights.