What Is a Sources Sought Notice?

A sources sought notice is market research: an agency asks which businesses can do a job before it decides how to buy. Answering it isn't a bid.

How to respond to a sources sought notice All glossary terms

Sources sought notice in plain English

Agencies post sources sought notices on SAM.gov while they're planning a purchase. The notice describes the work and asks interested companies to send information, often a short capability statement, your UEI and CAGE code, and your business size under the listed NAICS code.

Your response isn't an offer, and no contract is awarded from the notice. Responding is voluntary, and many notices say that skipping it won't stop you from bidding later.

Responses still matter. The agency uses them to decide how to buy, and enough capable small businesses responding can lead it to set the contract aside for small businesses under the rule of two. Few responses can mean no set-aside.

That makes sources sought notices one of the best places for a new contractor to start. A short, specific response puts your business in front of the buyer before the solicitation is written.

Related terms

RFI (request for information): A request for information (RFI) is a notice an agency uses to gather market information, like prices and capabilities, to plan a purchase. It isn't a bid.
Rule of two: The rule of two requires a set-aside for small businesses when at least two responsible small businesses are expected to offer at fair market prices.
Set-aside: A set-aside is a contract reserved for small businesses, or for one type of small business such as HUBZone or women-owned firms. Others can't bid.
Capability statement: A capability statement is a one-page summary of your business for agencies and prime contractors: what you do, what sets you apart and your past work.

Put it to work

Looking for another term? Browse the full glossary or the government contracting glossary guide.