Learn

Federal contracts,
decoded.

Five moves across the arc. Four modules on the FAR/DFARS landscape. A glossary you'll actually use.

01 The tour 02 Modules 03 Glossary
↑ The tour

One arc, five moves.

Step through the full federal BD arc — click a move, or use the arrows.

1 of 5 explored
SIGNAL

FARaudit catches the Pre-Sol synopsis 60–90 days before the solicitation drops — and drafts the CO contact that puts you in the room early.

SHAPE

When Sources Sought opens, FARaudit drafts your RFI response — solution-first, agency terminology mirrored, risks the agency missed flagged.

VERDICT

The solicitation drops. The audit runs. Every finding cites the source line; a verdict you can defend — or an honest INCOMPLETE.

SUBMIT

A pre-submission checklist built from the audit itself — deadline, reps and certs, product information. No administrative rejections.

RECOMPETE

Post-award compliance tracked, and a recompete alert 180 days before expiration. The arc restarts — with you upstream this time.

✓ Full arc explored
§ Modules

The FAR/DFARS landscape.

Four short reads. Open the one you need.

MODULE 01FAR · DFARS+
FAR vs DFARS — what's the difference?
FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) applies to all federal procurement. DFARS (Defense FAR Supplement) layers DoD-specific rules on top. If your solicitation cites a DFARS clause, treat it as authoritative for DoD work; FAR fills the gaps. Common DFARS pain points: 252.204-7012 (covered defense info safeguarding), 252.225-7001 (Buy American), 252.225-7048 (export control).
MODULE 02Sections L / M+
Sections L and M — what to read first
Section L = instructions to offerors (how to submit). Section M = evaluation factors (how the government scores). Always cross-reference: every Section L requirement should map to a Section M factor. If it doesn't, ask the KO. Page limits, font sizes, format requirements — Section L violations are non-discretionary; the KO will reject the proposal even if technically superior.
MODULE 03CLINs+
How to read CLINs without losing your mind
CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers) define what you're being paid for. Watch for: FOB Origin vs Destination conflicts (who pays freight?), FFP vs T&M mixing within one CLIN (illegal), Option Year structure (CLIN 0001 base, 1001 option year 1, 2001 option year 2). Sub-CLINs use letter suffixes (0001AA). When in doubt, ask the KO via Q&A — never assume.
MODULE 04Set-asides+
Set-asides and certifications — what unlocks what
8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, EDWOSB, VOSB, Total Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business — each unlocks a different bid pool. Re-cert annually via SAM.gov. NAICS code drives the size standard ($-revenue or employee count). One missed cert = ineligible bid. Track expiration dates 90 days out.
≡ Glossary

A glossary you'll actually use.

Browse the reference — or switch to flashcards and quiz yourself to mastery.

14 terms
KO
Contracting Officer — the only person legally allowed to commit the government to a contract.
COR
Contracting Officer's Representative — technical liaison; can clarify but not commit.
RFQ
Request for Quote — informal price solicitation, usually under simplified acquisition threshold.
RFP
Request for Proposal — formal solicitation, usually best-value with technical evaluation.
IFB
Invitation for Bid — sealed bid, lowest price wins, no negotiation.
BPA
Blanket Purchase Agreement — preset terms, ordered against over time.
IDIQ
Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity — task-order vehicle; min/max ceiling.
GSA Schedule
Pre-negotiated price list; contracting shortcut for federal buyers.
NAICS
North American Industry Classification System — drives small business size standards.
CAGE Code
Commercial and Government Entity code — your federal vendor ID.
UEI
Unique Entity ID — replaced DUNS in 2022; required in SAM.gov.
FAR 52.204-25
Section 889 — bans Huawei/ZTE telecom from federal contracts.
DFARS 252.204-7012
Cyber clause — requires NIST 800-171 compliance for DoD contractors.
DFARS 252.223-7008
Hex chrome prohibition — no hexavalent chromium without KO approval.
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DEFINITION
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