What is a Sources Sought notice (and how to respond)

A Sources Sought notice (and its cousin, the RFI) is a market-research request the government posts before it writes a solicitation. Responding is cheap, low-risk, and disproportionately predictive of a later win — because it's where requirements get shaped.

Why respond

It shapes the RFP. Your capabilities, and the constraints you raise, can influence scope, set-aside decisions, and evaluation factors.
It signals interest and builds a relationship with the contracting shop before competition starts.
It's information. Even a 'no-bid' is cheaper to decide now than after an RFP drops.

What to include in a response

A short capability summary mapped to the described requirement.
Relevant past performance — proof you can do this specific work.
Your business size/set-aside status against the NAICS — this feeds set-aside decisions.
Any clarifying questions or constraints worth the buyer knowing before they write the RFP.

Don't over-invest

A Sources Sought response is not a proposal. Keep it tight and factual. The goal is to be credible and on the buyer's radar, not to write the bid twice.

Check your win-fit on a live opportunity before you invest a day in it.

Score an opportunity free

General information for federal contractors, not legal advice. Verify programme details against SAM.gov and the relevant agency.