I could really use some guidance on choosing the right contracts to pursue. I feel like this is the part of GovCon where I’m currently stuck. I have my SAM registration completed, Maryland vendor registration, and several small-business/set-aside certifications in place, including veteran- and woman-owned certifications. I’ve also already started bidding on contracts, so I’m actively in the game. Where I’m struggling is figuring out what I should actually be bidding on based on my experience and qualifications. I’m a retired Air Force veteran with 22 years of service, followed by about a decade in corporate America. Most of my professional background has been in security, law enforcement, investigations, leadership, recruiting, operations, and program management. I have a lot of real-world experience, but I don’t necessarily have the traditional industry certifications that many solicitations seem to ask for. My long-term goal is to work with the VA. I’m currently pursuing my PhD in Health Science with a concentration in Trauma, and ultimately I want to provide training and programs around trauma, veteran transition, resilience, mental health, and wellness. I recently completed Mental Health First Aid training and have also started the process toward becoming an instructor. I’m continuing to build additional certifications, but obviously that takes time. So my question is: while I’m building those credentials, how do I determine which contracts I’m actually qualified to pursue right now? Should I be searching primarily by my past performance and professional experience, by NAICS codes, by certifications, by the statement of work, or something else entirely? I’m willing to bid, team, subcontract, and learn — I just want to make sure I’m putting my energy into opportunities I can realistically perform and win instead of randomly chasing solicitations. For those of you who have been doing this successfully, how did you figure out your lane when you first started?

Good morning, everyone, and a special welcome to our newest members! 👋 We're excited you've joined our Government Contract & Business Growth Community. Whether your goal is to win your first government contract, grow your existing business, build new partnerships, or learn alongside other entrepreneurs, you're in the right place. Our mission is simple: ✅ Share knowledge ✅ Support one another ✅ Create opportunities ✅ Celebrate wins ✅ Grow together Don't be afraid to ask questions, share your experiences, or celebrate your progress. Every successful business started with a first step. We're glad you're here and look forward to growing together! — Tara & the CFS Team

I recently saw a solicitation for Home care services .They were looking for providers in the 46 counties. I prepared an email for 22 home care agencies in 11 counties. I received one response the next day.. Since this was my first contract, I did not follow up with the other agencies this time. This is a rolling open bid- it is offered twice a year. They put the open bid dates- so, I will start in Oct and start marketing my services for another round. I am offering an a la carte menu - Helping become a vendor for your state, I charge for preparing the bid response, I offer auditing services and even staff training on the paperwork required for the state. I just received an interest in transitional housing bid. I will be contacting transitional housing companies to tell them about this opportunity. I want to thank Tara for her amazing course I followed it , read and reread the different modules. I am also grateful for Tara's support. This course is life changing for me. At 73 yr old, I am reinventing myself once again! If I can do this, anyone can do this.