Get inspired by the suggestions provided by SamSearch to get better ideas for queries to search for.

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Search Types

SamSearch now supports multiple opportunity types beyond just Federal contracts. Toggle between different search types to find the opportunities that match your business needs.

Federal Contracts 🏛️

Traditional government contracts and solicitations

SLED Opportunities 🏙️

State, Local, and Education contracts

Forecasts 🔮

Upcoming contract opportunities

Subcontracting 💼

Subcontracting opportunities from prime contractors

Grants 💰

Federal grant opportunities

SBIR/STTR 🚀

Small Business Innovation Research opportunities

DIBBS 📦

Defense Logistics Agency opportunities

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Search Modes

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Semantic Search (Default)

Use natural language to describe what you’re looking for. No need for specific keywords or boolean operators. Examples:
  • “AI solutions for cybersecurity”
  • “construction services for government buildings”
  • “software development for healthcare systems”
For advanced users who want precise control over search terms using boolean operators and exact phrases with Lucene syntax. Basic Examples:
  • ("cybersecurity" AND "AI") OR (NOT "project management")
  • "construction" AND ("government" OR "federal")
  • "software" AND "healthcare" AND NOT "hardware"
More Search Options:
Unsupported Characters: The following characters must be escaped with backslashes when used in searches: {, }, [, ], :, <, >, +, -Examples:
  • Use C\+\+ instead of C++
  • Use \[2024\] instead of [2024]
  • Use \{contract\} instead of {contract}
Switch between search modes using the toggle above the search bar. Semantic search is recommended for most users.
Search across multiple opportunity types simultaneously to get comprehensive results. Select multiple search types to find opportunities that might fit different aspects of your business.

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Filters

Use filters to refine your search results based on specific criteria. Each search type has its own specialized filters.
Sort byFilter by
RelevanceContract type (Solicitation)
Due dateDept. / Ind. Agency
AlphabeticallySet Aside Code
Posted dateState
Q: How can I search using filters?A: Use filters to find exactly what you’re looking for by combining different criteria:Example - Finding Active Texas Contracts:
  1. Go to SLED opportunities
  2. Click “Active Only” filter
  3. Scroll to the State filter dropdown
  4. Select “Texas”
  5. Get all active Texas contracts
Other Filter Combinations:
  • By Industry: Use NAICS code filter + state filter
  • By Contract Type: Filter by “Construction” + specific agency
  • By Timeline: Use “Active Only” + due date filters
  • By Location: State filter + jurisdiction filter for SLED
Pro Tip: Start with broad filters, then narrow down with additional criteria to find the most relevant opportunities for your business.

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Search Results

Once you find relevant opportunities in your search results, click on any contract to view detailed information and take action.
Next Step: Learn how to navigate and use contract pages effectively on the Contract Page Overview page.

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NAICS Codes

To search with NAICS codes, enter the relevant code into the search field to find businesses or industries categorized under that specific classification, helping you target your search more precisely.
Preview of the NAICS Code Finder Chrome extension
Check out the extension here: NAICS Code Finder

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Watch our Video on The Best NAICS Codes Tools

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Search Tips

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For Best Results

  1. Use natural language - Describe what you’re looking for in plain English
  2. Be specific - Include industry, service type, or location when relevant
  3. Try different search types - Some opportunities might be listed under different categories
  4. Use filters strategically - Start broad, then narrow down with filters
  5. Save searches - Use the save search feature to monitor for new opportunities

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Power Search Tips

  • Exact phrase matching: Use quotes like “cybersecurity consulting” to find exact phrases
  • Combine terms (in keyword mode): Use AND, OR, NOT to connect search terms
  • Partial word matching (in keyword mode): Use * to find words that start with your term
  • Search specific fields: Use title:“construction” AND summary:“government” to search specific parts

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Saving and Managing Results

Use the Save Search button to store your current search criteria for future use. This is especially helpful for:
  • Regular market monitoring
  • Specific opportunity types you track
  • Complex searches you want to repeat
  • Team collaboration on opportunity research
Learn more about managing your saved searches on the Saved Searches page.

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Save Opportunities

Click the Save button on any result to add it to your Saved Opportunities page. This allows you to:
  • Review opportunities later without losing them
  • Build a pipeline of potential contracts
  • Share opportunities with your team
  • Track your opportunity research progress
Your saved searches and opportunities are automatically organized and easily accessible from the main navigation.