While FedBizOpps is the go-to site for finding business opportunities, agencies have been working for months BEFORE the formal notice is posted, finalizing the details of the solicitation.
Many agencies post Forecasts of Contracting Opportunities, where you can see the opportunities that may be posted to FBO in the next 6 to 12 months. For example, the Veterans’ Administration’s Forecast of Opportunities.
Agencies can arrange Industry Days, or post Sources Sought, Requests for Information, Market Research or Pre-Solicitation notices to FBO in advance of the formal solicitation. In many cases the agencies are looking for your feedback – are there veteran or woman-owned small businesses that are interested and capable of providing the product or performing the service? Are there specific industry standards they need to be aware of?
Be proactive in your searches – respond to Sources Sought notices; give feedback to agencies; attend industry events, webinars and conferences.