What is a sources sought notice?

A sources sought notice (sometimes called an RFI or Request for Information) is a pre-solicitation market research tool. Federal agencies use it to identify whether small businesses, set-aside eligible firms, or specific vendor categories can meet a requirement before deciding how to compete the eventual contract.

Sources sought responses are non-binding. You are not committing to bid. You are telling the contracting officer that your business exists, that you can perform the work, and giving them insight into your capabilities.

Why you should respond even when you cannot commit yet: contracting officers use sources sought responses to make three decisions that shape the final RFP. First, whether to reserve the contract as a small business set-aside (if enough small businesses respond, they must set it aside under FAR 19.502). Second, whether specific certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB) will be preferred. Third, how to structure the technical requirements — vendors sometimes suggest better ways to describe the need.

A strong sources sought response is short: three to five pages, in the format the notice requests, with sections on company overview, relevant past performance, applicable NAICS codes, small business certifications, technical capabilities, and pricing approach. Include a capabilities statement as an attachment.

Where to find them: SAM.gov opportunity search, filtered by notice type "Sources Sought" or "Presolicitation Notice." Many prime contractors also republish sources sought that touch their teaming areas. Responding to sources sought is one of the highest-leverage pursuit activities small businesses can do because it puts your name in front of the contracting officer before competitors even know the opportunity exists.