Quick answer: An online government contracting course teaches small business owners how to register in SAM.gov, get certified, find bids, read solicitations and write proposals. The Ayangbah Foundation's Government Contracting Academy is taught live online by a real instructor, so business owners anywhere in the U.S. can join and ask questions in real time.
Government agencies buy almost everything. They buy janitorial services, IT support, office supplies, construction, training and much more. Many of those contracts are meant for small businesses. But the process can feel confusing at first. A good course turns that confusion into a clear plan.
Why Small Businesses Take an Online Government Contracting Course
The federal government sets a goal for how much contract spending goes to small businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the statutory goal is 23% of prime contract dollars. In fiscal year 2025, the SBA reported that agencies awarded nearly 28% of prime contract dollars to small businesses, about $179 billion.
That is real opportunity. But you cannot win a bid you never find, or submit a proposal that misses the rules. Training helps you avoid common mistakes and spend your time on the right bids.
What an Online Government Contracting Course Covers
Our Government Contracting Academy is cohort-based. You learn with a group of other business owners and move through the material together. Here is what we cover.
1. SAM.gov registration
SAM.gov is the federal system where businesses register to do business with the government. You need an active registration to receive most federal contract awards. We walk you through it step by step. For a head start, read our guide to SAM.gov registration for small businesses.
2. Certifications
Some contracts are set aside for certain types of small businesses. Certifications can open those doors. We explain which ones may fit your business and how to apply. California businesses can also read about small business certification in California.
3. Finding bids
You will learn where agencies post opportunities and how to search for ones that match your work. We also show you how to judge whether a bid is worth your time.
4. Proposal writing
A proposal is your sales pitch, written to the agency's rules. We teach you how to read what the agency is asking for and answer it clearly. See our tips on government proposal writing.
Federal vs. State and Local Contracts
Government contracting is not only federal. States, counties, cities, school districts and transit agencies all buy goods and services too.
- Federal contracts usually require SAM.gov registration. They can be large, and many are set aside for small businesses.
- State contracts follow each state's own rules and certifications.
- Local contracts from cities, counties and schools are often smaller. They can be a good place to build your track record.
Many business owners start local, gain experience, and then grow into federal work. Our course helps you see the full picture so you can choose your path.
Live Online, Not Recorded
Many contracting courses are a stack of pre-recorded videos. Ours is different. A real instructor teaches every session in real time. You can ask about your own business, your own bid, or a confusing clause in an RFP. You get answers right away.
Because the class is live online, you can join from anywhere in the U.S. We also teach in person in San Bernardino, California, if you are local. Classes run during the day, in the evening and on Saturdays.
Friday Contracting Workshops
Not ready for the full academy? Try a Friday Contracting Workshop. Each is a 2-hour session for $97, or 4 sessions for $297. Topics include finding bids, reading RFPs, compliance and proposals. They are a low-cost way to test the waters.
Payment plans
Payment plans are available for the Government Contracting Academy. You can pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Learn more on the Contracting Academy page.
Who Teaches Our Online Government Contracting Course?
The Ayangbah Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Dr. Shirley Ayangbah. She is a professor and economist with a PhD in International Law, master's degrees in Economics and International Relations, and a BBA in Accounting. Our organization is registered in SAM.gov (CAGE 249H1). We teach what we have done ourselves.
How to Get Started
- Apply online. It takes about five minutes.
- Meet with our team to check funding eligibility and build your career plan.
- Pick your schedule: day, evening or Saturday, in person or online.
- Start class. See upcoming dates on the class schedule.
Not sure yet? Join the free info session any Monday at 5 PM, or call or text (909) 454-7076.
FAQ
What is a government contracting course?
A government contracting course teaches businesses how to sell to government agencies. It usually covers SAM.gov registration, certifications, finding bids, reading RFPs and writing proposals.
Can I take a government contracting course online?
Yes. The Ayangbah Foundation's Government Contracting Academy is taught live online by a real instructor. Small business owners anywhere in the U.S. can join.
Do I need to register in SAM.gov to get government contracts?
You generally need an active SAM.gov registration to receive federal contract awards. State and local agencies have their own vendor registration rules.
How much of federal contracting goes to small businesses?
The statutory goal is 23% of federal prime contract dollars. The SBA reported that small businesses received nearly 28%, about $179 billion, in fiscal year 2025.
Is there a short, low-cost government contracting workshop?
Yes. Our Friday Contracting Workshops are 2-hour live sessions for $97 each, or 4 for $297. They cover finding bids, reading RFPs, compliance and proposals.
Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, "SBA Releases FY25 Scorecard for Small Business Contracting" (June 2026); SAM.gov.