The complexity of applying for a government contract can discourage many small-business owners from competing in a government bid. Despite the federal government meeting its small-business contracting goals in recent years, more can and should be done to ensure fairness for small firms within the federal marketplace. 

The bidding process for a federal contract can be hard and complicated, especially for small businesses new to the process, due to a long list of special forms, terms and conditions, and other requirements. Additional requirements, such as a Defense Contract Audit Agency-compliant accounting system can incur further costs on a small business looking to work with the federal government.