Finding what's open now

The companion spreadsheet

Why it matters: dated notices go stale in weeks. Keeping them in a spreadsheet lets this playbook stay current while the list gets refreshed.

• The file TallyPoint_Drone_Open_Opportunities_2026-10-19.xlsx , in the same folder as this playbook.
• What is in it One row per notice from the Oct 16, 2026 SAM.gov pull, grouped by lane, plus recently closed rounds. Each row names the buyer, what they want, the due date or STATUS note, any set-aside, and the playbook chapter to read.
• How to use it Filter Lane to your product, filter Status to Open or Rolling, sort by date, read the chapter in the row, then answer with Template A.
• Provisional summaries Attachments were not opened. Where details sit in an attachment or a controlled file, read it before you rely on the row.
• Always verify The notice on SAM.gov governs. Check its history for amendments before you act. There is normally no fee to respond, but you pay your own prep costs.

How to read notice types

• Request for Information (RFI) Market research. No award comes from it, but your answer shapes the requirement.
• Sources sought Market research to see who can do the work, often used to decide whether to set the buy aside for small business.
• Presolicitation Advance notice that a solicitation is coming. Start preparing now.
• Solicitation The actual request for offers. Follow its instructions exactly; deadlines are firm.
• Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) and Calls A pitch-anytime door for short solution briefs. Calls under a CSO set specific topics and dates.
• Special notice and industry day Events, test ranges and announcements. A cheap way to meet the buyer.

Set up SAM.gov alerts

• 1. Account Anyone can search. Saving searches and following notices need a free SAM.gov account through Login.gov.
• 2. Search and save Choose Contract Opportunities, enter keywords, filter by notice type, set-aside or NAICS code, then Save Search.
• 3. Turn on Notify Saving alone sends no email. In Saved Searches, choose Actions, then Notify.
• 4. Follow notices Open a notice you care about and select Follow to get emails on amendments, cancellations and related notices.

Starter keywords: drone; "unmanned aircraft"; sUAS; counter-drone; C-sUAS; autonomy; "Commercial Solutions Opening". Office codes with an asterisk, such as W58RGZ*, show one office's notices. More in the spreadsheet's Saved searches tab.⁹²

Pitch-anytime doors