Sources Sought Notice(SSN)
A market research notice where the government seeks information on capable contractors before issuing a formal solicitation.
Overview
A Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is a pre-solicitation market research tool the government uses to identify contractors capable of fulfilling a potential requirement. SSNs are not solicitations — they do not result in contract awards. Instead, they help agencies assess market capability, determine set-aside eligibility, and shape procurement strategy before the RFP is released.
Why It Matters in GovCon
SSNs are early indicators of upcoming opportunities, often appearing months before the formal solicitation. Responding to SSNs positions your company in the agency's awareness and can influence whether the requirement is set aside for small business or competed full and open. Capability statements submitted in response may be referenced during source selection.
Key Details
- Purpose: Market research, capability assessment, set-aside determination (Rule of Two).
- Response Format: Usually a capability statement; may request NAICS code feedback, past performance, or technical approach.
- No Award: SSN responses do not create any obligation; the government may or may not use the information.
- Forecasting: SSNs often signal procurement timelines (e.g., RFP in 6–12 months).
- SAM.gov: Posted on SAM.gov under Contract Opportunities.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data aggregates Sources Sought notices alongside active solicitations so you can build your pipeline early, respond with targeted capability statements, and influence set-aside decisions before the RFP drops.
Related Terms
- Request for Information (RFI)
- Market Research
- Set-Aside
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
More Solicitations Terms
A procurement approach where the government selects the offer that provides the greatest overall benefit, considering factors beyond just price.
The group of offerors selected by the government as having a reasonable chance of being awarded the contract, based on initial proposal evaluations.
A solicitation method where the government awards a contract to the lowest-priced responsive, responsible bidder through sealed bidding.
A source selection method where the contract is awarded to the lowest-priced offeror whose proposal meets all technical requirements.
A document that describes required contract outcomes and performance standards rather than prescribing how the work should be done.
A pre-solicitation document where the government seeks industry input on requirements, capabilities, and market conditions before issuing a formal solicitation.
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