> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.civiccontracts.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Saved searches and alerts

> Save Civic AI searches and receive alerts when new federal, state, or local government contract opportunities match your criteria.

Saved searches turn one-off queries into ongoing discovery. When Civic AI indexes a new opportunity that matches your criteria, you can get notified before the deadline window closes.

## Create a saved search

<Steps>
  <Step title="Run a search that works">
    Start on [Search](https://www.civiccontracts.com/search) and refine your query until results look right. See [Search basics](/search-basics) for query tips.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the search">
    From your dashboard, save the query with a descriptive name — for example, "SDVOSB IT services — Southeast" or "Texas DOT construction — open."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable alerts">
    Turn on email alerts for that saved search. You can manage alert frequency and recipients from [Alerts](https://www.civiccontracts.com/alerts) in the app.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## When to use saved searches

| Use case                  | Example saved search                                           |
| ------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Core market monitoring    | Your primary NAICS + geography + set-aside                     |
| New agency entry          | Agency name + service keyword while you build past performance |
| Competitor tracking       | Award searches for incumbents in your space                    |
| Deadline-sensitive niches | Short-fuse RFQs in a specific state                            |

## Alerts vs. daily review

**Alerts** are best when you have a well-defined ICP (ideal contract profile) and want push notification on new matches.

**Daily review** works when you are still exploring — run broader searches, skim results, and tighten criteria before saving.

<Tip>
  Start with 3–5 saved searches that mirror your best NAICS codes and geographies. Too many broad alerts create noise; too few narrow ones miss adjacent work you could win.
</Tip>

## Related features

* [Contract alerts](/pursuits/alerts) — manage notification settings
* [Pipeline](/pursuits/pipeline) — move strong matches into active pursuits
* [Blog: How to find government contracts](https://www.civiccontracts.com/blog/how-to-find-government-contracts) — registration, NAICS, and source strategy

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do alerts cover state and local portals?">
    Yes. Civic AI indexes many state, local, and education procurement sources alongside federal data. Coverage depends on the portal — see [Data sources](/reference/data-sources) for the current list.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can my whole capture team share saved searches?">
    Team features depend on your plan. Organization settings let admins manage seats and access from the app dashboard.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>