> ## 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.

# Search basics

> How to search government contracts in Civic AI using plain English, filters, and result cards — with deadlines, agencies, and set-asides surfaced for you.

Civic AI search works like asking a colleague: type what you are looking for in plain English and get ranked opportunity matches with the context you need to decide whether to bid.

## Run a search

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open search">
    Go to [civiccontracts.com/search](https://www.civiccontracts.com/search) or use the search bar on the home page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Describe what you want">
    Enter a natural-language query. Examples:

    * "Open IT solicitations for small businesses"
    * "Cybersecurity RFQs from defense agencies"
    * "Bridge construction in California due this month"
    * "Facilities maintenance contracts in Texas"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review results">
    Each result card shows the solicitation title, awarding agency, location, response deadline, and set-aside status when available.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the source">
    Click through to the original posting on SAM.gov or the state/local portal when you need the full RFP.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What each result includes

| Field               | Why it matters                                                       |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Title & summary** | Quickly judge fit without opening every PDF                          |
| **Agency**          | Know who is buying and whether you have past performance there       |
| **Deadline**        | Filter out opportunities you cannot realistically bid                |
| **Set-aside**       | See 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, and other small-business categories |
| **Location**        | Match geographic scope to your operating footprint                   |
| **Source**          | Trace back to the official posting                                   |

## Search tips

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Be specific about what you sell">
    "Managed IT services for K-12 school districts in the Midwest" beats "IT contracts." Civic AI uses your wording to rank better matches.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Include geography when it matters">
    Add a state, region, or "remote" if location is a hard constraint for your team.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Mention set-aside eligibility">
    If you qualify for small-business programs, say so: "SDVOSB set-aside construction" surfaces more relevant federal work.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Search awards for competitive intel">
    Switch to award-focused queries when researching incumbents: "Who won janitorial contracts at VA facilities in 2024?"
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Awards vs. solicitations

Civic AI indexes both **open opportunities** (things you can bid on now) and **contract awards** (things already won). Use solicitations to find new work; use awards to understand who wins in your market.

See [Contract awards](/find-opportunities/contract-awards) for competitive research workflows.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Saved searches & alerts" icon="bell" href="/saved-searches-and-alerts">
    Automate discovery so you never miss a match.
  </Card>

  <Card title="How to find government contracts" icon="book-open" href="https://www.civiccontracts.com/blog/how-to-find-government-contracts">
    Step-by-step guide on the Civic AI blog.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>