XL EagleFPDS (Federal Procurement Data System)
FPDS stands for Federal Procurement Data System. FPDS is the central database where federal agencies report contract actions, including awards and modifications, generally above the micro-purchase threshold. Each record lists the agency, vendor, dollar value, NAICS and PSC codes, set-aside type, and more.
FPDS data feeds public sites like USAspending and SAM.gov's data services. It is how the government measures whether it met its small business goals.
Why it matters to a small contractor
FPDS data shows who won past contracts in your trade, what they were paid, and when the contracts expire. That tells you which incumbents to beat and when recompetes are coming.
Example
A security company searches federal award data for guard service contracts at nearby federal buildings, notes which ones end next year, and plans to watch for the recompete notices.
FPDS: common questions
Is FPDS data always correct?
No. It is entered by agency staff and can contain errors in codes or values. Use it as a strong lead, not gospel.
Should I use FPDS or USAspending?
USAspending is easier for most small businesses. FPDS offers more detailed contract action fields for deeper research.
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