In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Ryan Atencio breaks down a bid-list and search strategy that helps specialty contractors stop missing opportunities—and start getting inbound requests from prime contractors.

You'll learn why relying on narrow NAICS searches limits growth, how using multiple PSC codes (including general construction) opens the door to subcontracting work, and how specialty trades like HVAC, roofing, electrical, and facilities maintenance can position themselves as the go-to local expert on military bases and federal installations. The episode also explains how responding consistently—even when declining—keeps you top-of-mind with primes, why submitting proposals fast matters more than perfection, and how AI enables teams to compete on shorter timelines without burning out.

• Search broader than your specialty. Specialty contractors should track construction PSC codes to find subcontracting paths and prime partners.

• Bid lists beat daily searches. The goal is getting primes to send you opportunities—so one estimate can support multiple bids.

• You can't win if you don't submit. Fast, repeatable proposals create momentum—and follow-up requests often signal a win.

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