Federal fiscal year-end: when agencies post the most contracts
The U.S. federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. Agencies try to commit their annual funds before they expire, so the volume of contract notices follows a clear yearly rhythm. Here is what fiscal year 2026 looked like in SAM.gov data, month by month.
Fiscal year 2026 by month
Counts of notices published on SAM.gov in each month of fiscal year 2026 (October 2025 to September 2026), from the public archive of contract opportunities as of October 2026.
| Month | Solicitations | Sources sought | Award notices |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | 13,343 | 1,872 | 6,273 |
| November 2025 | 12,222 | 1,752 | 4,809 |
| December 2025 | 12,569 | 2,303 | 5,164 |
| January 2026 | 14,695 | 2,633 | 4,955 |
| February 2026 | 14,865 | 3,012 | 3,974 |
| March 2026 | 19,209 | 3,501 | 5,188 |
| April 2026 | 19,895 | 3,796 | 5,040 |
| May 2026 | 20,971 | 3,185 | 6,246 |
| June 2026 | 19,840 | 3,332 | 5,851 |
| July 2026 | 20,413 | 3,320 | 5,269 |
| August 2026 | 24,048 | 2,728 | 6,018 |
| September 2026 | 13,552 | 1,357 | 7,348 |
Solicitations include combined synopsis/solicitations. The archive holds notices once they are archived, so the most recent months (especially September) are undercounted for solicitations that were still open in October.
What the pattern means for you
- October to December are slow to start. Agencies often begin the year under a continuing resolution, which limits new contracts until the budget passes. It is a good time to register, prepare capability statements and answer sources sought notices.
- Spring is when the pipeline fills. Sources sought notices peaked in April, and solicitations rose sharply from March.
- August is the busiest month for solicitations, and September has the most award notices, as agencies commit the year's funds before September 30.
- Be ready in the summer. Year-end solicitations often have short response times. Having your SAM.gov registration active, bonding lined up and pricing ready lets you bid on the jobs others have to skip.
See what is open right now in your state or closing this week.
Last reviewed October 20, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and dollar thresholds change, so check the solicitation and the official sources linked above.