BEGINNING WITH AN OVERVIEW OF THE TYPES OF GOODS PURCHASED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE ENTREPENEUR, THE GUIDE DISCUSSES THE LEGAL AND BUDGET RESTRICTIONS ON GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT. MOST BUYING IS DONE BY THE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA) AND THE DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY (DLA). THEIR PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS, PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION, AND PROCUREMENT METHODS ARE DETAILED ALONG WITH INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS AND CONTRACT PROVISIONS. GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO FACILITATE ITS BUSINESS DEALINGS ARE DISCUSSED, INCLUDING THE COMMERCE BUSINESS DAILY, GSA BUSINESS SERVICE CENTERS, AND THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION. THE PRINCIPAL DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN MILITARY PROCUREMENT ARE OUTLINED, AND ADDRESSES OF REGIONAL SUPPLY CENTERS AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATIONS OFFICES ARE PROVIDED. GSA'S MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE DESCRIBED. CIVILIAN AGENCIES WHO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL OPEN MARKET PURCHASES UNDER THEIR OWN AUTHORITY ARE LISTED WITH ADDRESSES AND TYPES OF PRODUCTS PURCHASED. THE DISCUSSION OF SALES OF SURPLUS PROPERTY COVERS MAILING LISTS, CATALOGS, PUBLIC NOTICES, SALE METHODS, CONDITIONS OF SALE, AND DISPOSAL OF STRATEGIC AND CRITICAL METHODS. A DIRECTORY OF BUSINESS SERVICE CENTERS AND A MAP ILLUSTRATING THEIR AREAS OF SERVICE ARE APPENDED. (MJM)