A practical starting point
How to use US Public Money
A clearly labelled sample of US public-spending buyer, supplier and award records.
Search US Public Money
Step 1
Start with a precise record
Use the name, identifier or place you want to investigate. The website scope is: A clearly labelled sample of US public-spending buyer, supplier and award records.
Step 2
Compare like with like
Open the relevant records and guides below. Keep identifiers, geography, units and source dates together; a record with a similar name or a different reporting period may answer a different question.
Step 3
Take the evidence to the original source
Follow the source references before making a consequential decision. Treat missing or historical information as a limitation, and use the relevant authority or provider for a current determination.