Author: Dona Basu

Being an entrepreneur is exciting but also presents its unique challenges. Financing can be a significant obstacle that is often not easy to overcome. However, the more money you have at your disposal, the more options available to make sure your business is on the right path to success. Unfortunately, many companies never properly explore the field of government grants. Instead, they assume they do not qualify for grants and never even try to apply. What is a Government Grant? A government grant is a financial award given by the federal, state or local government authority for a worthwhile project. It is a gift that does not include technical assistance or other financial assistance, such as a loan or loan guarantee, an interest rate subsidy, direct appropriation, or revenue sharing. The grantee is not expected to repay the money. Why is the government giving away free money? Innovation and ingenuity are essential to any society. For any economy to be competitive in the modern world, it must open up avenues to grow and nurture new businesses. To put it simply, the government gives out grants because it serves the greater good to suit the needs of the people. Grants are a great way to even the playing field. We have all heard stories about great entrepreneurs with relatively humble beginnings. Grants are in place because few people have the capital to start a business without some assistance. This is particularly true for minorities and women who might have faced discrimination in the past that hindered them from pursuing their business goals. Here is a listing of the best government grants for women: Grants.gov National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program Amber Grant IdeaCafe Grant #GIRLBOSS Foundation Grant Cartier Women’s Initiative Award GrantsforWomen.org FedEx Small Business Grant The Halstead Grant Is it challenging to obtain a Grant? In truth, grants can be very competitive. It is important to read instructions to understand the application process thoroughly. You do not want your grant application to be thrown out because you did not provide the correct paperwork or information. A small business should also be aware of deadlines. However, please do not let a challenging application dissuade you from trying to qualify for grants. There is nothing more accurate than the saying about never making any of the shots you don’t take. Some websites can help you through the process. The Government Is Required To Set Aside A Certain Percentage Of Contracts For Women-Owned Small Businesses At least five percent of government contracts have to be awarded to women-owned small businesses. To qualify for these set-asides, a business must have the following: Meet small business size standard for primary NAICS code and contract At least 51% unconditionally and directly owned by women who are U.S. citizens* The woman must manage the day-to-day operations The woman must make long-term decisions for the business A woman must hold the highest officer position The woman must work at the company full-time during regular working hours To qualify as economically disadvantaged through the EDWOSB program, a woman must meet these requirements: Have a personal net worth of $750,000 or less. The fair market value of all assets must be $6 million or less. Have an adjusted gross yearly income (averaged over the three years before the certification) of less than $350,000.  Small Businesses Are Given Special Consideration When It Comes To Government Contracts In many markets, small businesses are often outcompeted by larger organizations that often have access to almost unlimited resources. So this set aside actually might increase a small business’s chances of winning a lucrative bid. The federal government must set aside at least 23 percent of its total spending specifically for small businesses. Several small businesses have made a fortune just on national government contract awards. What Qualifies As A Small Business? To be considered a small business, a company has to meet the following requirements: A business must meet small business size standards. Part of a business must be within the U.S. A business must operate mainly within the U.S. or make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy by paying taxes or using American products, materials, or labor. A business must be independently owned and operated. A business cannot be dominant in its field on a national basis. The first thing a small business must do to qualify for government contracts is register with the SAM Directory. Make Sure You Receive Certification To be eligible to compete for woman-owned small business set-asides or receive sole-source awards, you must either be certified by a Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Third-Party Certifier (TPC) OR self-certify following current SBA regulations. There are currently four SBA-approved TPCs. They are:        El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce        National Women Business Owners Corporation        US Women’s Chamber of Commerce        Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) You can learn more about the government’s woman-owned small business certification requirements on the SBA’s website. Registering With SAM Directory Also Gives You Access To Valuable Grants Government grants are similar to free money from the government that you do not have to pay back. However, you have to register in SAM before applying for Federal Grants. For example, here is a listing of the best government grants for women: Grants.gov National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program Amber Grant IdeaCafe Grant #GIRLBOSS Foundation Grant Cartier Women’s Initiative Award GrantsforWomen.org FedEx Small Business Grant Read our article, Government Grants, A Guide to Free Money! to learn more about how registering for SAM can help provide great funding opportunities for your business. What Is The SAM Directory? SAM stands for System Award Management. To do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. The government will not hire any type of business that has not been written in the SAM directory. We have an article on our site, Everything You Need to Know About… Continue reading How The SAM Directory Can Help Female-Owned Small Businesses Succeed

Understanding The Regulations There are many advantages to being a successful government contractor. However, the government has stricter rules and regulations regarding accounting when compared to private sector clients. It is important to keep up with federal regulatory requirements.  Federal government agencies receive their funding from taxpayer dollars and they need to justify their spending tocanabout prevent waste. We will help you make sense of government accounting so you can develop a methodology that works for you and your business. The Federal Government Has Government Personnel That Are Strictly Utilized to Help Small Businesses Be More Competitive In Securing Government Contracts Here are some examples: SBA Procurement Center Representative (PCR): Procurement Center Representatives are often located at a major government buying office, even though they technically work for the Small Business Administration. They will identify items and services that could be produced or provided by small businesses and try to get them “set aside” for small businesses, which means that only small businesses can bid for the contracts.  Competition Advocate: This person is responsible for promoting full and open competition at high management levels in the major buying offices. They are supposed to challenge overly restrictive statements of work and contract clauses that can prove to be burdensome. They also try to expand competition for items by offering challenges to requirements that are not deemed necessary for the performance or essential physical characteristics.  Small Business Specialists (SBS): The law requires that every government buying location must have a Small Business Specialist. These specialists work specifically with small businesses to help them to do business with that office. Larger government offices might have full staff while smaller offices might only have one part-time employee assigned to this role. Major government buying offices have full-time staff, while smaller offices have a part-time person assigned to that task.  SBA Commercial Marketing Representative (CMR): Commercial Marketing Representatives keep track of large companies doing work for their departments. These representatives are often the go-to person for fantastic subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.  It is smart to utilize this group of highly specialized government personnel as they are an invaluable resource for small businesses to succeed in obtaining government contracts. Counseling The government also offers more personalized guidance through counseling. There are also commercial counseling programs. The Procurement Technical Assistance Centers or PTACs offer valuable assistance to small businesses. They can be found in educational institutions. These counselors are well known for their high level of expertise. There is also a government-backed membership organization called the National Contracts Management Association.  The PTACs help small businesses locate marketing opportunities and can assist with various e-commerce issues. They can also help you prepare financial reports, procurement forms, and contractual paperwork, as well as provide guidance on quality assurance. Most of their services are free though there can be a nominal charge for services such as electronic bid matching. You can contact one of the regional directors at The Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers for more information. The website www.sellingtothegovernment.net could help you to locate a PTAC near you. Special Programs Help is available from special small business programs that encourage participation by small businesses and help these businesses navigate the government contracting maze This includes small businesses owned by minority and traditionally disadvantaged groups. These programs, which are administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), assist small businesses on how to obtain both large business and government procurements. Here is a list of websites that are provided by the government to help small businesses obtain contracting information. FedBizOpps (Federal Business Opportunities): This is the spot for government procurement opportunities of $25,000 or more. Here, buyers for the government are able to publicize their business opportunities by posting information directly to FedBizOpps and commercial companies looking to do business with the government are able to find opportunities solicited by the entire federal contracting community. (http://www.fbo.gov) Small Business Administration (SBA): This site has a great deal of information pertaining to small businesses as well as SBA-Net, a gateway to opportunities, and a great place to network. It has a direct connection to the CCR database, which is fast becoming the sole database used by government buyers to locate potential small business contractors. Procurement Gateway: This is the Defense Logistics Agency site for all opportunities posted from its procurement offices. The defense department is one of the largest consumers of goods and services in the government. Their procurement department is encouraged to work with small businesses and this can be a very lucrative opportunity for a lot of small to midsize companies. The Federal Government Wants To Help Small Businesses Succeed Unlike other markets, the Federal government wants to make sure that small businesses are able to receive a substantial chunk of the $500 billion contracting pie. This makes the Federal government one of the most powerful consumers of goods and services in the whole world and they want to help small businesses succeed in winning these contracts. Small Businesses Are Given Special Consideration When It Comes To Government Contracts In many markets, small businesses are often outcompeted by larger organizations that often have access to almost unlimited resources. This set aside actually might increase a small business’s chances of winning a lucrative bid. The federal government is required to set aside at least 23 percent of its total spending specifically for small businesses. Several small businesses have made a fortune just on federal government contract awards. SAM Directory Can Help Remember, registering for the SAM directory gives a business automatic entry into the extremely lucrative marketplace of the federal government. It is also a crucial step for applying for rewarding government grants that can help your business reach its full potential.  Let us, the professionals at SAM Directory, make sure that you do all that is needed to not miss out on this important opportunity. We will make certain that your application is processed quickly and efficiently so you can start being a federal contractor as soon as… Continue reading How Small Businesses Can Get Assistance In Becoming Federal Contractors

Subcontracting Can Be A Great Opportunity To Get Into Working With The Government We have already discussed how the United States government is one of the most powerful consumers on the planet, and government contracting is a lucrative billion-dollar marketplace. However, it might be wiser to begin as a government subcontractor if you are a reasonably new business.  This means that you are working with a Prime Contractor who works directly with the government instead of the government itself. A good working relationship with a prime contractor can help you gain experience and knowledge that is always valuable to young companies. In addition, it enables you to assess how ready your business is to take on the challenge of government contracting.  What Is A Government Contractor? The United States Government is made up of several agencies that require a variety of services. These agencies then offer contacts to private companies across several industries to fulfill these needs. Private contractors are vital in helping the government provide services for the welfare and protection of United States citizens. Private government contractors provide goods and services for the following:  Medical Services Utilities Construction Supplies for various projects Engineering Defense Intellectual Technology Energy These are just a few of the categories that are often contracted out to private independent companies through the awarding of government contracts. Subcontracting Has Many Advantages For Less Experienced Businesses Subcontracting with a prime contractor rather than the government means that you do not have to worry about the strict rules and regulations of working directly with the government. This is because the subcontractor is answerable to the prime contractor, not the government. Luckily, prime contractors are always looking for companies that can help them complete these critical government projects. Federal Contracting Also Makes Prime Contractors Want To Seek Out Traditionally Disadvantaged Businesses This means that prime contractors are looking for qualified businesses that women, minorities, and veterans own. This provides these groups with federal contracting opportunities that might not be available in other markets. Also, it is not unusual for prime contractors to be very loyal to their subcontractors and give them several avenues for repeat business. These are unique relationships, and firms should develop a strategy for approaching these potential partners. Useful Definitions Prime contractor — The business wins to bid for a contract with the government. Higher-tier subcontractor — a subcontractor that contracts other subcontractors to perform services or provide supplies to complete work for the contracts they have entered into with prime contractors. Consultants — It is easy to confuse consultants with subcontractors. Consultant services are defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) as “rendered by persons who are members of a particular profession or possess a special skill and who are not officers or employees of the contractor. Examples include those services acquired by a contractor or subcontractor to enhance their legal, economic, financial, or technical positions. Professional and consultant services are generally acquired to obtain information, advice, opinions, alternatives, conclusions, recommendations, training, or direct assistance, such as studies, analyses, evaluations, liaison with Government officials, or other forms of representation.” How Does A Small Business Become A Subcontractor? One of the first things one needs to do is register with  SAM. SAM stands for System Award Management. To do business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management directory. The government will not hire any type of business (large or small) that has not been written in the SAM directory. Please read one of the helpful blog articles on our site, Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses.  These blogs will help give you all the information you need to understand how we can help make the process easy for you. In addition, Sam Directory will happily guide you through this often confusing process. So, How Does A Small Business Successfully Start Relationships With Key Government Contractors? The first step is to become familiar with the government marketplace. Do your research and become familiar with the terms commonly used in that industry. Then study the different regulations and become certified with the government, if necessary. You could also attend government trade shows better to understand the needs of particular government and state agencies. This will help you identify prime contractors’ needs and any niches your business could fill. Locate Key Prime Contractors Federal prime contractors can be found at this Small Business Administration site at this site: https://www.sba.gov/document/support–directory-federal-government-prime-contractors-subcontracting-plans. This directory is an excellent place for small businesses to find prime contractors who are looking to fill subcontracting requirements for government contracts. Companies can also go to http://web.sba.gov/subnet/ to find prime contractors who directly announce their needs for their current government jobs. This is an excellent tool for identifying a prime contractor that will make a good match for your business. Develop A Strategy Be broad enough about what your company can do. Outline to the prime contractor how you are the best choice for the job. Define your niche. This Is Not The Time To Be Shy About Your Company’s Accomplishments Inform them about any awards or certifications that you have received. Tell them how you have a strong reputation and reference any contracts that you helped complete. This is the time to position yourself as an asset to their project and inform them about your capabilities. These are things that help build credibility as a subcontractor. Remember That You Are Forming A Long-Term Relationship, And This Is Not Just A One-Time Gig You want to develop a strong alliance with the prime contractor’s company. It is on you to suggest teaming arrangements that will benefit your businesses. Ensure the understanding helps promote your company to other prime contractors and the government agency funding the project.

When it comes to contract disputes with the government, navigating the legal landscape can be a daunting task. However, with the right resources and strategies, challenging the government in contract disputes is not an insurmountable feat. One valuable resource that can greatly assist in this process is the SAM Directory. The System for Award Management (SAM) Directory is a comprehensive database that provides information on government contracts, vendors, and procurement opportunities. It serves as a crucial tool for businesses looking to challenge the government in contract disputes. By utilizing the SAM Directory, businesses can access vital information about their contracts, including details about the contracting agency, terms and conditions, and any amendments or modifications. This allows them to gather evidence and build a strong case when disputing contractual issues with the government. In addition to leveraging the SAM Directory, there are several key steps that businesses should take when challenging the government in contract disputes. First and foremost, it is essential to thoroughly review all relevant documents and contracts to understand your rights and obligations. This includes examining any applicable laws or regulations that may impact your case. Next, it is crucial to document all communication with the government agency involved in order to maintain a clear record of interactions. This includes keeping copies of emails, letters, meeting minutes, and any other correspondence related to the dispute. Furthermore, seeking legal counsel from experienced attorneys specializing in government contract law can provide invaluable guidance throughout this process. These professionals have extensive knowledge of relevant laws and regulations and can help navigate complex legal procedures. Lastly, persistence is key when challenging the government in contract disputes. It may take time and effort to resolve these issues successfully. However, by staying proactive and diligent throughout each step of the process while utilizing resources like the SAM Directory effectively, businesses can increase their chances of achieving a favorable outcome. In conclusion, challenging the government in contract disputes requires careful planning and strategic execution. By leveraging resources such as the SAM Directory along with thorough documentation, legal counsel, and persistence, businesses can effectively navigate the complexities of contract disputes and protect their rights in dealings with the government. What Is The Difference Between A Protest vs A Dispute? A protest involves a defective bid or awarding a contract to a different bidder. In contrast, a dispute involves an issue with the contracting officer that arises after you have been awarded the government contract. The following are the three Federal Bid protest Levels: Judicial action was brought to the United States Court of Federal Claims (COFC). Protest filed with the (GAO) Government Accountability Office. An agency-Level protest was filed with the agency conducting the procurement. It is important to note that a protest must be filed within 10 days after the basis of the protest is known or should be known. Any protests that exceed this 10-day limit will automatically be thrown out. If you want to go forward you will have to go to a higher level like the United States Court of Federal Claims. Protesting A Bid Or Award You must be an interested party, which means a prospective bidder who will be affected by the award economically. This usually means that you will receive the award if your protests are sustained. One such challenge would be that the bid was defective. A defective bid can include the following: The omission of a required provision The ambiguity of Important facts Indefinite evaluation factors. The termination of a contract may also be protested if the protest alleges that the termination was based on improprieties in the award of the contract. This means that you can protest the bid, award, or termination of the contract. Make sure that you are very aware of the deadlines set for a protest. The Government Would Like to Keep Contract Conflicts Out of Court All contractors have the right to dispute and appeal. However, the government prefers to try to resolve all contractual issues in controversy by mutual agreement at the contracting officer’s level. The government expects you to use reasonable efforts to resolve controversies, before the submission of a dispute. Remember To Be Reasonable When an unfair decision is put forth then it definitely should be protested with voracity. However, you should be reasonable in your claims. The federal government is a very lucrative customer and you do not want to harm this relationship for unnecessary reasons. What Is The Amount Of Your Dispute If Your Claim is under $100,000 then going through the dispute resolution process will be faster than if your claim is over this amount. This is because the Board of Contract Appeals is required to decide within 60 to 120 days. The smaller claims will usually take priority and the board will postpone an appeal concerning a larger dollar amount contract. The Court of Federal Claims could take more than a year just to reach the trial stage. If the dollar amount of the contract is large the dispute could conceivably go to the U.S. Supreme Court.  So it sometimes is smart to think about a strategy for your disputes based on the dollar amount that you are seeking in your claims. This is why seeking legal counsel is a good idea. Please get legal assistance, particularly if you decide to pursue the claim beyond the dispute process. For more information, check out the GAO’s Bid Protest site. Any Questions? Remember Sam Directory is here to help. We would love to be your guide to the amazing world of government contracting. How Do You Get Started Working With The Government? SAM stands for System Award Management. To do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. The government will not hire any type of business that has not registered in the SAM directory. Please read one of the helpful blog articles on our site like Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses.… Continue reading A Guide On How Small Businesses Can Challenge Contract Disputes With The Federal Government

Why does my business need to register for the SAM Directory? What if I told you that your business has a large revenue base that is often untapped in many areas and, therefore, might have very little competition in your field? You might be wondering if this magical source of revenue lives in the land of rainbows and unicorns. The good news is that this is nothing more or less than the United States Federal Government, one of the largest, most powerful purchasers of goods and services in the entire world. Our Federal Government provides a lucrative business opportunity that no small business can afford to ignore. What Is Government Contracting? Government contracting is when specific government agencies contract with private companies for specific goods or services. The agencies usually put out a contract or often a request for proposal (RFP) and various companies can place bids for the project. Once an agency selects a particular business, a contract is signed, and that business is now considered a government contractor. The Federal Government Offers Great Opportunities For Many Types Of Businesses The government actually designates a portion of the contracts for women-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, companies within historically underutilized business zones (HUBZone), and service-disabled, veteran-owned small organizations. This allows underserved groups to have a real chance to get awarded lucrative government contracts. However, it is important to be aware of certain elements of government contracting culture in order to be more effective and get more contracting opportunities. Can a Small Business really hope to compete for federal government contracts? The Federal Government is required to reward a certain amount of its contract to small businesses. In fact, last year the Federal government awarded 25% of its contracts to small businesses. In 2018 the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the Federal government awarded a total of $105.7 Billion worth of contracts for goods and services to small businesses. This marks the first time that more than $100 billion dollars have been awarded to small businesses and marks a 5 million dollar increase from the previous year. What do I need to register for the Sam Directory? You will need the following : A Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS from Dun and Bradstreet Your Tax Identification Number or TIN A Social Security Number if you are a Sole Proprietor. What is a DUNS Number? The Data Universal Numbering System—or D-U-N-S number—was created and copyrighted in 1962 by Dun & Bradstreet. It is a unique nine-digit identifier that has become the standard numbering system to identify businesses across the globe. You can compare the DUNS number as a social security number for your business. Any contracting opportunity in the System for Award Management (SAM) will require a DUNS number to apply. What is the difference between a DUNS number and a Federal Tax ID number? A DUNS number is used for business credit reporting purposes, whereas an EIN is issued by the IRS and used for tax identification purposes. Are there any other advantages to registering for the SAM Directory besides government contracting opportunities? A business has to be registered with SAM before they can begin to apply for valuable federal grants. What is a Federal Grant? A grant is a way the government funds your ideas and projects to provide public services and stimulate the economy. Grants support critical recovery initiatives, innovative research, and many other programs listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). The following are the steps to apply for a grant: Step 1: Obtain a DUNS Number Step 2: Register with SAM Step 3: Register with Grants.gov Is there any other information that I should be aware of to take full advantage of what is offered by registering for the SAM Directory? It is important that a business understands the government classification system which includes the following codes: NAICS PSC FSC What is a NAICS number? NAICS is a six-digit code that stands for the North American Industry Classification System. Many federal agencies post contracting opportunities using the NAICS codes. The NAICS is used as an internal reference that quickly describes what a business does. You want to make sure you have the correct NAICS number to qualify for as many contracting opportunities as possible. What is the PSC number? PSC stands for Product Service Code and is primarily used by the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and the General Services Administration (GSA).  They are used to describe the types of products, services, and research and development purchased by the federal government. What is an FSC Code? Federal Supply Class (FSC) codes are four-digit codes that are used to group products into logical families for supply management purposes. These codes are also used to classify government standards documents into categories, to help manage them more easily. FSC codes are grouped by Federal Supply Group (FSG) numbers. CAGE Code (Commercial and Government Entity) This code is five characters and unique to your business. It’s basically your ID code, and government agencies will identify your business using this code. It is a bit like a social security number for your business. If your business includes more than one facility, then you will need multiple CAGE codes. Each location must have its own unique code, and each location must be registered separately with SAM. How Can A New Business Easily Register For SAM Without All the Hassles? All this information can at first seem quite daunting at first. As small business owners, we understand that you have a million things to accomplish on any given day. However, you also do not want to miss out on the honey hole of opportunities provided by the federal government. It is important that you get registered into the SAM directory as quickly and efficiently as possible. That is why it is a great idea to go to sam.directory. They understand the importance of proper SAM registration and take this confusing process off your hands completely. This website can… Continue reading How Small Businesses Can Register For The SAM Directory

The United States Government Is A Very Powerful Client With Deep Pockets The Federal government usually spends around 500 billion dollars a year on goods and services. This makes the U.S. government an extremely attractive client. There are few other organizations with this type of spending power and clout. The government also tends to buy goods and services in bulk. If your business has the infrastructure to handle large orders, then the government can help you grow substantially at an accelerated pace. What Is Government Contracting? Government contracting is when specific government agencies contract with private companies for specific goods or services. The agencies usually put out a contract or often a request for proposal (RFP) and various companies can place bids for the project. Once an agency selects a particular business, a contract is signed, and that business is now considered a government contractor. Why Work For The Government? There are many compelling reasons to work for the Federal Government.  We will go into in-depth detail about how a small business can benefit greatly from being a government contractor. Take Hold Of Your Destiny Some people are scared of the stress that often comes along with managing a business. They think that will not be able to handle keeping up with the ever-changing marketplace. What they often do not take into account is that day-to-day jobs can be just as stressful. Often, employees have to live up to the unrealistic expectations of several managers. Being an entrepreneur gives you more control over your own destiny, rather than have your fate be in the hands of other people. This way you can shape your life according to your needs. The Federal Government Offers Great Opportunities For Many Types Of Businesses The government actually designates a portion of the contracts for women-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, companies within historically underutilized business zones (HUBZone), and service-disabled, veteran-owned small organizations. This allows underserved groups to have a real chance to get awarded lucrative government contracts. Government Contracts Offer Security In These Uncertain Times. Covid-19 has halted a lot of different industries. However, the government must continue to move forward for the health and welfare of its people. Government contracting can be a shining light in the pandemic darkness and provide a lifeline to many struggling businesses who are trying to survive this unprecedented situation. You should remember that government agencies are in need of goods and services in a year-round capacity. This makes them one of the few consumers that are actually recession-proof and a great source of steady reliable income. What Is A Government Contractor? The United States Government is made up of several agencies that are in need of a variety of services. These agencies then offer contacts to private companies across several industries to fulfill these needs. Private contractors are vital in helping the government provide services for the welfare and protection of the citizens of the United States. Private government contractors provide goods and services for the following:  Medical Services Utilities Construction Supplies for various projects Engineering Defense Intellectual Technology Energy These are just a few of the categories that are often contracted out to private independent companies through the awarding of government contracts. How Do You Get Started Working With The Government? SAM stands for System Award Management. In order to do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. The government will not hire any type of business that has not registered in the SAM directory. We have an article on our site, Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses, that gives you important information about this process. As a smart entrepreneur, you have already used our site to register in the SAM directory. Congratulations on taking this important first step to become a government contractor. Can a Small Business really hope to compete for federal government contracts? The Federal Government is required to reward a certain amount of its contract to small businesses. In fact, last year the Federal government awarded 25% of its contracts to small businesses. In 2018 the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the Federal government awarded a total of $105.7 Billion worth of contracts for goods and services to small businesses. This marks the first time that more than $100 billion dollars have been awarded to small businesses and marks a 5 million dollar increase from the previous year. The following facts are also very enlightening: In FY18, the federal government exceeded the service-disabled-veteran-owned small business and small disadvantaged business goals and the prime contract dollar awards in all small business categories increased from previous years. The federal government also exceeded its subcontract goals for awards to small businesses and women-owned small businesses and awarded more than $79 billion in subcontracts to all small businesses. Small Businesses Are Given Special Consideration When It Comes To Government Contracts In many markets, small businesses are often outcompeted by larger organizations that often have access to almost unlimited resources. This set aside actually might increase a small business’s chances of winning a lucrative bid. The federal government is required to set aside at least 23 percent of its total spending specifically for small businesses. Several small businesses have made a fortune just on federal government contract awards. Government Funding As we have stated before, the United States government is one of the wealthiest and most powerful clients in the world. However, no one has unlimited resources. Administrations change and that can often mean a shift in funding priorities. For example, if the government is into energy conservation, that might mean a lot of contracts for those who develop energy alternatives. If a new administration comes into power that values different things, then the funding for alternative energy initiatives might be decreased. One of the best ways to combat this is by supporting politicians that understand and promote your type of business. It is important to keep an eye on the… Continue reading Federal Contracting Can Be A Lifeline For Small Businesses During Tough Economic Times

Small Businesses Are Given Special Consideration When It Comes To Government Contracts In many markets, small businesses are often outcompeted by larger organizations that often have access to almost unlimited resources. So this set aside might increase a small business’s chances of winning a lucrative bid. The federal government must set aside at least 23 percent of its total spending specifically for small businesses. Several small businesses have made a fortune just on national government contract awards. However, before companies bid for contracts, it is crucial to understand the different types of arrangements utilized by the government. Time and Materials Contracts The government rarely awards this type of contract because of the expense. A Time and Material Contract requires paying directly for all costs associated with the particular project. Labor Hour Contracts are defined as a variation of the time-and-materials contract, differing only in that materials are not supplied by the contractor. See 12.207 (b), 16.601 (c), and 16.601 (d) for application and limitations for time-and-materials contracts that also apply to labor-hour contracts. See 12.207 (b) for labor-hour contracts for certain commercial services. Labor Hour Contracts do not include the cost of materials. Indefinite Delivery Contracts The government uses this type of contract when it does not know precisely how much of a product or a service will be needed for a project. They will usually list a range, and certain companies will be invited to provide their lowest bids per item.  This includes Task-Order Contracts which permit government stocks of specific items to be maintained at minimum levels and allow direct shipments to the users of products or services. They also enable great flexibility in both quantities and delivery scheduling and the ability of buyers to order supplies and services only after specific requirements for them materialize. Job-Order contracts, a competitively bid, fixed price, multi-year construction contract based on established or published unit prices via a unit price book (UPB) or a price list with a multiplier (termed coefficient) applied to the unit prices also fall under this category Fixed-Price Contracts These government contracts are used when the scope of work is clear from the beginning, and therefore a price is determined by the agency in advance. There are many different types of this particular contract. Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) This contract means that the price is set in stone and the vendor or small business awarded the contract will be taking all the risk. So if the contract is over budget, the small business owner has to pay out of pocket. However, if the project is under budget, the business will keep the extra profit. This is an excellent contract for companies that are precise with their pricing and have a lot of experience. Cost-Reimbursement Contracts Cost-reimbursement is a category of contracts used when it would be too difficult to estimate the cost of the project in advance. They usually define a spending limit but are a much lower risk for the service provider than fixed-price contracts.  Cost Contracts This contract pays only for expenses, and there is no profit for the small business provider. Cost contracts are often used for research projects provided by non-profit organizations. Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee This contract includes a limit for expenses that will be reimbursed and a fixed payment for the service provider. Cost-Plus-Incentive Like Fixed-Price-Incentive contracts, this provides a financial incentive for the service provider to come in under budget while also covering project expenses. Cost-Plus-Award-Fee This contract states that the govt client can pay the expenses of completing the project and provides financial awards supported by criteria outlined beforehand. Cost Sharing This type of contract only pays a predetermined portion of the overall costs. It is most common in research contracts where the service provider will benefit in other ways from the research results. Get The Bid Package After you have ascertained the government contract you want to bid on, it is essential to contact the agency and request a bid package. This package is also often called the solicitation package. After you receive the package, review it carefully. Find out what the purchasing office wants to buy and determine if your company can meet the requirements. The Bid Package should contain the following: the buyer’s contact information, including name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, are listed on the bid notice. When you request the bid package, make sure to also ask for amendments. Be Precise And Follow Directions Naturally, the government is a stickler for following rules and regulations. It is shocking how many bids get tossed out because companies fail to follow basic directions. Be aware of deadlines, and do not leave anything black when filling out forms. The request for proposals or RFPs has precise instructions, and you must take everything seriously. Just think of it as filing your income taxes, and do not take any unnecessary shortcuts. The First Step Is Registering With SAM To do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management directory. The government will not hire any type of business (large or small) that has not been written in the SAM directory. Please read one of the helpful blog articles on our site, Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses.  These blogs will help give you all the information you need to understand how we can help make the process very easy for you. Sam Directory will happily guide you through this often confusing process. What do I need to register for the Sam Directory? You will need the following : A Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS from Dun and Bradstreet Your Tax Identification Number or TIN A Social Security Number if you are a Sole Proprietor. CAGE Code (Commercial and Government Entity) This code is five characters and unique to your business. It’s your ID code, and government agencies will identify your business using this code. It is a bit like a social security number for your business. If… Continue reading The Different Types Of Federal Contracts Explained For Small Businesses

Where Do You Find Government Contracts For Bidding Search for opportunities at the following SAM.gov. Federal agencies are required to publish all contracts that are above $25,000 on SAM.gov. This means that there are a large number of contracts advertised there at any given time. Contact a procurement officer for information on contracts that are below the $25,000 threshold for publishing. Look To Your Local PTAC Office Procurement Technical Assistance Centers or PTACs provide free assistance in government contracting. They will help you identify bidding opportunities and if your company meets certain criteria to work with the government. Here is also where you can find out if your business can be certified as 8(a), WOSB., or HUBZone. Get The Bid Package After you have ascertained the government contract that you want to bid on, it is important to contact the agency and request a bid package. This package is also often called the solicitation package. After you receive the package, review it carefully. Find out what the purchasing office is wanting to buy and figure out if your company can meet the requirements. The Bid Package should contain the following: the buyer’s contact information including name, address, phone number, and e-mail address are listed on the bid notice. When you request the bid package, make sure to also ask for amendments. The Bid The Federal government has the following type of solicitations for bidding: Request for Quotation (RFQ). This type is for contracts below $150,000 with a simplified acquisition procedure. Request for Proposal (RFP). This type of solicitation asks vendors to make a proposal in response to the government request. You can (and often will) discuss delivery details, technical requirements, and specifications with the contracting officer when you bid on that type of solicitation. Invitation for Bid (IFB). The “lowest bid wins” or “sealed bid” type of solicitation. No discussion or price negotiation is implied here. Request for Information (RFI). This is mostly to research the market and evaluate the interest and capabilities of contractors in a specific niche. Make sure you read the solicitation requirements carefully. A solicitation package will include, documents, technical conditions, attachments, and various other things required with the submission. For most federal government contracts under RFP and IFB solicitations, there are standard contracting forms you should fill. As for required documents, they are listed in the solicitation Contact your contracting officer if you have questions. It is important that you understand every single thing about the solicitation that you are bidding on. Also, look to FARs (Federal Acquisitions Regulations) that govern the solicitation you are to respond to make sure you know the regulations and requirements. Be Competitive Use resources like USASpending.gov or govspend.com to compare your bids using third-party service providers. The government uses Most Favored Customer or MFC to determine what is fair and reasonable pricing. This is defined as” A Standard Clause allows a buyer to obtain the best possible price on goods or services from a seller by requiring it to provide the buyer with the lowest price among all buyers in that market. If the seller wants to offer a different buyer a lower price, it must also first offer that price to the buyer with the most favored customer clause (MFC), also known as a most favored nation clause. MFCs can implicate US antitrust laws, which analyze the enforceability of MFCs using a rule of reason analysis. This Standard Clause addresses the price of goods and has integrated drafting notes with important explanations and drafting tips. What Type Of Contract Is Being Sought? The three major contracts that are being sought are fixed price, cost-reimbursement, and special situation. Fixed-Price Contracts These government contracts are used when the scope of work is clear from the beginning and therefore a price is determined by the agency in advance. There are many different types of this particular contract. Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) This contract means that the price is set in stone and the vendor or small business awarded the contract will be taking all the risk. So if the contract is over budget, the small business owner has to pay out of pocket. However, if the project is under budget, then the business will keep the extra profit. This is a great contract for companies that are precise with their pricing and a lot of experience in the field. Fixed-Price with Award Fees A fixed price with award fees contract offers a hard and fast price for objective performance success. This contract will also have additional awards to incentivize more subjective qualities like aesthetic appearance and technical knowledge Fixed-Price with Economic Price Adjustment The prices are often adjusted at the top of the project to account for changes within the cost of labor, materials, or market prices of specific items within the contract. The criteria for these sorts of price changes must be defined within the original contract. Fixed Price Incentive (FPI) This contract states a maximum price but it also awards the service provider for coming in under budget. So coming under budget in this type of contract allows for a larger profit for the small business provider. Cost-Reimbursement Contracts Cost-reimbursement is a category of contracts that are used when it would be too difficult to estimate the cost of the project in advance. They usually define a spending limit but are a way lower risk for the service provider than fixed-price contracts.  Cost Contracts This contract pays only for expenses and there is no profit for the small business provider. Cost contracts are often used for research projects provided by non-profit organizations. Submission It usually takes the government 30 to 120 days to review your submission. The Contracting Officer evaluates many factors including financial figures of your business, how long it has been on the market, past performance reports, and, of course, if your pricing is competitive. Whether your proposal is accepted or rejected, you will receive a response from the Gov’t. Sometimes, the Contracting Officer requests some more… Continue reading A Small Business Guide To Federal Contracting Procedures

Things To Do Before The Request For Proposal The RFP Is Released It would help if you always asked the following questions to fully understand how you are going to structure your winning proposal: What is the top priority: quality, price, or speed? What problem can you solve for the government using your product or service? Do you need to team up with anyone else? How is the proposal going to be scored by the agency? What are the agency’s operating policies? Who is the agency’s current contractor for this particular good or service?  The Structure of Government Requests for Proposals Each proposal has three sections: The Scope of Services Instructions- Make sure that you follow all instructions carefully and with precise details. Evaluation -This is how the government will score your proposal The Scope of Services This is where you will explain how you plan on completing the work or providing the goods being acquired. It is the most important part of the proposal. You must list and provide evidence of core competencies and how you can effectively help the agency reach its desired outcome in the allotted time. This is the time for your business to show your innovation and creativity. Remember that the government wants to save money and keep your pricing competitive. One of the ways to stand out is by identifying your employees and listing their qualifications. Make a strong case for why your people are the best at what they do and why the government is in good hands. Remember, you hired this personnel, so no one knows better than you how awesome your team can be at completing the proposal. Narrow In On The Customer’s Needs The United States government is a customer just like any other. However, this customer has deep pockets and unlimited needs. A small business can cater to the government by following a strategy in which the customer’s needs always come first. Identify the government agency’s pain points and offer them your innovative solutions to their problems. This type of discipline always wins big points with the government. Be Precise And Follow Directions Naturally, the government is a stickler for following rules and regulations. It is shocking how many bids get tossed out because companies need to follow basic directions. Be aware of deadlines, and do not leave anything black when filling out forms. The request for proposals or RFPs has very specific instructions, and you must take everything seriously. Just consider it like filing your income taxes, and do not take unnecessary shortcuts. Be Strategic In Which Agencies That You Target Covid-19 has not had a major impact on government spending. In 2020, over 1.55 trillion dollars were spent on just Covid response efforts. This increase in spending has made the budgets for 2021 higher for several agencies. The Department of Defense has increased its budget by 800 million dollars compared to 2020. NASA has requested a 12 percent increase in its agency funding, and the Veteran Administration agencies asked for 14 percent more money in 2021. It is a great idea to strategically target agencies experiencing this type of budget boom to secure government contracts. Streamlining and Modernizing Information Technology Did you know that the Internal Revenue Service, the Veterans Affairs Department, Defense Department, and the Transportation Department are operating on computer systems over 50 years old? Some still use 1970 IBM mainframe computers that store information on floppy disks! This has caused the government to pass the Modernizing Government Technology Act, also known as the MGT. The MGT has authorized 100 hundred million dollars to modernize the federal government’s Information Technology systems in 2018. Then another 150 million dollars were added to the MGT in 2019. The Consolidated Appropriations Act added billions of dollars to upgrade the government’s I.T. systems and update infrastructure. So small businesses that can help the government reduce redundancies, save money, and streamline government technology have a great chance of obtaining very profitable government contracts in 2020 and beyond. Contingent Fees A government contractor is not allowed to agree with a third party where the third party will pay a fee contingent on the successful winning of a federal contract. This is to ensure contractors are not tempted to cut corners to be paid. The Government Is Different Small businesses should know that doing business with the federal government is different from doing business with civilian companies or individuals. The government must protect the public interest and not abuse funds in the public treasury. They must be very responsible with the money provided by their citizens’ hard-earned tax dollars to avoid all inferences of unfair advantage. A small business must make sure that they are not participating in the following: Bribes Gratuities Kickbacks Conflict of interest Lack of procurement integrity Any suspicion of this type of conduct can bar a business from doing business with the federal government for life and can include criminal sanctions. It would help if you were very careful not to do anything that might violate the integrity of the government process. These provisions include the “officials not to benefit” clause, the “anti-kickback” provisions, the “gratuities” clause, etc. Make Sure You Are Organized Having solid financial records and a clearly thought-out process goes a long way to impress government agencies that you can handle the job. It presents a professional demeanor that is quite impressive. Sam Directory will guide you through the process of writing a successful government contract proposal. We are invested in your success and want to help you succeed in winning a lucrative federal contract. What is FAR? The FAR is a standardized set of regulations employed by all federal agencies in making purchases. It provides procedures for how to maneuver the procurement process. It takes you through the need for the product and service to the contract award. Government Contracts Can Be Very Lucrative For Small Businesses The United States government issues 500 billion dollars in federal contracts every year. They also set… Continue reading How To Structure Proposals To Successfully Apply For Federal Contracting Jobs

The United States Government Is A Very Powerful Client With Deep Pockets The Federal government usually spends around 500 billion dollars a year on goods and services. This makes the U.S. government an extremely attractive client. There are few other organizations with this type of spending power and clout. The government also tends to buy goods and services in bulk. If your business has the infrastructure to handle large orders, then the government can help you grow substantially at an accelerated pace. Government agencies also buy goods and services in large quantities. Large orders can be a double-edged sword for small businesses. However, if managed correctly, they can help you grow substantially and rapidly. Small Businesses Are Given Special Consideration When It Comes To Government Contracts In many markets, small businesses are often outcompeted by larger organizations that often have access to almost unlimited resources. This set aside actually might increase a small business’s chances of winning a lucrative bid. The federal government is required to set aside at least 23 percent of its total spending specifically for small businesses. Several small businesses have made a fortune just on federal government contract awards. The Federal Government Offers Great Opportunities For Many Types Of Businesses The government actually designates a portion of the contracts for women-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, companies within historically underutilized business zones (HUBZone), and service-disabled, veteran-owned small organizations. This allows underserved groups to have a real chance to get awarded lucrative government contracts. What Is The Sam Directory? SAM stands for System Award Management. In order to do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. The government will not hire any type of business large or small that has not registered in the SAM directory. What Do I Need To Register For The Sam Directory? You will need the following : A Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS from Dun and Bradstreet Your Tax Identification Number or TIN A Social Security Number if you are a Sole Proprietor. What Is A DUNS Number? The Data Universal Numbering System—or D-U-N-S number—was created and copyrighted in 1962 by Dun & Bradstreet. It is a unique nine-digit identifier that has become the standard numbering system to identify businesses across the globe. You can compare the DUNS number as a social security number for your business. Any contracting opportunity within the System for Award Management (SAM) will require a DUNS number. Are There Any Other Advantages For A New Business To Registering For The SAM Directory Besides Government Contracting Opportunities? A business has to be registered with SAM before they can begin to apply for valuable federal grants. What Is A Federal Grant? A grant may be a way the government funds your ideas and projects to provide public services and stimulate the economy. Grants support critical recovery initiatives, innovative research, and lots of other programs within the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). The following are the steps to apply for a grant: Step 1: Obtain a DUNS Number Step 2: Register with SAM Step 3: Register with Grants.gov What Other Information Does A New Business Need to Register For SAM? It is important that a business understands the government classification system which includes the following codes: NAICS PSC FSC What is a NAICS number? NAICS is a six-digit code that stands for the North American Industry Classification System. Many federal agencies post contracting opportunities using the NAICS codes. The NAICS is used as an internal reference that quickly describes what a business does. You want to make sure you have the correct NAICS number to qualify for as many contracting opportunities as possible. What is the PSC number? PSC stands for Product Service Code and is primarily used by the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and the General Services Administration (GSA).  They are used to describe the types of products, services, and research and development purchased by the federal government. What is an FSC Code? Federal Supply Class (FSC) codes are four-digit codes that are used to group products into logical families for supply management purposes. These codes are also used to classify government standards documents into categories, to help manage them more easily. FSC codes are grouped by Federal Supply Group (FSG) numbers. CAGE Code (Commercial and Government Entity) This code is five characters and unique to your business. It’s basically your ID code, and government agencies will identify your business using this code. It is a bit like a social security number for your business. If your business includes more than one facility, then you will need multiple CAGE codes. Each location must have its own unique code, and each location must be registered separately with SAM. High-Level Security and Background Checks It is important for government contractors to be able to pass several security clearances. A background check on your company and employees is often a condition of employment. This will include the following: Employment Education Criminal Records Credit History Motor Vehicles and License Records You should make sure that all your personnel and employees are able to pass this intensive screening. If there are any issues, make sure the government is made aware of it ahead of time, so that an explanation can be given. For example, if you are participating in programs that rehabilitate criminals by giving them jobs. Transparency is often the best way to deal with situations that might cause an issue in obtaining lucrative government contracts. SAM Directory Can Help Remember, registering for the SAM directory gives a business automatic entry into the extremely lucrative marketplace of the federal government. It is also a crucial step for applying for rewarding government grants that can help your business reach its full potential.  Let us, the professionals at SAM Directory, make sure that you do all that is needed to not miss out on this important opportunity. We will make certain that your application is processed quickly and efficiently so you… Continue reading How The SAM Directory Can Be The Secret To Small Business Success