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There were certain groups that have experienced discrimination in the past that were not related to their individual qualifications. This discrimination kept them from participating in the free market because they did not have access to capital.  In response, the Federal government tries to award contracts to businesses that are at least fifty one percent owned by those from disadvantaged groups.  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.  How Do I Know That Being A Government Contractor Is Right For My Company?  There is very little certainty in business. Having a powerful client that is known for paying its bills on time, like our Federal Government, is a great asset.  Also, many of your competitors might be dismissing the idea of being a government contractor as being too much trouble. This means that there could be surprisingly little competition in some spaces. Their shortsightedness can be your company’s advantage.  What Qualifies As A Small Business?  In order 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 through the payment of taxes or the use of 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 in order to qualify for government contracts is to register with the SAM Directory.  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 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.  Luckily our site takes this headache off your hands. You can leave this important step to the experts at Sam Directory so you can concentrate on more important matters.  The best part is once you register, you will no longer have to keep reentering important information every time you apply for a new government opportunity.  Minority-Owned Business Status  Five percent of the Federal government contracts are supposed to be awarded to members of an economically or socially disadvantaged group. This allows minority groups to remain competitive in the government market.  Under the Small Business Act, certain individuals are presumed socially disadvantaged:   African-Americans  Hispanic Americans,  Asian Pacific Americans  Native Americans (American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, or Native Hawaiians)  Subcontinent Asian Americans.  An individual who is not a member of one of the groups listed can be admitted to the program if he/she shows – through a “preponderance of the evidence” – that he/she is socially disadvantaged. For instance, an individual may show social disadvantage due to race, ethnic origin, gender, physical handicap, long-term residence in an environment isolated from the mainstream of American society; or other similar causes.  Additional Requirements  In addition, the business must show economic disadvantage by submitting a narrative and personal financial documentation about the company’s income, assets, and net worth.  Generally, successful applicants must also meet the following additional requirements:  The business must be small according to the Size standards for small business concerns;  The business must demonstrate a potential for success (generally by being in business for, at least, two years);  The business must be unconditionally owned and controlled by  by one or more disadvantaged individuals who  are US citizens and who are of good character.;  Registering For Minority Certification  In order to qualify for the five percent of the contracts that are reserved for minority-owned or disadvantaged businesses, one must be certified by the government. This means that a business is giving up on 24 billion dollars worth of revenue by not registering.  Registering also has other advantages. The SBA offers specialized training programs and mentoring to registered organizations, free of charge. You also get admitted to opportunity fairs and networking events through the National Minority Supplier Development Council.  Prior to applying for the 8(a) Program, each firm is urged to take an on-line training and self-evaluation course that can be found here at the 8(a) Business Development Suitability Tool.  The first section of the on-line course explains the 8(a) Program intimately. It culminates in an eligibility self-assessment test. The test consists of a series of straightforward yes/no questions that evaluate the degree to which your firm meets the essential qualifications for the 8(a) Program.  If key eligibility criteria are not met, you will be directed to the SBA resource deemed most appropriate to help you at this time.  How Do I Apply?  We recommend that you simply submit your application or the 8(a) Business Development Program electronically, but if you employ paper, see the subsequent guidelines.  If you’d not wish to submit electronically, you’ll contact your local SBA District office to get a paper application to use to the 8(a) Program Business Development Program.  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… Continue reading How Minorities Can Get Lucrative Government Contracts

Being A Government Contractor Is A Great Way To Make Your Business Stand Out In An Overcrowded Field  Business can be very competitive. Working on government projects is a great way to make a mark in an oversaturated market. The government has a great deal of work specifically set aside for small businesses.  Also, many small businesses often do not want to deal with the hassle of working with the government, and sometimes there can be surprisingly little competition for a government project. That is why utilizing Sam Directory to handle all the confusing registration requirements is a very smart investment.   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 and service-disabled veterans. Several small businesses have made a fortune just on federal government contract awards. However, before companies bid for contracts, it is important to understand the different types of contracts utilized by the government.  Does Your Company Qualify As A Veteran Owned Business?  In order 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 veterans who are U.S. citizens*  The veterans must manage the day-to-day operations  The veterans must make long-term decisions for the business  A veteran must hold the highest officer position  The veterans  must work at the business full-time during normal working hours  How Do You Prove That You Are A Veteran?  You will need to have a Department of Defense Form 214 (DD 214), which is a document that is issued when a military service member retires, separates, or is discharged from the military.   You will need a letter from the United States Department of Veteran Affairs stating you are service-disabled if you also intend to apply for service disables status. The VA benefits office can help you if you need to replace a lost disability status letter.  Registering with the VA  You will want your company to get certified as a veteran-owned business. This means that you should register with the VA because it is the only government agency with a formal verification process.  The VA actually has a number of contracts in which priority is given to service-disabled veterans and then to veterans. This is particularly important for nondisabled veterans, who do not get set-asides with the federal government. In short, registering with the VA increases the chances of a non service disabled veteran winning a contract.  How Do You Register?  The first step of getting certified is registering with VetBiz Registry. This is a veteran’s business database. You can also go to the Center for Veterans Enterprise which provides the registry and also includes step-by-step instructions on applying for VA Certification. Remember to have your DD 214 form handy.  You should also have the following:  Partnership Agreements  Corporate Charters  Organizational Charters   Board of Directors  Mission Statements  Inventory  Service Providers  Bank Statements  Tax Information  Some businesses can also be subject to onsite visits that can sometimes be unannounced.  Registering With The Central Contractor Registration  You must also register with the Central Contractor Registration or the CCR in order to be eligible for 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 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.  Luckily our site takes this headache off your hands. You can leave this important step to the experts at https://www.sam.directory so you can concentrate on more important matters.  The best part is once you register, you will no longer have to keep reentering important information every time you apply for a new government opportunity.  You will need a DUNS number.  You’ll also need a D&B D-U-N-S® Number, which is a unique nine-character identification number issued to your business. You can register for your D-U-N-S Number free of charge by calling 1-866-705-5711 or by visiting Dun & Bradstreet’s Government D-U-N-S Number registration page.  SAM Directory Information For Veterans  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.  What can I do to make registering for the SAM directory as easy as possible?  All this information can seem quite daunting. We understand that as a small business owner, you have a million things to accomplish on any given day and might not have the time needed for this process. However, you also do not want to miss out on the honey hole of opportunities provided by the federal government. It is… Continue reading How Veterans Can Get Government Contracts

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 by 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.  The United States Government Want To Encourage the Success of Small Businesses  As we mentioned in the first part of this series, the federal government is required to set aside at least 23 percent of its total spending specifically for small businesses.  This includes contracts specifically for women-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, companies within historically underutilized business zones (HUBZone), and service-disabled, veteran-owned small organizations. This allows for underserved groups to have a real chance to get awarded lucrative government contracts.  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 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.  Publications  The government has issued some publications to also assist small businesses. They are as follows:   Selling to the Military: Has all the information needed about items the military is currently looking to purchase. This includes contact information for the buying offices and the Small Business Office.  Small Business Specialists for DoD: This is a listing of names, addresses, and phone numbers for all the resources you need to do business with the Department of Defense which is one of the most well-funded purchasers in the government.  Participating in the VA Acquisition Program: This publication covers general information about how and what the Veterans Administration buys.  Conferences for Procurement  Procurement conferences are sponsored by both the government and private businesses. These conferences are a great opportunity to meet and speak with government officials, buyers, and large prime contractors. The more populated areas of the country hold several conferences in a year.  Various websites usually have a listing of when these conferences are held. You can also go to the FedBizOpps News section of the BidNet.site.  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.  National Contracts Management Association  The National Contracts Management Association (NCMA) is a government-supported organization that was started years ago (1959). It was started to help companies do business with the federal government.  The organization provides certification programs and educational seminars for small businesses. They also print a monthly magazine called Contract Management. The fee for new membership is $120 and can be thereafter renewed at $100 per year.  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.  How Do You Get Started Working With The Government?  For example, the following are the steps to apply for a federal grant:  Step 1: Obtain a DUNS Number  Step 2: Register with SAM  Step 3: Register with Grants.gov  You might be wondering what SAM means and how do you register with the site. Go to sam. directory to find people who are willing to make this as easy as possible. Be sure to also check out our informative article Everything A Small Business Needs to Know About the SAM Directory, which should easily answer most of your questions. 

Being A Government Contractor Is Lucrative  One of the best ways to expand your business and have a secure lifeline in unexpected rough times is to become a government contractor. The United States government is one of the most powerful consumers of goods and services in the world. This is a 500 hundred billion dollar industry that is required to set aside at least 23 percent of these contracts specifically for small businesses.  A Fantastic Presentation Is The Key To Success  Having a good presentation is vital to winning over the federal government. You want to be able to make an excellent impression that goes beyond just having a great price point. It is important to understand that this is not your typical business client. Because of the presentation to the United States is so different from presenting to other businesses, many companies get flustered.  Let us guide you through this often intimidating process.  Be Prepared To Give An Oral Presentation  Oral presentations are very common for companies who want to work for the United States government. This is not going to be your typical audience. You might not get the greeting and niceties that usually come with this type of business meeting. The government employees are not allowed to react to anything that is said. You should be used to seeing no feedback until the question and answer period.  You Still Need To Make Yourself Stand Out  The federal government will be watching many groups of people from various other companies. They have a point system and award the contract to the business that scores the most points. The government will often see the basic material being presented numerous times. It is important that your presentation is unique and memorable in a positive way. Your company really needs to catch their attention.  The Three Steps  All federal government presentations have three distinct informational phases:   The people who will work on the project  The project’s management  The company’s problem-solving abilities.  People  The first phase is when you will talk about the team that will be working on the project. You need to mention the key hands-on personnel who will be directly involved and working with the government.  This is not the time to just name off people and recite their resumes. You have already listed each person’s qualifications, background, education, and experience in the written proposal. Now your company needs to give the federal government true insight into the people who are going to be performing essential tasks.  Have the key team members speak for themselves. Let the government get to really know about how passionate and motivated your people are to win this particular contract. This is the time to bring up any special skills or experience that can not be easily gleaned from a piece of paper. Many companies that present orals to the federal government never go beyond what they supplied in the written proposal, which is a great way to be forgotten.  Project Management  It is important to highlight these considerations into the next phase:  How is your organization set up?   How are you set up to handle problems?   Who are the players who handle problems?   How does your organization fit together?  How do you draw on other strategic alliances or subcontractors?   How does everyone, internally and externally, work together?   What are some of your established processes?   Tell them how you handled similar projects.  This is where you explain how your past experiences have prepared you for success in the present circumstances. Do not present this material in a manner that could be boring or humdrum. Your company really needs to exude excitement about the organization and show your passion for the project. You need to talk about not only each individual’s commitment to the project but also how the organization as a whole and the management team is committed to ensuring the highest quality of performance.  Problem Solving  This is the most important phase of the whole presentation and the place where organizations often lose the most points.  The problem-solving phase will consist of the federal government will present you with a possible problem, give you some time to discuss the problem, and ask questions, and then they’ll watch how you solve the problem. You should realize that the federal government doesn’t care what your final solution is; they care about your approach to the problem. They’re watching how you solve problems and how you work together as a team. You should practice problems solving simulations on a daily basis at least two weeks before you head into the presentation. The more you practice problem-solving, the better you’ll do as a team.  Innovation Is Key  The government needs to be very careful about how they handle money that is provided by taxpayers. They are tasked with making sure that things go smoothly and no unnecessary risks are taken. This is a great opportunity for a small business that prides itself on finding innovative solutions to age-old problems.  The United States government is open to fresh perspectives and ideas that can streamline their systems or save them money. Do not be afraid to think outside the box when you bid for government contracts. Your new ways of doing things could be just the thing to make you stand apart from the other companies vying for the same opportunity. They are particularly keen to listen to ideas that have been proven in the private sector.  Remember SAM  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 directory. The government will not hire any type of business (large or small) 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.  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.… Continue reading Mastering Your Presentation For Government Contracts

The Island of Security in Uncertain Times  There is very little certainty in business. Having a powerful client that is known for paying its bills on time, like our Federal Government, is a great asset.  Also, many of your competitors might be dismissing the idea of being a government contractor as being too much trouble. This means that there could be surprisingly little competition in some spaces. Their shortsightedness can be your company’s advantage.  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.  Register For SAM  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.  Small Business Administration Certifications  A Small Business Administration certification is a great way for your business to stand out in the marketplace. Certifications can help you gain access to specialized funding and scholarships, allow you to compete for set-aside contracts, and can be a great bonus to potential clients. Here are some certifications to consider for your small business:  Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program (WOSBs)  8(a) Business Development Program  The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern Procurement Program(SDVOSB)  Historically Underutilized Business Zone Program (HUBZone)  Networking  Sometimes the hardest step is getting your foot in the door. Networking is extremely important when trying to secure government contracts. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a great resource and hosts many events throughout the year. These events are usually no cost to business owners and can offer a treasure trove of information about how to obtain contracts from various agencies.   This is your opportunity to shine so make sure you are prepared to present an elevator pitch to better define your company. This is a speech that explains what your business has to offer and how you can help another organization meet its goals. It should be short and simple, no longer than a 30-second elevator ride.  Do Your Research  Once you have selected some agencies that are in need of your goods and services, it is very important to research your customers. Luckily, nowadays you can find out a lot about an organization online.  At the end of the day, 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 what the government agency’s pain points are and then offer them your innovative solutions to their problems. This type of discipline always wins big points with the government. Here are a couple of examples of how you can find the information you need in order to win lucrative government contracts:  Inquire about the vendor Outreach Sessions and when will they be held  Inquire how your company’s products/services could help with the agency’s missions  Request meetings with Agency Program managers leading the contract requirements you’re pursuing  If you would like to do additional research, you can also check www.fbo.gov, an online listing of government contracts that detail all contracts with a value exceeding $25,000. Another available resource is www.usaspending.gov, a site that details how government money is spent, what agency is issuing awards, and who the federal government is buying from.  The Capability Statement  Capability statements are essential marketing tools.  These written documents state your firm’s abilities in a clear and compact manner. This should include a company overview, past performance, and how you can fill a need for the agency. To stand out from other businesses, be sure to tailor your statement to specifically match the project and/or agency needs.  Do Not Give Up!  At some point, the process can be a little overwhelming. You must keep in mind that the reward will definitely be worth all the effort. According to the American Express OPEN survey, 57% of businesses said their revenue has grown significantly because of government contracting, and at an average rate of 61%. However, business owners should keep in mind there is no secret formula for securing a contract.  The Government Wants Small Businesses To Succeed  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.  Remember 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 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.  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… Continue reading Preparing Your Business For Federal Government Contracting

The business landscape has changed dramatically in the last decade. One thing that has always remained constant, the United States Federal Government is one the largest and most powerful consumers of goods and services in the whole world. Being a government contractor is a highly desired position for any business.  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.  What Does This Mean For Small Businesses That Want To Be Government Contractors?  The Federal government is also required to set aside a certain amount of contracts for small businesses. At least 23 percent of government contracts will be awarded to small businesses this year. This means that smaller companies do not have to worry about being outcompeted by large companies with unlimited resources.  How Do I Know Government Contracting Is Right for My Company?  There is very little certainty in business. Having a powerful client that is known for paying its bills on time, like our Federal Government, is a great asset.  Also, many of your competitors might be dismissing the idea of being a government contractor as being too much trouble. This means that there could be surprisingly little competition in some spaces. Their shortsightedness can be your company’s advantage to get ahead and obtain some very lucrative contracts.  Work Environment  Government contractors can work in a wide variety of environments, depending on what service they are providing. A tech company might be consultants on large scale computer-oriented projects. Where an energy company might be on oil rigs supervising the drilling mechanism needed to complete the work.  Contractors who do well and maintain good reputations often are guaranteed to participate in future projects.  Certification and Education  Usually, the agency sets specific educational and certification guidelines when they post a request for proposals or RFP. These requirements can vary depending on the type of work that is needed. However, there are some steps that any business can do to become more attractive for government contracting work.  Make Sure You Establish A Good Business Reputation  We have already mentioned that a certain number of federal contracts are always set aside specifically for small businesses. The Small Business Administration or SBA has reported that the United States government buys almost $100 billion dollars worth of goods and services just from small businesses each year. This large amount does not even include the money spent on contracting at the state or municipal levels.  Try to establish a network of government contacts at various agencies. These contact can often serve as invaluable advocates for your business. They can also give you advice on how to navigate the bidding process. After your receive awards, make sure you work hard to establish a track record of reliability and success.    Make Sure You Register With SAM  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 that has not registered in the SAM directory.  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.  SAM Makes Things Easier  SAM has conveniently combined the many government agencies into one directory. Registering for the SAM directory makes sure that your business is being seen and noticed by a large group of Federal Agencies. This system has efficiently streamlined contracting for both the government and the individual businesses.  When government procurement agencies are casting their search net for companies to send their proposals, your company being a registered entity in the SAM directory makes sure that you will be in their sightline.  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. Make sure your NAICS number is up to date  Now that I am in the SAM directory, where do I find Federal government contracting jobs?  The following are some places where you can find federal contracting opportunities:  Search for the Contracting Opportunity Finder. It’s geared to businesses new to federal contracting.  Sign up for notifications from and search the FedBizOpps database of federal contracting opportunities.  Become part of the General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules Program.  Find contracts through individual agencies’ Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.  Become a subcontractor by working for another company that already has a contract with the federal government.  This is a good way to introduce your company to a contract with the government and to build a track record of success.  Submitting Bids  Now that you met the needed requirements for being a Federal contractor, you are ready to submit bids.  Make sure you are responding to solicitations and not pre solicitations. Pre solicitations are only requests for information and might not lead to an actual job.  Carefully go through all the paperwork and follow directions. You want to make sure your bid is not thrown out for inaccuracy or failing to provide important data.  Your company should utilize online databases for federal contracting opportunities. You should closely follow all directions for submitting a bit as set out by the agency when they make a… Continue reading How To Become A Government Contractor

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. However, many small businesses fail to realize that the government actually has an abundance of websites to help them find these government contracting opportunities.  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 for underserved groups to have a real chance to get awarded lucrative government contracts.  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 entire 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.  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.  Federal Acquisition Jumpstation: This site has most links to the federal sites that small business owners would be smart to explore  Recovery.gov – This particular government website that provides easy access to important data related to the Recovery Act  and allows for the reporting of potential fraud, abuse, and other types of government waste  E-Verify – This is a handy website in which employers can determine if an employee is eligible to work in the United States based on information reported on the employee’s I-9 form.   USA.gov – This site is all-encompassing and has a lot to offer small businesses. It is a gateway to other government websites that can be very important to small businesses. This is the place to find info on how to do business with the federal government, Data and Statistics, Laws, and Regulations.  FedWorld– This system contains the full text of 7,407 U.S. Supreme Court Decisions from 1937 to 1975. Decisions are available as ASCII text files that can be read on your browser’s screen or saved to your hard drive and accessed by using most word processor programs. It often also has a listing of government jobs  Department of Veteran Affairs–This government agency is particularly helpful to assist veteran-owned small businesses in obtaining federal contracting opportunities.  Library of Congress–This is a guide to finding information on federal government contracting. It is intended for anyone, from the novice contractor to those who are more experiences with working with the government. Included are statistical sources, news sources, and administrative sources.  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 possible. We remove this hassle so you can go about the important mission of running your company.  

Government Contracts Offer Security   The recent pandemic has just shed light on how things can change in the small business marketplace in the blink of an eye. Businesses that were doing quite well had to totally rethink their business models quickly in order to survive.  One of the best ways to expand your business and have a secure lifeline in unexpected rough times is to become a government contractor. The United States government is one of the most powerful consumers of goods and services in the world. This is a 500 hundred billion dollar industry that is required to set aside at least 23 percent of these contracts specifically for small businesses.  This Is Not An Oversaturated Field  Many small businesses often do not want to deal with the hassle of working with the government, and sometimes there can be surprisingly little competition for a government project. That is why utilizing Sam Directory to handle all the confusing registration requirements is a very smart investment. A smart small business can put themselves in a very favorable position to win government contracts if they just follow our guidelines.  Remember Registration With The SAM Directory Is The Vital First Step  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 directory. The government will not hire any type of business (large or small) 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.  These blogs will help give you all the information you need to understand how we can help make the process very easy for you.  Innovation Is Key  The government needs to be very careful about how they handle money that is provided by taxpayers. They are tasked with making sure that things go smoothly and no unnecessary risks are taken. This is a great opportunity for a small business that prides itself on finding innovative solutions to age-old problems.  The United States government is open to fresh perspectives and ideas that can streamline their systems or save them money. Do not be afraid to think outside the box when you bid for government contracts. Your new ways of doing things could be just the thing to make you stand apart from the other companies vying for the same opportunity. They are particularly keen to listen to ideas that have been proven in the private sector.  Flex Your Expertise  This is not the time to be shy about your business’s accomplishments. Being a small business does not automatically mean that you are the underdog in the competition.  Bigger is certainly not always better.  Small businesses can often prove to be more agile, efficient, and have better response times when compared to their larger counterparts. A larger organization might not have the flexibility to pivot the way you can, which allows small businesses to be able to think on their feet during crises. Smaller companies can also provide more personalized customer services which is something all consumers appreciate.  Narrow In On The Customer’s Needs  At the end of the day, 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 what the government agency’s pain points are and then 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 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 very specific instructions and you must take everything seriously. Just think of it like filing your income taxes and do not take any unnecessary short cuts.  Never Underestimate The Power Of Relationships  As part of understanding your customer, it is very important to build strong relationships within the government agencies. The government is not a giant cold faceless entity. It is made up of people and they will appreciate the opportunity to speak to you face to face. An impressive interview might win you a supporter that will lobby in your favor.  Teamwork Makes The Dream Work  As a small business owner, you have probably already made valuable relationships in the business world. It is a great idea to utilize these relationships to make your own position as a government contractor stronger.  It is even better if you can team up with an experienced prime contractor, who has already won government awards.  This can be a great way to learn about the system as well as gain valuable experience working for the government agency. Subcontracting on a job is a great stepping stone to building your reputation and then becoming a prime contractor on another job. This will also help you with other agencies as they will value that you already have some government contracting experience under your belt.  Do Your Research And Reap The Rewards.  One of the best things about being a government contractor is that the knowledge is already out there for the small businesses that are willing to do the work. Look to see what government contractors who have been successful have done and see if you can follow their leads. It is particularly helpful if they have any special certifications or clearances that might let you get a leg up on the competition.  You can also start targeting agencies that will need your goods and services. The first rule of business is understanding what your customer is looking for and then providing it in the most efficient way possible. Putting this time, in the beginning, will give your great benefits in the future when you are bidding on contracts. … Continue reading How to Win Government Contracts

Networking Is Always Important  Sometimes the hardest step is getting your foot in the door. Networking is extremely important when trying to secure government contracts. An organization that hosts networking and training events throughout the year both nationally and locally is the Small Business Administration (SBA). These events are usually no cost to business owners and can offer a treasure trove of information about how to obtain contracts from various agencies.   This is your opportunity to shine so make sure you are prepared to present an elevator pitch to better define your company. This is a speech that explains what your business has to offer and how you can help another organization meet their goals. It should be short and simple, no longer than a 30-second elevator ride.  Remember Registration With The SAM Directory Is The Vital First Step  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 directory. The government will not hire any type of business (large or small) that has not registered in SAM.  Sam Directory will help guide you through this process so you can spend your time preparing to win these lucrative government contracts.  Please read one of the helpful blog articles on our site like 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.  Make It Short But Sweet  It can be difficult, to sum up, your beloved business in thirty brief seconds. You have so many wonderful points to mention, summing it up can seem impossible when you are in this type of spur of the moment situation.  This is why practicing your elevator pitch is an essential first step in the process. Quickly jot down the most important concepts of your business in no more than four short sentences and then narrow it down even further.  Remember To Be Clear And Concise  Do not spend too much time trying to explain complex terminology that is very industry-specific. The elevator pitch should be so simple that any random person of the street can understand exactly what you are trying to convey. This is important because it makes sure that you keep the attention of the listener, no matter what their level of expertise.  Practice Makes Perfect  Now that you have a short clear and concise message, it is time to practice in front of the mirror. Many people find talking to themselves in front of a mirror to be silly and unpleasant. However, this is the best way to really learn your elevator pitch until it becomes second nature. It will help you with things like smiling at the right moment and making pleasant eye contact.   Practice until you totally eliminate awkwardness and the words like “umm” from the elevator pitch. Make sure that you speak with enthusiasm in your voice. You want to make sure the listener understands the passion you feel for your business and make it sound very natural and organic.  Convey What Makes You Stand Out From The Crowd  You should also include what makes you unique from your competitors. Make sure you do not mention your competition by name or say negative things about them in general. Being classy is always a great way to make a good first impression.  Instead, you should focus on what makes you different and how the agency can benefit from your particular company. It also makes the listener aware that you have knowledge of the industry and makes you less likely to be caught off guard by industry-related questions.  Make Them Curious and Leave Them Wanting More  Let them learn a little bit about you. Give them a tiny bit of information about your story and background. This can make even the most mundane of products very interesting.   Example: “I was interested in becoming a parts manufacturer because my great- grandmother worked as one of the first female riveters in a factory during World War II.”  This allows the listener to place an interesting story with an otherwise fairly mundane business pitch. This small piece of information will make the customer want to find out more about you and your business in less than thirty seconds, making them much more likely to invite you over to the government agency for a proper presentation.  Call To Action  This brings us to the final stage of the elevator pitch. Understand that you need to include a call to action that takes you to the next step in the process. Make sure that you know what that next step needs to be and you leave it open for the listener to initiate the action.  Summary Of The Elevator Pitch  Here is a rundown of what is needed in the beginning:  Grab them with a statement that engages them and prompts questions. Remember to smile and look friendly  Introduce yourself  Tell them what your company does  What Do You Offer:  What problems can your company solve for the agency?  Give an example of past work   Let them know about your company’s knowledge  What Are The Benefits:  What very special service, product, or product does your company offer?.  Give them the advantages of working with your company. In what do you differ from competitive companies?  Have a version for every type o business situation. A convention might be a little different than a networking meetup.  How Do You Do It:  Tell them a short story of how your company is unique.  Call For Action:  Ask for an appointment, referral, or presentation after you have completed your pitch.  Be Confident  Remember that you are an amazing person who is running a fantastic business. Stay calm and follow our instructions to start winning lucrative government contracts that can take your company to the next level. 

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, if you are a fairly new business, it might be wiser to begin as a government subcontractor.   This means that you are working with a Prime Contractor that is working 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. It helps you access how ready your business is to take on the challenge of government contracting.   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 that are part of working directly with the government. This is because the subcontractor is actually answerable to the prime contractor, not the government. Luckily, prime contractors are always on the lookout for companies that can help them complete these important government projects.  Federal Contracting Also Makes Prime Contractors Want To Seek Out Businesses That Are Traditionally Disadvantaged  This means that prime contractors are on the lookout for talented businesses that are owned by women, minorities, and veterans. This provides opportunities for these groups in federal contracting 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 incredibly valuable relationships and firms should develop a strategy for how to approach these types of potential partners.  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 that are 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 to better understand the needs of particular government and state agencies. This will help you identify the needs of prime contractors and any niches that 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 a great 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 what their needs are for their current jobs for the government. This is a great tool for you to identify a prime contractor that will make a good match for your business.  Do Research On The Company That You Have Chosen  The prime contractor’s website is a great source of information. This will help you understand their company better which always makes a great impression.  After you learn about the prime determine the product or service that you can provide to fulfill their needs for the government contract. Be able to articulate what you offer and how you are the most cost-effective option for the prime contractor.  Develop A strategy  Do not be too broad about what your company can do. This will make you seem unfocused. Specifically, outline to the prime contractor how you are the best choice for the job. Make sure you clearly 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. Explain to them how you have a strong reputation and reference any contracts that you have helped successfully complete in the past. This is the time to clearly position yourself as an asset to their project and inform them about your capabilities. These are things that help build your 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 both your businesses. Make sure the arrangement helps promote your company to other prime contractors and also to the government agency that is funding the project.  Closing The Deal  Request a visit with the prime contractor. Make sure that you prepare a presentation that will highlight why you are the right fit for the project. This is also time to meet the administrative people that you might be closely working with in the future. Ask them for overviews of past contracts and give them an audit for how your company can help them improve their bottom line.   Make sure you keep the presentation short and simple. Prove to the prime contractors of your reliability by showing them the following:  Financial stability  How you stand out in a competitive marketplace  Following up and being proactive.  These are the methods that will help you land the subcontracting opportunities you need to take your business to the next level.  Remember nothing happens until you register with SAM.  One of the first things that one needs to do is to be registered with  SAM.  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 directory. The government will not hire any type of business (large or small) 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.  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. With our help, you will be able to be on the path to government subcontracting quickly and efficiently.