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The Federal Government Offers Great Opportunities For Many Types Of Businesses The government 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. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FEMA is a government agency that handles disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes,  and hurricanes. They are always hiring government contractors, particularly since much of their work revolves around being able to mobilize a large workforce in a relatively short period of time. These jobs can range from providing temporary housing to the displaced to providing clean water and food to those in need. Go to this site to learn more about small businesses working with FEMA. FEMA is also part of the Department of Homeland Security. This is another agency that has many contracting opportunities. Just go to https://www.dhs.gov/do-business-dhs to learn more about this agency. The United States Department Of Agriculture (USDA) The USDA is in charge of food, agriculture, rural development, and natural resources just to name a few of its responsibilities. They are comprised of 29 agencies and have 4,500 locations across the United States and abroad.  They have a great need for agriculture-based suppliers and services. However, many businesses need to realize that they also have construction jobs, like road repair, for their forestry department. Here is a list of some of their divisions: Environment Management Division Response and Restoration, Sustainable Practices, BioPreferred Property Management Division Real Property, Personal Property, and Fleet Management Procurement Policy Division Policy and Regulations, Acquisition Workforce, and Special Procurement Programs Procurement Operations Division Manage procurement operations to acquire supplies and services for Departmental Management, Staff Offices, and USDA Department-wide procurements. Procurement Systems Division Management of USDA’s Automated Procurement System, Integrated Acquisition System (IAS) Safety & Health Management Division Workers’ Compensation and Safe Working Conditions Credit Card Services Center Purchase, Fleet, and Travel Cards Lease Accountability and Strategy Division Department of Energy The Department of Energy defines its mission as “…. to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.” The Department of Energy has a network of 36 Facility Management Contracts.  They include the following: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office of Environmental Management Office of Fossil Energy Office of Nuclear Energy Office of Science National Nuclear Security Administration This provides many opportunities for contractors that have energy management capabilities and supplies. The Department Of Health And Human Services The Department of Health and Human Services states its mission “Is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services” This is an agency whose need has only increased due to the current pandemic of Covid-19. This agency is a great contracting source for small businesses that provide healthcare services and products. Go to https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/index.html for more information. This agency also does a lot of partnerships, so it is a great way for a small business to get their foot in the door with many other government agencies. Department Of Defense The Department of Defense is one of the world’s largest consumers of government contracts. Many companies think this agency is only contracting with giant companies supplying tanks and missiles. Remember, the Department of Defense supplies the Army, Navy, Airforce, and many other defense agencies. They are open to working with small businesses and fully funded for the rest of this year. They try to reward at least 20% of their contract to Small businesses. Companies can go to. Peace Corps The mission of the Peace Corps “Is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals: 1) to help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women; 2) to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served, and 3) to help promote a better a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.” This agency needs everything from supplies for rural living to emergency first aid equipment. Go to https://www.peacecorps.gov/about/open-government/contracts/ and contact the Office of Acquisition and Contract Management with any questions about contracting with this organization. This Is Only The Tip Of The Iceberg 10 other departments in the federal government contain hundreds of agencies. These places have a wide variety of needs that small businesses can easily fill. Working with one agency often opens the door to other departments, making the scope of opportunities endless. How To Search We highly recommend you go to FBO.gov (also known as FedBizOpps.gov). This is a centralized search where you can find many government contracting jobs from just about any federal agency. Remember SAM 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 registered 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. Sam Directory will happily guide you through this often confusing process. 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… Continue reading Prime Federal Agencies That Are Hiring Government Contractors

The United States Federal Government The United States government buys many products and services from suppliers who meet certain qualifications. It applies standardized procedures to acquire goods and services. The procedures used by the government can be found in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The beginning of the decade is a great time for small business owners to get their hands on lucrative government contracts. The Small Business Administration has changed the rules on measuring what qualifies as a small business. The 2018 Small Business Runway Extension Act will increase the period of measuring annual revenue from three to five years when the business is being evaluated for government contracts. This means a lot more businesses will qualify for small business set-asides. Nearly a quarter of all government contracts have gone to small businesses in the last five years. The Department Of Health And Human Services The Department of Health and Human Services states its mission “Is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services” This is an agency whose need has only increased due to the current pandemic of Covid-19. This agency is a great contracting source for small businesses that provide healthcare services and products. Go to https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/index.html for more information. This agency also does a lot of partnerships, so it is a great way for a small business to get their foot in the door with many other types of government agencies. 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 that are over 50 years old? Some are still using 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 that 100 hundred million dollars be allocated to modernizing the federal government Information Technology systems in 2018. Then another 150 million dollars were added to the MGT in 2019. The Consolidated Appropriations Act also then 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. 2024 Is A Big Election Year The beginning of this decade will decide a presidential election, one-third of the seats in the senate, and 435 seats in the House of Representatives. This does not even take into account all the local and state-level elections that will be going on across the country. This will be a giant boon for small businesses that can provide the equipment and supplies necessary to make sure all these elections run smoothly. Homeland security alone will be spending 425 million dollars to help protect voting security and privacy. Air And Missile Defense Innovation The United States Army has big plans for developing its air and missile defense system to be one of the best in the world. Lieutenant General James H. Dickinson, commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, said, “Our vision is that the AMD force of 2028 will provide the combatant commanders with a flexible, agile, and integrated AMD force capable of executing multi-domain operations.” The army is particularly interested in modernizing its radar technologies. This is a fantastic opportunity for innovative small businesses to step up to the plate and help the army build some new prototypes. The army is very open to working closely with new businesses in order to develop key technologies that will streamline operations in the future. Blockchain Blockchain allows for the distribution of data on multiple platforms at the same time. It grows as a new set of recordings, referred to as blocks, are added to it. All the blocks contain timestamp information linking it to previous blocks, thus creating a chain. This allows for no data block to be altered without the alteration of all the blocks that came before it. The government is interested in blockchain data management because it is decentralized and allows for more security for transactions. This usually also means that operating costs can be lower. The United States government became interested in blockchain technology in 2016 and it should be a very lucrative avenue for many small businesses.  Innovation OTS is a five-year program that will continue in 2020. It aims to provide opportunities for nontraditional government contractors to work with the Department of Homeland Security to develop new technologies to address upcoming threats. In 2020,  small business contractors can take advantage of Innovation OTS to form government partnerships and provide innovative technologies. Infrastructure Construction There are at least 21 billion dollars allocated for infrastructure spending by the federal government. The United States is a vast land of highways, roads, bridges, and dams. All of these structures need to be constantly maintained for safety and to fuel a strong vibrant economy. The country also needs to construct new infrastructure in order to keep up with the needs of a growing population. These types of large infrastructure projects take years to complete and will be a viable source of revenue for many types of small businesses. The United States government will be needing supplies, labor, and services for these projects for many years to come. The Government Will Always March Forward The Federal government will soon be back on track and in much need of goods and services provided by small businesses. Many agencies, such as the Department of Defense, are fully funded for the year. and will be moving forward with their contracts immediately.  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)… Continue reading The Hottest Government Trends For Federal Contractors

Have A Clear Understanding Of The Government’s Accounting Requirements The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) states that contractors must comply with the following to work with the government: Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Cost Accounting Standards FAR agency supplements Understanding Audits Your company should be clear on what the DCAA considers the responsibilities of federal contract actors. They include the following: timeliness of payments to subcontractors documentation of contractor oversight of subcontractors documentation of enforcement of flow downs documentation of support for subcontractor billings documentation of subcontractor reviews Surprise Audits Government audits can occur without any type of advance notice. Therefore, contractors must always be prepared to receive a solid evaluation.  A surprise audit that reports non-compliance with federal accounting regulations can have negative consequences, including contract termination, and payments can be withheld unless improvements are in place. In addition, this can be very time-consuming and stressful. Keeping Ahead of Technological Innovations Keeping pace with stringent government accounting policies allows a company to truly understand governmental purposes, needs, and more extensive processes and then use that knowledge to manage and methodically grow the company.  Luckily today, many cutting-edge technologies can take the pressure off by making even the most complex accounting procedures quite simple. These innovations help a contractor comply with government requirements, permitting employment of systems for management and growth while adapting to keep in step with ever-incoming changes in conditions. Also, having a solid accounting system will only improve your company in the long run. Rules Of Timekeeping And Accounting Government contractors have to maintain rigorous schedules when compared to the private sector. Therefore, your business must comply with a set standard of rules and regulations when reporting on how many hours worked in a certain period. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) states that contractors must comply with the following to work with the government: Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Cost Accounting Standards FAR agency supplements Simplified Procedures In 1994 the Federal Acquisition Act FASA simplified the buying procedures of the government. Many of the more harsh restrictions on government purchases were removed for any purchase less than $100,000. Now agencies use much simpler procedures for analyzing and soliciting bids up to $100,000. However, the government must still advertise all purchases over $25,000 at www.fbo.gov. These simplified procedures mean that approval levels are lower, there is much less documentation, and administrative details are not as complex. The government now has to reserve purchases that are between $2,500 and $100,000 for small businesses. The exception is the contracting officer cannot obtain offers from two or more small businesses that are competitive in price and quality. Purchases that do not exceed $2,500 individually or through multiple items are considered micro-purchases. These do not require competitive quotes but are not limited to small businesses. Micro-purchases are often made using government-issued purchase cards or typical credit cards. Contracting Officers The Federal Government always conducts any kind of procurement business through contracting officers. These contracting officers have the authority to bind the government to a contract unless otherwise stated in writing. Therefore, ensure that the person you are dealing with is the contracting officer authorized to represent the agency or office that will award the contract. Procurement Government procurement has constantly been advancing many national, economic, and social objectives. Accordingly, government contractors must comply with the rules and regulations of labor standard statutes. This will include the Service Contract Act, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, and other requirements that further socio-economic objectives, except for specific contracts where such legislation is stated explicitly as non-applicable. Bidding The government usually makes sure contracts are competitive through sealed bidding. First, the agency makes sure that its requirements are accurate and complete. Then an Invitation For Bid or IFB is issued. The IFB will describe the type of product or service the government procures. It also includes: Preparation Instructions  Conditions of Purchase Packaging  Delivery  The Key To Winning A Government Contract Is To Pay Attention To the Guidelines You must read closely what the request for proposals or RFPs wants in your bid. Make sure that you are aware of deadlines and who is handling the requests. Usually, small businesses have 6 to 8 weeks to submit an offer, but this can vary, depending on the agency.  Make Use Of Government-Provided Free Tools. You can identify contracting opportunities online by utilizing this forecasting tool that lets you see what opportunities are available. You can study the government contracts that are a couple of years old to see what requirements are needed to win the job. This puts you in an excellent position to have all your research completed when the contract is about to expire, and you put in your proposal. Make Sure You Are Organized Having solid financial records and a straightforward thought-out process goes a long way to impress government agencies that you can handle the job. In addition, it presents a professional demeanor that is quite impressive. The System for Awards Management or SAM Directory To qualify for government contracting jobs, you must first register with the federal government supplier database, which is called the System for Award Management or SAM, for short.  This allows you to be certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This gives you the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS Number). You will also identify Your North American Industry Classification System. See our informative blogs to find out everything you need to know about SAM for small Businesses and an in-depth look at what is required for lucrative federal contracting opportunities.

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 access 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) The Federal Government Offers Great Opportunities For Many Types Of Businesses Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy. They are often key sources of innovation and research. The mom-and-pop shop has been part of the landscape and American dream since the beginning of this great nation. The federal government can help you achieve your business dreams. Let us help you take this vital first step on the pathway to success. 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. 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 usuallyat  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. 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. The Key To Winning A Government Contract Is To Pay Attention To Guidelines You must read closely what the request for proposals or RFPs wants in your bid. Make sure that you are aware of deadlines and who is handling the requests. Usually, small businesses have 6 to 8 weeks to submit a bid but this can vary, depending on the agency.  Make Use Of Government-Provided Free Tools. You can identify contracting opportunities online by utilizing this forecasting tool that lets you see available opportunities. You can study government contracts a couple of years old to see what requirements are needed to win the job. This puts you in an excellent position to have all your research completed when the contract is about to expire, and you put in your proposal. Do Your Research Once you have selected some agencies that require 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 to usually at 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 clearly and compactly. 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. 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. 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. Make Sure You Get A 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 your business includes more than one facility, then you will need multiple CAGE codes. Each location must have its unique code, and each location must be registered separately with SAM. At… Continue reading Smart Ways To Enter The Lucrative World Of Federal Contracting

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. 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 on 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 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 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. 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. 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 person 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 know 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 in 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 needs to exude excitement about the organization and show your passion for the project. You need to talk about each individual’s commitment to the project and how the organization as a whole and the management team are 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 presenting you with a possible problem, giving you some time to discuss the problem, and asking 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 daily at least two weeks before you head into the presentation. The more you practice problem-solving, the better you’ll do as a team. 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. … Continue reading The Perfect Federal Contracting Pitch

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. 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. 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 To qualify for the five percent of the contracts reserved for minority-owned or disadvantaged businesses, one must be certified by the government. This means a business is giving up 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. Before applying for the 8(a) Program, each firm is urged to take an online training and self-evaluation course that can be found here at the 8(a) Business Development Suitability Tool. The first section of the online 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. Does Your Company Qualify As A Veteran Owned Business? To qualify for these set-asides, a business must have the following: Meet small business size standards 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), a document 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. 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… Continue reading Strategies For Qualifying As A Government Contractor

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, they can help you grow substantially and rapidly if managed correctly. Understanding The Marketplace It might at first feel like working for the government is very unpredictable. Contractors can be affected by a variety of factors such as budget cuts, regulatory pressures, change of administration, and stringent accounting rules. However, all marketplaces can be volatile and change rapidly according to the whims of consumers. A company needs to make sure that they have a deep understanding of the end buyer and why they want to use their products and services. This is also true for the United States Government. You will need to develop relationships and cultivate trust that allows you to showcase your competitive advantage. Strategically managing the right relationships might guarantee you the federal government as a solid client that can assure your business of a bright future. Simplified Procedures In 1994 the Federal Acquisition Act FASA simplified the buying procedures of the government. Many of the more harsh restrictions on government purchases were removed for any purchase that was less than $100,000. Now agencies used much simpler procedures for analyzing and soliciting bids up to the $100,000 amount. However, the government is still required to advertise all purchases over $25,000 at www.fbo.gov. These simplified procedures mean that approval levels are lower, there is much less documentation, and administrative details are not as complex. The government now has to reserve purchases that are between $2,500 and $100,000 for small businesses. The exception is the contracting officer cannot obtain offers from two or more small businesses that are competitive in price and quality Purchases that do not exceed $2,500 individually or through the combination of multiple items are considered micro-purchases. These do not require competitive quotes but are not limited to small businesses. Micro-purchases are often made using government-issued purchase cards or typical credit cards. Specifications As of 2001, the United States Federal Government began to utilize Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) to list all procurement opportunities expected to exceed $25,000. FedBizOpps is how the government communicates its buying specifications to potential contractors.  The specifications are quite exact for most of the products and services that government agencies buy regularly. Your contract will contain extremely precise specifications that must be followed meticulously. The specifications-which describe the government’s requirements were contained in the invitation for bids or requests for proposals on which you based your bid or proposal. If your company is awarded a contract, you are bound to deliver the product or service described in the specifications. A company is bound by the terms of these specifications, as well as the basic specifications. Failure to deliver a product meeting these terms will result in the termination of your contract for default. So, it is extremely important to understand all specifications before bidding on a federal contract. The government prefers contractors that are reliable and pay attention to the smallest details. Bidding The government usually makes sure contracts are competitive through the use of sealed bidding. First, the agency makes sure that its requirements are accurate and complete. Then an Invitation For Bid or IFB is issued. The IFB will describe the type of product or service that is being procured by the government. It also includes: Preparation Instructions  Conditions of Purchase Packaging  Delivery  shipping  The payment with contract clauses to be included Submission Deadline The sealed bids are opened in public at the purchasing office at the time designated in the invitation. The bids are read aloud and then recorded. The contract will be rewarded to the bidder who has the most competitive pricing and can meet the government agency’s requirements.  Government-wide IFBs can be found at FedBizOpps which provides a direct link to the invitation. Potential contractors can search the Central Contractor Registration to identify qualified small business opportunities. Any small business that wants to sell to the government should be registered on CCR. Make Sure You Are Organized Having solid financial records and a clear 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. The Key To Winning A Government Contract Is To Pay Attention To the Guidelines You must read closely what the request for proposals or RFPs wants in your bid. Make sure that you are aware of deadlines and who is handling the requests. Usually, small businesses have 6 to 8 weeks to submit a bid but this can vary, depending on the agency.  Make Use Of Government-Provided Free Tools. You can identify contracting opportunities online by utilizing tools such as this forecasting tool that lets you see what opportunities are available. You can study the government contracts that are a couple of years old to see what requirements are needed to win the job. This puts you in an excellent position to have all your research completed when the contract is about to expire and you put in your proposal. 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:… Continue reading Why Small Businesses Need To Understand Government Procurement

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. 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. 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 it 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. Make Sure You Have Your 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. What can I do to make registering for the SAM directory as easy as possible? All this information can at first seem quite daunting at first. We understand that as a small business owner, 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 make sure you are registered in as little as two days. If you still have questions, sam.directory will be more than happy to guide you through this often bewildering maze of registration. The consultation is free and you really have nothing to lose. Remember, registering for the SAM directory gives 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… Continue reading Why New Startups Should Look Into The Lucrative World Of Federal Contracting

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 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. 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 large or small that has not registered in the SAM directory. Why Does My Business Need To Register For The SAM Directory? What if I told you that there is a large revenue base for your business 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. 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. Can a Small Business hope to compete for federal government contracts? The Federal Government is required to reward a certain amount of its contract to small businesses. Lastto 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. 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) 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. 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 rethink their business models quickly 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. 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). 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. Registering With The SAM Directory Also Has Other Important Advantages You must register with the SAM directory in order to apply for government grants. 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). A grant is different from a loan in that it is money… Continue reading How Registering With SAM Can Be Vital To Small Business Success

Understanding The Marketplace It might at first feel like working for the government is very unpredictable. Contractors can be affected by various factors such as budget cuts, regulatory pressures, change of administration, and stringent accounting rules. However, all marketplaces can be volatile and change rapidly according to the whims of consumers. Therefore, a company needs to make sure that they understand the end buyer deeply and why they want to use their products and services. This is also true for the United States Government. Therefore, you will need to develop relationships and cultivate trust that allows you to showcase your competitive advantage. Strategically managing the right relationships might guarantee the federal government as a solid client that can assure your business of a bright future. Keeping Pace Many people think that governments are slow to change. However, as the world becomes more complex, a contractor needs to keep pace with the changing federal marketplace. For example, the government often goes for a “best value” procurement in times of plenty. This means that they are looking to award the contract to the company that can prove they can best handle a project because of past performance, subject matter expertise, and management capabilities. When funding is more restrained, government contracts are often given out on a “lowest price, technically acceptable” (LPTA) principle. This means that the decision will be much more driven by the bottom line of price, even in complex projects. A company needs to understand what type of methodology a government agency uses to structure its bids correctly for a higher chance of winning the contract. Accounting The standard is higher for government accounting when compared to private commercial markets. As a result, contractors will face challenges in making sure that the federal government’s stringent accounting standards are met precisely. Remember, the government has to prove how efficient they are with money because they spend taxpayer dollars. This means that federal contractors must be meticulous in their accounting methodology in case of an audit. At first, these stringent rules of accounting can seem very daunting. However, today many cutting-edge technologies can take the pressure off by making even the most complex accounting procedures quite simple. Also, having a solid accounting system in place will only make your company better in the long run. 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 a lovely 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. So if your business has the infrastructure to handle large orders, 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, they can help you grow substantially and rapidly. However, you also should be aware that working for such a large and powerful client is not without challenges.   Do Your Research Once you have selected some agencies that require your goods and services, it is essential to research your customers. Luckily, nowadays, you can find out a lot about an organization online. 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 where the customer’s needs always come first. Identify the government agency’s pain points and then offer them your innovative solutions to their problems. This type of discipline always wins significant issues with the government. Here are a couple of examples of how you can find the information you need 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 want 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, which describes how government money is spent, what agency is issuing awards, and who the federal government is buying from. 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 significant government buying office, even though they technically work for the Small Business Administration. They will identify items and services that small businesses could produce or provide 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 significant buying offices. They are supposed to challenge overly restrictive statements of work and contract clauses that can be burdensome. They also try to expand competition for items by offering challenges to requirements that are not necessary for the performance or essential physical characteristics.  Small Business Specialists (SBS): The law requires that every government buying location have a Small Business Specialist. These specialists work specifically with small businesses to help them do business with that office. Larger government offices might have entire staff, while smaller offices might only have one part-time employee assigned to this role. Central 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 working for their departments. These representatives are often the go-to person for fantastic subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.  It is wise to utilize this group of highly specialized government personnel as they are an invaluable resource for small businesses to obtain government contracts. Sam Directory Can Help Again, the… Continue reading Overcoming Obstacles In Federal Contracting