How can the federal government support my business?
Doing contract opportunities with the government can give a lot of benefits to any business. Here are several examples, to name a few:
1. Endless business opportunities
The United States government comprises different government departments and agencies known to procure almost everything they need. It means there could be a lot of business opportunities for both large and small businesses.
2. Access to markets in the public sector
When small businesses get into a new market, it can make them grow and be stable. Being able to offer things for public usage is very different.
Therefore in order to get into the market found in the public sector is through the GSA schedules. A GSA contract gives small businesses more chances to reach government buyers and bid on federal government contracts.
3. A long-term deal
The process before getting into the business economy of the government requires a complicated procedure. Yet, once a company successfully works its way in, it will be easier for them to bid for future federal contracts or even foreign business opportunities.
Additionally, government contracts last from one to three years which guarantees a long-term business with the federal. Lastly, during the span of project procurement, the procuring department may refer the business to other federal agencies.
4. Compete for exclusive contracts
The government knows that not all businesses have access to government contracting opportunities. That is why they made specific contracts and contracting programs more accessible to small businesses, such as the set-aside contracts.
5. Guaranteed payments
There are times in the business industry when problems regarding payment occur. However, the government contracting industry strictly adheres to its regulations, especially with the terms stated in the contract.
How do I sell something to the government?
According to the Federal Acquisition Regulations, a government contract must be offered to large and small businesses. But before a business can get a government contract, it must take a few actions to succeed in the industry.
Small businesses can reach out to an official government organization like the United States Small Business Administration (SBA.gov) to learn more about the necessary steps needed. However, to give you an idea, the following are some steps that small businesses must comply with.
Step 1: Be a member of the System for Award Management (SAM)
Before receiving a government contract, the first step is to register a company in SAM.
System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is one of the official websites of the government. The site stores a database of businesses seeking opportunities with federal agencies.
Anyone can use SAM without any charge. Also, by registering on the federal government website, any business can:
- Update or check company status
- Be qualified for federal government contracting
Step 2: Have a Unique Entity Identifier
In April of 2022, the government stopped using DUNS Number and changed it into Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Among the gov websites the authorities have, only SAM.gov creates the UEI.
Step 3: Obtain a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
To identify and classify the sizes of all businesses and the statistical data of the economy, the federal statistical agencies use the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). A business may apply for multiple NAICS codes, especially if it offers products or services in different markets.
Step 4: Verify Your Small Business Status on the Small Business Administration Website
It is required for any company to meet the minimum or maximum size standard to be considered as one of the small businesses. Indeed industry standards vary, but the number of people and the average annual revenue is commonly used to identify a company’s size.
How do I sell to the DoD?
Offering products or services to the Department of Defense is not easy for every business. Business owners must have patience and extensive knowledge regarding the acquisition rules to win DoD open contracts.
In 1985, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) established a Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP). This assistance aims to help small businesses willing to do business with the Department of Defense.
Under the program, small businesses may get into the following support networks:
A. Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)
PTACs help small businesses prepare their bids to win government contracts from the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. They can also assist businesses in looking for past contract opportunities or see if it is eligible for small business certification.
B. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
SBDCs provide one-on-one counseling and training to small businesses. They also support a business with preparation for business plans and financial and marketing activities.
C. SCORE (Score.org)
SCORE is a nonprofit organization that works with the US Small Business Administration as a resource partner (SBA). Since 1964, the organization has educated and mentored more than 11 entrepreneurs.
Before any business establishments may transact for a military contract, they must be registered and meet the Federal Acquisition Regulation’s (FAR) requirements.
These are the things needed to obtain:
A. Learn the federal codes and sensitive information about the federal contracting industry.
B. Be at the System for Award Management database.
C. Obtain UEI or Unique Entity Identifier
D. Have a Product Service Codes (PSC) and North American Business Classification System (NAICS) codes.
D. Know the Department of Defense procurement opportunities.
E. Meet the military contractors’ standards and specifications
F. Effectively present a proposal bid and become well versed with the military standards and guidelines.
What businesses work with the government?
United States government is one of the largest heavy spenders in the world. In fact, in 2020, the federal government spent a record-breaking $682 billion worth of awarded federal agencies government contracts. With the allotted government’s significant budget, many companies aim to work with them.
Indeed businesses of any scale are welcome to work in the federal marketplace. Also, a big portion of the available federal government contracts is dedicated to small businesses.
The industry also comes with subcontracting opportunities, which can help a business learn essential things about the industry by working for a prime contractor.
Nonetheless, government contracting is a massive industry that can bring growth and success to both large and small businesses, even to a disadvantaged business. So, if you are looking for a new market to get into, you may want to consider the government contracting industry.