Private sector businesses are an essential part of the American, especially small businesses. Moreover, they’re the greatest support for needs and demands of Federal Government, state, and local government agencies. They support the government with a wide variety of products and services.
The U.S. Government is the greatest consumer in the world, spending approximately 4 trillion dollars per year, and recognizes the importance of businesses that involve in federal contracting. This is the reason that it constantly works on improving the environment of Federal Marketplace, with a special emphasis on small and new businesses that decide to enter federal contracting mechanism.
Entering this large market requires a lot of efforts, dedication, perseverance, and time to meet all the rules and regulations through the long process to compete for these contracts.
For a successful final outcome, you need to be determined until the end. The application process is lengthy, so if you’re thinking of becoming a potential Government contractor, it’s better to start the process as early as possible.
How to Become a Government Contractor?
Get Prepared
The very first step is to educate yourself about the procedures that the process requires. Patience is a quality highly needed considering that the Government “takes it time” in the process.
Second, you need to get informed in what category of the North American Industry Classification System known as NAICS code your business belongs to. |These codes categorize the economic sector, industry, and country of business. You need to be attentive because the services/products you provide might belong to more than one code.
Search for Business Opportunities
The Government uses a number of databases where you can find various business opportunities with the federal government. Government agencies use similar databases to find eligible contractors to acquire services/products. Here are official websites where you can identify lucrative contract opportunities that match your business:
- Dynamic Small Business Search
- Federal Business Opportunities
- GSA Schedules
- Subcontracting opportunities
Get a DUNS Number
DUNS is a nine-digit unique identification number that new businesses must apply in order to register their physical business location. This number should align the business with a NAICS code. Without the DUNS number, you won’t be able to enter the competition for a federal bid, or bids. +
System for Award Management Registration
System for Award Management (SAM) is the next step that should be followed after getting the DUNS number. SAM is a database system that allows businesses to share their profile in order for Federal Government agencies to find their products/services easily.
See if You Can Certify as SBA Set-Aside
If you’re a small business than you might be eligible for one of the lucrative programs designated for various categories of SBs. The status is called set-aside and it is given by SBA (Small Business Administration) to businesses that classify under one of the below-listed categories. Of course, there are certain eligibility criteria that should be met. The main set-aside programs include:
- Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB)
- Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
- 8(a) Business Development Program
- Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone)
- Small Disadvantaged Business Program
- Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP)
