Complete listing of all of the presently available registrations.
SAM.gov (System for Award Management)
- Purpose: Centralized registration for all government contractors and grant applicants.
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- Visit SAM.gov.
- Create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Complete your entity registration, providing business information, NAICS codes, DUNS (or UEI), CAGE code, and more.
- Verify your registration annually to remain eligible for contracts.
- Purpose: Identifies your business for federal contracting.
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- Obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet, or apply for a UEI through SAM.gov, as the DUNS system is being phased out in favor of UEI.
- Once registered, include this identifier in your SAM.gov registration.
- Purpose: Identifies your business’s industry for government contracting.
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- Identify your appropriate NAICS code(s) by visiting the NAICS website.
- Ensure that the codes are included in your SAM registration and are aligned with the services or products you offer.
- Purpose: Lists federal government contract opportunities.
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- FBO.gov has now been integrated into SAM.gov.
- Use SAM.gov to search for federal contract opportunities by keyword, NAICS code, or location.
- Purpose: Register for GSA Schedules and government contracts.
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- Visit the GSA website.
- Review the GSA Schedules to find your category, and apply to become an approved vendor.
- Prepare and submit all required documents, including past performance and certifications.
- Purpose: Register for small business certifications such as 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB.
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- Visit the SBA website.
- Review the eligibility criteria for various certifications and apply for the ones relevant to your business.
- SBA certifications provide access to set-aside contracts for small businesses.
WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business Certification)
- Purpose: Certifies women-owned businesses to compete for set-aside contracts.
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- Visit the SBA Women-Owned Small Business page.
- Complete the application process, submit required documentation, and get certified to access targeted contracts.
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business)
- Purpose: Certifies service-disabled veteran-owned businesses for federal contracting.
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- Apply for SDVOSB certification via the VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
- Complete the application and provide required documents proving both service-related disability and veteran status.
HUBZone Certification (Historically Underutilized Business Zone)
- Purpose: Provides federal contracting advantages for businesses in economically disadvantaged areas.
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- Visit the SBA HUBZone page.
- Apply and ensure your business is located in a designated HUBZone to receive certification.
- Purpose: Outlines rules for federal procurement and contracting.
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- Familiarize yourself with the FAR.
- Review sections related to government procurement and contracting procedures to stay compliant with federal regulations.
- Purpose: Records the performance ratings of contractors for government contracts.
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- Ensure your business is listed and has favorable reviews. Visit CPARS.
- A good performance record can help you secure future government contracts.
- Purpose: Provides visibility into federal procurement lead times.
- Use PALT to track federal procurement timelines, assisting in predicting when contracts will be available for bidding.
- Purpose: Offers federal contracting assistance for small businesses.
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- Visit FCA.gov to review opportunities and guidance for small business government contracting.
- Visit FCA.gov to review opportunities and guidance for small business government contracting.
- Purpose: Necessary for tax registration for government contractors.
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- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you don’t have one.
- Make sure your business is in compliance with tax regulations to avoid delays in government contracts.
State and Local Registrations:
- Purpose: Many state and local governments have their own contracting and registration systems.
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- Research state and municipal government websites for specific contractor registration portals.
- Example: For California, visit California State Contracts Register.
- Purpose: Each federal agency has an OSDBU office to support small businesses in navigating government contracting opportunities. These offices provide information, resources, and guidance to small businesses looking to do business with the respective agency.
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- Register with OSDBU: Many government departments have dedicated OSDBUs to assist small businesses in winning contracts. Each agency has different procedures, but most require you to register via their OSDBU portal.
- Search for OSDBU Contacts: Visit individual agency websites (e.g., Department of Defense OSDBU, Department of Energy OSDBU) to find the relevant office and register.
- Follow Specific Agency Registration Procedures: Each OSDBU may offer specific webinars, training, or resources for understanding how to work with their department. Some OSDBUs also provide guidance on certifications, contracting procedures, and networking opportunities with government officials.
- DoD (Department of Defense) OSDBU: Defense Acquisition University
- DOE (Department of Energy) OSDBU: DOE OSDBU
- HHS (Department of Health & Human Services) OSDBU: HHS OSDBU
- VA (Veterans Affairs) OSDBU: VA OSDBU
- GSA (General Services Administration) OSDBU: GSA OSDBU
- Stay Up-to-Date: Regularly monitor your registration status, as updates or changes may be required to maintain eligibility for government contracts.
- Attend Events and Webinars: Many OSDBUs and agencies host outreach events, webinars, and networking opportunities designed to help small businesses navigate contracting processes.
- Leverage Certifications: Make sure you take full advantage of any small business certifications you qualify for, as they can provide access to exclusive contract opportunities and government programs.
- Engage with Contracting Officers: OSDBUs often host matchmaking events where small businesses can meet contracting officers from various agencies. Make sure you actively engage in these events to expand your business network.