Doing Business with Government Agencies
Government Contracting
The government space is very large. You have state and federal governments as well as local governments such as cites and counties. Understanding how these different entities operate is the first step to learning how you can sell your products or services to them.
Below are some common questions that you might have. Your APEX Accelerator advisor is available to help you along the way.
- Which government agencies buy what I have to offer?
- Do they buy from companies like me?
- Can I show past performance?
- Where are you in your business development?
The federal government purchases from business of all sizes, located throughout the country, for all types of services – from dry-cleaning services to disaster recovery. Look for opportunities that you are interested in and see what company was awarded the last contract and the terms – you can search www.usaspending.gov or www.SAM.gov for recent awards.
You will be registering in federal databases, locating an opportunity to bid on, then submitting and winning a contract. The basic steps are:
- Obtain a UEI – unique entity identifier. Currently that is obtained through Dun and Bradstreet, known as a DUNS number
- Find your NAICS codes
- Register with the System for Award Management (SAM)
- Search solicitations
- Submit a bid
The D&B D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit identification sequence which provides unique identifiers of single business entities, while linking corporate family structures together.
As of April 4, 2022, DUNS is no longer the authoritative identifier for doing business with the federal government.
Unique Entity Identifier is now created in www.sam.gov
North American Industry Classification System codes (NAICS) are industry codes used by federal and state governments. You are required to assign your business services or products a NAICS code when registering in SAM. You can find your code HERE.
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
Beginning April 4, 2022, the Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov is now the authoritative identifier for those doing business with the federal government. The DUNS Number is no longer valid for federal award identification.
All of the Integrated Award Environment (IAE) systems—SAM.gov, eSRS, FSRS, FPDS, FAPIIS, and CPARS—as well as all other GSA systems, are now only using the Unique Entity ID to identify entities.
The Unique Entity ID is generated in SAM.gov. If you are registered in SAM.gov (active or not prior to April 4, 2022), you already have a Unique Entity ID. It is viewable at SAM.gov. If you are new to SAM.gov and will be registering for the first time, you will get your Unique Entity ID (SAM) during registration.
Companies who want to do business with the Federal Government are required to be registered in the Systems Award Management database. (SAM). SAM is free. Do not pay to get into www.SAM.gov.
SAM.GOV is the Official U.S. Government System for:
- Contract Opportunities (was fbo.gov)
- Contract Data (Reports ONLY from fpds.gov)
- Wage Determinations (was wdol.gov)
- Federal Hierarchy Departments and Subtiers
- Assistance Listings (was cfda.gov)
- Entity Information Entity Registrations, Disaster Response Registry, Entity UEI and Exclusions
- Entity Reporting SCR and Bio-Preferred Reporting
Defense contractors are now required to comply with cyber security requirements outlined in NIST 800-171. In 2020, Defense contractors at all level of the supply chain will need to be CMMC certified: Cyber-security Maturity Model Certification.
Project Sprectrum
Project Spectrum is a comprehensive, cost-effective platform that provides companies, institutions, and organizations with cybersecurity information, resources, tools, and training. Our mission is to improve cybersecurity readiness, resiliency, and compliance for small/medium-sized businesses and the federal manufacturing supply chain. Your go-to resource for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification CMMC 2.0 compliance.
DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS)
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) is a web-based application that enables the vendor community to search for, view, and
submit secure quotes on Requests for Quotations (RFQs). Through DIBBS, users can search for and view Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Invitations for Bid (IFB), Awards, and other procurement information.
This Pocket Guide provides an overview of the DIBBS application and brief instructions for its use.
Defense Pricing and Contracting
DPC is responsible for all Pricing, Contracting, and Procurement policy matters, including e-Business, in the Department of Defense (DoD). DPC executes policy through the timely update of the DFARS and PGI.
General Service Administration,
- GSA provides workplaces by constructing, managing, and preserving government buildings and by leasing and managing commercial real estate
- GSA’s acquisition solutions offer private sector professional services, equipment, supplies, and IT to government organizations and the military
- GSA also promotes management best practices and efficient government operations through the development of governmentwide policies.
Resources:
- Roadmap for New Schedule Offerors
- https://buy.gsa.gov/-all GSA resources in one site
- https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/
- https://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/ – contract award information
- Public Buildings Service
DLA created videos to teach businesses how to apply for basic JCP certification. Suppliers interested in doing business with DLA must also have a DLA Enhanced JCP (EJCP).
Basic JCP Certification:
DVIDS
United States Joint Certification: How to fill out the DD Form 2345 (USA version) (open caption) https://www.dvidshub.net/video/826732/united-states-joint-certification-fill-out-dd-form-2345-usa-version-open-caption
YOUTUBE
United States Joint Certification: How to fill out the DD Form 2345 (USA version) (open caption) https://youtu.be/tgT5vGUmE18
Welcome to the United States Joint Certification Office video where you will learn the steps on how to properly fill out the DD Form 2345. This form is the military critical technical data agreement for U.S. vendors who want joint certification. For more information please visit: https://www.dla.mil/HQ/LogisticsOperations/Services/JCP/
Enhanced JCP (EJCP) Needed to sell to DLA: https://www.dla.mil/HQ/LogisticsOperations/EnhancedValidation/
The Joint Certification Program (JCP) has launched an online portal to accept applications.
https://www.public.dacs.dla.mil/jcp/ext/
Beginning Aug. 1, 2024, all JCP registrants must log into the JCP portal at least every 35 days to keep their accounts active; after 35 days, they will be disabled. A warning email from j62.dacs@dla.mil will be sent five days and then one day prior to locking accounts.
To enable a locked account, click here, and then on the unlock account link, and follow the directions.
Acquistion.gov
Most everything federal procurement regulation-related flows through this site. Looking for regulations, policy, forecasts or product service codes? you will find them here.
Small Business Administration
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
ASSIST
ASSIST is a robust, comprehensive web site used by standardization management activities to develop, coordinate, distribute, and manage defense and federal specifications and standards, military handbooks, commercial item descriptions, data item descriptions, and related technical documents prepared in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Defense Standardization Program (DSP). Besides DoD-prepared documents, ASSIST also has selected international standardization agreements, such as NATO standards ratified by the United States and International Test Operating Procedures.
Since it always has the most current information, ASSIST is the official source for specifications and standards used by the Department of Defense. There are 115073 technical documents indexed in ASSIST, and the ASSIST document database has 236867 PDF files associated with 87690 of the indexed documents. There are 146852 registered ASSIST users and 21871 active accounts. Managed by DLA Document Services, Philadelphia, ASSIST provides free access to DSP technical documents that have been cleared for public release.
SBIR/STTR
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.
Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment PIEE
The Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) is the primary enterprise procure-to-pay (P2P) application for the Department of Defense and its supporting agencies and is trusted by companies. Wide Area WorkFlow WAWF user manual
Interested in doing business with the federal government as a disaster response contractor? Click here: Disaster Response Registry | Acquisition.GOV
Interested in assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) response to disasters? Click here: Doing Business with FEMA | FEMA.gov
You can learn about selling to the state on the Department of Enterprise Services website.
The Washington Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) is the state procurement portal
The Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises administers the state certification program. The purpose of this program is to maximize the opportunities for the minority and women business enterprises (MWBEs) to participate in public works projects and to provide goods and services to state agencies and educational institutions. Bona fide minority and women owned business can participate in the state program by becoming certified by OMWBE. OMWBE also processes applications for certification for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.
Many local governments use rosters for smaller jobs (under $350,000, public works jobs mainly). The MRSC Roster is one of the largest used rosters in the state.
There are too many cities and local governments to list them all here. You can find your local city procurement policies on their city website.
Here are a few examples:
City of Everett
City of Kirkland
City of Tacoma
City of Seattle
City of Spokane
City of Vancouver
King County
Kitsap County
Pierce County
Snohomish County
Whatcom County
Municipalities
Community Transit
Pierce Transit
Sound Transit
Port of Seattle
Port of Tacoma
Port of Vancouver
Create marketing materials geared toward government agencies such as a Capability Statement.
Find out if the agency has a Small Business Liaison (SBLO) who you can reach out to.
Meet with PTAC to determine best strategy.
Washington State Veteran and Service Member Owned Business Certification
The Veteran Owned Business Registry is an official way for veterans to certify their businesses and reap the rewards of being officially recognized as a Veteran Owned Business. Learn more here.
The benefits of registering with the Veterans Owned Business Registry are:
- Eligibility to do business with the many agencies of the State of Washington
- Eligibility for the Linked Deposit Program: http://www.dva.wa.gov/program/linked-deposit
- Public recognition of your status as a Veteran Owned Business.
Even if you are not planning to directly do business with the State of Washington, customers like to know they are patronizing Veteran Owned Businesses.
Click here to get registered in Washington State!
It is free, quick, and easy.
If you have any questions, please contact vob@dva.wa.gov
Other Resources
There are many free local resources that can help you get your business ready before you get into government contracting. Below is a list of additional assistance you will want to be aware of
SCORE volunteers are available to help you set up your business.
SCORE is a Resource Partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and provides free and confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs.
The Office of Women’s Business Ownership is an integral component of Entrepreneurial Development’s network of training and counseling services. It oversees a network of Women’s Business Centers. The centers are designed to assist women achieve their dreams and improve their communities by helping them start and run successful businesses, regardless of social or financial disadvantage, race, ethnicity or business background
The Washington Small Business Development Centers (WSBDC) provides one-on-one, confidential assistance at no charge for businesses. They provide counseling for management and technical business affairs such as:
- starting, purchasing or selling a business
- choosing and incorporating new technology
- financial management
- business plan development
- market plan development
- business research
Washington Labor and Industries can assist business owners in understand employee / employer related questions.
DBE Support Services is a federally-funded program designed to help those DBEs wishing to work on WSDOT highway projects. Support services are available only to DBEs who are certified in the highway construction industry to include construction companies, consultants and regular dealers.
Read the program flyer for more information. You can also email DBESS@wsdot.wa.gov or call toll free (888) 259-9143.
The DBE Support Services Program administrator for 2020-2022 is the Washington MBDA Business Center.
Tabor 100 was awarded a $1.1 million state funded contract to administer the newly created Minority and Women Business Enterprise Support Services Program. Administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation, the new program will connect women and minority owned firms with supportive services and training in an effort to increase diversity in highway construction and consulting. Apply for services
Business Impact NW, in collaboration with Washington APEX Accelerator and Tabor 100, is offering a unique program to help businesses prepare for and succeed in contracting with the City of Seattle. Our program includes business finance support, guidance on contracting requirements, and referrals to professional services. Additionally, take advantage of free business coaching, courses, and on-demand webinars.
For more information and to register, visit: https://businessimpactnw.org/seattle
