RESOURCES
8(a) Sources—Minority and Women-Owned Business Directory
This directory lists federally certified minority and women-owned businesses searchable by company name, industry or state. The site is compiled by Business Research Services from government agencies and other sources.
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Acquisition Central
A clearinghouse of information related to federal procurement.
Armed Forces Journal
Review and analysis of key defense issues of interest to the U.S. military community.
Associated General Contractors of America Events
The AGCA sponsors events and seminars for general contractors. The site also lets member’s research potential partners among contractors.
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Building Service Contractors Association International Peer-to-Peer Networking
bscaiorg/Education/PeerNetworking/tabid/83Default.aspx
The BSCAI offers a Peer-to-Peer Networking Program that gives building service contractors and contract security service members a place to share ideas, information and opinions.
The official business link to the U.S. Government.
Business.gov Message Board
community2.business.govibsng/board?board.id=GovemmentContracting
Pose questions or answers and see what other discussions are on the community message boards on this site managed by the federal government as a service for small businesses.
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Center for Acquisition Excellence (CAE)
CAE offers a free, self-paced course for vendors titled “How to Become a Contractor—GSA Schedules
Center for IT Schedule Programs
gsa.gov/portal/category/100915
This center offers vendor training for IT providers throughout the country and through the use of webinars.
The Coalition for Government Procurement
Nonprofit association of companies that sell commercial services and products to the federal government.
Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)’s Mentor Protégé Program
csc.com/govemment/ds/11271/12840-mentor_prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9_program
CSC has participated in Mentor-Protégé programs since 1995, nurturing disadvantaged businesses and increasing supplier diversity initiatives.
Contractor Team Arrangements
Information on creating partnerships to increase visibility and meet GSA requirements.
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D&B® D-U-N-S® Number
dnb.com/get-a-duns-number.html
A D&B® D-U-N-S® Number is a unique nine-digit sequence used to identify and keep track of more than 100 million businesses worldwide. You must have a D-U-N-S® Number to do business with the government.
Department of Defense
acq.osd.millosbp/sb/programs/mpp
The Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program has assisted small disadvantaged businesses since 1991. The program helps Protégés successfully compete for prime contract and subcontract awards by partnering with large companies under individual, project-based agreements.
Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs
This organization is committed to maximizing the Department of Defense (DoD) purchases through small businesses. The site includes the basics of doing business with and marketing to the DoD, as well as details about various small business programs.
Department of Homeland Security
dhs.gov/mentor-prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9- program
The Department of Homeland Security’s Mentor Protégé program is designed to help motivate large business prime contractor firms to provide mutually beneficial developmental assistance to the following types of small business concerns: veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, disadvantaged and women-owned.
Distribution Contractors Association Events
dcaweb.org/Events/DCACALENDER.aspx
The DCA sponsors networking events for its members, who provide specific distribution construction services, including fiber optic, cable and duct installation and the installation, replacement and rehabilitation of gas pipelines.
Dynamic Small Business Search
dsbs.sba.govidsbs/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm
The Search the database for potential collaborators to team up with on projects or list your business on the site so other businesses can find you for possible teaming arrangements.
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established its Mentor-Protégé Program in 1994 to help stimulate the number of small disadvantaged and women-owned businesses involved in EPA contracts.
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Federal Business Council
Produces conferences and trade show events at and for federal government locations throughout the United States.
Federal Computer Week
Provider of integrated information and media for the government information technology market.
Federal Times
Online source for news and information for government managers on managing staffs, the latest technology and financial and career decisions.
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General Services Administration (GSA)
gsa.gov/gettingonschedule- Get on the GSA Schedule. Here you’ll find information, training opportunities and resources for potential
- Read the GSA guide Steps to Success—Make the Most of Your GSA Contract at vsc.gsa.gov/ stepstosuccess.pdf.
George Mason University
mentorprotege.gmu.edu This program funds major contractors for the purpose of enhancing the capabilities of small disadvantaged businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, firms in historically underutilized business zones and women-owned controlled small businesses.Getting on the GSA Schedule
gsa.gov/portal/category/100635 More information and training opportunities for potential GSA contractors.GSA Events
expo.gsa.gov The GSA Training Conference & Expo is the agency’s primary outreach event.GSA’s eOffer Training
eoffer.gsa.gov This site provides training help for submitting documents through eOffer.GSA’s Vendor Support Center
vsc.gsa.gov Through this site you can access training materials and GSA publications.Give Me 5
giveme5.com A partnership between Women Impacting Public Policy (VVIPP) and American Express OPEN, Give Me 5 advises women business owners on how to apply for government contracts. The program includes webinars and events to help business owners grow their businesses through government contracting.Government Computer News
gcn.com News and information about the federal government’s information technology space.Government Executive
govexec.com Online news daily covering the business of the federal government and its departments and agencies.H
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Minority Business Development Agency Blog
This blog is operated by the Minority Business Development Agency, which is dedicated to advancing the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in the United States.
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NASA
NASA’s Mentor-Protégé Program is designed to encourage NASA prime contractors to help eligible protégés perform NASA contracts and subcontracts.
North American Industry Classification System
(NAICS) census.gov/eos/www/naics
NAICS is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. Each product or service purchased by the federal government is identified by a NAICS code.
National Association of State Procurement Officials
Nonprofit association dedicated to strengthening the procurement community through education, research and communication.
National Conference Services, Inc. ncsi.com Event planning, production and support service company under contract to multiple federal agencies, primarily within the Department of Defense and intelligence community.
National Contract Management Association
Gives vendors an opportunity to improve buyer/ seller relationships and increase individual and organizational competency.
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Office of Federal Procurement Policy
whitehouse.gov/omb/procurement_default
This office plays a central role in shaping the policies and practices federal agencies use to acquire the goods and services they need to carry out their missions.
Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics
Provides information about acquisition law, policy, regulations and procedures pertaining to the Department of Defense, which is the largest purchaser in the U.S. government.
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Procurement Technical Assistance Centers
procurementtechnicalassistancecenters.aspx
Free assistance for vendors planning to do business in the federal civilian and/or DoD marketplace.
Professional Services Council
Nonprofit trade association representing for-profit technology and professional services firms that do business with the federal government. SCORE score.org SCORE, the “Counselors to America’s Small Business” is dedicated to helping small businesses form and grow their companies.
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Small Business Administration (SBA)
This site provides an array of resources, including technical assistance, training, professional consulting and executive development, to help small businesses succeed in working with the government.
Small Business Administration Office of Government Contracting and Business
Development
sba.gov/about-offices-content/1/2467
SBA contracting experts can be an invaluable resource, whether you’re new to government contracting or are currently doing business with the government and need advice on a particular issue.
System for Award Management (SAM)
The primary registrant database for the U.S. Government, SAM collects, validates and disseminates data in support of acquisition missions.
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U.S. Air Force Small Business
Helps small businesses to work in support of the Air Force’s mission and goals.
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Wifcon.com
Serves the federal acquisition community by providing quick access to information, such as contracting laws and pending legislation, current and proposed regulations, courts and boards.
Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)
A bipartisan public policy group that advocates for and on behalf of women and minorities in business in the legislative processes.
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GLOSSARY
8(a) Business Development Program
Named after a section of the Small Business Act, the 8 (a) program provides business development assistance to companies owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The SBA requires businesses to document how they are socially or economically disadvantaged in their applications.
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B
Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA)
Written agreement between a buyer and a seller out-lining the terms, specifications and prices of the goods or services to be supplied. A basic ordering agreement is not a contract.
Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
An agreement between the government and a supplier that allows for repetitive purchases during a specified period.
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Certified 8(a) Firm
Business eligible to receive government contracts under the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program because it is owned, controlled and operated by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.
Change Order
Written order directing the contractor to amend a contract.
Commercial And Government Entity (CAGE) Code
Five-character ID number that identifies government contractors, provided by the Defense Logistics Information Service.
Contracting Officer (CO)
Individual who has the authority to enter into, admin-ister and/or terminate contracts and makes related decisions regarding the contract.
Contractor Team Arrangement (CTA)
An agreement in which two or more contractors join together to provide a total solution to meet an agency’s needs.
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D-U-N-S® (Data Universal Numbering System)
Nine-digit number issued by Dun & Bradstreet that the federal government uses to identify a contractor and list its address, telephone number, employee size and other information.
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eBuy
An online tool within GSA Advantage! that facilitates requests for quotes for goods and services offered by GSA Schedule and Government wide Acquisition Contract contractors.
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Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
FAR outlines the policies for executive agencies to acquire goods and services.
Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FARC)
Governing body that makes FAR interpretations and rulings.
Federal Acquisition Service (FAS)
FAS establishes contracts for commercial products and services in the areas of products and services, technology, motor vehicle management, transportation, travel and procurement, and online acquisition tools.
FedBizOpps
Online entry point for government procurement opportunities over $25,000. Buyers publicize their opportunities directly at the website (fbo.gov).
Federal Supply Schedules (FSS)
Program Large contracts through which government agencies can acquire products and services from more than 8,000 suppliers.
Full and Open Competition
Refers to the rule that all appropriate suppliers may compete for a contract.
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General Services Administration (GSA)
GSA oversees the business of the U.S. government. GSA’s acquisition solutions supply government purchasers with products and services from commercial vendors.
Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC)
GWACs help agencies purchase IT products exclusively.
GSA Advantage!
An online shopping service for government customers. Once a business is put on the GSA Schedule, it is required to add company and pricing information to GSA Advantage!
GSA Contract Number
A number assigned to an approved GSA Schedule vendor. An agency may purchase your GSA approved products and services through this GSA Schedule contract number.
GSA Schedule
Lists the prices the government has agreed to pay for a vendor’s commercial products and services.
GSA Schedule Number
The breakdown of program categories—for example,
“Schedule 70– Information Technology” and
“Schedule 72– Furnishings and Floor Coverings.”
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Invitation For Bid (IFB)
Method used to accept a sealed bid and includes a description of the product or service to be acquired, bidding instructions, packaging, delivery, payment, contract clauses and deadline.
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Mentor
Individual or business who serves as an active advisor and forms a strategic relationship with a less experienced business (referred to as a Protégé).
Minority-Owned Business
A small business that is at least 51% owned and operated by a U.S. citizen whose ancestry is Asian-Pacific American, Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, Subcontinent Asian American, Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian, as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Multi-Agency Contracts
Contracts established by one agency for use by government agencies to obtain a variety of supplies and services.
Multiple Award Schedules (MAS)
One of GSA’s largest purchasing vehicles. Contracts are awarded to multiple vendors with similar products or services to enable more choices for government buyers.
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North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
Set of categories developed by the United States, Canada and Mexico to classify businesses in the three countries. This classification replaces the old SIC code.
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Prime Contractor
Individual or business contracted to perform a specified piece of work.
Procurement Technology Assistance Centers (PTACs)
Located across the United States, these centers help small businesses complete the steps to work with the federal government.
Protégé
Individual or developing business that works closely with a more experienced individual or firm (Mentor) to improve its capabilities.
Public Buildings Service (PBS)
PBS acquires space on behalf of the government through new construction and leasing. It also acts as a caretaker for 9,600 government properties around the United States.
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Government document outlining the criteria and requirements used to evaluate offers.
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Small Business Administration (SBA)
Independent agency chartered to protect the interests of small businesses and maintain free competitive enterprise.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
A small business that is at least 51% owned by a qualified disabled veteran whose disability is service-related and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by a qualified service-disabled veteran, as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Single Award Schedules (SAS)
Contracts made with one supplier for a specific product at a stated price for delivery to a geographical area defined in the Schedule.
Small Disadvantaged Business
A small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code
See NAICS.
Subcontractor
Individual, business or corporation hired by a prime contractor to perform a specified piece of work required as part of an overall contract.
System for Award Management (SAM)
Primary vendor database for the federal government. All individuals or companies wanting to be awarded government contracts must be registered in the SAM.
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Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Number assigned to a business by the IRS that is needed to complete SAM registration.
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Veteran-Owned Small Business
A small business that is at least 51% owned by a qualified veteran and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by a qualified veteran, as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation.
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Women-Owned Business (WOB)
A small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by a woman, as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by a woman, as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation.
The SBA entrust the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council as an official partner of the SBA 7(j) Management and Assistance Training Program to deliver Management and Technical Assistance to small businesses that are eligible for the program.
OFFICIAL PARTNER