Blog – SAM Registration, SAM.gov Registration

What Is A CAGE Code? Understanding Federal Terminology

March 25, 2024 fcr Leave a comment

When you first enter the world of government contracting, you will be hit with a barrage of unfamiliar terminology that might leave you a bit baffled. For instance, you might wonder “what is a CAGE code,” or “what is an MPIN?” Here’s a brief explanation of some of the most common terms that you might hear as well as some information about how to get your CAGE codes and MPIN.

SAM – This is the System for Award Management, which is a federal system that consolidates several federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance into one new system, including the functionality from the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You will occasionally hear someone still talk about central contractor registration, but that is no longer the correct term, instead, we call this SAM registration.

CAGE Code – If you’ve been wondering what is a CAGE Code? This stands for Commercial and Government Entity code, and it is the unique identifier you receive once your SAM registration has been completed and approved. This important code should appear on your government capability statement as well as any bids you submit as government procurement agents will use this code to look up your company in SAM.

MPIN – This stands for Marketing Partner Identification Number, and this is a number that you will create as a security measure to use with the System for Award Management. Unlike the CAGE code, which you will give out freely to government agents, your MPIN should never be given to anyone, as this is essentially a password.

FAR – Federal Acquisition Regulation: The primary set of rules in the Federal Acquisition Regulation System governing the “acquisition process” through which the federal government purchases goods and services.

RFP – Request for Proposal: A solicitation document issued by the government to prospective contractors. An RFP outlines the contracting agency’s needs and evaluation criteria for awarding a contract.

RFQ – Request for Quotation: A solicitation typically used when requirements are not complex. An RFQ seeks a quote for the cost of meeting a specific need.

IFB – Invitation for Bid: A formal solicitation for contractors to submit a bid to perform a specific task or project, typically used in sealed bidding procurements.

IDIQ – Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity: A contracting method that provides for an indefinite quantity of supplies or services during a fixed period.

GSA – General Services Administration: A federal agency that provides workspace, products, services, telecommunications, and policy solutions. The GSA offers what are known as GSA schedules or GSA contracts, and the businesses that participate essentially become approved vendors for government agencies without having to deal with the contract bidding process.

GWAC – Governmentwide Acquisition Contract: A contract in which multiple government agencies align their needs and purchase a contract for goods or services.

SBA – Small Business Administration: A United States government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. If you are a small business, we can help you sign up with SBA as part of our SAM registration services.

8(a) – 8(a) Business Development Program: A program administered by the SBA designed to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal marketplace. This is sometimes called 8a certification, and it can be a great way for a business owner to grow their company.

NAICS – North American Industry Classification System: A classification system that groups businesses into industries based on the similarity of their production processes. We recommend using your NAICS codes when searching for contact opportunities at SAM.gov.

DUNS – Data Universal Numbering System: A unique nine-character number used to identify each physical location of a business. The DUNS number was used for SAM registration but is being phased out in favor of the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

UEI – Unique Entity Identifier: A new, non-proprietary identifier issued by SAM.gov to uniquely identify entities receiving federal awards, replacing the DUNS number. Anyone new to SAM must apply for a UEI number and we will help you with this as we complete your SAM registration.

SDVOSB – Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business: A designation given to small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans to help them compete for federal contracts.

WOSB – Women-Owned Small Business: A designation that allows women-owned small businesses to compete for federal contracts within industries where women are underrepresented.

HUBZone – Historically Underutilized Business Zone: The HUBZone certification program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities.

Set-Asides – These are government contracting jobs that are set aside specifically for small businesses. There are SDVOSB set-asides, WOSB set-asides, HUBZone set-asides and more.

Departmental “Nicknames”

The federal government includes more than 400 agencies and subagencies, and many of the names of these agencies are often shortened to abbreviations. Some are probably familiar, such as FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) or DOD for the Department of Defense or even HUD for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

All of these agencies must purchase the bulk of their goods and services from the private sector, which is good news for anyone wishing to become a federal contractor. While you might have decided to become a contractor to bid on FEMA contractor jobs or disaster relief jobs, there are plenty of opportunities from other agencies.

Additionally, be sure to look beyond fed contracts. States and counties across the United States also procure goods and services from private-sector businesses, so be sure to look at your state’s procurement system for contracting opportunities.

Get Started With Government Contracting

At Federal Contractor Registry we can provide you with fast and 100% accurate SAM registration services and SAM renewal. We also will help you attain your UEI number and help you sign up with SBA and determine for what set-asides your company might be eligible.

We hope this clears up what is a CAGE code as well as some other tricky government acronyms. While the world of government contracting can seem mystifying, once you get the hang of it, this can be a great way to boost your business. If you want our team to complete your SAM registration, just click on the New Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form.

7 Helpful Tips & Facts For A New Federal Contractor

March 25, 2024 fcr Leave a comment

The world of government contracting can seem incredibly daunting, but becoming a federal contractor also can be financially rewarding and help you expand your business opportunities. At Federal Contractor Registry, we can help you take the first steps toward becoming a federal contractor, but we also have some helpful tips and facts for those new to contracting.

SAM Registration Is Required

You might have heard of System for Award Management (SAM) registration (also sometimes called CAGE code registration), and this is the typically the first step a federal contractor will take. You cannot bid do business with the federal government without completing your SAM registration and we can help with this often-arduous process, but we will discuss that service later in this article.

Get Certified With The Small Business Administration (SBA)

Investigate whether your business qualifies for any small business certifications, such as 8a certification, Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), or HUBZone certification.

These certifications can make you eligible for set-aside contracts, reducing competition and increasing your chances of winning contracts. We can help with this process if you use our SAM registration services.

Understand the Federal Procurement Process

Familiarize yourself with how the federal government buys goods and services and the types of government contracts. Learn about the procurement mechanisms, such as requests for proposals (RFPs), invitations for bids (IFBs), and government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs). Understanding the process will help you navigate federal contracting more effectively.

Build a Strong Capability Statement

Create a concise, compelling capability statement that outlines your business’s core competencies, past performance, differentiators, and the specific value you bring to federal agencies. This document is crucial for marketing your business to government agencies and prime contractors.

Network and Build Relationships

Networking is key in federal contracting. Attend industry days, conferences, and other events where you can meet government officials, prime contractors, and other federal contractors. Building these relationships can lead to partnerships, mentorship, and subcontracting opportunities.

Leverage Subcontracting Opportunities

Starting as a subcontractor to a prime contractor can be an excellent way to gain experience in federal contracting. It allows you to contribute to federal projects, build your past performance record, and learn the ropes of federal contracting with less risk. For instance, you can browse through the SBA’s SubNet system to determine if any subcontracting opportunities are available for companies that provide your specific goods or services.

Focus on Quality Proposals

When responding to RFPs, focus on quality over quantity. Tailor each proposal to the specific requirements of the solicitation, clearly demonstrating how your services or products meet or exceed those needs. Pay close attention to the evaluation criteria and ensure your proposal is comprehensive, compliant, and competitive.

Beyond Compliance: Why SAM Is An Effective Business Tool

Many business owners think of SAM registration just as a requirement to become a federal contractor, but it yields other advantages as well. Businesses can leverage their SAM registration beyond mere compliance to strategically position themselves within the federal marketplace, unlock various opportunities, and foster business growth. Here are several ways to use SAM registration as a strategic asset:

Enhanced Visibility to Government Buyers

By optimizing the company’s profile in SAM, businesses can make their capabilities, past performance, and certifications more visible and appealing to government agencies and prime contractors seeking subcontractors or vendors. A detailed profile can serve as a marketing tool within the federal procurement space.

Eligibility for Set-Aside Contracts

SAM registration allows businesses to qualify for various set-aside opportunities designated for small businesses, women-owned small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, 8(a) businesses, HUBZone businesses, and more. This can significantly reduce competition and increase the chances of winning government contracting jobs.

Subcontracting Opportunities

Many large government contracts require prime contractors to allocate a portion of their work to small businesses. By being visible in SAM, small businesses increase their chances of being approached for these subcontracting opportunities, allowing them to participate in larger projects and grow their government contracting experience.

Access to Exclusive Resources & Training

Registered businesses can access various resources, tools, and training opportunities provided by federal agencies. These resources are designed to support businesses in navigating the federal contracting landscape, understanding procurement processes, and improving their competitiveness.

Improved Networking & Partnerships

As we stated above, networking is crucial for success in government contracting. SAM registration can facilitate networking by helping businesses identify potential partners for joint ventures or teaming agreements on larger contracts. This can be particularly beneficial for small businesses looking to expand their capabilities and bid competitively on larger projects.

Direct Marketing to Agencies

Businesses can use their SAM registration as a launchpad for direct marketing efforts to government agencies. By understanding agency needs and procurement trends, businesses can tailor their outreach and proposal efforts to match, demonstrating their capabilities and how they can meet specific agency requirements.

Strategic Bidding Insights

Linked platforms, like SAM.gov, offer access to past contract awards and upcoming opportunities, enabling businesses to conduct market research, understand government buying patterns, and strategically position their bids.

Building Credibility

Maintaining an active and compliant SAM registration signals to government buyers and prime contractors that your business is serious, reliable, and ready to engage in federal contracts. This credibility can be a significant advantage in the competitive federal marketplace.

Streamlining Procurement Processes

With SAM registration, businesses can streamline their participation in federal procurement processes, making it easier to submit bids, receive awards, and conduct transactions, thanks to the centralized and standardized system.

By leveraging SAM registration strategically, businesses can unlock new growth opportunities, enhance their visibility in the federal marketplace, and establish themselves as a competitive and reliable federal contractor.

Get Started With SAM Registration

If you want to bid on any federal government contractor jobs, you must have an active SAM registration. At Federal Contractor Registry, we handle hundreds of SAM registrations and SAM renewal for companies of all sizes and across many industries.

As you may know, the government does not charge a fee for SAM registration, but it’s a complicated and often frustrating process, which is why people will hire us to handle this task for them.

Our fee, however, does not just include your SAM registration. We also will help you obtain your UEI number (Unique Entity Identifier), which is a new SAM requirement. In the past, you needed to provide your DUNS number, but that has been phased out and replaced with the UEI.

We also will help you with the SAM notarized letter requirement, which is a form letter that you must send to the Federal Service Desk to identify the Entity Administrator of your SAM account. Additionally, if applicable, we will help you sign up with the SBA and we can determine which set-aside programs might be the best fit for your small business.

While becoming a federal contractor can seem a bit overwhelming, once you get the hang of the process and start making some contacts, the mystery of contracting will become must clearer and likely quite profitable. If you are ready to get started and would like assistance with SAM registration, you can call us at 800-985-7658 or click on the New Registration tab on our homepage.

How To Find Federal Government Contractor Jobs

March 6, 2024 fcr Leave a comment

Navigating the labyrinth of federal government contracting can seem daunting, yet it holds a trove of opportunities for businesses eager to expand their horizons. With billions of dollars in contracts awarded annually, the federal government is a lucrative client for companies of all sizes. But the big question is – how do you find these federal government contractor jobs?

Step One – Unlock Your “Codes”

The government purchases much of its goods and services from the private sector, and they need just about every product or service imaginable. The federal government has classified all types of products and services to create the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

Every type of business can be identified using NAICS codes, and looking up your codes is the first step to determining whether or not there are government contracting opportunities that are a match for your business. To find your codes, go to Census.gov and click on “Find NAICS Codes.” From there, you can download or view the latest version of the NAICS manual and look up the codes that best describe the goods or services you provide.

For instance, let’s say your company produces cleaning equipment including brooms and mops. This would fit NAICS code 339994. So you would want to make a note of that code, as it will help you with the next step.

Step Two – Determine If You Fulfill A Need

Once you have your NAICS code or codes, head to SAM.gov and click on the Contract Opportunities tab. From there, click on the Advanced Search and go to the section that says “Product or Service Information.” You can enter your NAICS code into that box and this should generate a possible list of contract opportunities.

Entering the code above “339994,” which is the category for Broom, Brush and Mop Manufacturing yielded several results. This indicates that government contracting might be a good match for your business. In general, this search engine at SAM.gov is one of the main resources that companies will use to find government contracts.

Step Three- Sign Up With The System For Award Management

Once you’ve determined that various agencies do need your goods or services, you will need to register in the System for Award Management (SAM). This is the central database for all government contractors, and you cannot do business with the federal government until you have completed SAM registration and been approved.

With SAM registration you have two options – you can complete the application on your own or hire a third party. The government will not charge you a fee for SAM registration, but, of course, a third-party registration service will charge a fee. So why would you hire someone to complete this application?

To be honest, the government doesn’t make it easy to complete SAM registration. It can take 10 hours or more to fill out all of the sections, and each section is difficult to understand and filled with confusing government-speak. Many business owners find the process too overwhelming or time-consuming, so they simply hire a pro.

This is similar to hiring an accountant to handle your taxes. You could complete the tax forms on your own, but tax codes are difficult to understand, and mistakes are costly. With SAM registration, mistakes can delay your approval and force you to miss out on lucrative contracts while you struggle to complete SAM registration correctly.

At Federal Contractor Registry, we can help you with this process. We complete hundreds of SAM registrations and SAM renewals every year and will handle your registration quickly and 100% accurately, leaving you free to handle the day-to-day tasks associated with running your business.

Step Four – Search On SAM.gov & SBA.gov

As we outlined earlier, SAM.gov is one of the main sources of government contracting jobs, and you just need to enter your NAICS codes to find options. You also can narrow down the search to a specific area (Place of Performance) or a specific federal agency (Federal Organizations) or by set-aside type, just to name a few search options.

Set-asides are special contracts that are put aside specifically for those who own small businesses. If your business qualifies as small, you can register with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and this allows you to bid on certain set-aside contracts as well as allowing you to take advantage of all of SBA’s resources for small business owners. As part of our SAM registration services, we will help you sign up with the SBA and determine which set-asides best match your business, if applicable.

There are multiple set-asides that you may qualify for, such as the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set aside or the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set aside. You also could consider working toward HUBZone certification or 8a certification.

A HUBZone is a Historically Underutilized Business Zone, and these can be found throughout the United States. 8a certification is part of the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. This is a program for business owners that qualify as part of a group that has been historically disenfranchised due to gender, race, creed, religion, etc.

At any rate, if you qualify as a small business, not only can you look for contracts at SAM.gov, but you also can use the SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS). This database can help you find opportunities specifically set aside for small businesses, including subcontracting jobs. This can also be a tool for larger contractors to find potential small business partners for subcontracting opportunities.

Subcontracting can be an excellent option for small businesses to consider. It’s an easier path into government contracting as you don’t have to go through the whole bid process. The Prime Contractor handles all of that as well as serving as the direct liaison to the federal agency. You can learn a great deal about contracting without all of the hassles if you work as a subcontractor, and you still will be building a solid contracting resume.

Step Five – Explore Agency-Specific Procurement Websites

Many federal agencies have their own procurement websites or sections within their main websites where they list contract opportunities or information about how to do business with them. For example, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), NASA, and the Department of Energy (DOE) all have dedicated portals for contractors.

Keep in mind, that it’s not all about federal government contractor jobs. Every state purchases goods and services from the private sector, so it’s also wise to sign up with your state’s procurement system. These contracts can be just as lucrative as federal contracts and can be easier to attain in some cases. Many state procurement agencies also host workshops and conferences where you can learn more about government contracting and network and build relationships with procurement agents, prime contractors and other players in the government contracting world.

Ready To Become A Contractor? We Can Help

If you are ready to take the plunge and start bidding on federal government contractor jobs, we can help. If you would like us to handle your SAM registration, just click on the New Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our contact form. A member of our team will be in touch quickly to gather your information and get started on your SAM registration.

CAGE Code Registration & Compliance: What You Need To Know

March 6, 2024 fcr Leave a comment

Thousands of government contracting jobs are created each year to provide federal agencies with the goods and services they need. In order to grab your piece of the contracting pie, so to speak, you must ensure that your company complies with all regulations regarding contractors, and you must complete your CAGE Code registration.

The world of government contracting can be difficult for new contractors to understand. At Federal Contractor Registry, we can help you with the registration process as well as help you understand some of the basics of contracting, including the following:

What Is CAGE Code Registration?

The System for Award Management (SAM) is the central database for everything that has to do with government contracting. All contractors must maintain an active SAM account to do business with the federal government. This registration process is sometimes called CAGE code registration, but its proper name is SAM registration.

Once you’ve completed SAM registration and the registration is approved by the federal government, you will receive what is known as a CAGE code. This stands for Commercial and Government Entity Code. It is a unique identifier given to each government contractor. When you bid on any government contracts, your CAGE code will be one of the pieces of information you will need to provide to the government.

The government does not charge a fee for SAM registration, and both Americans and foreign entities can register in the System for Award Management. While it’s free to apply, the registration process is difficult and can take 10 or more hours to complete.

Many business owners will hire a third-party entity registration service to complete the process, such as Federal Contractor Registry. While we do charge a fee for this process, we handle hundreds of registrations every year and can complete your registration quickly and 100% accurately.

We also help first-time registrants with steps such as completing the notarized letter requirement and the acquisition of the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). For the letter, we can provide you with a template and you simply need to fill out the template, have the letter notarized and mail it to the Federal Service Desk.

The UEI number is a new requirement. In the past, companies were asked to provide their DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number, but this has been phased out. New registrants need to apply for their UEI, and we can handle this task for you as part of our SAM registration services.

What Do I Need To Know About Compliance?

Government contractors are subject to a wide range of compliance requirements that can vary significantly depending on the type of contract, the agency issuing the contract, and the specific goods or services being provided.

Compliance is crucial not only for winning contracts but also for maintaining good standing and eligibility for future opportunities. Here’s an overview of the primary types of compliance required by government contractors:

Regulatory Compliance

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): The primary set of rules in the Federal Acquisition Regulation System, which governs the acquisition process by which agencies of the federal government of the United States acquire goods and services. FAR applies to most contracts and requires contractors to follow specific procedures and standards.

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS): Additional requirements that apply to contractors working with the Department of Defense (DoD). DFARS includes provisions related to cybersecurity, the protection of classified information, and more.

Keep in mind, that you can bid on DOD contracts where high security is not an issue and not all DOD contractors have to worry about protecting classified information, etc. For instance, if the DOD puts out a request for a company that can provide copy paper or office furniture, security typically isn’t a huge concern.

Legal Compliance

Employment Laws: Contractors must comply with federal employment laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Ethics and Conduct: Adherence to ethical business practices is mandatory, including conflict-of-interest policies and rules against bribery and corruption.

Financial Compliance

Cost Accounting Standards (CAS): Applicable to certain contracts, these standards dictate how costs should be estimated, accumulated, and reported.

Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA): Requires contractors to provide cost or pricing data for contracts exceeding a certain threshold and certifies that the data is accurate, complete, and current.

Security Compliance

National Industrial Security Program (NISP): If accessing classified information, contractors must comply with NISP requirements to safeguard this information.

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC): DOD contractors must meet CMMC requirements to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within their network systems. Again, this is only for contractors where security is an issue. If you are providing something such as basic office supplies to the DOD, this likely won’t be an issue.

Environmental Compliance

Environmental Regulations: Contractors must adhere to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including waste disposal, air quality standards, and water pollution control.

Socioeconomic Compliance

Small Business Subcontracting: Large contractors must make efforts to subcontract a portion of their work to small businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, veterans, and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action: Contractors must ensure equal employment opportunities and may need to implement affirmative action plans.

Quality Assurance Compliance

ISO 9001: While not always mandatory, many government contracts require contractors to have ISO 9001 certification, which demonstrates compliance with quality management principles. If this is required, it should appear in the contract set forth by the federal agency’s procurement agents.

Maintaining compliance in these areas is critical for government contractors. Non-compliance can result in penalties, including fines, suspension, debarment from future contracts, and criminal liability in severe cases. Contractors should have robust compliance programs in place to ensure they meet all necessary requirements.

In many cases, your company is likely already in compliance with most of these regulations. To ensure that you are a good fit for a specific contract, it will be imperative to read the contract and the requirements set forth therein as carefully as possible.

Furthermore, if you are a small business, you may likely qualify for set-aside contracts. A portion of all federal contracts are “set aside” specifically for small businesses. Some contracts are set aside for general small businesses, while others are set aside for businesses majority-owned by women, veterans or people who belong to a historically disenfranchised group.

The team at Federal Contractor Registry can determine which set-asides might fit your business and help you sign up for these programs, which are run by the Small Business Administration (SBA). We can help you set up your SBA account and then we will link it to your SAM account, as well. This step is included in our SAM registration fee.

Should I Become A Federal Contractor?

In general, the first step you need to take is to determine if there is a market for your goods and services. To do this, you can go to SAM.gov and click on the Contract Opportunities tab. From there, click on Advanced Search. In the drop-down menu, you can search by Product or Service Information. We recommend using your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for this search.

NAICS codes describe the type of goods or services a company provides, and once you enter your codes, this should generate government contracting results. If you see multiple contracts that your company could fulfill, chances are you could find government contracting to be a profitable endeavor.

While bidding on federal contracting jobs can seem like a daunting task, once you have gone through the process a few times, it does become easier. It can take a year or more to win your first contract, so it’s important to be patient and keep trying.

Once you earn that first contract, earning additional contracts can be easier simply because you are building a government resume. Additionally, we recommend that you also look for state and county government contractor jobs, as these can be quite profitable, as well.

Take The First Step & Get Your CAGE Code

If you want to bid on contracts and would like the team at Federal Contractor Registry to complete your SAM registration/CAGE code registration, just click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage. We will quickly and accurately complete your registration, as well as help you with SBA registration, so that you can start bidding on government contracts as soon as possible.

FEMA Contractor Jobs & Your Small Business

January 24, 2024 fcr Leave a comment

Becoming a contractor with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can be a valuable opportunity for small businesses, but it requires careful planning and strategic action. Here’s some advice and strategies to help small businesses navigate the process of becoming FEMA contractors and bidding on FEMA contractor jobs.

Understand FEMA’s Requirements and Priorities

Before bidding, it’s smart to research and thoroughly understand FEMA’s contracting needs and priorities. This information can be found on FEMA’s website and through federal contracting databases such as SAM.gov. It’s also wise to stay informed about the types of goods and services FEMA frequently requires, especially during disaster responses.

These goods and services include everything from emergency relief supplies (food, water, blankets, etc.), medical supplies and equipment, construction and engineering services, transportation services, communication services, waste management, security, power generators and much more. You can do a quick search via the SAM.gov Contract Opportunities search engine (formerly FedBizOpps).

Register Your Business Appropriately

Ensure your business is registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). This is a prerequisite for bidding on any federal contractor jobs, including FEMA disaster relief jobs. SAM registration is typically the first step for any government contractor, whether they plan to bid on FEMA clean up jobs, DOD contracts or fed contracts with any agency.

You can complete SAM registration on your own or hire a third party to complete this task. We help hundreds of companies every year with SAM registration and SAM renewal. Why hire a pro? SAM registration is extremely time-consuming and complex and any errors you make can delay your approval and delay your ability to bid on government contract jobs.

At Federal Contractor Registry, we will complete your SAM registration quickly and 100% accurately. We also will help you acquire your UEI Number (Unique Entity Identifier) and help you complete the notarized letter requirement that is part of the initial SAM registration process.

Get Certified as a Small Business

Consider getting certifications that may give you an edge, such as Small Business Administration (SBA) certifications for small, disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, or HUBZone businesses. These certifications can make your business eligible for set-aside contracts, where competition is limited to businesses with these designations.

The team at Federal Contractor Registry can ensure that you are signed up with the SBA and signed up for any relevant programs that can help make government contracting easier, such as HUBZone certification, 8a certification, SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) certification and others. We also will link your SBA account to your SAM account during the SAM registration process. In general, we highly recommend that small business owners take advantage of resources offered by the SBA and other organizations designed to help small businesses in federal contracting.

Develop Relevant Expertise & a Solid Track Record

Gain experience in areas relevant to FEMA’s needs. This can include local or state government contracts to build a portfolio. Demonstrate your business’s capability to handle emergency situations or provide rapid response services, as these are often critical in FEMA contracts.

Network & Build Relationships

Attend industry days, conferences, and other events where you can network with FEMA representatives and other government contractors. Consider subcontracting with larger firms already working with FEMA to gain experience and visibility. For small businesses, the SBA runs the government’s subcontracting database, Subnet, and this can be a great place to find subcontracting opportunities.

Prepare a Strong Bid Proposal

When a FEMA opportunity arises, prepare a compelling and compliant bid proposal. You also need to be able to demonstrate how your business can meet FEMA’s specific needs. Price your bid competitively, but also realistically. Research the costs involved and ensure that you can deliver on the contract without financial strain.

The bidding process can be complicated, but there are companies out there that you can hire to help you with your first bids so that you can learn the ropes. Otherwise, it is recommended that you research the types of government contracts available as well as how to prepare a bid for a federal agency.

Focus on Quality & Compliance

Emphasize your business’s commitment to quality and compliance with federal regulations in your bid. This is crucial for winning and maintaining government contracts. Ensure that you have a solid plan for meeting the logistical and operational challenges of FEMA contracts, including rapid deployment and scalability.

Stay Informed & Responsive

Keep an eye on FEMA’s current and upcoming contracting opportunities and be ready to respond quickly. Subscribe to FEMA and other federal contracting newsletters, alerts, and procurement forecasts.

Invest in Employee Training & Certification

Ensure your employees are well-trained, especially in areas relevant to FEMA’s operations, such as emergency management, logistics, and safety protocols.

Consider certifications that could enhance your business’s credibility and expertise in disaster response and recovery.

By following these strategies, small businesses can position themselves competitively in the FEMA contracting arena. Remember, success in federal contracting requires persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to meeting the high standards expected by agencies like FEMA.

Start Your Government Contractor Journey Now!

Whether you wish to bid on FEMA contractor jobs or jobs for another agency, the first step is completing your SAM registration, and we can help. Just click on the blue New Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form. A member of our team will be in touch quickly to gather information and get started on your SAM registration as well as your SBA registration.

The Importance of Timely SAM Registration Renewal

January 15, 2024January 15, 2024 fcr Leave a comment

The System for Award Management (SAM) is a critical component for businesses seeking to engage in federal contracting. Timely renewal of SAM registration is paramount to maintain eligibility for federal opportunities. Let’s explore the consequences of delayed or neglected SAM renewal and highlight how our professional SAM registration renewal services play a vital role in ensuring compliance and uninterrupted eligibility for federal contracts.

4 Consequences of Late or Failed SAM Renewal

Your SAM registration expires every 12 months, and it’s imperative that you complete your SAM registration renewal in a timely manner. We recommend handling your SAM renewal at least a month (or two) before the expiration date. This allows the Federal Service Desk plenty of time to process your renewal before the expiration date.

While the Federal Service Desk usually works quite efficiently, at times there can be delays with SAM renewal approvals. This is why it is so important to complete this process, otherwise, you may face the following consequences.

Loss of Federal Contracting Opportunities

Delay in renewing SAM registration results in the immediate ineligibility to bid on federal contracting jobs. This missed opportunity can lead to significant revenue losses, especially for businesses heavily reliant on government contracting jobs. Timely renewal is crucial to avoid being sidelined in this highly competitive market.

Delayed renewal can lead to missed contract opportunities, which directly affects revenue. Additionally, the process of reinstating an expired registration can incur extra costs, both in terms of administrative expenses and potential penalties.

In many cases, government contract jobs at the state and local level also can be impacted if you have an expired SAM registration. Most state procurement agents will ask for your CAGE Code when you bid on state contracts, and if they discover that your SAM account is inactive, this might push them toward working with another contractor.

Risk of Contract Termination

Current federal contracts could be at risk if SAM registration lapses. The government may view this as a non-compliance issue, potentially leading to contract termination or penalties, tarnishing the business’s reputation and future contract prospects.

Administrative Burdens and Delays

Reinstating an expired SAM registration can be a time-consuming and complex process, involving additional administrative work and potential delays. This process diverts resources and attention from core business activities, impacting overall efficiency and productivity.

Impact on Business Reputation

A lapse in SAM registration can negatively impact a business’s reputation in the eyes of federal agencies. This perceived lack of reliability and organization can diminish a company’s standing and competitiveness for future contracts.

The Role of Professional SAM Renewal Services

At Federal Contractor Registry, we provide both initial SAM registration services as well as handling SAM renewals. We have the experience you need to ensure that your renewal (or your initial registration) is handled quickly and 100% accurately.

Our professional SAM renewal services mitigate the risk of delayed or neglected renewals. We monitor deadlines and ensure that all necessary documentation is updated and submitted on time. This proactive approach guarantees continuous compliance and eligibility for federal contracts.

Our team also has years of experience navigating the complexities of government contractor registration, including the SAM system. We are equipped to handle any changes or updates in the system efficiently, reducing the administrative burden on business owners and ensuring a smooth, error-free renewal process.

The reality of SAM renewal is that the process is nearly as complicated as the initial SAM.gov registration process, especially if you need to make any changes to your SAM account. The government won’t charge you for SAM renewal, and we do charge a fee, but we can save you countless hours and frustration, leaving you free to deal with the many tasks associated with running your business.

Our Value-Added Features

For our small business clients, we can ensure that your Small Business Association (SBA) account is up-to-date and linked with your SAM account. We also can ensure that you are signed up for any applicable SBA programs and we can introduce Super 8a contractors with other federal contractors in our network.

The SBA offers an abundance of programs for government contractors who own a small business. These programs, such as the Woman-Owned Small Business program, the HUBZone certification program, 8a certification and more. These programs make it easier for small business owners to win government contracts, and we can ensure that you sign up for anything applicable to your business.

If you have not yet completed your first SAM registration, our fee for initial SAM registration includes signing you up with SBA as well as helping you navigate the notarized letter requirement that is now part of SAM registration as well as helping you acquire the new Unique Entity Identifier or UEI number. If you are renewing, these two steps will not be necessary.

Start Your SAM Renewal Today!

Again, timely SAM registration renewal is vital for businesses engaged in federal contracting. The consequences of neglecting this crucial step can be detrimental to business opportunities, reputation, and financial health. You can check your registration status by heading to our homepage and clicking on the gold Status Check button.

If you are nearing that renewal date, our SAM renewal experts offer a reliable solution to maintain compliance and ensure uninterrupted access to federal contracts. To allow us to complete your SAM renewal, simply click on the blue Renew Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form.

System For Award Management: Fast & Easy Registration

December 12, 2023December 10, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

Every year, the United States federal government spends billions of dollars purchasing goods and services from the private sector via government contracting jobs. If you’d like to throw your hat into the ring and start bidding on government contracts, the team at Federal Contractor Registry can help and the first step is to complete your System for Award Management registration.

What Is The System For Award Management?

The System for Award Management (SAM) is an official website of the U.S. government that serves several key functions for entities (such as businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities) interacting with the federal government. Its primary purposes include:

Registration for Federal Contracts: Entities must register in SAM to do business with the federal government. This is a prerequisite for bidding on government contracts or receiving federal grants.

Streamlining Processes: SAM consolidates the federal procurement systems and the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance into one system, making it easier for users to manage their federal awards and contracts.

Centralizing Information: It serves as a central repository for information about entities that are eligible to receive federal contracts or grants. This includes details like business size, location, ownership, and activities.

Compliance and Transparency: SAM helps ensure entities comply with federal regulations. It also offers transparency into entities that are receiving federal contracts and grants, as part of government accountability efforts.

Facilitating Payments: Entities registered in SAM can receive electronic payments from federal agencies for contracts and grants.

SAM is a critical tool for any entity looking to engage in business with the federal government, either through contracts or grants, and it helps streamline and manage the complex processes involved in federal procurement and award management.

In the past, multiple websites handled all of these functions, with websites such as the Central Contractor Registration or CCR, and ORCA (Online Representations and Certifications Application). You will still hear people talk about CCR and ORCA government contracts, but if you see those terms, they are obsolete and everything is now part of SAM.gov, which is run by the Federal Service Desk, an agency within the General Services Administration.

Should You Become A Government Contractor?

The government needs an abundance of goods and services throughout the year and there are contracts for just about every type of industry imaginable. Whether you run a printing service, an HVAC repair shop, a construction debris removal company or perhaps sell medical supplies, the federal government needs all that and much more.

If you are on the fence about government contracting, here are a few compelling reasons to consider bidding on federal contractor jobs:

Stable & Consistent Revenue Stream: Government contracts can provide a reliable and consistent source of income. Governments often have large budgets for various projects and services, and once a contract is secured, it typically guarantees a steady flow of work and revenue for its duration.

Diversification of Business Portfolio: Participating in government contracts can diversify your business portfolio. This diversification can reduce reliance on private sector contracts, which may be more susceptible to market fluctuations. The government sector often provides opportunities in a wide range of industries, from technology to construction, allowing businesses to expand their expertise and market reach.

Prestige and Credibility: Winning a government contract can enhance your company’s reputation. It demonstrates that your business meets the high standards required to fulfill government projects, which can be a powerful endorsement of your company’s capabilities. This can boost your credibility and make your business more attractive to other clients, both in the public and private sectors.

Potential for Long-Term Relationships: Securing a government contract can open the door to long-term relationships with government agencies. These relationships can lead to repeat business and make it easier to win future contracts. Government agencies often prefer working with trusted vendors who have a proven track record of delivering quality services or products.

Access to Large-Scale Projects: Government contracts often involve large-scale projects that might be unavailable in the private sector. These projects can enable a business to grow rapidly, increasing its capacity, resources, and workforce. Additionally, working on such projects can allow a business to demonstrate its ability to manage and deliver large-scale operations, further enhancing its marketability.

Before you decide to complete your SAM registration, we recommend going to SAM.gov and browsing through the many opportunities to determine if your company is a good match. Once you go to SAM.gov, simply click on the Contract Opportunities page and then click on Advanced Search.

From there, we recommend searching for contracts using your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, which can be found at Census.gov. NAICS codes describe the types of goods or services your company can provide, so searching using these criteria allows you to find contracts that truly match what you have to offer the federal government. To search using NAICS codes, you will need to select the drop-down menu from the section marked “Product or Service Information.”

How To Register With SAM

System for Award Management registration is required for anyone bidding on government contracts, and while the government does not charge a fee to register in SAM, entity registration can be a very complicated and time-consuming process.

Fortunately, you can bypass the frustration of SAM registration by simply hiring a third-party registration. At Federal Contractor Registry, we handle hundreds of SAM registrations and SAM renewals every year. (Note: You must have an active SAM registration to do business with the federal government, and your SAM account expires after 12 months and must be renewed.)

Hiring Federal Contractor Registry is similar to hiring an accountant to handle your taxes. While filing taxes is “free,” the tax code is complex and making mistakes is costly and hiring a tax expert makes good sense. SAM registration is similar in that it’s time-consuming and difficult and mistakes can delay your approval. We do charge a fee for our services, naturally, but this fee also includes several value-added features, such as:

Small Business Administration (SBA) Registration: The SBA is an excellent resource for any small business owner in general, but when it comes to government contracting, the SBA is in charge of several special programs that make it easier for small businesses to win government contracts. These contracts are known as set-aside contracts because they are “set aside” just for small businesses, such as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

If you don’t qualify for those two, there are several other options including 8a certification and HUBZone certification. Our registration experts can evaluate your business and determine which set-asides fit your firm, help you sign up with SBA, and link your SBA account to your SAM account.

Additionally, if you qualify as a Super 8a contractor (owned by an Alaskan Native Corporation, Native Hawaiian Organization or any Native American tribe), we can introduce you to other federal contractors in our network.

Notarized Letter Requirement: All first-time SAM registrants must send a notarized letter to the Federal Service Desk listing their firm’s Entity Administrator. This is simply the person or persons who are authorized to update or make changes to your SAM account. We can help you with this process, as the letter must be very exact in its contents.

Unique Entity IDs: For many years, all SAM registrants were required to provide their DUNS number to register, but that has been phased out and the Unique Entity Identifier or UEI number has replaced this requirement. Still, you will need to acquire your UEI, but we can help!

Best of all, we can save you hours of work and all the hassles associated with SAM registration, and our team will be able to quickly and 100% accurately complete your registration so that you are approved and ready to bid on contracts as soon as possible. To get started with your System for Award Management registration, just head to our homepage and click on the New Registration tab.

Storm & Hurricane Cleanup Jobs: 5 Facts You Need To Know

December 10, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

While 2023 was a relatively mild hurricane season, storms and hurricanes are likely to increasingly affect communities. As such, the demand for hurricane cleanup jobs and disaster relief providers has become more crucial than ever before. If you’re looking to bid on these types of government contracting jobs, it’s important to understand the following five facts.

Contractors Must Comply With All Regulations

If you intend to bid on hurricane relief jobs, it is crucial that you understand all pertinent safety and environmental regulations. Understanding OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) standards, and local environmental protection laws is essential to ensure the safety of workers and compliance with legal requirements.

Contractors Must Be Able To Provide A Rapid Response

In disaster relief, timing is critical. Contractors should be prepared for rapid deployment and flexible operations, as the scope of work can change quickly depending on the severity and aftermath of the storm or hurricane. Whether you are offering security services, bottled water, debris removal or any type of disaster relief service, being able to be fast and flexible is key.

Disaster Relief Is Unique, And Not Your Only Option

In general, federal contractor jobs are offered when an agency has a specific need for goods or services. When this occurs, the procurement agents for that agency create a contract to fulfill those needs and then companies will bid on these contracts.

However, disaster relief is unique in that agencies such as FEMA must be prepared in advance of a disaster. As such, contractors are in the unique position of being able to bid on any current government contracts for goods or services as well as Advance Contracts. These are contracting jobs that FEMA puts into place to ensure that they are ready to provide disaster relief services at a moment’s notice.

Additionally, contractors also can look into GSA contracts, also known as GSA schedules. The General Services Administration procures goods and services for all federal agencies, and their “schedules” are long-term government contracts with pre-negotiated pricing and procurement agents from federal, state and local governments can purchase goods and services from GSA schedules. While it can be difficult to win a GSA contract, once you’ve been approved, it helps you bypass the bidding process as these vendors are authorized to provide services for any agency at agreed-upon prices.

It is important for government contractors to research all of the different types of contracts that might be available, and understand that with disaster relief, you may enter into a contract to provide future services whenever an agency is called on to provide disaster relief.

It’s also important for contractors to understand that disaster relief jobs might not be the only opportunity available for your business. There are hundreds of government agencies and all of them procure their goods and services from the private sector. Rather than focusing solely on disaster cleanup jobs or hurricane relief jobs, we recommend searching for any government contracting opportunities that might fit the goods and services you provide.

Contractors often become fixated on working with FEMA or other federal agencies, but state disaster relief contracts can be just as lucrative. If you live in a state prone to severe weather, your state will offer hurricane cleanup jobs or whatever type of disaster might occur, from tornadoes to floods to fires as well as pandemics, building collapses, etc.

Disaster Relief Needs Are Vast

When we think about disaster relief, cleanup tasks often spring to mind, but that’s just one of many needs after a disaster occurs. For instance, if you can provide potable water or food services, these often are needed when a disaster occurs. Medical supplies, tents, cots, security services, emergency fencing, repair services and temporary shelters are a few of the many other items that might be needed.

We encourage all business owners to check out the contract opportunities available in the System for Award Management (SAM). This is the central database that includes information about all government contractors as well as all government contracting opportunities. Whether you end up providing disaster relief services or just find contracts that match your goods and services, government contracting can serve as an excellent way to boost your profits while helping the government fulfill its goal of serving its citizens.

SAM Registration Is Required

Whether you wish to bid on FEMA contractor jobs or any type of disaster relief job, including hurricane relief jobs, you must complete SAM registration and maintain an active account in the System for Award Management. Aside from determining whether or not you have goods and services needed by the government, this is usually your first step into the world of government contracting.

At Federal Contractor Registry, we can help you with this task, which is highly complicated and can take 10 or more hours to complete. The government does not charge a fee for SAM registration or SAM renewal, but they also haven’t made the process easy or fast. There are multiple sections to the registration document all filled with confusing government-speak. Many people become so frustrated by this process that they give up on the idea of government contracting.

A simple solution is to hire a third-party SAM registration service to handle this task for you. We handle hundreds of registrations and renewals throughout the year and will complete your SAM registration quickly and 100% accurately so that you can begin bidding on contracting jobs, including hurricane relief jobs, as soon as possible. To get started, simply click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form.

6 Myths About Government Contractor Jobs – Debunked

November 13, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

Embarking on a career in government contracting can often seem shrouded in mystery, with many would-be applicants deterred by myths that cloud the reality of this professional path. From notions that every job is about defense and security to misconceptions who can participate, the world of government contracting jobs is rife with misunderstandings. With that said, we’d like to debunk some of the most common myths that prevent many people from considering government contracting.

Myth 1 – Most Government Contracts Deal With Defense

While some of the most lucrative government contracts are related to the Department of Defense, DOD contracts are by no means the only options available. There are hundreds of federal government agencies and all of them need goods and services from the private sector.

The government buys everything from the private sector. This includes paper and office supplies, furniture, vehicles, repair services, security services, food services and just about anything else you can imagine. Goods and services from almost every imaginable industry are needed, and thousands of contracts are awarded every year.

To determine if your goods and services are needed by any federal agency, simply head to Sam.gov and click on the Contract Opportunities tab. We then recommend clicking on the Advanced Search and searching for contacts using your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. If you aren’t sure of your codes, you can find them at Census.gov.

Myth 2 – You Must Have Security Clearance

There are some government contractor jobs that do require security clearances, but those are really few and far between. In most cases, security clearances are not an issue, and you can even bid on many contracts with the DOD and not need any level of security clearance. Security is typically only an issue with contracts for goods such as military crafts, weapons, computer security systems, etc.

Myth 3 – Small Businesses Can’t Participate

Many people hear about companies such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing winning massive government contracts, but there is still plenty left over for mid-size and small businesses. In fact, the government sets aside a portion of all government contracting dollars just for small businesses.

The Small Business Administration offers several programs for small businesses to help them find success with government contractor jobs. These programs typically are known as “set-asides” because the participants are eligible to bid on specific contracts set aside for certain types of small businesses.

For instance, if you are a woman that owns 51% (or more) of a small business, you may qualify for the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set aside. If you are a service-disabled veteran that owns 51% of a small business, you may qualify for the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set aside.

Other programs include the HUBZone certification program, which is a set-aside for businesses in areas known as Historically Underutilized Business Zones. Another option is the 8(a) Business Development Program, which is designed for small businesses owned by socially and/or economically disadvantaged individuals. Within this set aside, these contracts are sometimes known as 8a contracts.

Myth 4 – Marketing Isn’t Needed

In the private sector, marketing and advertising is crucial, but many people mistakenly believe that government contractors don’t need to market to government agencies. This is simply not true.

Your first step will be to create a Capability Statement. This is s a document similar to a resume, but the sections are a bit different than what individuals place on a resume or CV. The sections include a section for Corporate Data, Past Performances, Differentiators, Core Competencies and a section for contact information. You can find many examples of good capability statements online.

Additionally, we recommend adding a page to your website just for government contracting. This page should contain all of the information you’d place on a capability statement. It’s also smart to attend any networking events or conferences where you might encounter government procurement agents. This can be a great way to learn more about contracting and build your network.

Myth 5 – All Government Contracting Jobs Are Federal

Not only will you find thousands of federal contractor jobs, but there are also thousands of jobs available at the state level. Every state government also procures its goods and services from the private sector, so it’s wise to sign up with your state’s procurement system as well as the federal system, which is known as the System for Award Management (SAM).

Myth 6 – Government Contracting Is Too Hard

One of the biggest reasons why people don’t consider government contracting jobs is that it seems too difficult. While it’s true that there is a learning curve, there are plenty of helpful resources out there for new government contractors. The SBA offers a plethora of resources for small businesses, and there are private sector companies that can help you learn the basics of bidding on contracts as well as the types of government contracts you might encounter.

Additionally, many people worry about completing the first step you have to take in order to bid on government contracting jobs – SAM registration. This can be an extremely complicated and time-consuming process, and it truly does deter many people from becoming a federal contractor.

The good news is that we can help! At Federal Contractor Registry, we can quickly and accurately complete your SAM registration. Once approved, you will be eligible to bid on government contracts. We do charge a fee (the government does not charge a fee for SAM registration), but we can save you the headaches and 10-12 hours of time it takes to complete registration on your own.

It’s a bit like hiring an accountant to do your taxes. Filing your taxes is free, but the complexities of the tax code and the penalties you incur if you make mistakes are typically enough motivation to hire an expert. SAM registration is much the same. You could do it yourself, but it’s frustrating and complicated, so it makes sense to hire an SAM expert.

In addition to completing your SAM registration, our fee includes helping you sign up with the Small Business Administration, including determining which set-asides fit your business. If you are a Super 8(a) business (owned by Native Americans, Alaskan Native Corporations or Native Hawaiian Organizations), we also can introduce you to federal contractors in our system.

Additionally, we will help you with tasks such as attaining your Unique Entity Identifier (also known as the UEI number) which is a new requirement of SAM registration. We also can help you with the notarized letter requirement that is part of your initial registration. This letter identifies your Entity Administrator, which is the person at your company authorized to make changes to your SAM account.

SBA Set-Asides: 8a Certification, WOSB, VOSB & More

November 13, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

Government contracting can be a great way to grow your small business, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several set-aside designations, including 8a certification, that can make it easier for small businesses to win contracts. The following information can help you determine which set-asides are the best fit for your business.

What Is A Set-Aside?

The federal government spends billions every year and it purchases virtually all of its goods and services from the private sector. Government contracts are the method by which these needs are fulfilled. In order to boost small businesses throughout the United States and its territories, some of these contracts are “set aside” specifically for small businesses. There are several different types of set-asides, including:

Competitive Set-Asides: These contracts are exclusively for small businesses when at least two small businesses can perform the work or provide the products being purchased.

Sole-Source Set-Asides: For purchases between $10,000 and $250,000, the federal government automatically sets these contracts aside for small businesses, given that there are at least two companies that can offer the product or service to federal agencies at a fair and reasonable price.

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Set-Asides: These set-asides are aimed at businesses that are at least 51% owned by women, with 5% of federal set-aside dollars awarded to WOSB and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB)3.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Set-Asides: This program supports businesses owned by veterans with service-related disabilities.

HUBZone Set-Asides: Businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones can qualify for set-aside contracts to stimulate economic development in those areas.

Lastly, let’s talk about 8a Certification, which is yet another type of set-aside contract. This program is known officially as the 8(a) Business Development program. This program is designed to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal contractor marketplace. The key aspects of the program include:

Eligibility: It’s for businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. This includes African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, people with disabilities, women and many other groups.

Duration: Small business owners can remain in the program for up to nine years, with a transitional stage in the latter half to prepare for post-8(a) business.

Mentor-Protégé Program: This allows established businesses to mentor 8(a) participants, providing guidance on how to navigate federal contracts, business management and technical assistance.

Sole-Source Contracts: The program enables eligible businesses to receive sole-source government contracting jobs, up to a certain threshold, without having to deal with the competitive bidding process, which can be complicated.

Competitive Set-Asides: 8(a) firms can compete for set-aside contracts within the program, in addition to the standard small business set-asides.

Business Development: The SBA provides business development assistance, including training workshops, counseling, marketing assistance, and high-level executive development.

Annual Review: Businesses in the program undergo annual reviews and systematic evaluations to ensure they meet the goals and criteria.

Goals: The SBA aims to award at least 5% of federal contracting dollars to 8(a) firms annually. 8a contracts can be quite lucrative, providing you with an excellent source of income.

As you can see, the 8(a) program is a powerful tool for small, disadvantaged businesses to gain a foothold in government contracting and build their capabilities and financial viability in general.

SAM Registration Is Essential

Of course, if you plan on bidding on government contracts, including set-aside contracts, you will need to register with the System for Award Management (SAM). This database includes information about all government contractors, and you cannot do business with the federal government without an active SAM listing.

While the government does not charge a fee for SAM registration, the application process can be an extremely complicated and frustrating endeavor. To avoid the headaches, and the potentially 10 or more hours of work needed to complete your registration, many businesses hire a third-party SAM expert to complete this process.

We also can help you with SAM renewal, which must be completed every year. We recommend starting your SAM registration renewal several months before your listing expires. In some cases, if a federal procurement agent notices that your expiration is coming up soon, they will choose another business over yours because if your listing expires, they cannot do business with you at that point.

It can take several days or several weeks for SAM renewal approval, depending on the workload of the Federal Service Desk, which manages the SAM database. This is why early renewal is always the best strategy.

At Federal Contractor Registry (FCR), we can complete your SAM registration, and while we do charge a fee, our registration services are fast and 100% accurate. Our fee also includes several other value-added features.

For instance, we will help you attain your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). This is a new requirement for new SAM registrants, and it can be a bit confusing to sign up, but we handle this process frequently, so we can take that step out of your hands.

Additionally, we also can help you fulfill the notarized letter requirement that is part of SAM registration. In order to complete your initial registration, you must submit a notarized letter to the federal government identifying the person in your company who is authorized to make changes to your SAM account. This person is known as an entity identifier.

When it comes to SBA programs, if you do qualify as a small business, we will help you sign up with the SBA and identify which set-aside designations are the best fit for your business, including SBA 8a certification. Linking your SBA account to your SAM account is an essential step in the SAM registration process and we will ensure that this is handled correctly so that you can take full advantage of these SBA programs.

For our Super 8a contractors, we also can introduce you to other federal contractors in our FCR network. The term “Super 8(a)” refers to businesses within the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program that are owned by Indian tribes, Alaskan Native Corporations (ANCs), and Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs). These groups are considered socially disadvantaged, and businesses they unconditionally own and control qualify for the Super 8(a) designation.

Super 8(a) businesses benefit from the ability to form joint ventures and receive sole-source government contract jobs above typical competitive thresholds, with certain limitations, to prevent abuse of this expedited acquisition path. The aim is to enhance the participation of these groups in federal contracting opportunities.

Get Started With Federal Contracting

If you are interested in bidding on government contracting jobs, especially set-asides, such as 8a certification, the team at FCR can help. We can provide you with fast, accurate SAM registration and sign you up with the SBA so that you can take advantage of all this federal agency has to offer. To get started, just click on the green New Registration tab.