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What Is Government Contracting? Is It Right For You?

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No matter what type of goods or services your business provides, your company could be a good fit for government contracting. But what is government contracting and what does it entail? We’ve created a short overview to give you a general idea of government contracting and how it can benefit your business.

 

There are more than 400 federal government agencies in the United States, and all of these agencies receive the bulk of their goods and services from the private sector. Every agency has contracting officers known as procurement agents and these individuals are responsible for purchasing whatever good or service their agency needs.

 

Unlike in the private sector, where goods and services can be purchased as needed and often fairly quickly, government contracts are more formal, and it tends to take much longer for the government to award these contracts. This time constraint might seem discouraging, but, keep in mind, the government operates using our tax dollars, so it’s crucial that they follow procedures and select vendors wisely.

 

The First Step – SAM Registration

The System for Award Management (SAM) is a database run by the Federal Service Desk and this database includes information regarding all government contractors. You must have an active listing in this database in order to do business with any federal agency. We can help you with this part of the process, but first let’s take a look at what types of businesses are the best fit for government contracting.

 

Should You Bid On Government Contracts?

Before you dive into the world of government contracting, it is wise to see if there is a need for your products or services. To get a quick idea, head to SAM.gov and search for the Contract Opportunities tab. Then click on the Advanced Search tab and use the Product or Service Code search bar and enter your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. If you don’t know your codes, you can find them at Census.gov.

 

For instance, if you are a painting contractor, your NAICS code would be 23832. A quick recent search at SAM.gov shows more than 70 potential contracts from agencies including the Department of Defense, the Department of the Interior, the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Forest Service and many others. While these might not all be convenient to your location, it illustrates that there is a need for your services.

 

Keep in mind, in addition to federal contracting jobs, you also can bid on state contracting jobs, and these can be just as lucrative as federal contractor jobs. You also can bid on contracts in other states, so if you are near a state border or can provide goods or services to multiple states, this might be a good option.

 

Types of Government Contracts

Here are a few of the types of contracts issued by the U.S. federal government. Keep in mind, there are other contract opportunities, such as sole-source contracts and GSA schedules (also known as GSA contracts).

 

Fixed-Price Contracts – The government pays an agreed-upon amount, regardless of the contractor’s costs. This places maximum risk on the contractor to control costs.

Cost-Reimbursement Contracts – The government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs incurred. The contractor has less financial risk but the government pays more if costs escalate.

 

Incentive Contracts – The contractor is reimbursed for costs and receives additional payment (incentive) for meeting/exceeding targets like quality, schedule, cost savings, etc.

 

Time and Materials Contracts – The contractor is paid for labor hours expended and materials used. Widely used but less favored due to less cost control.

 

Indefinite Delivery Contracts – Provide an indefinite quantity of supplies/services during a fixed period. Orders are placed against the contract on an as-needed basis.

 

Federal Supply Schedule Contracts – Provide access to pre-negotiated contracts with firms to provide commonly-used supplies/services at discounted pricing.

 

Blanket Purchase Agreements – Simplify ordering from Federal Supply Schedule contractors when there is a recurring need for supplies or services.

 

The type of federal contract depends on factors like the project scope, complexity, performance risks, and degree of price competition. Most federal government contracts contain elements of more than one contract type.

 

If you are a small business, you also could get started as a government contractor by working as a subcontractor. The prime contractor handles all of the back and forth with contracting officers, but you gain experience and begin building a contracting resume.

 

Small businesses also should sign up with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and take advantage of this agency’s many helpful programs. In addition to SBA loans and business mentoring, the SBA has many certifications that can make it easier to compete for and win government contracts. These include 8a certification, HUBZone certification and designations such as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB). The SBA also runs SubNet, which is the government database for subcontracting opportunities.

 

Get Started With SAM Registration

SAM registration is a complicated process that can take many hours. In fact, it can take 10 or more hours, to wade through complicated government-speak such as federal acquisition regulations, etc. If you find yourself becoming frustrated with the process or simply want to hand over the work to a SAM specialist, the team at Federal Contractor Registry is here to help.

 

While the government does not charge for SAM registration, many people opt to pay a third-party registration service to avoid the hassle and difficulty of the registration process, much like you would hire an accountant to complete your taxes. We can complete our SAM registration or SAM renewal quickly and 100% accurately.

 

We also will help you sign up with the SBA, if applicable. We also will help you attain your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and help with the notarized letter requirement. These latter two issues are relatively new in the world of SAM and can be a bit confusing, but we can help make this process much easier.

 

Hopefully, this blog has provided some answers to the questions regarding what is government contracting. If you would like to use our services for SAM registration, just head to our homepage and click on the New Registration tab. We will gather some crucial information about your business and get started on your registration as quickly as possible.

SAM Registration: Your Gateway To Disaster Relief Jobs

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Every year, the United States government provides disaster relief and recovery services to its states and territories. To support these services, the government hires civilian contractors for a variety of disaster relief jobs. These jobs can be a great way to expand your business and boost profits, and we can help you with the first step – System for Award Management (SAM) registration.

 

What Is SAM Registration?

The System for Award Management, usually just called SAM, is a database that includes information about every federal contractor and if you want to work with any federal agencies, you must register with SAM and gain approval.

 

SAM registration is a complicated process that can take as must as 10 or more hours to complete. While the government does not charge a fee to register in SAM, many people will hire a third-party registration service to complete the process simply to avoid the hassles and headaches associated with SAM registration.

 

Unfortunately, the complexities of SAM registration often discourage business owners from trying government contracting. However, if you have goods or services that the government needs on a regular basis, signing up with SAM can be a smart business decision.

 

While obtaining government contract jobs can be an arduous process, these are highly profitable and, unlike companies in the private sector, the government always pays its contractors. Additionally, the government will always need goods and supplies, even during a recession or difficult economic times.

 

This is especially true with disaster relief jobs, and disasters can strike at any time and the aftermath must be handled. Cleanup, medical care, temporary housing and other services must be available when disaster strikes. While we never want a disaster to occur, providing help after a disaster occurs can be an excellent and recession-proof way to increase your profits.

 

Understanding Disaster Relief Jobs

When you think about disaster relief jobs, you probably typically think about contacting opportunities within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), but that’s not the only organization that might need goods or services related to disaster relief. While FEMA contractor jobs are plentiful, other agencies also help with disaster relief and recovery.

 

Federal government contracting jobs are just one option to consider, as there are many state government contracting opportunities, as well. For instance, every state and territory has its own disaster relief agency, typically known as its Office of Emergency Services. Cities and counties also have these agencies or divisions, as well, and will use civilian contractors to provide the goods and services they need for disaster relief.

 

Additionally, the types of goods and services needed might surprise you. Obviously, debris removal services and emergency medical supplies are needed, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what government agencies need, both to help out when a disaster occurs as well as for day-to-day functioning and management.

For instance, FEMA needs supplies such as copy paper, computer equipment, furniture and everything else necessary to run offices. They also will need many services, such as repair services and security services. We did a recent perusal of the SAM.gov website to see what types of contracts were available and this included everything from mobile shredding services to routers to painting services and much more.

 

When a disaster occurs, FEMA also will need to have supplies on hand, so FEMA offers what are known as FEMA Advance Contracts. These contracts ensure that FEMA has supplies (bottled water, food, medical supplies, generators) on hand as well as service providers, such as emergency response providers, air and ground ambulances, inspectors and more.

 

Keep in mind, your goods and services also might be needed by many other agencies, and not just those that provide disaster relief. There are hundreds of government (and state) agencies out there and all of them need support from government contractors.

 

You can get a better idea if your goods and services are needed by doing a quick search on SAM.gov. Click on the Contract Opportunities tab and select the Advance Search options. This allows you to search by agency or by Product and Service Information. We recommend the latter as this will be an exact match for your specific goods and services.

 

Once you reach this point, you will need to enter your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. These can be found at Census.gov and they describe the types of goods and services that businesses provide.

 

Contact Us For SAM Registration Services

As we stated above, many business owners or managers simply hire experienced, third-party SAM registration services to complete the SAM process. Again, we know that the government charges no fees for SAM registration, but it’s a complicated and frustrating process. Sometimes it’s simply easier to let an expert handle these types of tasks, just as you would hire an accountant to handle your taxes.

 

At Federal Contractor Registry, we will complete your SAM registration quickly and 100% accurately. We also will help you acquire your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which is a new requirement with SAM registration. In previous years, the government required you to list your DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number, but that was phased out recently and the UEI has taken its place.

 

Additionally, we also can help you sign up with the Small Business Administration and let you know if your business qualifies for any of their special contracting programs, which are known as set-aside procurements. The government sets aside a portion of all contracting dollars just for small businesses, and we can help you find the programs that match your company.

 

We also will help you get started with the notarized letter requirement that is part of SAM registration. Every new registrant must send a notarized letter to the Federal Service Desk listing the person who is allowed to make changes to your SAM account. This person is known as the Entity Administrator.

 

Whether you want to bid on disaster relief jobs or any type of federal contractor jobs, SAM registration is a required first step. If you would like us to complete your SAM registration, just click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage, complete our quick contact form and a registration specialist will be in touch as soon as possible to get started on your registration.

What Is SAM Registration & Why Should You Sign Up?

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If you’ve been thinking about diving into the world of government contracting and researching the process, you may have noticed a lot of talk about SAM registration, CAGE codes and other government-speak. But what is SAM registration and why is it important? Let’s take a look at this process, which is one of the first steps you must take before becoming a government contractor.

 

The System For Award Management (SAM)

The System for Award Management (SAM) is a database that contains information about all government contractors. Government procurement agents, the people tasked with fulfilling government contracting jobs will use this database to research potential contractors.

 

No one can do business with the federal government without completing SAM registration, which is typically considered the first step to take if you want to become a government contractor. Once your listing is approved, you will receive your CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code, and every procurement agent will need to see this code to verify that you have an active SAM listing.

 

If your listing is not active (expired), the agency cannot do business with you.  SAM registrations expire every year, so it is crucial that you remember to handle your SAM renewal in a timely fashion, and we recommend completing this task several months prior to the expiration date, as a nearing expiration date can be a red flag for some procurement agents or contracting officers, who might worry that your listing will expire before the contract is complete.

 

You can either complete SAM registration on your (the government does not charge you a fee to register with SAM) or you can hire a third party to complete your registration. This can be a much easier option for several reasons, including:

 

  1. The SAM Registration Process Is Time-Consuming

The SAM application is long and completing each section can take several hours. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to spend 10 or more hours working on their SAM registration. It can simply be easier to just hire a pro and avoid this huge hassle.

 

  1. SAM Registration Can Be Frustrating

The SAM registration is filled with confusing government-speak and it can be difficult for those without SAM-related experience to wade through the mire and figure out what everything means.

 

  1. Mistakes Can Be Costly

If you make a mistake with your SAM registration, your listing will not be approved until you correct the mistake. This delays your ability to bid on government contracting jobs and you may miss out on some lucrative contract opportunities. Using a SAM expert can ensure that your SAM registration is handled quickly and accurately.

 

At Federal Contractor Registry, we handle hundreds of SAM registration each year and can complete your application quickly and 100% accurately, so that you will be approved as quickly as possible. We also will send you a reminder before your listing’s expiration date, and you can use our service for SAM renewals, as well as your initial registration. We also help with several other tasks, including:

 

The Unique Entity Identifier

In past years, business owners were asked to provide their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as part of SAM registration. This number has been phased out and the government assigns a number known as the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to each business before they register with SAM. We can help you acquire this number, and you cannot proceed with SAM registration until you obtain your UEI.

 

The Notarized Letter Requirement

Every new SAM registrant must submit a notarized letter to the government listing the person in their business that is allowed to make changes to their SAM user account. This person is known as your Entity Administrator. We can help you with the template for this letter so that all you need to do is get it notarized and mail it in.

 

Small Business Administration (SBA) Registration

If you qualify as a small business, we can help you sign up with the SBA. The federal government sets aside a portion of all government contracts for small businesses, so it’s important to set up your SBA account and link this account to your SAM registration. The SBA also runs a database that lists subcontracting jobs, and working under a prime contractor can be a great way for a small business to get started with government contract jobs.

 

Should You Register With SAM?

Before completing SAM registration, we recommend first doing some research to discover if the type of goods and services you offer are in demand by government agencies. The easiest way to do this is to head to SAM.gov and click on the Contract Opportunities tab and then click on the Advanced Search option.

 

From there, we recommend using your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes as these codes describe your goods and/or services. Once you are in the Advanced Search option, you can click on Product or Service Information, and enter your NAICS codes or your Product Service Codes (PSCs). Not sure which codes match your business? You can find them at Census.gov or we can find them for you when we complete your SAM registration.

 

If you find that several agencies seem to need your goods and services, chances are that government contracting can be a good option to consider. Contracting is not just about DOD contracts or disaster relief jobs, either. The federal government purchases a wide range of goods and services from the private sector. This includes security services, repair services, medical supplies, office supplies and much more.

 

While it can take time to learn how to apply for government contracting jobs, these can be quite lucrative and once you’ve earned your first contract, it tends to become easier to win additional contracts. Don’t forget to also apply for state-level government contracting jobs as these can be just as lucrative as the federal contracting jobs.

 

Contact Federal Contractor Registry Now

If you’ve been wondering what is SAM registration, we hope this article clears up some confusion. If you would like for us to complete your SAM registration or renewal, you can get started by heading to our homepage and either clicking on the green New Registration tab or the blue SAM renewal tab. Then simply fill out our quick contact form and we will be in touch shortly to gather some information and get started on your registration.

5 Benefits Of Outsourcing SAM.Gov Renewal & Registration

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Understanding the complexities of the federal marketplace can be a daunting task for many businesses. One fundamental step in accessing federal opportunities is the SAM System for Award Management (SAM) registration and renewal process. This process, however, can be complex, time-consuming, and if not executed properly, could lead to missed opportunities. This is where outsourcing SAM.gov renewal and registration comes into play, and we can help.

 

While the government does not charge a fee for SAM registration or renewal, there are several benefits to outsourcing your SAM.gov renewal and registration, including:

 

  1. Expertise and Knowledge

The first and perhaps most significant advantage of outsourcing your SAM registration and renewal process is the wealth of knowledge and expertise that specialized service providers bring to the table. We understand the ins and outs of the federal procurement marketplace. We also are well-versed in the rules and regulations associated with the SAM registration and renewal processes, so we can accurately and promptly complete the procedure. We also stay up-to-date with any changes in the SAM registration and renewal processes.

 

  1. Saving Time

Another major benefit of outsourcing SAM.gov registration and renewal is the significant time saving for business owners. The SAM registration process can take 10 or more hours, and while the renewal process can be faster, it still takes several hours to complete. Hiring an expert service provider will allow business owners to focus their valuable time and resources on their core competencies, rather than on the administrative burdens of SAM registration.

 

  1. Reduced Errors

Given the complexities involved in SAM.gov registration and renewal, there is a high probability of committing errors, which can delay or complicate the process. Experienced service providers can reduce the risk of errors in the SAM registration and renewal process, ensuring a smooth and efficient process that increases your chance of successful registration or renewal.

 

  1. Improved Compliance

Non-compliance with federal acquisition regulations can lead to severe penalties, including fines and exclusion from federal contractor jobs. Outsourcing the SAM.gov registration and renewal process to knowledgeable service providers can help businesses ensure their compliance with all regulations and avoid any potential legal troubles.

 

  1. Proactive Renewal Management

SAM.gov registration is not a one-time process; it requires annual renewal to maintain active status in the federal marketplace. Business owners often can forget or overlook this requirement amidst their daily operations. Professional service providers, however, will manage these renewals proactively, ensuring your business remains in good standing with the federal government and ready to seize any opportunities for government contracting jobs.

 

Outsourcing the SAM.gov registration and renewal process brings several strategic advantages. It allows business owners the ability to leverage expert knowledge, saves valuable time, minimizes errors, ensures improved compliance and offers proactive renewal management.

 

It’s important to remember that the right partner will not only take care of the technical details registration and renewal in the System for Award Management but will also provide valuable advice and guidance to navigate the complexities of the federal marketplace. So, as you choose to outsource, be sure to select a service provider with a strong track record, excellent customer service, and in-depth knowledge of the federal procurement marketplace.

 

Outsourcing the SAM.gov renewal and registration process can provide businesses with a competitive edge in the federal marketplace. By leaving these complex processes to the experts, businesses can focus on what they do best – providing excellent products and services to their federal customers. Ultimately, this strategic decision can pave the way for sustainable growth and success in the federal marketplace.

 

Why Choose Federal Contractor Registry?

We help hundreds of businesses every year with SAM registrations and renewals, but we also provide our customers with several value-added features that other renewal services may not provide.

 

For instance, we can help you with your Small Business Administration (SBA) registration and ensure that you are taking advantage of any SBA programs. The SBA offers several helpful programs that can help you procure government contracting jobs more easily.

 

For instance, you may qualify for various set-aside programs. The government “sets aside” a portion of all federal contracting jobs just for small businesses. These include Woman-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). These are just two set-asides, and we can determine which options are the best fit for your small business. If you qualify as a Super 8a Contractor, we also can introduce you to other Federal Contractors in our FCR network.

 

We also can help you with the notarized letter requirement for your initial SAM registration and help you acquire the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), both of which are required steps for those new to the System for Award Management. We also frequently update our website with the latest news of interest to government contractors to help keep you informed about changes in government regulations, new contracting opportunities and much more.

 

Get Started Now!

Whether you are new to government contracting and need us to handle SAM registration or you want us to complete your SAM.gov renewal, the team at Federal Contractor Registry is always here to help.

 

For initial SAM registrations, simply click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage. For SAM.gov renewals, click on the blue Renew Registration tab and fill out our quick contact form. You also can check your registration status, by clicking on the gold Status Check tab, and we can let you know if your registration is active and when it will expire.

Decoding HUBZone Certification: An Essential Overview

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The HUBZone map will be changing on July 1, 2023, and in honor of this update, we thought this would be a great opportunity to write a bit about HUBZone certification and HUBZones in general. If your small business is located in a HUBZone, there can be some government contracting opportunities that might be profitable for you.

 

HUBZone stands for Historically Underutilized Business Zone. This is a federal government program that was established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small businesses in certain urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities, i.e., government contracts.

 

The program’s benefits for HUBZone-certified companies can include competitive and sole source contracting, as well as a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.

 

The HUBZone program encourages economic development in these historically underutilized business zones by providing opportunities for firms to become active participants in the federal supply chain.

 

 

You can head to SBA.gov to check and see if your business is located in a HUBZone, but, again, keep in mind, these maps will be updated in July, so the zone designation might change. For instance, some areas are listed as HUBZones after a natural disaster to help bolster the local economy after some type of devasting local event. This zone designation might end once the area has achieved more economic stability.

 

However, any HUBZones located in areas owned by Native American Tribes, as well as Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) and Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) likely will not be changed.

 

Who Is Eligible For HUBZone Certification?

In order to participate in the HUBZone program, your business has to be located in a HUBZone, naturally, but the business also must be 51% owned (and controlled) by United States citizens, an NHO, an ANC, a Native American tribal government, an agricultural cooperative or a community development cooperation.

 

Additionally, at least 35% of the employees must reside in a HUBZone for at least 180 days before applying for certification. These employees don’t necessarily need to live in the same HUBZone where your business is located, but they must be residing in a HUBZone in general.

 

5 Steps To HUBZone Certification

  1. SAM Registration

As with all governing contracting opportunities, the first step is to register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM). This is the government’s database for all government contractors. The team at Federal Contractor Registry can complete your SAM registration (and SAM renewals) quickly and accurately so that you can start bidding on government contracting jobs as quickly as possible.

 

SAM registration can be the most daunting part of this equation, and while the government does not charge a fee to register your business in SAM, it can take 10 or more hours to complete the application. Many people simply find it easier to hire a third-party registration service to avoid the hassles and headaches associated with SAM registration.

 

  1. SBA Registration

We encourage all small businesses, whether or not the firms are located in HUBZones, to sign up with the SBA. HUBZone certification is just one program that exists to help small businesses flourish and find federal contractor jobs. As part of our SAM registration services, we also will help you sign up with SBA and link your SBA account to your SAM account, as well.

 

  1. Apply For HUBZone Certification

Once you have an active SAM account and an active SBA account, you can go into SBA’s system and begin registering for HUBZone certification. Once you apply, the SBA will send you an email asking you to verify your application. In some cases, this can take several days, and it is recommended that you check your spam folder as well as your inbox for this email.

 

  1. Submit All Necessary Documents

You will need to provide SBA with a myriad of documentation to attain HUBZone certification. Some of the documentation includes basic information about your location and employees as well as lease agreements, utility bills, payroll records, corporate documents, proof of U.S. citizenship and more.

 

  1. Check Your Status

While you may receive an email regarding your HUBZone certification, it’s also important to check your status in SAM as well as the SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS). The DSBS is a database that government procurement agents can use to search for small businesses for contracting purposes. Government agencies are required to set aside a portion of their contracting jobs specifically for small businesses. These are often just called “set-aside” contracts.

 

Recertify Your HUBZone Status Yearly!

HUBZone certification expires every year, so you will need to provide the SBA with updated documentation to renew your certification. You also will need to renew your SAM registration every year, and Federal Contractor Registry can help with that process.

 

Additional SBA Programs

Even if your business does not qualify for HUBZone certification, there may be other set-asides for which you qualify. For instance, if your business is 51% owned and controlled by a woman or women, it may qualify for the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Economically-Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) set-asides.

 

There are also set aside programs for veterans, and you also might qualify for the 8(a) Business Development program. To qualify for this program, a small business must be 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens that belong to a historically socially or economically disadvantaged group, such as citizens that have faced discrimination due to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender or perhaps a disability.

 

Get Started With SAM Registration!

Whether you want to opt for HUBZone certification, or another SBA set aside, SAM registration is the first step, and the team at Federal Contractor Registry can help. We can complete your SAM registration quickly and accurately, help you sign up with SBA and help you complete other crucial tasks, such as applying for the Unique Entity Identifier. If you wish to have us handle SAM registration, just click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage to get started.

Federal Contractor Jobs: 5 Common Misconceptions

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Imagine working on some of the nation’s most pressing projects, from bolstering cybersecurity to pioneering space exploration or even improving public health infrastructure. With federal contractor jobs, these opportunities and more are at your fingertips.

 

Yet, many misunderstandings shroud this line of work, casting a shadow over the vibrant and diverse landscape of federal contractor jobs. These misconceptions often deter talented professionals from exploring a realm that offers not only a wide array of exciting projects but also the chance to make a difference. Let’s debunk several common misconceptions about federal contractor jobs and shed some light on the reality of this dynamic career path.

 

  1. Federal Contractors Mostly Work In Defense

Many people mistakenly believe that most federal contractor jobs exist within the Department of Defense. While this agency certainly spends a great deal on government contracts, there are hundreds of other agencies that will need to use a government contractor, so DOD contracts are never going to be your only option.

 

Additionally, many people believe you must have security clearance to work with the DOD. This is true for some types of contracts, but if you are simply providing goods and supplies and some basic services, security clearances often are not needed. When you complete your System for Award Management (SAM) registration, many people opt not to work with DOD because they are worried about security clearances, but this is usually not an issue.

 

  1. Only Large Companies Win Federal Contracts

If you own a small business, becoming a federal contractor can be an outstanding way to boost your business. While the huge contracts typically are reserved for large corporations, such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing, the government sets aside a percentage of all federal contractor jobs specifically for small businesses.

 

These contracts are known as set-aside contracts and there are several different types of set-asides, including the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) designations, as well as programs for anyone belonging to a historically disadvantaged group, such as Native Americans, African Americans, people with disabilities and much more.

 

Even if you don’t qualify under any of these types of set-asides, general small businesses and businesses located in Historically Underutilized Zones (HUBZones) also can qualify for many set-asides.

 

  1. There’s Little Diversity With Government Contracts

When people think about government contracts they often think about defense contracts or perhaps FEMA disaster jobs or other types of disaster relief jobs, but the government needs a huge range of goods and services. No matter what type of business you have, it’s likely that you can find government contracting jobs that fit what you provide.

 

 

 

  1. Government Contracting Is Too Bureaucratic

To be fair, getting started with government contracting can seem a bit daunting. There’s a lot to learn about bidding procedures and rules and the government rarely makes decisions as quickly as a private sector company could. However, once you are familiar with the process, it can be a great way to supplement your business income and the government always pays its bills, which is a huge bonus.

 

We find that attaining that first government contract can take about a year for most businesses. However, once you start working with one agency and get the feel for government contracting and begin building a government resume, it becomes easier and easier to work with federal agencies.

 

Of course, we also highly recommend that you don’t simply focus on federal government contractor jobs. There are many excellent and profitable opportunities to be had at the state, county and local levels as well. Register with your state’s procurement agency and look into all of the opportunities available near you, as well. There’s definitely more out there than fed contracts.

 

  1. Marketing Is Not Necessary

This is a huge myth. Advertising and marketing is often the best way to attract new clients in the private sector, but it’s also crucial when bidding on government contracts. While you do have to follow all of the rules and regulations outlined in the RFPs, RFQs and RFIs, etc., and there is a set procedure to the bidding process, this doesn’t mean that you should not be marketing to potential government clients.

 

The first step is to create a top-notch capability statement, which is a unique type of resume specifically designed to be given to government agencies. We also recommend dedicating a page on your website just for government contracting. Keep in mind that marketing to government agencies is much different than marketing to companies in the private sector.

 

With the government, the goal is to procure goods and services to meet the needs of federal agencies and, in turn, the American people. Procurement agents also have to follow strict rules, so your marketing needs to indicate that you understand the goals and directives set forth by federal and state laws and that you can help agencies achieve their goals, which don’t include making a profit.

 

Get Started As A Federal Contractor

Whether you want to work as a federal contractor or for your state government, you will need to complete your System for Award Management (SAM) registration and be assigned a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code.

 

SAM is the central database that includes information about all government contractors and if you wish to do business with the federal government, either as a contractor or subcontractor, SAM registration is required.

 

Federal procurement agents as well as state procurement agents will ask for your CAGE code as part of the contract bidding process so that they can view your SAM listing and ensure that you have an active SAM account. If your account is inactive, the government cannot work with you.

 

If you are nearing the expiration date (it expires every year), some agents also will put your company at the bottom of the pile, so to speak, because if it expires during the contract, the government is unable to continue doing business with you and can be left in a lurch.

 

While the United States government does not charge a fee for SAM registration or SAM renewal, the process can be extremely difficult and time-consuming. Many people simply opt to hire a SAM registration service to complete the process. We are hired by small, mid-size and even Fortune 500 companies every year to complete SAM registration. It’s similar to hiring an accountant rather than trying to complete your taxes on your own.

 

If you want to get started bidding on federal contractor jobs, the team at Federal Contractor Registry can help. We also can help you sign up with the Small Business Administration and complete SAM-related tasks such as applying for the new Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and completing the SAM notarized letter requirement. To get started, just click on the green New Registration tab on our home and fill out our quick contact form.

CAGE Codes 101: A Quick Guide for Businesses

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Did you know that more than 50,000 small businesses received government contract jobs in 2022, and these contracts were worth more than $150 billion? Government contracting can be a lucrative option for any size business, but businesses cannot work with the federal government without CAGE codes.

 

What Is A CAGE Code?

A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a unique identifier that the government assigns to all government contractors. In order to get your CAGE code, you must complete your System for Award Management (SAM) registration. The System for Award Management is the central database that includes information about all government contractors.

 

Federal Contractor Registry Can Help!

SAM registration must be completed and approved to be assigned a CAGE code. The government does not charge a fee for SAM registration, but the process can take 10 or more hours to complete. The application is complex and filled with government-speak that can be difficult to understand.

 

Because the application is complicated and any mistakes can delay a company’s SAM approval, many people opt to hire a third-party SAM registration service. The team at Federal Contractor Registry can quickly and accurately complete your SAM registration. While hiring a SAM registration service is an extra expense, there are several reasons to consider this option.

 

  1. Expertise and Experience: Hiring a professional to handle your System for Award Management (SAM) registration ensures that the process is completed accurately and efficiently. They have the necessary knowledge and experience to navigate the complex registration process, minimizing the risk of errors or delays.

 

  1. Time Savings: The SAM registration process can be time-consuming, especially for those unfamiliar with the system. Hiring someone to manage your registration allows you to focus on your core business activities, saving valuable time and resources.

 

  1. Compliance Assurance: A professional specializing in SAM registration will ensure that your business meets all the required criteria and complies with the relevant regulations. This reduces the risk of non-compliance, which could lead to penalties, fines, or even disqualification from government contracting opportunities.

 

  1. Additional Services: At Federal Contractor Registry, we not only provide customers with 100% accurate SAM registration and SAM renewal services, but we have several other value-added features.

 

We can help you with the notarized letter requirement for SAM registration. All new registrants are required to submit a notarized letter to the Federal Service Desk (FSD) identifying their SAM entity administrator.

 

This is the person allowed to make any changes to your SAM account. This letter can be confusing, but we can ensure that you have completed the letter correctly, so all you will need to do is have it notarized and mail it to the FSD.

 

We also can help you with the new Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). This is a special code that is assigned to your business and will be listed in your SAM account. The UEI has replaced the Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number. You must apply for the UEI before beginning SAM registration, but we can help.

 

If you own a small business, we also can help you sign up with the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA has many programs that help a small business owner find success as a federal contractor.

 

For instance, if your business qualifies as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or another specific type of small business, you may be eligible to bid on special fed contracts that are set aside specifically for small businesses.

 

Additionally, at FCR, we have many years of experience working with Super 8(a) businesses. These are companies or firms owned by Alaskan Native Corporations (ANCs), Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) or Native American tribes. We are happy to introduce Super 8(a) company representatives to other federal contractors in the FCR network.

 

How CAGE Codes Benefit Businesses

While a CAGE code is required in order to bid on government contracting jobs, there are several other reasons to consider completing SAM registration and getting your code, including:

 

Enhanced Credibility: Having a CAGE code demonstrates that your business is legitimate, reliable, and capable of meeting the government’s strict requirements, increasing your credibility in the eyes of potential clients.

 

Compliance with Federal Regulations: Acquiring a CAGE code ensures that your business complies with federal regulations, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

 

Increased Visibility: CAGE codes make it easier for government agencies and prime contractors to find and evaluate potential suppliers, increasing your business’s visibility in the procurement process.

 

Efficient Business Verification: A CAGE code serves as a quick reference for government agencies to verify your business’s legal name, physical address, and other essential information.

 

Secure Data Exchange: CAGE codes play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information exchanged between businesses and government agencies, ensuring that both parties maintain a high level of security.

 

Improved Tracking and Reporting: CAGE codes enable more accurate tracking and reporting of procurement activities, allowing for better analysis and decision-making by government agencies.

 

Simplified Payment Process: CAGE codes help facilitate the payment process by providing a standardized identifier that government agencies can use to quickly and accurately process invoices.

 

Networking Opportunities: Businesses with CAGE codes are more likely to be invited to industry events, conferences, and training programs, providing valuable networking opportunities to expand their reach and form strategic partnerships.

 

Maintaining CAGE Codes

While the CAGE code assigned to you will always be associated with your company, you do have to renew your SAM registration every year to keep your account active. Without an active account, you cannot do business with any federal agencies and cannot bid on government contractor jobs.

 

We recommend completing your SAM renewal several months before the expiration date as it can take some time to have your account approved for renewal. Again, we can help you with SAM renewals as well as SAM registrations.

 

Need CAGE Codes? Contact Us Today!

If you want to bid on government contract jobs, we can complete your SAM registration as quickly as possible. To get started, just click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form.

SAM.gov Registration: Fast & Accurate Services

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If you want to bid on lucrative federal contractor jobs, completing your SAM.gov registration is required. The government doesn’t charge a fee to register, but many people opt to hire a third-party registration service. Why would you hire us instead of doing it on your own? There are several compelling reasons.

 

  1. We Complete SAM.gov Registration Quickly & Accurately

The System for Award Management (SAM) is the database that includes information for all government contractors. You cannot bid on government contractor jobs unless you complete SAM.gov registration, gain approval and receive your Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code. The CAGE code is the unique identifier that all government agencies will ask for when you bid on contracts.

 

We handled hundreds of SAM registrations every year and the main reason that people hire us is that we can save you time and frustration. SAM registration may be free if you do it yourself, but it’s far from easy and can take 10 or more hours to complete. If you make mistakes, this will delay your approval and you will have to keep submitting your registration until the mistakes are corrected.

 

At Federal Contractor Registry, we will complete your SAM registration quickly and 100% accurately, which will speed up your approval time. Once you are approved, you will be eligible to bid on government contracting jobs.

 

  1. We Can Help With Your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

In the past, part of SAM.gov registration included providing the government with your Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. This SAM DUNS number requirement has been phased out and the government now asks for a Unique Entity Identifier.

 

To get your UEI, which is a SAM requirement, you have to take a couple of steps, including filling out an application. As part of our SAM registration services, we will complete this process for you so that you can avoid this hassle.

 

  1. We’ll Help You Prepare The Notarized Letter

All new SAM registrants must complete a notarized letter and send this letter to the Federal Service Desk (FSD), the agency that runs SAM. This letter identifies your company’s Entity Administrator, which is just the person authorized to make changes to your SAM account. We can provide you with a template for this letter and ensure that you have filled it out correctly, then you just need to get it notarized and send it to the FSD.

 

  1. We Help You Sign Up With SBA

Did you know that more than 27% of all government contracts went to small businesses om 2021? That equates to more than $154 billion in federal contracting money. If your business qualifies as a small business, this will allow you to bid on special “set-aside” contracts. These are contracts set aside specifically for small businesses, but you must register with the SBA, and we can help.

 

Our team will determine which set-asides match your business and help you register with SBA as well as link your SAM registration to your SBA account. While general small businesses qualify, there are also several very specific set-asides including the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set aside and the Economically-Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) set aside.

 

For these two set-asides, your company must be 51% owned and operated by a woman or women. For the EDWOSB set aside, you must be 51% owned by one or more women that would be considered economically disadvantaged and this means that the woman or women must have a personal net worth of less than $850,000 (per person) and less than $6.5 million in personal assets. Your adjusted gross income also must be $450,000 or less per year (they will look at an average income over the last three years).

 

Other set-asides include Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). This set aside used to be handled by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but the verification is now handled by SBA.

 

The SBA also runs several other set-aside programs for small businesses, including the HUBZone program and the 8(a) Business Development Program. We can determine which set-asides you qualify for, whether it be WOSB, VOSB, HUBZone or perhaps 8a certification or something else.

 

SAM Renewal Services

In order to do business with the federal government, you must always have an active SAM registration. Your SAM registration is active for 12 months, and then it must be renewed. We recommend that you renew several months in advance because some agencies won’t grant federal awards to companies if their entity registrations are about to expire.

 

SAM renewals tend to be easier than the initial registration process and you don’t have to send in the notarized letter or sign up again with SBA. Still, if you are making any changes to your account, it can be challenging. In addition to your initial SAM contractor registration, we also can handle your SAM renewal process if you want. As a side, note, if you have an active user account currently, you also don’t have to worry about the UEI as that was assigned automatically to anyone with an active SAM account.

 

Get Started Today!

If you are interested in becoming a government contractor, we can help with your SAM.gov registration as well as your SBA registration and we can even introduce Super 8a contractors to other contractors in our Federal Contractor Registry network. To get started, just click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form.

Disaster Relief Jobs: How To Apply

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When a disaster occurs, the federal government hires companies in the private sector to help with a wide range of disaster relief jobs. In order to bid on these jobs, business owners need to take several steps and one of the first is SAM registration.

 

What Is SAM Registration?

The System for Award Management (SAM) is a huge database that contains information about all government contractors. A procurement agent from any government agency will not be able to select your company for a government contracting job unless you have an active SAM account.

 

You can complete SAM registration on your own for free (the government does not charge a fee for SAM registration) or you can pay a third-party registration service to complete the process. Many people hire registration specialists because the SAM registration process can take 10 or more hours and can be frustrating and difficult.

 

At Federal Contractor Registry, we can quickly and accurately complete your SAM registration. In addition to completing your SAM registration, our fee also includes helping you with several other tasks, including:

 

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) – This is a new requirement, and everyone registering in SAM for the first time must apply for their UEI, which has replaced the need to apply for a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. We can help you with this process before we get started on your SAM registration.

 

The SAM Notarized Letter Requirement – When you register with SAM for the first time, you are required to send the Federal Service Desk a notarized letter identifying your Entity Administrator. This is simply the person at your company allowed to make any needed changes to your SAM account, and we can help you get started with this letter.

 

Small Business Administration (SBA) Sign-Ups – The SBA offers small business owners a myriad of helpful programs, and a portion of all federal contracting dollars are set aside for specific types of small businesses, such as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB).

 

These are known as set-asides because the government sets aside these contracts and awards them only to these small businesses. General small businesses (not woman-owned or veteran-owned, etc.) still qualify for some set-asides, as well, so we encourage every small business owner to sign up with the SBA and we can help you sign up and link your SBA account to your SAM account.

 

Introductions to Prime Contactors – If you are a small business owner, subcontracting can be a great option to consider as you get started with government contracts. We have many prime contractors in our FCR network, and we can introduce you to these contractors which can help you jumpstart into the world of government contracting.

 

Finding Disaster Relief Jobs

Once your SAM registration is complete and has been approved, you will be issued a CAGE (Corporation and Government Entity) code. Once you have your CAGE code and an active SAM account, you are free to bid on any government contractor jobs, including disaster relief jobs.

 

When it comes to disaster relief jobs, people often simply think of FEMA disaster jobs, and while FEMA handles many crucial disaster-related tasks, this is not the only agency that might need your goods and services.

 

In general, we recommend simply heading to SAM.gov and searching under the Contract Opportunities tab. The easiest way to find potential contracts is to search using your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. These codes identify the particular goods and services that your company can provide to a government agency. You can enter your codes by clicking on the Product or Service Information tab in the Contract Opportunities tab.

 

For instance, if your company manufactures bottled water, you would enter the code 312112 into the search engine. You also could limit the search to specific states or zip codes, depending on your service area. During a quick search, we found that code 312112 had potential contract opportunities from the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice.

 

However, if we search just using FEMA as the main search, there are more than 150 contacts to wade through, and, of course, not all of them would necessarily be a match for your goods and services. This is why we always recommend searching using your specific parameters rather than sifting through a specific agency.

 

It’s also wise to look beyond federal government contractor jobs. State governments and county governments also have to provide disaster relief, and these jobs can be just as lucrative as fed contracts. Be sure to sign up with your state’s procurement agency and search for potential contracts at the state level.

 

In general, disaster relief jobs or contracts entail a wide range of needs. While some of the jobs focus on removing debris, the government also needs a myriad of supplies to help meet the needs of those displaced by a disaster as well as the support teams brought in to help with disaster relief and FEMA often stockpiles these items or pre-awards advance contracts to companies that can help with disaster relief.

 

If you wish to work with FEMA, be sure to let us know so that during the SAM registration process, we will ensure that your registration includes participation in the Disaster Response Registry. FEMA agents and other procurement agents often search this registry to find suitable vendors.

 

Keep Your Registration Active!

SAM registration expires every 12 months, so you do need to complete SAM renewal every year. You can only do business with the federal government if your SAM registration is active, so it is crucial that you renew well in advance of your expiration date. At Federal Contractor Registry, we can provide you with SAM renewal services if you prefer to let us handle this process.

 

Get Started With SAM Registration Now

If you’d like Federal Contractor Registry to complete your SAM registration, just click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage. From there, just fill out our contact form and one of our representatives will contact you and get started on your SAM registration. Once that process is complete, your company will be eligible for disaster relief jobs and many other government contracting opportunities.

How To Get A CAGE Code: 3 Important Steps

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If you want to work with any federal agency, from FEMA to the Department of Defense, you must have a CAGE code. If you’ve been wondering how to get a CAGE code, the team at Federal Contractor Registry can help you with the entire process.

 

What Is A CAGE Code?

CAGE stands for Commercial and Government Entity, and it is the unique identifier that you are assigned after you complete your registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). This is the central database that contains information about all federal government contractors. You cannot work with any federal agency without complete SAM registration and receiving a CAGE code.

 

Step One: Get Your Unique Entity Identifier

SAM registration is actually not the first step you need to take. The first step is to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) assigned to your company. In the past, the government would ask for your DUNS number in place of the UEI, which is a new type of identifier generated by the Federal Service Desk, the federal agency that is responsible for the SAM database.

 

Step Two: Complete Your SAM Registration

Once you have your UEI, you can begin the SAM registration process at SAM.gov. You will need to collect some important information before getting started, such as your company’s tax identification number, your company’s physical address, contact information and your bank account information and more.

 

You also will need to provide your Product Service Codes and your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. These codes describe the exact goods and services that your business can provide to a federal agency. Additionally, if you are a small business that qualifies for any SBA set-aside programs, you will need to link your SBA account to the SAM account.

 

Step Three: Send In Your Notarized Letter

The SAM notarized letter requirement was added several years ago, and anyone registering a business in SAM must send the Federal Service Desk a notarized letter designating the company’s Entity Administrator. This is the person in your company that is authorized to make changes to your SAM account.

 

Should You Hire A Third-Party Registration Service?

The government does not charge a fee either to receive the UEI or to complete SAM registration. However, they also don’t make it particularly easy to complete these processes. It can take 10 or more hours to complete SAM registration, and unless you are very familiar with government terminology, it can be frustrating and confusing to deal with the application.

 

Because it’s frustrating and time-consuming, many people simply hire a third-party registration service to complete their registration. This speeds up the process and ensures that every part of the application is completed correctly. While it’s an extra cost, it’s just like hiring an accountant to handle your taxes. You could fill out tax forms on your own, but the tax code is often confusing, and mistakes are costly, which is why many people hire a pro.

 

At Federal Contractor Registry, we handle hundreds of SAM registrations every year for small and mid-size companies as well as for large corporations, including Fortune 500 companies. We can complete the process quickly and accurately, saving you time and ensuring that your registration is approved as soon as possible so that you can begin bidding on government contracting jobs.

 

Our SAM registration fee includes several value-added benefits that other third-party registration services do not offer, including:

  • 100% Accurate (and Fast) SAM Registration
  • Help With The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
  • Help With The Notarized Letter Requirement
  • Help Signing Up For SBA Programs

 

Additionally, if you are a small business taking part in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program, we can introduce you to prime contractors in our FCR network. Subcontracting (working under a prime contractor) can be a great way for a small business to get started with government contracting, and we can help.

 

Keep Your CAGE Code “Active”

Did you know that SAM registration expires every year? In order to continue bidding on government contracts, you must have an active listing in the System for Award Management. This means that you need to complete your SAM renewal every year.

 

SAM renewals tend to be less complicated than your initial SAM registration, especially if you are making no changes to your listing. If you do need to make changes, it can be smart to hire a third-party service to handle the process, and Federal Contractor Registry handles both SAM registration and renewals.

 

Whether you select our service for SAM renewal or complete the process on your own, we do strongly recommend that you complete your renewal at least six weeks before your registration is set to expire, especially if you complete the process on your own.

 

There are several reasons to complete SAM renewals early. For instance, if a federal agency notices that your registration is due to expire in just a few weeks, they are less likely to select your company for a contract. This is because once your listing expires, that agency no longer can work with you and this could leave them in a lurch.

 

Additionally, it can take several weeks for the Federal Service Desk to approve your renewal, and if any mistakes or inconsistencies are discovered, this will delay the renewal process. Using a third-party registration service can be smart because we won’t make any mistakes and you are more likely to gain approval quickly. In some cases, the Federal Service Desk approves a renewal in just a few days, but if there is a backlog, it can take several weeks, so never wait until the last minute to renew.

 

Get Started Now!

We hope this helps you understand how to get a CAGE code, and once you’ve been assigned a code you can bid on FEMA disaster jobs, DOD contracts and contracts with any federal agency. If you would like us to help you with SAM registration, just click on the green new registration tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form. A member of the FCR team will be in touch quickly to gather information and get started on your registration.