CAGE Code

The Small Business Government Contractor: 7 Helpful Tips

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Becoming a government contractor can be a lucrative avenue for small business owners, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the process. Here are some practical tips for small business owners looking to enter the world of government contracting.

 

  1. Get Started With SAM Registration

Whether you have one employee or 100,000, every potential government contractor begins their contracting journey the same way – completing their System for Award Management (SAM) registration.

 

While SAM registration is a required step, it’s also, unfortunately, a complicated one. The government won’t charge you a fee, but the registration process can take 10 or more hours to complete. Many business owners simply hire a third-party registration service to complete this task. This saves time and the headaches associated with SAM registration.

 

At Federal Contractor Registry, we complete hundreds of SAM registrations and SAM renewals every year. We work with businesses of all sizes and can quickly and 100% accurately complete your SAM registration or SAM renewal.

 

If your business qualifies as a small business, we can help you sign up with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and we will link your SBA account with your SAM account. We also will help you with step two – which is determining which SBA certifications might fit your business.

 

  1. Obtain Any Necessary Certifications

The SBA exists to help boost the profitability of small businesses throughout the United States and its territories. The federal government, in general, also seeks to boost small businesses so they set aside certain government contractors just for small companies. These are known as set-aside contracts.

 

The SBA runs multiple programs for set-aside contracts and your business might be eligible for one or more of these programs. Your company might qualify as a general small business, but you also might qualify as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) or perhaps as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB).

 

Additionally, you may qualify for certain contracts because your business and a portion of your employees reside in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone, or HUBZone. The SBA also runs the 8(a) Business Development program, which helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace through training, technical assistance, and government contracting opportunities.

 

  1. Research Government Contracting Opportunities

The government purchases the bulk of its goods and services from the private sector, which means that just about every imaginable industry is needed at some point by a federal agency. Whether you provide printing services, security services, paper and office supplies, food services, repair services or something else, the government likely needs your goods or services.

 

All government contracting jobs are listed on SAM.gov, under the Contract Opportunities section. Once you click on that tab, we suggest doing an Advanced Search and looking for contracts using your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. These codes describe the specific goods and services that your company can provide. You can find these codes at Census.gov or we can determine which codes fit your business as we complete your SAM registration.

 

  1. Network & Build Relationships

We highly recommend that you attend industry days and networking events hosted by government agencies to meet key people and learn about their needs. Building relationships with agency contracting officers can be invaluable in gaining insights into what the government needs and how you can help.

 

Don’t forget that state governments also need contractors, and representatives from state government agencies also often host networking events for contractors. These state contracting jobs can be just as lucrative as the federal government contractor jobs.

 

  1. Consider Subcontracting

If direct contracting seems too competitive or challenging at first, consider subcontracting with larger prime contractors. This can help you gain experience and credibility in government contracting while allowing a prime contractor to handle most of the heavy lifting, so to speak. This is a great way to build a resume as a new government contractor.

 

The SBA runs a database called SubNet (https://subnet.sba.gov/client/dsp_Landing.cfm), which is just for small business owners who wish to become subcontractors. This is an excellent place to search for subcontracting opportunities. As will Sam.gov, you can search using your NAICS codes as well as location, which makes it easy to find any options in your area.

 

  1. Create A Top-Notch Capability Statement

A capability statement is a resume specifically for government contracting. It contains several important sections. One section will include your “Contact Information” and another section will include “Company Data” such as your DUNS number, UEI number, CAGE code, NAICS codes, GSA Schedules and SBA certifications, such as HUBZone certification or 8a certification, etc.

 

You also will include a section entitled Core Competencies, which details specific skills and areas of expertise that your company can provide. This section should be concise and focused, directly aligning with the needs of the government agencies you’re targeting.

 

Another section, entitled Differentiators, should explain what sets your company apart from the competition. This could be unique methodologies, technologies you employ, lower costs, faster delivery times, superior customer service, or any specific advantages that make your business stand out.

 

Additionally, you will need a section entitled “Past Performance.” This could include a summary of previous contracts or projects that are similar to the services you are offering to the government. You’ll want to mention the clients, and briefly describe the scope of work and how you successfully met or exceeded project requirements.

 

Sections for “Certifications & Awards” as well as “Professional Associations & Memberships” also can be added to further lend credibility to your company profile. You will need to submit this statement with government contracts and it’s wise to have this statement listed somewhere on your company’s website. If a government procurement agency finds your company through SAM, they might check out your website and will expect to see the capability statement.

 

  1. Bid Competitively & Wisely

Bidding competitively and wisely is essential in securing government contracts. It’s not just about offering the lowest price, but rather about providing the best value for money. This includes understanding the full scope of the project, and the expected outcomes, and tailoring your bid to meet these expectations precisely.

 

When preparing your bid, conduct thorough research on past contracts awarded by the agency you are targeting. This research can provide insights into budget expectations and contractor performance standards. Use this information to competitively price your services without underbidding and compromising your ability to deliver quality results.

 

It’s also crucial to assess your company’s capacity and expertise to ensure you can realistically meet the contract requirements. Overpromising and under-delivering can damage your reputation and your chances of future government work.

 

Furthermore, consider the long-term benefits and potential follow-on contracts when deciding on your bid strategy. Establishing a track record of successful, value-driven deliveries can lead to more opportunities.

 

Each bid is a chance to build a lasting relationship with the government agency, so consider each contract as part of a broader strategy to secure ongoing work and referrals within the government sector.

 

Get Started With Government Contracting

While it can take some time to win your first government contract job, becoming a government contractor can be a lucrative option for many small business owners. If you are ready to get started and would like for us to complete your SAM registration, just click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form.

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What Is A CAGE Code? Understanding Federal Terminology

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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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

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

 

  1. 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.

 

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

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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).

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

  1. 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.

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CAGE Code Registration & Compliance: What You Need To Know

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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.

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7 Facts About Federal Award Management Registration

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If you’re considering venturing into government contracting, registering with the federal award management system is usually the initial step. While the registration and overall contracting process might appear overwhelming to newcomers, the insights provided below will shed some light on the procedure.

 

  1. The Government Has Strict Purchasing Rules

The government purchases the bulk of its goods and services from the private sector, which is meant to bolster the economy and help private businesses grow. However, unlike the private sector, where a company employee might be able to easily purchase goods and services needed by a business, the federal government cannot simply call up a company and purchase items or even ask for a cost quote.

 

Every federal agency employs procurement agents to handle purchasing tasks, and these agents must follow strict rules. In most cases, businesses must compete to win federal awards (contracts) and the bidding process can be complicated. We recommend doing some research into bidding and the types of government contracts before diving into the contracting world.

 

  1. SAM Registration Is Required For All Contractors

The System for Award Management (SAM) is the proper term for the database that contains information about all government contractors. You cannot bid on federal government contracts without completing SAM registration, and your listing must be active and in good standing.

 

Each entity’s SAM account will contain helpful information for government procurement officers. By perusing your SAM listing, a procurement agent can learn about your company’s financial information and performance history as well as the type of goods and services you can provide. The agent also can check to ensure that you are not on the Exclude Parties List, which is comprised of companies that have been debarred or suspended from the federal procurement process.

 

The listing also includes contact information, the size of your business and if you qualify for any Small Business Administration (SBA) set-aside programs. The government “sets aside” a portion of its contracts just for small businesses, and registering with the SBA can make it easier for small businesses to find success with government contracting.

 

  1. Registration Is Free, But . . .

The government does not charge a fee for SAM registration, however, that doesn’t mean that the process is easy. In fact, it’s just the opposite. SAM registration can take 10-12 hours to complete, and many people find the process so frustrating and filled with confusing government-speak, that they bail on the idea of becoming a government contractor.

 

If you find that SAM registration is too complicated or just want to skip the hassle, it can be smart to simply hire a third-party registration service to complete this process. While a SAM registration service does charge a fee, this is simply like hiring an accountant to complete your taxes. You could do your taxes on your own, but it’s complicated and mistakes are costly. SAM registration is much the same, which is why some people choose to hire a pro to handle this task.

 

  1. Don’t Share Your MPIN

One of the steps of SAM registration includes creating a SAM MPIN number. MPIN stands for Marketing Partner Identification Number. This is a nine-digit code that all new SAM registrants will receive.

 

No procurement agent should ever ask you to reveal this code, which is much like your PIN used for a bank ATM. Occasionally, we have heard about people being asked to share their MPIN, but, under no circumstances should you share this number with anyone.

 

Once your federal award management registration is complete, you will be assigned a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code. This code can be shared with others, and procurement agents can use this code to find your business and review your SAM data. Again, sharing a CAGE code is perfectly fine, but do not share your MPIN number.

 

  1. Companies Must Apply For A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

In the past, companies were asked to provide their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as part of SAM registration. These numbers were generated from Dun & Bradstreet, a non-government entity.

 

These days, DUNS numbers are no longer required. Instead, the federal government will generate a UEI number for your company. However, you do have to apply for this number before beginning SAM registration. If you decide to use your registration services, we will complete this step for you.

 

  1. Companies Must Identify Your Entity Administrator Via Mail

Several years ago, the Federal Service Desk (the agency in charge of the System for Award Management) added an extra step to SAM registration. New registrants are now required to send in a notarized letter listing their company’s Entity Administrator. This is simply the person who is authorized to make changes to your SAM listing. We can help you complete the SAM notarized letter requirement as part of our SAM registration services.

 

  1. SAM Must Be Renewed Every Year

Every 12 months your SAM registration will expire and will need to be updated and renewed. Usually, this is not as complicated as the initial registration process. For instance, you don’t need to send in another notarized letter, apply for the UEI or link your account to SBA.

 

However, you will still need to go through each section of the application carefully and make any updates or changes. This can be time-consuming and sometimes challenging, so if you would prefer to have a pro handle this task, we do offer SAM renewal services.

 

While federal award management registration can be complicated, the team at Federal Contractor Registry can help. We will complete your registration quickly and 100% accurately, as well as help you with the UEI number, the notarized letter requirement and help you sign up with SBA, if applicable. To get started, just click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Capability Statement: Tips For Government Contractors

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If you plan to bid on government contracting jobs, one of the tasks you need to complete is creating a high-quality capability statement for government contractors. This document is similar to a resume in many respects, and we have some tips to ensure that your capability statement helps you stand out from your competitors.

 

  1. Start With A Summary

Generally, at the top of your capability statement, you will want to showcase your company logo (and perhaps your slogan) and your contact information. Below that, you will want to write a few sentences describing your business and what it can provide for government contractors.

 

This is a bit like the objective in a resume, but here you are focusing not on your business goals, but on how you can benefit a government agency. In some cases, you might want to tailor this section to fit the specific contract on which you are bidding, just as you would alter a resume to fit a specific job posting.

 

  1. Add Your Core Competencies

The next section to tackle is Core Competencies and which is basically a list of the main goods or services that you can provide to a government agency. This also is sometimes called Core Capabilities, but no matter the name, this section should be near the top of any capability statement for government contractors as procurement agents will be most interested in learning whether or not you can provide what they need.

 

  1. Differentiate Your Company

The next section to include is known as Differentiators, and in this section, you want to highlight what sets your company apart from your competitors. You might include facts such as being family-owned or perhaps years of experience. You also could include something like your ability to complete jobs on time or ahead of schedule. Your

 

  1. Add Your Certifications & Codes

In the world of government contracting, there are many important codes and certifications that a procurement agent will want to see. For instance, you need to include your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and Product Service Codes, which describe the exact goods and services your company can provide.

 

You also must include your Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code. CAGE Codes are the 5-character IDs that are assigned to companies once they’ve completed their registration in the System for Award Management database.

 

Additionally, if your business is signed up with the Small Business Administration and part of any of the SBA’s programs, you will want to include this information. For instance, perhaps you are part of the 8a Business Development program or perhaps you qualify as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB).

 

These two latter identifiers are known as set-asides, and a portion of all government contracting dollars are set aside specifically for different types of small businesses. If you qualify for a set-aside, this can make it easier to win certain contracts, so be sure to sign up for any relevant programs and include this information on your capability statement.

 

  1. Include Your Past Performances

This is kind of a combination of the work experience and reference section of a resume. In this section, you will want to list some of the companies or agencies you’ve served in the past. Some people will add corporate logos for this section, while others will list the names of the companies with a basic description of what was provided for those companies.

 

  1. Create An Easy-To-Read Design

Whilst browsing the internet for capability statement design ideas, you probably notice that a few of these examples are a bit too colorful or perhaps the designer got a bit too creative with the design. The best capability statements have clearly labeled sections (with bullet points) so that the procurement agent can quickly scan the document to find the information they need.

 

In general, just as with a resume, a simple, easy-to-read design is your best bet. Government procurement agents won’t be choosing a contractor based on a clever capability statement design. They are far more concerned with your Past Performances and your Differentiators than what fonts and colors you’ve chosen for your statement.

 

  1. Double & Triple-Check Your Capability Statement

Just as with a resume, checking for spelling and grammar errors is essential. Careless errors tend to show a lack of attention to detail, which might be off-putting to a procurement agent.

 

Most importantly, however, you will want to double-check your contact information, such as your email and phone number. Also, double-check that you’ve used the correct NAICS and Product Service Codes.

 

Get Started With Government Contracting!

Of course, creating a capability statement is just one task you will need to complete to become a government contractor. The first task on your list will be to complete your System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and we can help.

 

SAM is the government database that includes information about all government contractors, and you cannot do business with any federal agency without an active SAM registration.

 

While the government does not charge a fee to register with SAM, the registration process is difficult and time-consuming, often taking 12 hours or more to complete. This is why many people simply hire a third-party registration service to complete the SAM registration process.

 

At Federal Contractor Registry, we handle hundreds of SAM registrations and SAM renewals every year and can complete your registration quickly and accurately, so that you can get started bidding on government contractor jobs as soon as possible. We also handle SAM renewals and can help you register your business with the Small Business Administration, if applicable.

 

If you would like us to handle your SAM registration, simply click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form. A registration specialist will be in touch as soon as possible to gather information and get started with your SAM registration, leaving you free to search for federal contractor jobs and to work on your capability statement.

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6 Reasons To Hire Federal Contractor Registry

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The government does not charge you to sign up with the System for Award Management (SAM), but SAM registration is a difficult process, and while we charge a fee of $597, we believe that Federal Contractor Registry offers customers a substantial value that includes many essential perks, including:

 

  1. Accurate SAM Registration & Setup

The SAM registration application is lengthy and includes a variety of sections including adding your NAICS codes, your product service codes, SBA set-asides etc. Once the registration is completed, we will provide you with your MPIN, CAGE code and any other important information you will need to keep on hand.

 

One of the best reasons to hire an expert is that we guarantee accuracy, and we understand each section of the SAM application. Business owners, while they are experts in their field, don’t always understand the intricacies of the SAM registration process, and if you make mistakes, this can delay the approval process significantly. As SAM experts, we will ensure that your registration is accurate so that your registration is approved as quickly as possible and get started as a federal contractor.

 

  1. We Save You Time

It can take business owners 10 or more hours to complete SAM registration, and that’s time you have to take away from running your business and generating revenue. SAM registration is not an easy process, and it can be quite frustrating, but we are SAM experts and understand every portion of the registration process.

 

Our team has handled thousands of SAM registrations (and SAM renewals) for just about every type of business imaginable, and we can complete your registration quickly and accurately, leaving you free to focus on your business and to learn all you can about working as a federal contractor.

 

  1. We Help With The New SAM Unique Entity ID

In the past, all companies that signed up with SAM had to submit their Data Universal Number System (DUNS) code. Historically, most businesses simply registered with Dun & Bradstreet and were assigned a code, but that system will become obsolete in 2022.

 

The new system is, unfortunately, a bit more complicated, but we can help! Before we begin your SAM registration, we will oversee the process of getting your Unique Entity Identifier assigned to your business, which will save you a substantial amount of time on top of having us handle your SAM registration.

 

  1. We Can Help With Your Notarized Letter

Every new business or individual that signs up for SAM must send a notarized letter to the Federal Service Desk identifying the Entity Administrator for their business. This is simply the person who is authorized to make changes to your SAM account.

 

We can send you the proper template for this letter, and all you will have to do is fill out a few sections, print it out and take it to a notary and then send it to the Federal Service Desk. The letter templates can be difficult to locate on the government website, and government officials keep changing where this letter is located, but we will save you the hassle of finding this letter and simply send you the template and we can answer any questions you have regarding the proper way to fill out the template.

 

  1. We Help With SBA Registration

A portion of all government contracts are set aside for small business owners, but in order to take advantage of these “set asides,” you need to register with the Small Business Administration. The Small Business Administration also provides an assortment of other benefits for small business owners and while we highly recommend that all of our small business clients take advantage of these opportunities, we know that getting started with SBA can be challenging.

 

As we complete your SAM registration, we also can provide you with proper registration for several SBA programs. Our particular area of expertise is helping any tribally-owned businesses (including Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian businesses) sign up to become Super 8a contractors.

 

SBA also offers special programs for businesses that are majority-owned by women and/or veterans, as well as businesses located in HUBZones, and we can help you figure out this process and which programs might be the best fit for your company.

 

HUBZones are “historically underutilized” business zones. These often are local in economically-challenged urban areas as well as rural areas and on Native American lands. In some cases, a temporary HUBZone might be created to help an area recover economically after a natural disaster.

 

  1. We Can Introduce Super 8a Contractors To Other Federal Contractors

Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of businesses complete their SAM registration, and we are happy to introduce our new Super 8a federal contractors to other contractors in the FCR network. This can be a great way for firms owned by Native American tribes, Alaskan Native Corporations (ANCs) and Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) to find prime contractors that are a match to their goods or services. We don’t want to simply complete your SAM registration, we truly want your business to succeed with government contracting.

 

If you are ready to get started with government contracting and would like Federal Contractor Registry to help, simply click on the green new registration tab on our homepage, fill out our quick contact form and a registration specialist will be in touch as soon as possible.

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7 Facts About CAGE Codes & SAM Registration

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In 2020, the United States government spent more than $600 billion on government contracts. The government can be an excellent source of income for just about any type of company, but you first have to complete your SAM registration and attain a CAGE code. Here are a few quick facts about CAGE codes, SAM registration and government contracting in general.

 

  1. SAM Registration Leads You To A CAGE Code

The System for Award Management (SAM) is the database that includes detailed information about all active government contractors. In order to be listed in this database, you must complete the SAM registration process. Once you are approved, the government will issue you a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code.

 

The CAGE code is your unique identifier within the System for Award Management. Government procurement agents can enter this number into the database and your company and its current status will pop up. Without a CAGE code and active SAM registration, you cannot do business with the federal government or usually with a state government, as they also will want your CAGE code when you bid on contracts.

 

  1. You Can Hire Someone To Complete SAM Registration

While the government does not charge a fee for SAM registration, the process is confusing and time-consuming, and many people just opt to hire a third-party registration service rather than spend ten or more hours trying to translate the complicated government-speak in the SAM application. Additionally, if you make mistakes on the application, this can delay your approval and you might not even fully understand how to fix the mistakes.

 

At Federal Contractor Registry, we’ve handled thousands of SAM registrations for companies of all sizes, from small businesses to large Fortune 500 firms and everything in between. We liken ourselves to accountants, because, while you could complete tax forms on your own for free, the tax code is complicated, and mistakes can be costly. We can complete your SAM registration quickly and accurately so that you can be approved as quickly as possible and get that CAGE code.

 

  1. CAGE Codes & SAM Registration Expire

You need to renew your SAM registration every year to remain active as a government contractor. In fact, it is highly recommended that you renew your registration several months in advance. If a government procurement agent is considering your company for a contract but sees that your registration will expire shortly, this might cost you the contract because if you don’t renew, the government cannot work with your company.

 

The team at Federal Contractor Registry handles initial SAM registrations as well as SAM renewals, so you can hire us if you like. If you aren’t making any changes, you probably will be able to handle the renewal process on your own. However, if you are making changes or if you are unsure if you completed all of the sections of the SAM application correctly when you first signed up, it can be wise to let a third-party handle SAM renewal. We can make sure that every section is filled out correctly and make any necessary changes.

 

  1. You Must Complete A Notarized Letter

Because SAM registration isn’t complicated enough, the Federal Service Desk decided to add an extra step in the process a few years ago. When you first sign up with SAM, you must send the Federal Service Desk a notarized letter listing your Entity Administrator. In the past, you could not gain SAM approval or get a CAGE code until this letter was received and filed, but because this caused a massive backlog of SAM approvals, this is no longer the case. However, you do still need to send in the letter as soon as possible.

 

Instructions for this letter can be found at https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=df025fd01b9d3cd42fe5ed7ae54bcb2c. If you scroll about halfway down the page, you will see three templates. For most applicants, the first template is what you will want to click on. This downloads the sample template letter for a single company or person wishing to become a government contractor. Simply follow the instructions exactly, get the letter notarized and send your completed SAM notarized letter to the Federal Service Desk.

 

  1. Do Not Give Anyone Your MPIN

You will often have a procurement agent or perhaps another contractor ask for your CAGE code, and this isn’t a big deal. Your CAGE code is basically a public record and simply identifies you within the SAM database. However, if anyone asks for your Marketing Partner ID Number (MPIN), do not give them this information.

 

While a CAGE code is public, your MPIN number is essentially a password into the System for Award Management. No one but your company’s Entity Administrator and possibly the company owner (if that is a separate person) or other highly trusted individuals should have this information. If someone has your SAM MPIN, they could get into your SAM listing and make unauthorized changes, so don’t provide this information to anyone, even a government procurement agent.

 

  1. There Are Many Obsolete Terms

Government websites and documents are filled with acronyms and special terms that can be difficult to understand. In some cases, you will see terms such as CCR (Central Contractor Registry) and ORCA (Online Representations and Certifications Application). These are old terms for obsolete databases, but you still might see them on websites and even on some government documents. However, everything has been centralized in the System for Award Management, so even if you see a page listing CCR or ORCA, this really just refers to SAM.

 

One obsolete term that we have seen on a few government websites lately is FedBizOpps or FBO.gov. This was the old search engine that one could use to find government contracting jobs. The current search engine is located at Beta.SAM.gov. So, if you see a webpage suggesting you use FedBizOpps, this is obsolete, and you should just go to Beta.SAM.gov instead.

 

Some terms you do need to learn include items such as Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Set Asides, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, Product and Service Codes (PSCs), the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) and that’s just a short list. Everything in the government is an acronym, so be prepared to learn the language of government-speak.

 

  1. Acquiring CAGE Codes Is Just The First Step

Once your SAM registration is approved and you have your CAGE code, there are still a few steps you need to take. Government contract jobs can be lucrative, but they also can be complicated to win. You need to learn all you can about the types of government contracts and how to reply to situations such as Requests for Proposals (RFPs), etc.

 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has some helpful tools and resources for small business owners that want to bid on government contracts. State procurement agencies also often host workshops or events where you can learn the ropes of government contracting, and there are a few companies that offer paid workshops and classes as well as companies that will find contracts that match your goods or services and complete the bidding process for you. This can be a good option when you are just starting out.

 

For small businesses, subcontracting can be a good way to dive into the government contracting world. In this scenario, you provide goods or services for a Prime Contractor, which is a business that has earned a large government contract. They handle all of the heavy lifting, so to speak, and you can build up a government portfolio and learn the ropes from the Prime Contractor. You will still need that CAGE code, though, even if you won’t be working directly with a federal agency.

 

If you want to start bidding on government contracting jobs, either federal contractor jobs or state contracting jobs, you will need to get that CAGE code. If you would like to hire us to complete your SAM registration, simply click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form. A registration specialist will be in touch as soon as possible to gather your information and get started on your SAM registration.

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