System for Award Management – Page 2 – SAM Registration, SAM.gov Registration

7 Facts About Federal Award Management Registration

October 10, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Storm Cleanup Jobs: FEMA, SAM Registration & More

October 8, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

Storms and other natural disasters are inevitable, and that means the government will need to hire civilian contractors to help after these disasters occur. Storm cleanup jobs can be lucrative, but it’s crucial to learn about the bidding process, how FEMA works and SAM registration. Let’s take a quick look at some of these topics.

How FEMA Allocates Storm Cleanup Contracts

When natural disasters strike, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a pivotal role in coordinating relief and recovery efforts. One of the key components of this recovery process is the allocation of storm cleanup contracts. For new government contractors, understanding this process can be the key to securing valuable contracts and playing a role in community restoration.

Pre-Positioned Contracts

Before a disaster even occurs, FEMA often has pre-positioned contracts in place. These contracts are set up with vendors who can provide goods and services immediately after a disaster. By having these contracts pre-established, FEMA can ensure a rapid response.

For New Contractors: It’s beneficial to explore opportunities for pre-positioned contracts, as these can provide a steady stream of work and revenue.

Local Business Prioritization

FEMA has a strong commitment to supporting local businesses in the aftermath of a disaster. This means that local contractors often get priority when it comes to storm cleanup contracts. The idea is to boost the local economy and speed up the recovery process.

For New Contractors: If you operate in an area prone to natural disasters, ensure you’re well-positioned to take advantage of local contracting opportunities.

SAM Registration

To be eligible for FEMA contracts, businesses must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). This system allows FEMA to vet potential contractors, ensuring they meet specific federal requirements.

For New Contractors: Ensure your business is registered and up-to-date in SAM. This is a non-negotiable step in securing a FEMA contract. At Federal Contractor Registry, we can complete SAM registration (and SAM renewals) for you, and we will discuss more about that later on in this article.

Open Bidding Process

For many contracts, especially those not covered by pre-positioned agreements, FEMA uses an open bidding process. This allows contractors to submit their proposals, which FEMA then evaluates based on various criteria, including cost, capability, and past performance.

For New Contractors: Familiarize yourself with the bidding process and consider seeking expert advice or training to improve your chances of submitting a winning bid.

Set-Asides for Small Businesses

FEMA often sets aside a portion of its contracts for small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and women-owned businesses. This ensures a diverse range of contractors can participate in the recovery process.

For New Contractors: If your business falls into one of these categories, ensure you’re aware of set-aside opportunities and understand how to position your business effectively. The team at Federal Contractor Registry also can help you sign up with SBA and determine which set-asides best fit your business.

Performance and Delivery

Once a contract is awarded, FEMA places a strong emphasis on timely and quality delivery. Contractors who perform well are more likely to secure future contracts.

For New Contractors: Focus on delivering exceptional service and meeting all contract specifications. Building a strong reputation can lead to more opportunities in the future.

SAM Registration

If you want to bid on storm cleanup jobs, including FEMA clean up jobs or any type of disaster relief jobs, SAM registration is a critical first step you must take. SAM is the acronym for the System for Award Management, and this is the central database for all government contractors. You must have an active SAM account to do business with any federal agency, including FEMA.

The government will not charge you a fee for SAM registration, but it can be a difficult and frustrating process, taking many hours to complete. Additionally, if you make any mistakes, the application will not be approved, and this will delay your ability to bid on any patenting storm cleanup jobs or other types of contracts.

Because SAM registration can be so difficult to complete many people simply hire a third-party registration service, such as Federal Contractor Registry. While we do charge a fee, we will complete your SAM registration quickly and 100% accurately leaving you free to handle your many day-to-day business tasks.

We also will help you acquire the new SAM Unique Entity ID (the UEI number) and help you with the SAM notarized letter requirement that is part of your initial SAM registration. These are only needed for first-time registrants, and we can relieve you of this hassle as part of our services.

SBA Registration

If your company qualifies as a small business, we highly recommend that you sign up with the Small Business Administration. Not only might you qualify for certain set-aside programs, such as 8a certification, HUBZone certification or perhaps the Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOSB) program, but the SBA also offers business planning advice, small business loans and more.

The SBA also runs SubNet, which is the government website that lists available subcontracting jobs. With these types of jobs, you work under a prime contractor, and this can be an easy way to get into government contracting jobs because the prime contractor handles all of the bidding and communication with the federal agency. This allows you to build a contracting resume without having to do any heavy lifting, so to speak.

If you choose to use Federal Contractor Registry to complete your SAM registration or renewal, we also can help you sign up with SBA and discover which set-asides best fit your business. If you qualify as a Super 8a contractor, we also can introduce you to other federal contractors within our FCR Network.

Get Started With Government Contracting

Storm cleanup jobs can be lucrative, but that’s not the only type of government contract jobs that are available. Once you get started with contracting, you will likely find many federal contractor jobs that match your goods and services. If you would like us to complete SAM registration, just click on the green New Registration tab and fill out our quick contact form.

The UEI Number & SAM Registration: 5 Quick Facts

September 5, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

If you would like to bid on government contracting jobs, registering your company in the System for Award Management is a requirement. Additionally, new registrants need to acquire a Unique Entity Identifier or UEI number, and here are a few important facts about this recent requirement.

The UEI Number Has Replaced DUNS Numbers

In the past, when completing your System For Award Management (SAM) registration, all registrants were required to provide their Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. This number was generated by Dun & Bradstreet, a private company, which had a contract with the General Services Administration to provide these numbers.

The DUNS numbers were used, both by government procurement agents as well as business owners, to learn more about the financial stability of a specific company. The transition to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from the DUNS Number has been in the works for some time. It’s been a phased transition, with the aim to fully retire the use of the DUNS Number in federal government systems by December 2020. However, mostly because of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this was extended until April 4, 2022.

The UEI Streamlines The Procurement System

Unlike the DUNS Number, which was assigned by Dun & Bradstreet, the UEI system allows entities to self-assign their identifier, streamlining the process and reducing reliance on a third-party system. One of the main goals of the UEI is to provide a consistent identifier for entities across all federal awarding activities. This includes grants, contracts, and other types of federal financial assistance.

The UEI Improves Accessibility

With the transition to the UEI, the U.S. government aims to make entity data more transparent and accessible. This supports the government’s goals of increasing transparency and accountability in federal spending.

One of the driving forces behind various reforms in U.S. federal procurement and financial assistance has been the desire for increased transparency. By making data on entities that receive federal funds more accessible to the public, the government aims to ensure that taxpayers can see where and how their money is being spent.

SAM provides a wealth of information on registered entities, including details related to their financial and performance capacity, past performance on government contracts and more. With the transition to UEI, the intent is to make this entity data even more transparent and easier to access by the public as well as researchers, journalists and others.

Already Registered? This Step Is Not Necessary

If you have a current or expired SAM registration, then the UEI number already was assigned to you automatically and you won’t need to apply for the UEI. However, it is a good idea to log into SAM and make a note of your unique entity ID for future reference.

Be sure to add the UEI number to your capability statement and any government-related pages on your website. (As a side note, SAM registration expires every year, and if you want to do business with the federal government, we can provide you with fast, accurate SAM renewal services.)

We Can Help Companies Obtain A UEI

At Federal Contractor Registry, we focus on helping companies complete their SAM registration. As part of this service, we provide several value-added features. This includes helping companies that are new to SAM get their UEIs. We can handle this process for you. While it’s not as complicated as SAM registration, it does take some time and we are happy to handle this task as part of our SAM registration services.

Additionally, we also will help you with the SAM notarized letter requirement. During the process of SAM entity registration, all registrants must send a notarized letter to the Federal Service Desk, which is the branch of the General Services Administration that handles all issues related to SAM. This letter identifies your company’s entity administrator, which is the individual who is allowed to make any changes to your SAM account.

We also can help small businesses sign up with the Small Business Administration (SBA). This includes determining if your business qualifies for any SBA set-asides. The federal government reserves a set portion of its federal contractor jobs just for small businesses, and these are known as set-aside contracts.

There are several different types of set-asides, including 8a certification, HUBZone certification, Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification to name a few. Only companies registered with SBA and that qualify for these set-asides are allowed to bid on these contracts, which can reduce the competition and make it easier for small businesses to grow.

Why Hire A Third Party For SAM.gov Services?

The government charges no fee to apply for a UEI number nor do they charge a fee for SAM registration. So why would you pay someone to complete these tasks? SAM registration is an extremely complicated process that can take 10 to 12 hours to complete (or more).

Hiring a SAM registration expert is essentially just like hiring an accountant to do your taxes. The U.S. tax code is confusing and if you make mistakes, there can be severe penalties. SAM registration is a highly frustrating process, and many people simply give up on the idea of government contracting because of this difficulty.

Hiring an expert ensures that your SAM registration is completed quickly and 100% accurately. This also leaves you free to handle crucial business tasks rather than dealing with the hassle of SAM registration.

Rather than deal with the hassle of SAM registration, obtaining a UEI number and signing up for SBA, the team at Federal Contractor Registry can help with all of these tasks. To get started simply click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage and fill out our contact form. A member of our team will be in touch as quickly as possible to begin your registration process.

Federal Contractor Jobs: Understanding Teaming Agreements

August 31, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

Subcontracting can be an excellent way to dive into the world of federal contractor jobs. While learning the ropes of subcontracting can be somewhat easier than attempting to win contracts as a prime contractor, it’s essential to familiarize oneself with various intricacies of this field.

Teaming agreements are one important aspect of subcontracting. These agreements not only lay the groundwork for collaboration between a prime contractor and subcontractors but also set the terms, conditions, and expectations for the relationship. Navigating the world of federal contracts without a clear grasp of teaming agreements can lead to missed opportunities and potential pitfalls, making them an indispensable component for anyone considering a role as a subcontractor.

What Is Subcontracting?

Before we explain the intricacies of teaming agreements, let’s first take a quick look at the concept of subcontracting. Subcontracting, in the context of government contracting jobs, refers to the practice where a primary or “prime” contractor delegates a portion of their government contract work to another entity, known as a subcontractor.

Instead of handling all aspects of a federal contract, the prime contractor can collaborate with one or more subcontractors to fulfill certain tasks or deliverables specified in the contract. This joint venture allows prime contractors to leverage the specialized skills, expertise, or resources of subcontractors to meet the comprehensive requirements of the contract.

Recognizing the potential benefits and opportunities this presents, especially for small businesses, the Small Business Administration (SBA) established SubNet. SubNet is a platform where prime contractors can post subcontracting opportunities, and small businesses can search and pursue these openings.

By offering a centralized location for subcontracting opportunities, the SBA’s SubNet facilitates connections between prime contractors and potential subcontractors, streamlining the subcontracting process and promoting participation from a diverse range of businesses.

What Are Teaming Agreements?

Teaming agreements in the context of federal government contracting refer to agreements between two or more companies that decide to join forces and collaborate on a specific government contract opportunity.

These agreements allow team partners to combine their strengths, capabilities, and resources to improve their chances of winning and successfully executing a government contract. They can be particularly advantageous for smaller companies that, on their own, may lack the necessary resources, experience, or capabilities to pursue larger or more complex contracts.

Here are some key points about teaming agreements in federal government contracting:

The Prime Contractor & Subcontractor Relationship: In most teaming agreements, one company will serve as the prime contractor, while the others will be subcontractors. The prime contractor submits the bid to the government and, if awarded the contract, will have the primary responsibility for its execution. The subcontractors will provide specified services, products, or solutions as a part of the contract.

Distribution of Work: The agreement will specify how the work will be divided among the parties. It might delineate responsibilities based on the strengths and expertise of each company. This ensures that each team member has a clear understanding of their role.

Duration & Scope: The teaming agreement should be specific about its duration, usually tied to the length of the particular contract or bid they’re pursuing. The scope of work for each party should also be detailed to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.

Terms & Conditions: Like any other agreement, a teaming agreement will include terms and conditions governing the relationship between the parties, including payment terms, intellectual property rights, confidentiality clauses, and provisions for dispute resolution.

Compliance with Federal Regulations: Federal government contracts often come with specific regulations and requirements. The teaming agreement should ensure that all parties are aware of and agree to comply with these regulations.

Exclusivity: Some teaming agreements may include exclusivity clauses, preventing parties from teaming up with others or bidding independently for the same government contract.

Contingency: Teaming agreements are typically contingent on the prime contractor being awarded the contract. If the government does not award the contract to the prime contractor, the teaming agreement typically becomes null and void.

Benefits to Small Businesses: Teaming can be particularly beneficial for small businesses, including those classified as Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB), Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). By teaming up with larger companies, these small businesses can gain access to opportunities they might not be able to pursue on their own.

Teaming agreements in federal government contracting provide a strategic mechanism for companies to collaborate and compete more effectively for government contracts. They allow firms to pool their resources and expertise, enhance their offerings, and meet the specific requirements and standards set by the federal government.

Get Started With SAM Registration

If you plan on bidding on any federal contractors (not as a subcontractor), you will need to register with the System For Award Management (SAM). This database contains pertinent information about all government contractors, and you must have an active listing in the System for Award Management to work for any federal agency.

If you limit yourself to only subcontracting jobs, you may not need to complete your SAM registration. However, some prime contractors might prefer that you have an active SAM registration and if you see any opportunities of interest as a prime contractor, you cannot bid on them unless you have an active SAM account.

The government spends billions of dollars every year on government contracts and while subcontracting can be very lucrative, it’s not the only option for small businesses. Many government contracts are set aside specifically for small business owners, so we do recommend that all business owners complete SAM registration so that they are free to bid on both subcontracting opportunities as well as traditional government contract jobs.

At Federal Contractor Registry, we can help you get started with government contracting by completing your SAM registration quickly and 100% accurately. We also will help you sign up with the SBA and determine if you qualify for any SBA set-asides, such as HUBZone certification or Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification, etc. These types of prime contracts can be much easier to win than larger government contractors because the government must limit the contractors to those that meet the small business set-aside requirements.

In addition to completing your SAM registration and helping you get started with the SBA, we also will help you attain your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which is a fairly recent requirement for new SAM registrants. We also will help you prepare the SAM notarized letter, which must be mailed to the Federal Service Desk. This letter identifies your company’s Entity Administrator, which is the person authorized to make changes to your SAM account.

Whether you want to bid on subcontracting jobs or prime federal contractor jobs, we highly recommend completing your SAM registration. While handling SAM registration on your own can be a daunting task, our team of SAM registration specialists can complete the process for you without any hassles or difficulty. If you would like us to complete your SAM registration, just click on the green New Registration tab on our homepage and we will get the process started as quickly as possible.

How To Renew SAM Registration

August 14, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

If you’ve previously registered with the System for Award Management (SAM), you may or may not know that your SAM registration expires every year. However, many people don’t know how to renew SAM registration, but Federal Contractor Registry can help. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Should You Renew SAM Registration?

Without an active SAM account, you cannot bid on government contracting jobs. Even if you are in the middle of a federal contracting job and your SAM registration expires, and several issues can arise from this situation, including:

Payments from the government may be suspended until SAM registration is renewed. The contracting officer cannot pay an entity without an active SAM record.
Modifications to the existing contract cannot be made until SAM is renewed. This includes changes in payment terms, scope of work, etc.
Renewals or extensions of the current contract may be impacted. Most agencies cannot exercise an option on a contract if SAM is expired.
Bidding on new government contracts is prohibited. SAM registration is required for federal contractors to bid on new opportunities.

Staying on top of SAM renewal is crucial for federal contractors to avoid disruptions. But if a lapse occurs, taking proactive steps can get a contractor back into compliance. If this situation should occur, the contractor will need to take the following steps:

Renew SAM registration as soon as possible. This requires re-verifying entity information and making any necessary updates.
Communicate with the contracting officer. Explain the lapse and projected timeline for renewal. The CO may be able to process payments after validating entity data.
Request modifications be held, or alternate payment plans until SAM is active. This avoids modification issues.

SAM Renewals: DIY or Hire a Pro?

As with SAM registration, many people opt to hire a third-party registration rather than handle this task on their own. SAM renewals are not as cumbersome as the initial SAM registration, but the renewal process still can be time-consuming and confusing.

Additionally, if you make any mistakes during the renewal process, this will delay your approval, which can be costly, particularly if you are in the middle of working on a federal contract or in the middle of the bidding process.

Using a third-party registration service, such as Federal Contractor Registry, ensures that your SAM renewal is handled 100% accurately and as quickly as possible. While we do charge a fee, this can be the easiest way to ensure that your SAM account is up-to-date and ready for approval by the Federal Service Desk.

The good news is that when you renew SAM, a few of the initial registration steps are not needed. For instance, you do not need to send in a new notarized letter, unless your Entity Administrator has changed.

If you have a current SAM registration (active or inactive), you also don’t need to worry about attaining your new Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). This is a number designated specifically for your business and this number replaced the DUNS number requirement that was part of SAM registration for many years. At any rate, only new registrants must apply for a UEI. All those with existing SAM accounts had their number assigned automatically.

If your account already is linked with the Small Business Administration, this step also won’t need to be taken. However, if you have a small business, but your SAM account is not linked to SBA, we can help. As we handle your SAM renewal, we will make sure you are set up correctly with SBA and that these accounts are linked.

For small businesses, registering with the SBA is a must. The SBA has many programs to support small businesses, and many government contracts are set aside just for small businesses. We highly recommend that you take advantage of these SBA programs, and we can help!

When Should You Renew SAM Registration?

When your registration expires, you cannot bid on federal government contracts, however, many government procurement agents won’t select a business if their SAM listing is about to expire. After all, if you don’t renew and your account expires in the middle of a contracting job, this causes problems for the agency.

Additionally, it can take a while for the Federal Service Desk to approve your SAM renewal, so it’s wise to renew about two months in advance of your expiration date. In some cases, a SAM renewal is processed in just 2-3 business days, but if the Federal Service Desk is swamped with requests, this process can take a few weeks. Because you have no way of knowing how busy this agency might be at any given time, it is wise to just renew early.

Renew Your SAM Registration Today!

It can be tough to learn how to renew SAM registration, and if you would prefer to skip the headaches associated with this process, we can help. For SAM renewals, just click on the blue Renew Registration tab on our home page and fill out our quick contact form. If you aren’t quite sure when your SAM registration expires, click on the gold Status Check tab and we will check for your status as quickly as possible, usually within an hour of your request.

What Is Government Contracting? Is It Right For You?

July 24, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

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

July 24, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

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?

July 7, 2023July 4, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

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:

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.

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.

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

July 5, 2023July 4, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

May 17, 2023 fcr Leave a comment

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.