Tag: federal award management registration

5 Tips For Maximizing Opportunities After SAM Registration

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If you wish to do business with the federal government, SAM registration is an essential first step. At Federal Contractor Registry, we can provide you with fast and accurate registration services, but we know that when it comes to government contracting, SAM registration is just the tip of the iceberg. So, with that in mind, here are some tips to make contracting a bit easier.

 

But First, What Is SAM Registration?

The System for Award Management (SAM) is the database for all government contractors. In order to work with any federal agency, you must have an active SAM account. This account does have an expiration date, and you will need to complete SAM renewal every year.

 

The renewal and initial registration processes can be quite complicated and time-consuming. Many business owners will opt to hire a third party for federal award management registration. At Federal Contractor Registry, we handle hundreds of SAM registrations and renewals throughout the year and we can take this complicated and often frustrating process off your hands.

 

Our Top Tips For New Federal Contractors

Once federal contractor registration is complete and approved, you will be able to bid on federal contractor jobs from any federal agency including FEMA contractor jobs, DOD contracts and more. However, finding contracting jobs and winning contracts can be tricky. Here are some tips to get you on the right track.

 

  1. Understand Your Target Audience

To maximize opportunities after completing your SAM registration, you need to know who you’re trying to reach. Government contracting is highly competitive, and understanding your target audience can help you stand out.

 

Identify Government Buyers

Start by researching which government agencies are most likely to need your services or products. Check out USAspending.gov and SAM.gov and research government agency spending patterns. Look for:

  • Agencies that have awarded contracts in your industry.
  • Geographic trends in government spending that align with your business location.
  • Opportunities in industries where your expertise fills a specific need.

 

Once you’ve identified key agencies, tailor your marketing efforts to align with their goals and objectives.

 

Know Your Competitors

Analyzing your competition can help you refine your strategy. Find out which businesses in your field are securing government contract jobs and study their profiles, NAICS codes, and past performance records. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can help you differentiate your offerings and find niches where you can excel.

 

  1. Create a Winning Capability Statement

A capability statement is a one-page document that serves as a powerful marketing tool for government buyers. It allows you to concisely showcase your expertise and qualifications, making it an essential component of your post-SAM registration marketing strategy.

 

What Is a Capability Statement?

This document, similar to a resume, provides a quick look at your company’s capabilities, such as the goods or services you can provide. It’s often the first impression government buyers will have of your business, so it needs to be professional and persuasive.

 

Key Elements

To create an effective capability statement, include the following:

  • Core Competencies: Clearly outline your key services or products.
  • Differentiators: Highlight what sets you apart from competitors, such as unique skills, certifications, or technologies.
  • Past Performance: Provide examples of successful projects or contracts you’ve completed.
  • Contact Information: Include your company name, phone number, email, website, DUNS number, and CAGE code.

Tailor your capability statement to specific agencies or opportunities whenever possible. This shows buyers that you understand their needs and are prepared to meet them.

 

  1. Promote Your Business Beyond SAM

While SAM registration gives you a foundation to operate in the federal contracting space, promoting your business through other channels is equally important. Being proactive in showcasing your expertise can set you apart from competitors.

 

Enhance Your Online Presence

Your website and social media platforms should reflect your capabilities and readiness for government contracts. Key steps include:

  • Create a Government-Focused Section: Dedicate a portion of your website to highlight your services, past performance, certifications, and SAM details (e.g., DUNS and CAGE codes).
  • Optimize for Search Engines: Use keywords related to your industry and government contracting to make your website more discoverable.

 

Develop Targeted Marketing Materials

Beyond your capability statement, create marketing collateral such as brochures, email templates, and presentations tailored to government buyers. These materials should:

  • Be visually appealing and easy to understand
  • Highlight the company’s qualifications and certifications
  • Include clear calls to action, such as “Contact us to learn more about how we can meet your agency’s needs.”

 

Reach Out to Prime Contractors

Subcontracting under larger companies that have secured government contractor jobs can be an excellent way to gain experience and build your reputation. Identify prime contractors in your industry and introduce your business as a potential partner. Demonstrating your ability to fill a niche or provide specialized expertise can increase your chances of collaboration.

 

Publicize Your Success Stories

Share case studies or testimonials from past clients, even if they’re not related to government work. Highlighting your ability to deliver high-quality results builds trust and credibility with prospective buyers.

 

By combining networking efforts with proactive marketing strategies, you can expand your reach and position your business for success in the competitive world of government contracting.

 

  1. Network Strategically

Strategic networking allows you to build relationships with key players in the federal contracting world, from agency representatives to prime contractors.

 

Attend Government Contracting Events

Federal agencies host numerous events to connect with small businesses.

  • Industry Days & Trade Shows: These events provide direct access to contracting officers and agency representatives. Use them to introduce your business and learn about upcoming opportunities.
  • Webinars and Workshops: Many agencies offer virtual events that provide insights into their procurement processes and needs.

 

Join Small Business Programs & Associations

If your company qualifies as a small business, there are programs and associations designed for small businesses that can open doors to new opportunities.

  • The Small Business Administration’s Mentor-Protégé Program: This initiative pairs small businesses with experienced mentors who can help them succeed in government contracting.
  • Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs): PTACs provide free or low-cost training, consulting, and matchmaking services for small businesses entering the government market.

 

Form Partnerships

Collaborating with established contractors is an effective way to gain experience and build credibility.

  • Subcontracting Opportunities: Approach prime contractors who have already won federal contracts and position yourself as a reliable partner.
  • Joint Ventures: Consider forming joint ventures with other small businesses to bid on larger contracts that may be out of reach on your own.

 

  1. Leverage Government Contracting Platforms

Government contracting platforms are essential tools for discovering opportunities and connecting with the right buyers.

 

Use Federal Business Opportunity Sites

Platforms like SAM.gov are key to identifying and bidding on contracts.

  • Check Listings Regularly: Stay proactive by frequently searching for opportunities that align with your services.
  • Set Up Alerts: Customize notifications for solicitations in your NAICS codes or areas of expertise to save time and stay informed about relevant opportunities.

 

Engage With Matchmaking Services

Several government-sponsored programs are designed to connect small businesses with agencies in need of their services.

  • SBA Matchmaking Events: The Small Business Administration frequently hosts matchmaking sessions to link small businesses with government buyers and primes.
  • Other Matchmaking Resources: Explore resources provided by PTACs, state government programs, and industry associations for additional networking opportunities.

 

By building your online presence, networking strategically, and following some of our other government contracting tips, you can position your business for success and stand out in the competitive federal marketplace.

 

Trust FCR For Fast & Accurate SAM Registration

In addition to completing your SAM registration quickly and 100% accurately, we also include several extra features in our federal award management registration services. This includes:

  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Services – SBA government contracting can be very profitable. We can help you sign up with SBA and determine if your business qualifies for any SBA small business set aside.
  • Notarized Letter Requirement – Our team can assist with the SAM notarized letter First-time applicants must submit this letter to the Federal Service Desk listing their SAM.gov entity administrator. This is the person at your company authorized to make changes to your SAM account.
  • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) – All new applicants must apply for a UEI number. If you have registered previously in SAM and are coming to us for SAM renewal services, your UEI already will have been assigned automatically.

 

Get started now with government contracting! To get started with our SAM registration services, head to our homepage and click on the green New Registration tab or you can access our SAM information page here.

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.