Getting Started with Government Contracting
Online Step-by-Step Guide
Below are the basic requirements/steps to help your business get started contracting with the government. As you work through these steps, please feel free to call us with any questions at 916.334.9388 or 866.382.7822 toll-free. We can help you with all aspects of government contracting.
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| 1. |
Make sure you have a business plan |
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Need help? Contact a Small Business Development Center (SBDC),
SCORE: www.SCORE.org, or the U.S. Small Business Administration
(SBA): www.sba.gov/starting_business. |
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| 2. |
Get your
Data Universal Numbering System
(DUNS) Number |
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Call Dun & Bradstreet at 1.866.705.5711 and select the "Government Contractor" (Option 3) to obtain your DUNS Number. The process to obtain a DUNS Number via phone takes about 10 minutes and is free of charge. |
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| 3. |
Research your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) |
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a. |
Go to the Bureau of the Census website:
www.census.gov/eos/www/naics and look up all the NAICS codes that identify the types of contracts your business can perform. |
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b. |
Go to the SBA's table of Small Business Size Standards:
www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf
download the table, and match
your NAICS codes with the matching size standard(s). |
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| 4. |
Set up Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) with your bank or financial institution |
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You will need the EFT information to register your company in the Central Contractor's Registration (CCR) (step 5). |
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| 5. |
Register your company online in the Central Contractor's
Registration (CCR): https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx |
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a. |
We recommend you print out the entire CCR User's Guide found under the help link for reference. For details on the information to gather before you register, see the section, "Information Needed to Register." If you have all the necessary information
on hand, the online registration takes approximately one hour to complete, depending upon the size and complexity of your company. During the registration process, you will create your own Marketing Partner ID Number (MPIN) in the CCR. |
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b. |
Complete your small business profile, called Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS). This site is used by government agencies and prime contractors to find small businesses that can meet their government contracting or subcontracting needs. Make sure your keywords and narrative make it easy to find you!
Go to https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx. Log in to your CCR account. Click on "UPDATE or RENEW REGISTRATIONS." Scroll to the bottom of the next page that comes up and select "Validate." The next page gives you access to the SBA Profile, where you can update your Dynamic Business Search. It may take 48-72 hours for the update to be completed.
NOTE: You must select "Small Business" in the Corporate Information section (under the Socio-Economic heading) in CCR to gain access to the Dynamic Business Search. |
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| 6. |
Complete your Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA): https://orca.bpn.gov/ |
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ORCA is an e-Government initiative that replaces the paper based Representations
and Certifications (Reps and Certs) process. Your CCR registration (see number five above) must be completed and accepted first. You will need your DUNS Number and MPIN to login. Click on “Help” for the handbook and sample questionnaire.
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| 7. |
Complete the Veterans Employment and Training Service Report
(VETS 100A): www.dol.gov/vets/programs/fcp/main.htm |
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Any entity who receives a contract(s) or subcontract(s) from the federal government in the
amount of $100,000 or more, must file a VETS-100 Report on an annual basis. File your report online by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking "File VETS 100 Report Online." If this is your first time to file, click on www.dol.gov/vets/programs/fcp/main.htm to obtain a company number. |
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| 8. |
Apply for Certifications |
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a. |
Small Business Administration (SBA) Programs - For help with the SBA programs, register for one of our free Upcoming Classes |
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i. |
Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program: https://eweb1.sba.gov/hubzone/internet/ |
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ii. |
8(a) Business Development Program:
www.sba.gov/content/8a-business-development |
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iii. |
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB): Ensure you have designated that you are an SDVOB in your CCR registration. Then register with the Veteran's Administration at www.vip.vetbiz.gov. |
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b. |
State of California Certifications |
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i. |
Small Business Certification:
www.dgs.ca.gov/pd/programs/osds/getcertified.aspx
Use the guidance they have provided for Vendor Training. |
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ii. |
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Certification:
www.dgs.ca.gov/pd/programs/osds/getcertified.aspx
Read the expanded information under:
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- Certification Instructions
- Certification Requirements
- Certification Expedite Process
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c. |
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Disadvantaged Business
Enterprise (DBE) Program: |
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www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep/business_forms.htm |
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d. |
California Public Utilities Commission Supplier Clearinghouse |
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www.thesupplierclearinghouse.com/ |
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| 9. |
Search for Government Contracting Opportunities(Website Examples) |
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| 10. |
Sign up for a Bid-Matching Service |
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a. |
State of California Subscription Outreach Service(Free) -searches
California contracting opportunities only |
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www.dgs.ca.gov/pd/programs/eprocure.aspx |
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b. |
Federal Notices (greater than or equal to $25,000) - go to https://www.fbo.gov and create a user name and password. Once you have established a free account, you may create "Search Agents" that will generate free notices. |
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c. |
GovLink Bid-Matching ($199/year) - provides a customized search
of over 1900 federal, state, city, county, and municipality contracting opportunities |
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www.TheFTC.org/bid-matching |
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| 11. |
Sign up for one of our FREE government contracting classes. |
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See our list of Upcoming Classes |
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| 12. |
Call us at 916.334.9388 or 866.382.7822 toll-free (in California) to schedule a free government contracting counseling session. |
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