Federal Business Opportunities

FedBizOpps (Federal Business Opportunities) is a single point of entry for announcements of federal contract opportunities over $25,000 for civilian and military agencies. It serves both federal agencies as buyers and businesses as vendors to the government. Since the FedBizOpps site is not an easy site to navigate, do not hesitate to call the toll-free helpline number: (877) 472-3779.

As a vendor you can search for agency announcements, awards of contracts, andrequests for proposals. In order to search this complicated website well, firstreview the Vendors Guide for tips on searching by agency, classification codes,or award categories. Also, sign up for e-mail notification of announcements ofparticular agencies or for activity concerning particular products or services.For companies wishing to conduct continuing business with the government, applytobe a GSA Schedule contractor through a solicitation in FedBizOpps.

•  Federal Supply Schedule (FSS, part of the GSA Schedules Program) gives many businesses, small and large, further opportunities for multiple awards. The GSA application and approval process "to get on the schedule" may take considerable time but may be worth it for future business with government agencies.
•  FSS Center for Acquisitions Excellence offers online training and classroom instruction on the GSA Schedules Program. Check for GSA course listings on how to sell to the government and get contract awards, including the course How to be a Contractor.

Subcontracting Opportunities

A federal contract may be so large that a single company might have difficulty in providing the products or services required to meet the terms of the contract. A prime contractor may need to use subcontractors to complete contractual obligations.

•  SUB-Net U.S. Small Business Administration Subcontracting Network Identify subcontract opportunities by reviewing the postings of prime contractors.
•  Subcontracting Opportunities Directory (SBA) identify prime contractors through a listing of contractors, with addresses and phone numbers, by state.

Other Resources

Checking individual federal agency websites can be a valuable first step forbusinesses who believe that they have a specialized service or product to offerto a specific agency. The government's official Web portal, FirstGov, provideslinks to the websites of federal agencies, through an A-Z Index. Other usefulwebsites include:

•  The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a step-by-step guide for selling to the government, with tips on bidding, marketing, and competing for government contracts, and links to free online courses.
•  General Services Administration (GSA) -- as the government's chief acquisitions agency, GSA spends billions of dollars annually on products and services offered to all federal agencies.
•  Doing Business with GSA a 56–page publication which outlines government procedures, marketing strategies, and bidding procedures for contracts. Also lists important contacts, such as the 11 GSA regional centers and technical advisors for small businesses.
•  Using GSA: How to Sell to the Government describes how GSA buys from small and large businesses, including an explanation of how GSA advertises business opportunities locally and nationally, and lists a calendar of local workshops for businesses wanting to sell to the government.
•  Office of Small Business Utilization provides information on small business programs and publications on procurement; links to a Subcontracting directory, which lists addresses of GSA contractors with subcontracting goals.
•   Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) located in every state, these centers advise and train businesses in financial matters, including certification procedures for small and minority businesses. They are an excellent first stop for any business, especially those with little or no previous experience in dealing with federal procurement.
•  Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) (Washington State Procurement Technical Assistance Center)
•  GSA Regional offices the contracting officers are familiar with the procurement needs of the federal facilities located in their region.
•  Central Contractor Registration (CCR) registers your company on-line. A company must have a CCR number to get government contracts. You can review the information on the classification of types of small businesses. If your business is classified as a small or disadvantaged business, this certification may lead to more business opportunities.