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How To Sell To The Feds
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Article 8: Special Considerations For Contractors
As a small business, you already qualify for special consideration in government contracts because of your size.
The SBA’s Size Determination Program standards ensure that only qualified firms get contracts and benefits set aside exclusively for small business. If a firm’s claim to be small is challenged, SBA “size specialists” are called in to measure the company.
Who’s considered small? Some guidelines:
Manufacturing and mining, fewer than 500 employees Wholesale trade industries, fewer than 100 employees Most retail and service, less than $5 million in sales Most general and heavy construction, less than $27.5 million in sales Agricultural industries, less than $0.75 million in sales
Beyond the special preferences for small businesses, there are additional considerations for businesses that qualify. Various government agencies are required to strive to meet procurement goals, such as a certain percentage of woman-owned business. Qualifying for such considerations can give you a leg up in winning contracts. Specially considered are:
A woman-owned business is owned and controlled 51 percent or more by a woman or women. Certification is not required. Proposals need only to self-certify by checking the appropriate box. A veteran-owned business is owned 51 percent by a veteran(s). There is no certification process to complete; simply self-certify. A service-disabled business is defined as owned 51 percent by one or more service-disabled veterans. The Veterans Administration confirms disability. A small disadvantaged business is defined as a firm that is 51 percent or more owned, controlled and operated by a person(s) “socially and economically disadvantaged.” African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans and Native Americans are presumed to qualify. Others can qualify by providing a “preponderance of the evidence.” A HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) business is one located in or employing staff that live in a specially designated HUBZone area. Certified small businesses will have the opportunity to negotiate contracts and to participate in restricted competition limited to HUBZone firms. To determine if your business is located in a HUBZone go to http://www.sba.gov/hubzone.
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