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How To Sell To The Feds
Article 2: Requirements for Federal Contracting

It can be daunting to get started in federal contracting because the myriad agencies employ so many different contracting guidelines. But there are rules of thumb to keep in mind.

First, you need your tax ID number. But you also need:

  • NAICS code. The North American Industry Classification number identifies your business category. The U.S. Census Bureau will help you determine your code and its significance. Get your code here, http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html.

  • D-U-N-S number. The “Data Universal Numbering System” is available at no charge at https://eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions.html or by telephoning 800-333-0505. It can take a month to receive. The D-U-N-S number is the standard for keeping track of the world’s businesses. It’s issued by Dun & Bradstreet Corp. Acquiring a D-U-N-S number does not establish a full D&B credit file for your business, which is something else you may wish to obtain to demonstrate creditworthiness. Get both at https://eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions.html.

  • SIC number. Some agencies still request the Standard Industrial Classification number even though it was replaced by the NAICS. Look up your SIC number at the U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.osha.gov/oshstats/sicser.html.

  • Register with Central Contractor Registration (CCR), the primary vendor database for NASA and the departments of Defense, Transportation and Treasury. The CCR registration is lengthy, so be sure to have all your data, such as your NAICS, D-U-N-S and SIC numbers. For CCR registration go to http://www.ccr.gov/.

  • If you’re a military veteran, list your company in the Veterans Corporation Business Directory at http://www.veteranscorp.org/BusinessDirectory/index.asp. The directory enables potential customers and contractors to find your business when searching for those criteria. You also can use the directory to locate and support fellow Veteran-owned businesses.

To learn the ropes of federal contracting, start with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s mentor-protégé program. It brings together prime contractors and small businesses. Access the program at http://www.sba.gov/8abd/indexmentorprogram.html.
Also browse the Department of Defense Subcontracting Directory at http://www.veteranscorp.org/BusinessDirectory/index.asp?id=73.
 

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How To Sell To The Feds
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