SELLING TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
There are many methods available to businesses who want to sell to the federal government, from acquisition vehicles such as subcontracting, blanket purchase agreements, customized technology contracts as well as specific contract set-asides for specific categories of small businesses. GSA and the federal government also provide tools to research open business opportunities.
ACQUISITION PROCESSES
- Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ): provide for an indefinite quantity of services during a fixed period of time.
- Blanket Purchase Agreements [BPA]: may be used to fulfill repetitive needs under GSA Schedule contracts.
- GWACs indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts that help agencies meet their technology requirements through a customizable solution. Specific vehicles are designed to work with small businesses.
- Schedules: GSA Schedules are open-ended, multiple award contracts that simplify the purchasing process for federal agencies and the businesses on schedule who serve them.
SET-ASIDE OPPORTUNITIES
Set-aside opportunities for small businesses make it possible for specific socioeconomic categories to get their fair share of government contracts. The categories include: woman-owned, HUBZone, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business and 8(a) (eligible small disadvantaged business entities).
CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES
- Forecast of GSA Business Opportunities. Learn about the GSA organization’s upcoming contracting needs.
- GSA’s Mentor-Protégé Program fosters long-term relationships between small businesses and GSA prime contractors. The goal: increase the number of small businesses that receive GSA prime contract and subcontract awards.
- GSA Subcontracting Directory: The GSA Subcontracting Directory is published as an aid to small business concerns seeking subcontracting opportunities with GSA’s prime contractors. This directory lists prime GSA contractors by GSA region who seek small businesses to fulfill their set-aside and small business requirements.
- FedBizOpps: Serves as the single government point-of-entry for federal government procurement opportunities over $25,000.
- Schedules and eBuy, a component of GSA Advantage!®, is an online Request for Quotation (RFQ) tool. eBuy is designed to facilitate RFQs under GSA Schedules and specific Technology contracts. Through eBuy, businesses can get an early snapshot of an agency’s needs.
TRAINING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Learn the federal business ropes from marketing to promoting sustainability, through in-person and online training. GSA also offers a mentor-protégé program that facilitates self-selecting partnerships between small, disadvantaged businesses with seasoned GSA prime contractors; the goal: involve more small businesses in GSA contracts and subcontract awards.
COUNSELING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Office of Small Business Utilization (OSBU) provides a national network of support for small businesses who request our help when working with GSA. OSBU provides counseling on marketing, dispute issues and other challenges small businesses face when they seek out procurement opportunities.
The best way to schedule a face-to-face counseling session is to fill out a request for information form. An OSBU staff will get in touch with you. We do not share this information with anyone.
SUSTAINABILITY:
A Cornerstone of Federal Acquisition
President Obama's Executive Order 13514 stipulates that 95 percent of new government purchases comply with environmental requirements. GSA continues to research and explore the sustainable supply chain by opening doors for small businesses and developing new opportunities, programs and partnerships:
RESEARCHING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Read about current and upcoming contracts offered within GSA, learn about opportunities throughout the federal government, or review how agencies are meeting their small business acquisition goals.
FAQs: YOU HAVE QUESTIONS; OSBU HAS ANSWERS
As a small business owner, you are seeking answers about doing successful business with the government.
We know you have very limited time. We also know that each business is unique. That’s why OSBU offers a variety of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Review the OSBU FAQ for answers about:
- How OSBU works;
- Explanation of commonly used terms;
- Useful contacts (email, phone numbers, and physical addresses);
- Programs available to small businesses; and
- Regulations that guide small business government sales.
