By Catherine Clifford
To supercharge your revenue, consider doing business with the largest U.S. buyer of everything from oatmeal cookies to new tires, the federal government. Navigating the many layers of bureaucracy can be challenging. Here are essential steps to getting set up to search for and win work from Uncle Sam, courtesy an e-guide from Microsoft at the following link. http://smb.blob.core.windows.net/smbproduction/Content/FINAL%20PROCUREMENT%20GUIDE.pdf
1. Obtain a D-U-N-S number.
To do business with the federal government, you will need what’s called a Data Universal Numbering Systemidentification number. It’s free, and you can do it online at this Dun & Bradstreet website or calling by (866) 705-5711.
These product and service codes are called Federal Supply Codes and Product Service Codes (FSC/PSC) in the Department of Defense, and can be found here, and more generally, your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, which can be found here.
2. Figure out your industry identification numberso you can search for available work.
These product and service codes are called Federal Supply Codes and Product Service Codes (FSC/PSC) in the Department of Defense, and can be found here, and more generally, your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, which can be found here.
3. Learn if you qualify for preferential business status.
You will have to register with the System for Award Management to determine if your business is considered “small” for your industry or whether you qualify for any preferential status, such as woman-owned, HUBZone certified, or veteran-owned, to name a few.
4. Get your business protocols up to government standard.
You are going to need to have business insurance, high-speed Internet, a business plan that demonstrates your ability to do potential work for Uncle Sam, working capital available so that you can efficiently carry out any jobs you do win, and meticulous recordkeeping to protect yourselfin case a government auditor wants to see how long you are spending and how much money you are spending devoted to a particular government job.
The link to this article can be found at https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/225836.