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Getting Started as a Contractor

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U.S. Federal Government contracts represent a tremendous sales and revenue opportunity for small businesses.

Here are five steps to get started as a contractor:

  1. Qualifying as a Small Business
    You may take it for granted that your company is a "small business". The distinction is important if you wish to register for government contracting as a small business.

  2. Determine Your NAICS Code
    The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) classifies business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. economy.

  3. Make Sure You Meet SBA Size Standards
    Learn about the definition of – and qualifications for – a small business and why it's important to know your status.

  4. Get a D-U-N-S Number
    Before you can bid on government proposals, you need to obtain a Dun & Bradstreet, or D-U-N-S, Number, a unique nine-digit identification number for each physical location of your business.

  5. Register your Business with the System of Award Management (SAM)
    You need to register your business with the federal government's SAM, the primary database of vendors doing business with the federal government. This registration is sometimes referred to as "self-certifying" your small business. Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) require all prospective vendors to be registered in SAM prior to the award of a contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement.

Procurement Matching, Contracting Opportunities

Procurement Matching, Contracting Opportunities