Ten Steps to Doing Business with the USMS
1. Identify your product/service. Know the Federal Supply Class or
Service (FSC/SVC) codes and the
North American Industry Classification
System
(NAICS) codes for your products or services.
2. To do business with USMS, vendors need a
DUNS number.
To apply for or look up your company’s number, go to the
Dun & Bradstreet
website.
3. Vendors must register with SAM. All vendors must have a Contractor
and Government Entity (CAGE) code. If you do not have a CAGE code, one will be assigned to you when you complete the
SAM registration. This
registration must be updated annually before the expiration date. Be
sure to completely fill out the SAM application, including every
business classification that applies to your company. If you need
further information, visit
the
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
4. Identify your target market within USMS. Identify what the USMS
procures. Review the USMS website and industry publications.
5. Match your company’s capabilities to the Federal Supply Schedule.
Contact the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for information on how to obtain a Federal Supply Schedule contract.
Many USMS purchases are, in fact, orders on FSS contracts.
6. Perform FedBizOps search to find opportunities. Visit
Federal Business Oportunities.
7. Familiarize yourself with USMS Contracting procedures. Be familiar
with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
and the Justice Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement.
8. Explore subcontracting opportunities. Obtain information on
subcontracting opportunities through the
SBA’s SUB-Net
or Subcontracting
Opportunities Directory. Solicitations or notices are posted by
prime contractors.
9. Research small business programs. Visit
the
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to learn about Small business development and mentoring
programs.
10. Market your company. Key steps in marketing your company include,
but are not limited to having a plan and a budget, a great product
and/or service, a professional brand, and powerful marketing materials.