Tag Archives: government contracting tips

Promoting Economic and Employment Growth By Utilizing the HUBZone Program

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The federal government provides set-aside programs devoted to assisting veteran, women, and minority owned businesses.  The HUBZone Program is designed to help small businesses in urban and rural locations build economic and employment growth in their area.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING TIPS

According to the SBA (Small Business Administration), the Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Empowering Contract Program was enacted into a law as part of the Small Business Reauthorization Act in 1997.  These distressed areas across the nation have recently been provided more federal contracting opportunities due to the joint efforts of Congress and the White House Administration.  The overall goal is to devote 3% of all federal contracting dollars to HUBZone-certified small businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) currently regulates the HUBZone Program determining which businesses are eligible for these set-aside contracts.  The SBA will also settle protests of eligibility, and maintain a directory of all HUBZone qualified small businesses.  This directory is used to help federal procurement officers locate HUBZone-certified vendors.  The SBA reports to Congress on HUBZone’s total influence of employment and investments to regulate these selected areas.

Businesses that qualify for the HUBZone Program are essentially based on the location of the business and where it’s employees live. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has specific requirements that a business must meet to qualify as a HUBZone-certified business.  Businesses applying for the program must meet the following criteria:

 

  • It must be a small business by SBA standards
  • It must be owned and controlled at least 51% by U.S. citizens, or a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, or an Indian tribe
  • Its principal office must be located within a ‘Historically Underutilized Business Zone,’ which included lands considered ‘Indian Country’ and military facilities closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Act
  • At least 35% of its employees must reside in a HUBZone

The benefits of registering for HUBZone-certification include competitive and sole source contracting, as well as a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contracting competitions.  However, this program is not all gold-lining. The certification process for the HUBZone program can be considered very difficult and can take months to have your registration approved by the federal government.  Not providing the proper documentation or completing the registration properly can result in a rejection notice delaying a business’s HUBZone application.  When registering for HUBZone it is important that all the required documentation is provided. That is why most businesses will generally use a third party registration firm that specializes in HUBZone registration.  US Federal Contractor Registration provides case managers who are experts in HUBZone certification to properly register businesses seeking these valuable set-asides.

Even before a business can register for the HUBZone Program they must first be registered and approved in System for Award Management (SAM) to receive federal awards and set-asides. SAM replaced the past procurement website of CCR.gov (Central Contractor Registration) in July of 2012 to begin the merger of all federal procurement databases.

 

Understanding the Certification Process as an 8 (m) Woman-Owned Small Business

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The federal government has set-aside 5 percent of federal contracting funds to the 8 (m) Woman-Owned Small Business program.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING TIPS

In 2010, the federal government increased the number of set-asides from 3.5 percent to 5 percent in an effort to create more contracts for the 8(m) program. Every Woman-Owned Business must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) in order to receive and bid on federal contracts. As of July 2012, CCR and ORCA were merged into one main database now known as SAM or System for Award Management in an effort to consolidate multiple forums dedicated to federal contract registration. As mandated in section 1331 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, Public Law 111-240, the Admission and Congress would now recognize the significant amount of untapped opportunities that exist to increase small business participation in government contracting. Section 1331 of the Small Business Act was established to regulate which Federal agencies may use partial contract set-asides, contract reserves, and order set-asides under multiple award contracts. Therefore, the federal market for Woman-Owned Businesses was built and made to influence all who meet these specifications.

 

Once your business is registered in System for Award Management, you must submit specific documents to the government in order to be certified for the 8 (m) WOSB Program. At least 51% of the business must be women owned, and the business must be unconditionally controlled by one or more women who are U.S. Citizens. The self-certification documents as required by the Small Business Administration include:

 

  • Corporate governance documents such as Organization and Operating Agreements (Limited Liability Companies), Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (Corporations), and Partnership Agreements (partnerships).
  • Birth Certificates or current United States Passport to provide Woman-Owners as U.S. Citizens
  • If you are a Corporation, all your stock certificates in accordance with the bylaws and the stock ledger.
  • A signed copy of the Women-Owned Small Business Program Certification as made available at: http://www.sba.gov/content/women-owned-small-business-wosb-program-certification
  • Completed SBA Form 413 made available at: http://www.ucosbdc.org/Websites/ucosbdc/Images/form413.pdf
  • Completed SBA Form 413 for every economically disadvantaged woman’s spouse (if applies)

 

Government Contracting Tips – What is the HUBZone Program?

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HUBZone Program Government ContractingThere are many programs designed to assist minorities, women, and veterans get their fair share of the federal contracting market. However some programs are also designed to help small businesses based on their location.

The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Program helps small businesses in urban and rural areas receive preferential access to federal contracting opportunities in order to stimulate economic development and employment growth in distressed regions.

Businesses are found eligible for the program primarily based on the location of the firm’s principal office and where their employees reside. Other criteria to participate in the HUBZone Program include being considered a small business according to SBA size standards and at least 51% ownership by US Citizens.  Small businesses may also be owned by a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, or an Indian tribe for eligibility purposes.

HUBZone Map

Besides receiving preferred access to competitive and sole-source contracts, HUBZone firms also receive a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition contracts as well as subcontracting opportunities.

The federal government has set a goal of awarding at least 3% of all prime contracting dollars to HUBZone certified small businesses every fiscal year.

The application for HUBZone certification is relatively straightforward, however it does require supporting documentation to prove eligibility. In particular, payroll and other employment records are required to verify that at least 35% of all full-time employees reside in a HUBZone. This may be no big deal for smaller firms with few employees, however companies who employ a number of employees or who do not already practice organized record keeping may find this process tedious and time consuming.

HUBZone participants must recertify every 3 years in order for the SBA to verify the firm still meets program criteria. Additionally, firms must report all material changes such as any change in ownership, business structure, principal office, or failure to meet the 35% residency requirement. Otherwise, there is no limit to the length of time a small business may participate in the HUBZone program provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Firms may also choose to decertify themselves from the HUBZone program; they may reapply for certification no sooner than 90 days after decertification if they are still eligible for the program.

To find out more about the HUBZone program and how to apply for certification, please call the Contractor Helpline at (877) 252-2700 ext 1.

 

Rediscovering the American Dream through Small Business

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Fact: your small business is what makes this country great. It isn’t the large corporations that make up most of the business in America, it is the small businesses that build the economy through hard work and tireless efforts. According to the United States Small Business Association Office of Advocacy, there are 28 million small businesses in the U.S., which outnumbers corporations 1,162 to 1.

US FEDERAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION

From the time of the European settlers acquiescing new territory to free themselves from the tyranny of the English, Americans having constantly been seeking out new opportunities in our free nation. Those are the beliefs that created the groundwork to this great nation we live in today. The American Dream can only stay alive in the hearts of business owners who persevere through the tough times but find a way to rise from the ashes. It is the American Dream that fueled our grandparents and their grandparents before them to create a living for themselves that they could be passionate about and generate revenue.  Developing a business is not easy, but thanks to our forefathers an American owned business can be created in just six short days. In the United Kingdom it takes 13 days to create a business. In India it takes 30 days, and in China it takes 38 days. This truly shows that the American small business model is a reachable venture. The Inuit Small Business Study showed that it costs 6 times as much to start a business in India than in the United States.

 

Seeking out more opportunities for your small business is the American way. The U.S. Small Business Association has recored that small businesses pay 44% of the United Stated payroll. US Federal Contractor Registration continues to help perpetuate the American Dream of small businesses around the nation by helping them receive federal government contracts. According to Government Contracting Tips.com, the US Government is the worlds largest consumer spending billions of dollars with small and large businesses. A great way to help your company profit and achieve the American Dream would be by biding to receive Federal Government contracts. Every business in this great nation must be registered in System for Awards Management (SAM) in order to receive federal government contracts.  If interested in learning how to become registered go to www.uscontractorregistration.com or call (877) 252-2700 ext. 1 for immediate assistance.

 

Largest Third Party Registration Firm in the World Expands their Operation

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US Federal Contractor Registration, the largest third party registration firm in the world prepares to expand their operation and offer available positions within the company. In just 3 short years US Federal Contractor Registration has aided over 45,000 businesses registering for federal government contracts. Thus giving small business the opportunity to grow their company and exemplify the American dream. US Federal Contractor Registration helps businesses register with System for Awards Management (SAM), which is required of every business looking to receive government contracts. USFCR creates marketing campaigns to connect businesses to federal procurement officers located around the nation.

 

CCR & ORCA

Their company’s revenue continues to rapidly expand, generating over $20 million dollars since 2010. US Federal Contractor Registration recently acquired more space expanding their operation allowing the company to hire more employees in multiple departments. They also plain to redevelop their social media image and create online video programming focusing on government contracting tips and SAM registration. Currently, US Federal Contractor Registration is hiring Case Manager Positions to handle regular business registrations, Women Owned Business registrations and Veteran Owned Business registrations. Applicants interesting in applying to become a Case Manger should have at least 5 years of experience working in customer service, a 4 year college degree, and be able to pass a government clearance background check.

If you currently meet these listed requires as stated above, please contact the Director of Marketing, Max K. Timko at mtimko@usfcrgov.com and provide a brief cover letter, updated resume, and three past employer references.

 

 

US Federal Contractor Registration helps businesses network with Federal Procurement Officers and register for Federal Government contracts. Recently the company helped businesses register and create FEMA Vendor Profiles in the awake of Hurricane Sandy. When natural disasters occur in our nation, it is FEMA’s job to employ contractors to help with the relief efforts. Eric Knellinger, President of US Federal Contractor Registration stated “Every business must be registered in System for Awards Management in order to be eligible to receive federal government contracts. We help each business properly register with SAM and prepare that business for federal government bidding.” The biggest benefit that US Federal Contractor Registration offers is the year long support that they give to each contractor. Registration can often be confusing and take business owners/employees days or even weeks to fill out, which can still be rejected even after the fact. US Federal Contractor Registration provides Case Managers who are experts in SAM registration to help businesses easily register and have excellent appeal for federal procurement officers. US Federal Contractor Registration prides themselves on helping small businesses not only survive but thrive.

 

Data Breach Places 10,000 NASA Employees at Security Risk

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Robert M. Nelson, an ex-NASA/JPL scientist and several other employees were recently notified that due to a epochal data breach that they would be vulnerable to identity theft. According to NASA, a laptop used by a NASA headquarters employee was stolen from a parked car in Washington, DC on Halloween.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING TIPS

Robert M. Nelson along with 10,000 other current and past employees could be at risk of identity theft giving away personal information such as the employee’s name, birth date, social security number, and background check information. The laptop apparently was password protected, but did contain unencrypted files which would be vulnerable if the password was decoded. The significance of Robert M. Nelson is that he sued NASA in 2007 stating that the agency’s background checks for government contractors were unnecessary and violated their privacy rights. Other supporters noted with Nelson addressing that NASA would not be able to protect the confidential data that was required from each government contractor. According to the New York Times, in a 2009 report titled “NASA Needs to Remedy Vulnerabilities in Key Networks,” the Government Accountability Office noted that the agency had reported 1,120 security incidents in fiscal 2007 and 2008 alone.

After these problems, NASA has since then hired outside contractors from ID Experts, a specialized data breach company who are in the process of remedying the situation. Since ID Experts have been hired, almost 80% of the NASA’s laptops have been encrypted and the rest are set to be encrypted by December 21st, 2012. For situations that require specialized attention, the US Federal Government will employ federal government registered contractors. In order to become eligible to receive federal government employment you must be registered in the System for Awards Management (SAM). SAM registration can often take business owners/employees up to 20 hours to fill out and still be rejected even after the fact. US Federal Contractor Registration provides Case Managers who are experts in SAM registration and FEMA Vendor Profiles help businesses easily register and have excellent appeal for federal procurement officers. US Federal Contractor Registration helps businesses register with SAM to become registered for federal government work. To request a free evaluation and assessment by a Placement Specialist for your business, call the Contractor Helpline at (877) 252-2700 extension 1 or visit our website at https://www.uscontractorregistration.com/.

 

$92 Million Dollar FEMA Contract Hires Federal Contractors for NYC Effort

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In this time of recovery in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many have been called upon to aid in the relief efforts.  In New York City, the 6,000 employed sanitation workers have been hard at work and have also acquired additional help from hundreds of private contractors hired under a $92 million FEMA Contract as executed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Businesses properly registered for federal government work continue to put all their efforts into collecting damaged items from homes, but have yet to see any sight of the finish line.  According to the Associated Press, New York City has collected an estimated 271,000 tons of ruins and debris just from local neighbors alone.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING TIPS

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported 52,000 reports of car damage from Hurricane Sandy stating claims that include massive water damage from flooding and smashed car frames from fallen trees.  Long Beach, NY public work crews worked 16 hours shifts to accumulate sand from buried parts of the city.  The sand collected from the city streets now currently stands 5 stories high.   Rocks and fragments have been moved to landfills in Pennsylvania. Garbage barges have also been called into service to help traffic the wreckage across the Hudson to new locations to dump the rubble.  Beaches across the New Jersey shore have been affected so dramatically that an abundant of vehicles are still blocking most of the roadways in these areas. The blocked roads are causing mass confusion for towing companies hired to collect vehicles stranded on front lawns and vacant streets.

 

The federal procurement officers responsible for hiring businesses to help with the damages from Hurricane Sandy must be registered with System for Awards Management (SAM) in order to apply for federal government contracts.  Only then will the business be given work from the federal government.  You must also have a registered FEMA Vendor Profile in order to help FEMA with the efforts from Hurricane Sandy or other natural disasters that require aid.

 

 

 

Understanding No Bid Contracting

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In recovery after the massive damage done to New York City, the Jersey Shore, and other parts of the northeast, federal contractors are on the lookout for businesses registered and available for federal government work.  The beauty of no bid contracts with the federal government acts on an honor code of first come first service. Hypothetically, the contract style reinforces how any business registered for federal government employment can show up being the first to a site and receive the contract.  Government agencies such as FEMA usually use this type of contracting for emergency projects that require urgent or immediate assistance such as Hurricane Sandy or other natural disasters.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING TIPS

According to California State University, No Bid Contracting is a “contract which is given out on the basis of the contracting party’s beliefs that this is the best contractor, best price, highest quality work to be had, or because there is a networking connection between the contracting party and the contractor.”  In order for your business to become registered for federal employment and be eligible to pick up no bid contracts with FEMA, you must register for a DUNS number (Dun and Bradstreet) and register under SAM (System for Awards Management).  Vendors must complete a FEMA Vendor Profile in addition to SAM registration. All vendors are also strongly encouraged by the Small Business Administration to implement an aggressive marketing campaign in addition to the basic registration requirements.

To help businesses quickly prepare for FEMA contracts, US Federal Contractor Registration now helps their clients complete the FEMA Vendor Profile, in addition to assisting them with their SAM registration.

 

FEMA Contracts: Tropical Storm Sandy turns into Hurricane

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GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING TIPSAccording to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami, the churning of warm Caribbean waters changed the once Tropical Storm Sandy into Hurricane Sandy.  The storm is reported to be heading for the Island of Posh in Jamaica.  Hurricane Sandy is said to product close to 10 inches of rain fall over the eastern and central regions of the island as well as constant flash flooding and landslides to follow.

The water levels off the coast of the Jamaican island are expected to rise to as much as 3 feet above the originally recorded tide level along the east and south coasts.  Jamaica’s government contacted all the school districts announcing the seriousness of Hurricane Sandy and its eventual arrival to the island.  Prime Minister Peter Phillips states “all Jamaicans must take the threat of this storm seriously.” Since the statement, the Prime Minister has closed all the Schools for Wednesday and urged that all citizens should be properly stocked with provisions and supplies for the natural disaster.

Hurricane Sandy’s full winds are expected to reach an upward of 60 mph and gain as the hurricane reaches eastern Cuba by early morning Thursday.  Hurricane Sandy is expected to be far enough off the coast of Florida by Friday to result in an impact on the mainland of the United States.  However, Accuweather.com has reported that the storm has potential to follow up the jet stream path toward the east coast for this upcoming weekend on Saturday or Sunday if the storm receives a strong push of cold air and sporadic showers.  Current reports are still following Hurricane Sandy’s path and will continue to produce updates on its current whereabouts in the Atlantic Ocean.

 

How to Win Government Contracts – Government Contractor Website

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government contractsGovernment contracting can be an extremely rewarding source of revenue and growth for small businesses.  Marketing is absolutely essential for success in the federal market, particularly for smaller firms.  Networking and relationship building are necessary and powerful methods of generating leads.  One of the most powerful tools to aid a vendor’s success is a company website targeting federal purchasing officers.

Unfortunately, most business websites do not meet the security standards required by federal firewalls.  Traditional web design elements such as flash, videos, and other bells and whistles can prevent purchasing officers from viewing a vendor’s website and its important information which may have helped that vendor win a contract.

It is therefore important that vendors maintain a website specifically for a federal contracting audience, in addition to any websites designed for the private sector.  Since these websites do not include the flashier, expensive design options available on traditional sites and follow a specific format, they can be purchased for a much more affordable price.

For more information about government contracting and marketing options, call James Logan, Small Business Acquisition Manager at GovKinex at (877) 252-2700 ext 709.