FAQs
Q: How do I find the Federal Supply Classification Code (FSC) or the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code?
A: It is helpful to know the Federal Supply Classification Code (FSC) or Product/Service Code (PSC) for your product or service. Many government product/service listings and future procurements are identified by FSC or PSC.
Small Business Size Standard for all Federal Government programs associated with SIC codes have been placed by those that SBA has established for industries as described in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). SBA has established a new table of small business size standards based on NAICS (www.census.gov/naics).
Q: How do I do obtain a DUNS Number and register in the System for Award Management (SAM)?
A: If you do not have a DUNS Number, contact Dun and Bradstreet to obtain one. You must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be awarded a contract from the DoD. SAM is a database designed to hold information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. SAM affords you the opportunity for fast electronic payment of your invoices.
Q: Where can I find DoD contracting procedures and contract clauses?
A: These are contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
Q: How can I get a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract?
A: Many DoD purchases are, in fact, orders on FSS contracts. Contact the General Services Administration (GSA) for information on how to obtain a FSS contract.
Q: Where can I find additional assistance in the DoD marketplace?
A: There are several important resources that are available to assist you in the DoD marketplace:
- Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) are located in most states and partially funded by DoD to provide small business concerns with information on how to do business with the Department of Defense. They provide training and counseling on marketing, financial, and contracting issues at minimal or no cost.
- Small Business Professionals are located at each DoD buying activity and can provide assistance on how to market to the DoD.
Q: How do I identify subcontracting opportunities?
A: Regardless of your product or service it is important that you do not neglect our very large secondary market, subcontracting opportunities with DoD Prime Contractors. You can identify potential buyers of your services by searching the Beta System for Award Management (bet.SAM), contains detailed information about federal government contract awards. The system identifies who bought what, from whom, for how much, when and where. You can sort data in beta.SAM by NAICS, key word, customer, place of performance and more. The system will help you understand who buys what you sell and how they buy it.
The SBA's SUB-Net is a valuable source for obtaining information on subcontracting opportunities. Solicitations or notices are posted not only by prime contractors, but the SUB-Net is also used by other government, commercial, and educational entities.
Q: What is eSRS?
The electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) is a government-wide Internet-based tool which streamlines the process of reporting on subcontracting plans, and provides agencies with access to analytical data on subcontracting performance. The eSRS eliminates the need for paper submissions and processing of the SF-294, SF-295, Individual Subcontracting Reports, and Summary Subcontracting Reports, by replacing the forms with an easy-to-use electronic process to submit the data.
The paper submission of SF-294 is only required for orders issued under either a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) or a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA).
For additional information go to: ESRS
Q: What are Small Business Professionals?
Small Business Professionals serve as the primary liaison between private-sector small businesses seeking to do business with government agencies. Specialists advise small businesses regarding current acquisitions contracts available from the federal government.
Other Defense Agencies
Other Defense Agencies