Government procurement is big business. More than $200 billion is spent annually for products and services. Now is a good time to get in on the action in the federal marketplace. While competition has long been recognized as a prudent business practice, there is renewed emphasis today on competition within the federal government.

In 1994, the President signed the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (P.L. 103-355) landmark legislation that calls for major revisions in the federal procurement laws for all civilian and defense agencies. FASA significantly changes the way the government does business. The most significant provisions of the new law:

• establishes a new 5 percent government wide procurement goal for women-owned small businesses.
• encourages agencies to rely on off-the-shelf commercial products instead of those specifically designed to comply with government-unique requirements.
• streamlines acquisition procedures through an increased small – purchase dollar threshold.
• implements a government wide electronic commerce system that will allow computers to exchange business data in a standard format.
• amends several current procurement laws to provide uniform treatment of both Department of Defense and civilian agency procurements.
• authorizes the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to test alternative procurement techniques in 13 pilot acquisition programs.
• improves contract protest and oversight procedures.

The 1994 legislation establishes a 5 percent government wide procurement goal for women-owned businesses.

Although the legislation makes it clear that government agencies are expected to expand contract opportunities for women, this does not mean that contracts will be set-aside solely for women-owned small businesses. Rather, agencies will have a strong incentive to look for qualified women-owned small businesses when trying to fill contractual needs. It is still up to women business owners themselves to market their products and services to the government.

FASA encourages agencies to rely on commercial items and components that are readily available and simplifies the procedures for buying those items. The scope of products and services that qualify for treatment as commercial items has been significantly expanded to include:

• Products of a type customarily used by the general public that have been offered for sale in the commercial marketplace;
• Products that have been developed from existing commercial items through advances in technology or performance, even if not yet available in the commercial marketplace;
• Commercial items that need only minor modifications to meet federal requirements;
• Installation, maintenance, repair and training services, if procured in support of a commercial product under terms and conditions available to the general public;
• Commercial services offered and sold competitively in the business arena; and
• Items previously developed for government use if (a) they were developed at private expense, and (b) they have been widely sold on a competitive basis, to state and local governments.

These changes represent a commonsense approach to government procurement and eliminate many burdensome paperwork, record keeping and certification requirements.

FASA removed nearly all restrictions on purchases of less than $100,000 (This dollar amount replaces the previous small purchase threshold of $25,000). It means that instead of full and open competition, agencies can now use simplified procedures for soliciting and evaluating bids up to $100,000. The Government is required to advertise in the Commerce Business Daily (CBD) all procurement requirements over $25,000.

Simplified procedures require fewer administrative details, lower approval levels, and less documentation. New procurement reform legislation requires all federal purchases above $2,500 but under $100,000 to be reserved for small businesses, unless the contracting officer cannot obtain offers from two or more small businesses that are competitive on price, quality and delivery.

Government purchases of up to $2,500 in individual items or multiple items whose aggregate amount does not exceed $2,500 ($2,000 for construction-related items) are now classified as "micro-purchases" and can be made without obtaining competitive quotes if the contracting officer determines that the price is reasonable. These purchases are no longer reserved for small businesses. They are also not subject to the Buy American Act. Many purchases under the $2,500 threshold are made using either a Visa or Mastercard government purchase card. If you accept these methods of payment, be sure to advertise it. Both program and contracting personnel may make purchases with the card.

The Purchase Card Program allows small businesses another way in which to target business opportunities within the federal government. Purchases made under this program are authorized under FASA as well as the simplified small purchase procedures found in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 13. The program reduces administrative costs, streamlines payment procedures in the area of small purchases, and improves opportunities for small and small disadvantaged businesses to do business with federal agencies.

 The purchase card should be used primarily for items needed in the day-to-day operation of the organization, such as:

• ADP equipment
• small office equipment
• medical services
• medical supplies
• office supplies
• office machine repair services
• vocational rehabilitation services
• medical equipment

Examples of instances in which the purchase card may NOT be used include:

• Rental or lease of motor vehicles
• Food, entertainment or lodging
• Gasoline or oil
• Any type of official travel expense
• Personal services

The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act amends several procurement laws to create a uniform procurement system in which civilian and defense agencies are governed by the same statutes. Both civilian and defense agencies are now required to focus on performance-based management concepts for major acquisitions.

The government buys many of the products and services it needs from companies who meet certain qualification requirements. With a few exceptions, all proposed contract actions over $25,000 are synopsized in the Commerce Business Daily 15 days prior to the release of the solicitation.

The government purchases the products or services it needs by two methods. The first method, known as formal advertising, (referred to as "sealed bidding" in the Competition in Contracting Act and Federal Acquisition Regulations), involves the issuance of an invitation for bid (IFB) by a procuring agency.

Following receipt and evaluation of the bids, a contract is usually awarded to the lowest priced bidder determined to be responsive and responsible by the contracting officer. The second method of competitive proposals is buying by negotiation, which involves the issuance of a request for proposals or request for quotations and the negotiation of each element in the proposal. An award is made to the offeror who has the best proposal in terms of both technical content and price. Both methods are discussed in some depth later in this publication.

One of the most significant changes to acquisition reform is the increased importance of "best value." Best value means that, rather than making awards to the lowest bidder as it generally did in the past, the government can now make awards for the item that best satisfies its needs at a slightly higher price. If purchasers are going to make an award based on best value, they must state their intent in the solicitation document and include a description of the evaluation criteria, award factors, and factors other than the price that will be considered in making a contract award.

Most government agencies have common purchasing needs -- carpeting, furniture, office machine maintenance, petroleum products and perishable food supplies are just a few examples. Sometimes the government can realize economies of scale by centralizing the purchasing of certain types of products or services. The three largest interagency consolidated purchasing programs are administered by the General Services Administration, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

DLA manages and buys approximately 2 million general supply items for the military services. These include food, clothing, textiles, medical and dental equipment, and construction equipment. There are currently three prime vendor programs: subsistence, medical/surgical supplies and equipment (which includes pharmaceuticals), and clothing. These programs are operated by the Defense Personnel Support Center.

Both the subsistence and medical/surgical prime vendor programs have divided their customers – the military installations – into regions. The subsistence program is divided into dry goods, market-ready items, and fresh fruits and vegetables. There may be one or several vendors for each sub-category. The subsistence prime vendor has now been extended into Europe and the Pacific Rim.

The VA National Acquisition Center (VA NAC), located in Hines, Ill., is responsible for Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Group 65 for medical and surgical supplies and equipment. The VA NAC contracts for such items as medical, dental and surgical supplies; drugs and chemicals; non perishable foodstuff; prosthetic and orthopedic aids; medical, radiological, surgical and laundry equipment; and uniforms and flags. VA NAC is also responsible for the four prime vendor programs: subsistence, medical/surgical equipment and supplies, pharmaceuticals, and laundry and cleaning supplies and equipment.

There are other government offices that consolidate the buying needs of customers throughout the nation and the world. Consult the publications entitled U.S. Government Purchasing and Sales Directory and Selling to the Military (see Appendix 3) for locations of these central offices and other buying offices of individual federal agencies. Both of these publications are discussed later in this booklet.

Each federal agency has its own unique mission and, therefore, has different purchasing needs. The following paragraphs discuss a few major categories of product and service requirements of the larger procuring agencies. For a listing of past buys and current opportunities, visit the listed web site.

PRO-Netâ is an electronic gateway of procurement information – for and about small businesses. It is a search engine for contracting officers, a marketing tool for small firms, and a link to procurement opportunities and important information. It is designed to be a virtual one-stop procurement shop.

PRO-Netâ is an Internet-based database of information on more than 180,000 small, disadvantaged, 8(a) and women-owned businesses. It is free to federal and state government agencies as well as prime and other contractors seeking small business contractors, subcontractors and/or partnership opportunities. PRO-Netâ is open to all small firms seeking federal, state and private contracts.

Businesses profiled on Pro-Netâ can be searched by SIC codes, key words, location, quality certifications, business type, ownership race and gender, EDI capability, etc.

Business profiles in PRO-Netâ include data from SBA’s files and other available databases, plus additional business and marketing information on individual firms. Businesses on the system are responsible for updating information.

Profiles are structured like executive business summaries, with specific, user-friendly data search fields that are designed to meet the needs of contracting officers and other potential users.

Profiles provide vendors an opportunity to put a controlled "marketing spin" on their businesses. Companies can also link their web sites to their PRO-Netâ profile, creating a powerful marketing tool.

The Centralized Contractor Registration System is a standardized Department of Defense registration procedure to obtain contractor information in a useful and accurate format.

QSLM is the Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturers (QSLM), and the Qualified Suppliers List (QSLD)for Distributors. The QSLM/QSLD qualification program encompasses the latest thinking on commercial products and incorporates these elements into acquisition streamlining. The Qualified Products Lists are maintained by the General & Industrial Directorates of the Defense Logistics Agency and are utilized by DOD procurement offices.

Products are tested for compliance with the requirements of a specification prior to and independent of government procurement. The qualification procedure prevents possible delay in delivery of products under contract that might be caused by problems in design or composition.

The fact that a product has been tested and placed on a QPL shows only that a manufacturer can produce this item according to required specifications. It does not guarantee purchase from that manufacturer.

There are several approaches the government uses to tell or advise prospective sellers what goods and services it wants to buy. The Commerce Business Daily is a document listing proposed government purchases, subcontracting leads, contract awards, sales of surplus property and foreign business opportunities. Subscriptions to the CBD are available from the Government Printing Office or the Department of Commerce. In addition, regional GSA business service centers and SBA offices have copies of the CBD for review. Many libraries also subscribe to the publication. In referring to the CBD, note that number "1" before a procurement announcement indicates that the requirement is 100 percent set-aside for small businesses.

The General Services Administration is the Federal Government's business manager, buyer, real estate developer, telecomminications manager, and computer solutions provider. GSA contracts for billions of dollars worth of products and services. Consequently, the GSA regional small business centers (SBCs) are a logical marketing source. If GSA is not the proper market, the personnel at the SBC will direct you to the appropriate federal agency or department. (Full addresses of the 12 Business Service Centers can be found in Appendix 2.)

The Small Business Service Centers in your area can provide the following services:

• counseling for small businesses interested in federal contracts,
• copies of useful publications and other reference materials,
• invitations for bid and products specifications,
• aid in locating small business set-aside programs for contracting and subcontracting, and
• general procurement assistance from small business information officers.

Listed below are some additional sources for information about contract opportunities.

Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization – This booklet lists the names and telephone numbers of more than 600 Department of Defense small and disadvantaged business utilization specialists (OSDBUs). Their assignment is to help small business firms locate military bidding opportunities. Available from the Superintendent of Documents: GPO 008-000-00390-4. Civilian agencies also have these small business specialists to assist you in doing business with them. (See Appendix 2.)

Selling to the Military. This is a comprehensive guide to finding bid opportunities and selling to the Department of Defense. Its coverage includes:

• information on how to get on bidders lists
• addresses of major purchasing offices
• a description of the federal government's system of specifications
• information on military exchange services, and information on bid opportunities in research and development

United States Government Organization Manual – This manual lists practically every federal agency, with telephone numbers for obtaining information, including listings of purchasing offices. Available from the Superintendent of Documents: GPO 022-003-01099-8.

Small Business Guide to Federal Research and Development. This publication provides small, technically oriented firms with information about bid opportunities in research and development. It describes how to get federal R&D support and how to use federal document retrieval systems, which can be a source of substantial information. A venture capital primer for small businesses is included. Research and development bid opportunities offered by federal agencies are described, and the offices and individuals to contact are listed. Available from The National Science Foundation, Office of Small Business R&D, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 2223.

There are two methods contracting officers use to acquire the products and services needed by the federal government. They are:

• formal advertising, (sealed bidding) involving the issuance of an invitations for bid (IFBs), and
• competitive proposals, involving the issuance of requests for proposals (RFPs).

An IFB is sent to businesses on the bidder’s list.

The invitation for bid, or solicitation package, contains instructions and specifications for preparing bids. Typically, this will include:

• a description of specifications for the product or service being procured;
• delivery schedule and packaging/shipping requirements;
• payment schedule and terms;
• standard contract provisions and clauses;
• deadline for submitting bids;
• date and time of bid opening; and certifications and representations to be filled in by the offeror.

When bids are opened, the bidder quoting the lowest price is awarded the contract if the bid is responsive and if the bidder qualifies as a responsible business.

Responsive bid: The contractor has agreed to perform on the government's terms and complies with the IFB in all important respects, including the method and timeliness of bid submission and the substance of any resulting contract.

Responsible bidder: Responsibility refers to the contractor's ability to perform the contract. Determining factors include financial capacity, plant capacity, skill, judgment and integrity. The contracting officer makes this determination from data kept in the department or agency, and/or through a pre-award survey.

The time span is generally 90 to 120 days from solicitation to bid opening and contract award.

Figure 1, on page 24, indicates the key or significant events in the formal advertising process.

When formal advertising is not suitable or possible due to the nature of the product or service, the government will negotiate the purchase. Small purchases are most often made through special expedited negotiation procedures. Purchases over $2,500 and under $100,000 are "set aside" for small businesses if the contracting officer determines that (a) there is a reasonable expectation that offers will be obtained from at least two responsible small business concerns, and (b) awards will be made at reasonable prices.

Requests for proposals are issued to potential contractors whose names are on the agency bidder’s list. RFPs are also sent upon the request of any prospective contractor.

The contract award is made through evaluations and negotiations after proposals have been received and reviewed. Award is made to the bidder whose final offer is most advantageous to the government, not necessarily the company offering the lowest price.

For negotiated contracts, the time involved varies in accordance with the contract type and complexity of the requirement.

Figure 2, on page 26, indicates the key or significant events in the negotiation process.

A prospective offeror should be aware of two events that may take place in either formal advertising or negotiation:

Pre-Bid or Pre-Proposal Conference: This conference may be used by a contracting officer generally in a complex acquisition, as a means of briefing prospective offerors and explaining complicated specifications and requirements. Such conferences are held after the solicitation has been issued, but before offers are submitted.

Pre-Award Survey: When it is deemed necessary to further evaluate a prospective contractor prior to a contract award to ensure performance, a pre-award survey is conducted at the request of or by the contracting office.

Unsolicited Proposals: In addition to responding to IFBs and RFPs, a business may also submit an unsolicited proposal when it believes it has a product or service of interest to an agency. This is done frequently in the research-and-development field. It does, however, require knowledge of specific agency funding programs. Federal agencies have established procedures for receipt and evaluation of these proposals.

Before preparing a proposal, be sure to first contact the particular agency to find out its needs, as well as specific procedures for submission, the evaluation process and proposal requirements.

Contracts can be categorized into two basic types: fixed-price and cost-reimbursement.

Fixed-price contracts place upon the contractor the responsibility for costs and the risk of incurring a loss, and may be a firm fixed price that does not permit any adjustment on the basis of the contractor's cost experienced in performing the contract.

They are used in all sealed-bid procurements, as well as many negotiated procurements, and have variations that include provisions for economic price adjustments for adjusting price based on performance, and for adjusting the price after a specified initial period of deliveries or performance.

Cost-reimbursement contracts provide for payment of allowable incurred costs to the extent prescribed in the contract and establish a ceiling price above which a contractor may not exceed (except at her own risk) without the approval of the contracting officer.

Cost-reimbursement contracts also have variations that include incentive provisions and provisions for the contractor sharing the cost. (Cost-sharing contracts are used in research contracts that have commercial applicability.)

Other contracts that do not fit neatly into the two main types include time and material (T&M) contracts, and labor hour contracts, where the price for hourly wages are fixed but the hours are not (they are estimated); and letter contracts, which are preliminary contractual instruments used to authorize a contractor to begin work on an urgent requirement.

Besides specific instructions and descriptions, government contracts include many required clauses. The substance of these clauses will vary, depending on the product or service under contract and depending on the type of contract. There may also be "special" clauses for specific contracting situations. Both required and optional clauses are published. Contract clauses prescribed by the FAR may be incorporated in the contract by reference.

Selling to the federal government is, in some ways, similar to selling to the private sector. While federal procurement procedures may have a different set of rules and regulations, many of the same marketing techniques and strategies you already employ may work here. Use your common business sense. Some tips:

• Get to know the agency and understand the context in which your product or service could be used.
• Obtain available information on past awards, quantities, costs and awarders.
• Become known to potential purchasers.

Before going forward, take a moment to think about your company’s product and services. Take a close look at your company and consider what the government will look for when considering your company for a contract award. Financial status, staff capabilities and track record are all of interest to the government. There are also many ways to give your company a competitive edge. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Government contracting officers attend these events in all areas of the country. Tradeshow exhibits present a personalized image of a business and are a creative and relatively inexpensive way to display your capabilities to a large audience of prospective customers. Attending business conferences gives visibility to your company's name, products and services.

Your company will be able to present a "cutting-edge" image of its product/service line if your staff members are aware of the latest activities in their skill areas. You will often find ideas for improving your marketing techniques through these publications. You might even want to submit an article or report to one of them about a special experience of your company. These publications are another source government agencies use in finding purchasing sources or commodities they might want to buy.

Not only a way of making contacts, these groups can also provide opportunities for staff members to informally advertise some of the unique qualities of your company. Through their personal involvement in the group's activities, they give visibility to the company. Federal agency purchasing officers regularly go over the membership lists of such associations and organizations in looking for procurement sources.

This publication includes a comprehensive list of agency resources (see Appendix 2). Use them! These offices can give you guidance on programs, publications and workshops in your area on any subject from accounting to marketing.

At first, government procurement procedures and terminology may perplex you. Recognize that familiarity with standard terms will help you communicate more effectively with contracting officers and may improve your chances for award of a contract. This publication contains an extensive bibliography of government procurement publications, many of which are available free.

By reading some of these, you may find yourself one step ahead of the competition.

Subcontracting or teaming with a prime contractor can be a profitable experience as well as a growth opportunity for your business. If, after assessing the capabilities and capacity of your business, you conclude that you are not ready to bid competitively for prime contracts, consider the opportunities available through subcontracting. The experience gained from performing as a subcontractor can assist you in responding to solicitations as a prime contractor. Subcontracting, however, should not be viewed only as an opportunity for less-experienced business, but also as a vehicle to enhance your qualifications to become more competitive to perform as a prime contractor.

Over the years, several laws have been passed regarding subcontracting to small business, including Section 8(d) of the Small Business Act, Public Law 95-507, Public Law 103-355, and FAR 19.702. These laws require prime contractors having contracts that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold to provide maximum practicable subcontracting opportunities to small businesses, HUBZone small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned small businesses. The clause "Utilization of Small Business Concerns," must be included in all federal contracts exceeding this threshold.

These laws, among other things, require that:

• on contracts more than $500,000 (or $1,000,000 for construction of a public facility) large contractors and subcontractors submit subcontracting plans containing specific percentage goals for small businesses, HUBZone small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned small businesses.
• subcontracting plans contain a description of the methods and efforts used to assure that small business enterprises have an equitable opportunity to compete for subcontracts.
• subcontracting plans be submitted by contractors for review prior to the award of any contract; failure to comply in good faith with its approved plan may subject the contractor to liquidated damages or termination for default.

The requirement to submit a subcontracting plan does not apply to:

• small businesses,
• contracts under the prescribed dollar amounts,
• prime contracts not offering subcontracting possibilities, or
• contracts to be performed entirely outside the United States.

As a small business engaged in subcontracting, be sure you understand the terms and conditions of your contract with the prime contractor before agreeing to serve as a subcontractor. Ask:

• How and when will I receive compensation from the prime contractor?
• How much can I rely on the prime contractor for special tools, engineering advice, information on manufacturing methods, etc.?
• How will quality control and inspection procedures be applied to my subcontract?

P.L. 95-507 (section 8(d) of the Small Business Act )

Prior to the enactment of this law, prime contractors were to use their best efforts to "voluntarily" subcontract with small firms. P.L. 95-507 changed the emphasis from voluntary to mandatory and from best efforts to "maximum practicable opportunity."

Today, all federal contracts over $10,000 must contain a clause entitled "Utilization of Small, Small Disadvantaged, and Women-Owned Small Business Concerns."

The law, among other things, requires that:

• on contracts of over $500,000 ($1,000,000 for construction of a public facility), large contractors and subcontractors submit a subcontracting plan containing percentage goals letting subcontracts to small, small disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.
• large contractors and subcontractors describe the efforts they will make to assure that such businesses have an equitable opportunity to compete for subcontracts.
• the Small Business Administration, in both formally advertised and negotiated contracts, review the subcontracting plan; failure of the large contractor or subcontractor to comply in good faith with its approved plan may subject the contractor to termination for default.

There are a number of programs that help women-owned businesses compete in the federal market. The SBA, Department of Commerce, etc., all offer assistance to women.

One of the major responsibilities of the SBA is to assist women-owned businesses in obtaining a fair share of the federal procurement dollar. There are several programs and organizations available to help.

• These SBA workshops offer help women-owned businesses to identify the products or services they may sell to the government, how and where to obtain government specifications for their products or services, and how to register on PRO-Netâ and the benefits to being registered.
• Contract opportunity meetings are held in SBA offices for representatives of small businesses to discuss purchasing needs and contracting opportunities with officials of government agencies and prime contract holders.
• SBA makes available a large body of publications on various aspects of selling to the federal government. (See Bibliography, Appendix 3.)

PCRs are stationed throughout the country at major military and civilian buying activities. They review contracting actions in order to increase the small business share of government contracts.

There are two types of PCRs – traditional and breakout. Traditional PCRs act to increase procurements set aside for small business. They also make 8(a) set-aside recommendations.

Breakout PCRs act as advocates for the breakout of items for purchase through full and open competition. They try to change procurements from sole source to open competition in order to effect savings for the federal government and to give other suppliers an opportunity to compete.

PCRs assist small businesses having problems with a federal agency, and they counsel small businesses on how to market their products/services to the federal government.

CMRs are located in field offices throughout the country. Their responsibilities include:

• assisting small businesses in discovering and expanding subcontracting opportunities with large contractors;
• working with large contractors to interpret subcontracting laws and regulations, including the formulation of subcontracting plans;
• conducting post-award evaluations of subcontracting plans; and
• conducting on-going subcontract compliance reviews to make sure that large contractors are implementing their subcontracting plans.

The SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program, named for a section of the Small Business Act, is a business development initiative that helps small disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy. As part of the business development of the 8(a) firms, SBA helps small disadvantaged businesses access the federal contracting marketplace. SBA fulfills this mission by providing marketing, managerial, technical, and procurement assistance to help eligible businesses achieve their full competitive potential. This assistance is provided through two principal programs: Business Development, and Management and Technical Assistance.

The 8(a) Program began June 11, 1942, under Public Law 603, with the Smaller War Plants Corporation. This corporation had broad authority to contract with the United States to furnish goods and services to the government and to arrange for the performance of these contracts by subcontracting to small businesses or others. The Defense Production Act amendments of 1951, Public Law 96, created the independent Small Defense Plants Administration. The Small Business Act of 1953 authorized SBA to enter into contracts with federal agencies and to subcontract the work to small businesses.

The 8(a) Program, today has evolved over the years from an employment/economic- development to a business development program. The 8(a) program was started as a result of Executive Orders issued by President Johnson and President Nixon in response to the 1967 Report of the Commission on Civil Disorders, commonly called the Kerner Commission. The finding that triggered the 8(a) effort was that disadvantaged individuals did not play an integral role in America's free-enterprise system, in that they enjoyed no appreciable ownership of small businesses and did not share in the community redevelopment process. The report recommended that steps be taken to increase the level of business ownership by minorities so that they would have a better opportunity to materially share in the competitive free enterprise system.

In 1969, SBA redesigned the program to provide federal contract support for small firms owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals. This use of the Section 8(a) authority was accomplished through SBA administrative regulations. The 8(a) Program grew to include, from 1970 to 1980, approximately 2,000 businesses. In passing P.L. 100-656, on November 15, 1988, Congress found that the 8(a) Program remained a primary tool for improving federal procurement opportunities for small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and for bringing them into the nation's economic mainstream. Currently, the 8(a) Program comprises approximately 6,000 businesses. It awards approximately $6 billion in 8(a) contracts annually.

Through award of sole-source and limited-competition contracts, SBA provides a logical, systematic approach to market access and enterprise growth to businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The program promotes competitive development over a nine-year period. Each participant’s progress is monitored and measured, and its developmental needs are identified through annual reviews of business plans.

Under Section 7(j) of the Small Business Act, SBA provides specialized training, professional consultant assistance, and high-level executive development. Assistance is provided to 8(a) Program participants, as well as to other small disadvantaged businesses, low-income entrepreneurs, and small businesses in labor-surplus areas or areas with a high proportion of low-income individuals.

The first step in seeking certification with the program is to contact the local SBA district office serving your area. An SBA representative will answer general questions over the telephone. Some district offices may also have 8(a) orientation workshops to provide additional information regarding the eligibility requirements and to review various SBA forms.

The applicant firm:

• must be a small business,
• must be unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) who are of good character and are citizens of the United States, and
• must demonstrate potential for success.

SBA defines a small business concern as one that is independently owned and operated, is organized for profit, and is not dominant in its field. Depending on the industry, size-standard eligibility is based on the average number of employees for the preceding 12 months or on sales volume averaged over a three-year period. Examples of SBA general size standards include the following:

• Manufacturing: Maximum number of employees may range from 500 to 1,500, depending on the type of product manufactured.
• Wholesaling: Maximum number of employees may range from 100 to 500 depending on the particular product being provided.
• Services: Annual receipts may not exceed $2.5 to $21.5 million, depending on the particular service being provided.
• Retailing: Annual receipts may not exceed $5 to $21 million, depending on the particular product being provided.
• General and Heavy Construction: General construction annual receipts may not exceed $13.5 to $17 million, depending on the type of construction.
• Special Trade Construction: Annual receipts may not exceed $7 million; and
• Agriculture: Annual receipts may not exceed $0.5 to $9. million, depending on the agricultural product.

To date, there are more than 1,000 (19 percent of total participants) women-owned small businesses in the 8(a) Program.

The HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program was created to provide federal contracting opportunities for certain qualified small business concerns located in distressed communities in an effort to promote private-sector investment and employment opportunities in these communities.

The program was created by Title VI of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997, Public Law 105-135, on December 2, 1997. On June 11, 1998, the final rule setting forth the program requirements for qualification as a HUBZone small business concern, federal contracting assistance, and other aspects of the program were published in the Federal Register. SBA started accepting HUBZone applications on March 22, 1999.

The target areas are historically underutilized business zones:

• qualified census tracts as designated by the Department of Housing & Urban Development for low income housing tax credit programs,
• qualified non-metropolitan counties in which either the median household income is less than 80 percent of the statewide non-metropolitan median household income as reported by the Bureau of Census,
• in which the unemployment rate is 140% or greater of the state unemployment rate as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
• lands within the external boundaries of an Indian reservation as defined by Bureau of Indian Affairs.

As of early 2001, PRO-Netâ reflects 121 approved HUBZone businesses, 25 (20.7 percent) are women-owned.

In the Adarand Contractors, Inc. vs. Pena case, the Supreme Court extended strict judicial scrutiny to federal affirmative-action programs that use racial or ethnic criteria as a basis for decision making. Under a standard of strict scrutiny, any federal program that makes race a basis for contract decision making must be narrowly tailored and serve a compelling government interest.

In response to the Department of Justice’s review of federal procurement affirmative-action programs and amendments to the Federal Acquisitions Regulations to implement a government wide Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Program, the SBA issued a final rule establishing the procedural framework for certifying firms as SDBs and for processing protests challenging the status of a firm claiming to be an SDB.

The SBA implemented the SDB Program in August 1998 to provide equity in contracting with small businesses, including those owned and controlled by individuals determined to be socially and economically disadvantaged. The program certifies small businesses that meet specific social, economic, ownership, and control eligibility criteria as SDBs. Benefits available under the program include price evaluation adjustments, source-selection evaluation factors, and monetary incentives.

Members of certain designated groups (Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans) are presumed to be socially disadvantaged.

Non-minority women, even though not one of the presumed disadvantaged groups, may still be considered socially disadvantaged. In such a case, a woman must present evidence to the SBA that she is, in fact, socially disadvantaged. The SBA will consider a woman to be socially disadvantaged if the preponderance of the evidence in her case indicates that she has been subjected to prejudicial treatment.

This means that she must present enough evidence for the SBA to conclude that it is more likely than not that she has suffered prejudicial treatment. She must show that the prejudice she suffered occurred on a number of occasions over a long period of time. In addition, the prejudice must be substantial in nature and must stem from circumstances beyond her control.

The Prequalification Loan Program was developed to promote the SBA's business loan programs to new markets. It also provides specialized support and assistance with the agency's loan application process. The program uses nonprofit organizations and intermediaries to assist prospective borrowers in developing a viable loan application package. That application can be submitted directly to the SBA for consideration of a loan prequalification. On approval, the intermediary can assist the applicant in locating a competitive lender. Loans under this program are limited to amounts of $250,000 or less.

SBA regional or field offices, through PRO-Netâ , identify small research-and-development firms to which government agencies and prime contractors may refer for contracting and subcontracting needs.

SBA personnel assist small businesses in sharing the benefits of R&D programs carried out by federal agencies under government contracts or at government expense. (See Small Business Innovation Research Program listed below.)

The Answer Desk is a toll-free information center that answers questions about starting or running a business and how to get assistance. A computerized telephone message system, the Answer Desk is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Answer Desk operators are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time. Call 1- (800) U-ASK-SBA.

This guarantee program is designed to assist a small business in need of bonding in order to obtain a government contract. SBA is authorized, for a fee, to guarantee a qualified surety company up to 90 percent of any losses incurred under bid, payment or performance bonds on contracts up to one million.

The small business applies through a surety agent who then submits financial and credit information and specific SBA forms to the surety company. The surety company submits all required documentation to SBA for final approval.

The Small Business Innovation Development Act directs that small firms receive a fixed annual percentage of research and development dollars from federal agencies with R&D budgets of $100 million or more.

The act requires the SBA to develop and implement the Small Business Innovation Research Program over a four-year period for civilian agencies and over a five-year period for the Department of Defense. Eleven agencies currently have SBIR programs. Each agency is responsible for making awards to small businesses the monitors and oversees the program (See Appendix 2).

The Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise was established in October 1994 to lead a coordinated government effort to ensure that women’s economic issues are addressed throughout the government. Composed of senior officials from federal agencies, the Committee reports directly to the President and Congress. The ICWBE works to expand women’s access to capital, open up federal markets to women-owned businesses, and expand the information available about programs and services for women-owned businesses.

The Council is the private-sector partner of the ICWBE. It acts as an advisory panel of the federal government and serves as an independent source of advice to the President, the Congress and the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise. It is composed entirely of women business owners and advocates representing entrepreneurship nationwide. Its mission is to promote policies and programs designed to encourage women's business ownership at all stages of development in the public and private sectors.

Each Federal Department and Agency has an Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization specialists. The specialists assist small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned businesses, and labor surplus-area businesses market their products and services to the federal government.

They also give information and guidance on federal procurement procedures, how to get on a bidder’s list, and where both prime and subcontracting opportunities exist. OSDBUs work with SBA, especially through PRO-Netâ , to find potential bidders from the small business community.

DOC’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) provides comprehensive business assistance to minority-owned small businesses.

The minority business development centers comprise a nationwide network for delivery of MBDA and other federal programs that assist minority businesses. Services include general business consulting, financial assistance, management and technical assistance with business start-ups or expansions, and assistance in obtaining contracts with government agencies (See Appendix 2).

Federal procurement conferences are sponsored primarily by members of Congress and coordinated by the DOC and the SBA. Business owners may meet federal procurement specialists and representatives of prime contracting firms. These specialists inform business owners about the federal procurement processes, government aids and services available to small businesses, and active opportunities to sell to federal agencies and prime contractors.

Information about these conferences may be obtained by contacting DOC's nearest office or the office of the sponsoring member of Congress. Announcements of federal procurement conferences are also found in the Commerce Business Daily.

One excellent marketing tool is the Federal Procurement Data Center, a part of the General Services Administration. It operates the Federal Procurement Data System is a convenient, consolidated source of federal buying information. Business owners may ask FPDC for a list of all federal contracts over $25,000 for the civilian agencies and for Department of Defense, awarded in a specific industry (only summary data is available below this amount). The request may cover a quarter or an entire year. The center can provide the user with 42 different pieces of information including:

• the name of the agency that contracted and the period covered
• the contract number
• the purchasing or contracting office
• the date of the award
• the principal place of performance
• the dollars obligated and
• the contractor, the method of procurement and other pertinent details.

Any business owner interested in knowing which federal agency or department bought what, when, how much and from whom may simply request such information from FPDC.

FPDC charges a minimal fee depending upon the volume of information sought.

The Department of Transportation has regulations to increase the participation of socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in its large financial-assistance programs for highways and mass transit.

The regulations carry out section 1101(b) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA-21) and provide that not less than 10 percent of authorized appropriations under the act be for contracts with socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses as defined by section 8(a) of the Small Business Act. The regulation continues the department's existing requirement of separate goals for women-owned businesses.

DOT does give women-owned businesses preferential treatment in that they are part of groups presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged. However, this preference only applies to contracts awarded by each recipient of DOT funds, primarily state and local transportation agencies under TEA-21. This legislation requires the states to certify women-owned businesses as they do socially and economically disadvantaged firms. Your state’s Department of Transportation can provide details on your state's certification process.

NASA has also defined women-owned businesses as socially and economically disadvantaged in the NASA Plan, which outlines its proposals to broaden the base of small businesses supporting its procurement actions. By Public Law 101-144, Congress tasked NASA with a goal of 8 percent of the total value of prime contracts and subcontracts to be awarded to socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, which include women-owned businesses.

In addition to obtaining general counseling on how to contract with NASA from the staff of its Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, women business owners can take advantage of short-term lending and bonding programs accessible through a national network of program management centers.

EPA has also defined women-owned businesses as socially and economically disadvantaged. The EPA Appropriation Act of 1991 (Public Law 101-507), states that the EPA Administrator, shall, to the fullest extent possible, ensure that at least 8 percent of Federal funding for prime and subcontracts awarded in support of authorized programs, including grants, loans and contracts for wastewater treatment and leaking underground storage tanks, be made available to socially and economically disadvantaged firms, including women-owned businesses.

Many federal agencies have established mentor-protégé programs to assist small businesses. Information about these programs can be obtained through agency web sites, as follows:

Each proposal is evaluated in detail before a contract is awarded. If your company was not awarded the contract, you may ask the contracting officer for a debriefing. This debriefing may be take place in person or by phone. You may ask the contracting officer which aspects of your proposal prevented your company from receiving the award and how you may improve in the future. Many women business owners have found this constructive criticism to be the key to successfully responding to future solicitations by the federal government.

A small business may not receive the federal government contract on which it bids even if it is the lowest bidder. A contracting officer who determines that that the small business lacks certain elements of responsibility, may propose to reject the bid. Elements of responsibility include, but are not limited to, competency, capability, capacity, credit, integrity, perseverance and tenacity.

The SBA is authorized by law to certify a small business with regard to any of these elements of responsibility. Consequently, if a contracting officer rejects or proposes to reject a bid of a responsive small business on any of the elements of responsibility, the case is referred to the SBA. The small business is notified of this decision by the SBA and given the opportunity to apply for a certificate of competency (COC).

The bidder must furnish SBA with data and documentation to establish responsibility. This may include items such as letters of credit, current financial status, supplies or vendor quotations (if applicable) and production plans (if applicable).

The SBA will review the firm's application and, if it grants the COC, it is binding on the contracting officer. A COC is valid only for the specific contract for which it is issued.

Bidders or offerors who object to what they consider to be an improper award to another contractor have the right to file a protest against the award with the contracting officer. The protest must have a basis and it must be specific and timely. Contractors may file an initial verbal protest, but it must be followed up in writing. The contracting officer will confirm, in writing, the telephone conversation with the protestor and advise her that she has a certain period of time, usually one week, to file the written complaint. Protests should generally be made before the contract award because, once made, the government rarely terminates a contract and issues a resolicitation. The needs of the government for the product or service usually prevail. The protestor is notified in writing of the final decision on her protest. In addition to filing a protest with a contracting officer, the bidder or offeror can protest to the General Accounting Office. These are strict rules that must be followed in order for the protest to be timely. If not adhered to, the protest will be dismissed automatically.

A protest to GAO is initiated by filing a complete written protest addressed to General Counsel, General Accounting Office, Washington, DC 20548, Attention: Procurement Law Control Group. A copy of the protest must be filed with the contracting officer or the individual or location identified for that purpose in a solicitation within one day after filing with GAO.

References:

• U.S. General Accounting Office, Bid Protests at GAO: A Descriptive Guide. (available from the U.S. General Accounting Office, Washington, DC 20548)
• The Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 14 (Formal Advertising), Paragraph 14.407.8. "Protests Against Award."
• The Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation), Paragraph 15.1003, "Protests Against Award."

Knowing what and how the government buys is essential if a woman business owner aimsis to be successful in government contracting. Don't think, however, that you can relax once you receive the good news that you have won a contract. Your work is just beginning. If you cannot perform according to the terms of the contract, the government will not get the product or service it needs and you may find yourself in financial difficulty as well.

The first thing to do is to read the proposed contract carefully before signing it. This may look like an imposing task, as some contracts may contain many pages, depending on the type of contract and complexity of what the government is buying. However, many contract terms and conditions are "boiler plate." Once you read and understand the terms, you will be familiar with them when they appear in your next contract.

One important feature of the contract is the identity of the office that will administer it. In most federal agencies this is usually the same office that awarded the contract. In the Department of Defense, however, the contract is generally assigned to a special administering office. If you have any questions about the contract, contact the office of administration. Do not proceed and find out much later that you are not in compliance.

While federal contracts are similar to commercial contracts, they are different in some very important ways. They contain or make reference to many general contract provisions unique to the government.

These provisions implement various statutory or regulatory requirements applicable solely to federal contracts Some of the important matters covered by these provisions are termination for default, termination for convenience, contract changes, payments; specifications, and inspection and testing. These matters are described in various parts of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. The SBA’s Office of Government Contracting can assist you understanding these FAR provisions.

Government contracts provide that the government may cancel (terminate) your contract if:

• you fail to make delivery within the time specified in the contract,
• you fail to make progress so as to endanger performance of the contract, and/or
• you fail to perform any provisions of the contract.

Before terminating a contract for default, the contracting officer must, however, give you an opportunity to remedy defects in your performance or show why your contract should not be terminated.

If your contract is terminated for default, you are entitled only to payment at the contract's price for items accepted by the government. If the government still needs the items that you failed to deliver, it has the right to procure the same items elsewhere and, if they cost more, charge the excess costs to you. This can be a very serious and costly matter.

If you can show that your failure to deliver or to make progress is excusable, your contract will not be terminated for default. To be excusable, a delay must be beyond your control and not caused by your fault or negligence. If your contract is terminated for default and you can prove that the government's action was improper, the termination will be treated as one for the "convenience of the government."

The government may unilaterally terminate all or part of a contract for its convenience. This type of termination does not arise from any fault on the part of the contractor. Termination for convenience protects the government's interests by allowing it to cancel contracts for products that become obsolete or unnecessary.

As with terminations for default, the government must give you written notice of termination for convenience, but is not required to give advance notice. The notice of termination will usually direct you to:

• stop work,
• terminate subcontracts,
• place no further orders,
• communicate similar instructions to subcontractors and suppliers, and
• prepare a termination settlement claim.

If you fail to follow these directions, you do so at your own risk and expense. You should also receive detailed instructions as to the protection and preservation of all property that is or may become government-owned.

After termination for convenience, the government will make a settlement with you to compensate you fully and fairly for the work you have done and any preparation made for the terminated portion of the contract. A reasonable allowance for profit is also included.

Because the government's needs change from time to time, government contracts contain a clause authorizing the contracting officer to unilaterally order changes in the specifications and other contract terms. The changes must be "within the general scope of the contract." The contractor is obliged to perform the contract as unilaterally changed by the contracting officer. A change is within the scope of the contract if it can be regarded as within the contemplation of the parties at the time the contract was entered into. The government cannot use a change order to change the general nature of the contract. The contractor is entitled to an equitable adjustment in price and delivery schedule if changes are ordered.

The obligation to make prompt payments for products delivered or services rendered is, generally speaking, the primary obligation of the government on a procurement contract. Payment is, naturally, of utmost importance to the small business. Your contract will specify the government office responsible for payment and will contain invoicing instructions. The more accurate your invoices, the more quickly you will be paid, so it is important to understand the payment process thoroughly. Prompt payment on all contracts serves the best interest of both the contractor and the government. Under certain circumstances if the government does not accomplish prompt payment, you can submit a request for interest payments. (Reference: Public Law 97-177, Prompt Payment Act.)

Under fixed-price contracts, the method of payment can vary with the dollar value of the contract. For relatively small contracts with a single item of work, you will generally be paid the total contract price in one lump sum. Payment is made after the government accepts delivery. For larger contracts with many items, you can invoice and receive partial payments. For example, in a contract for 120 units with a delivery rate of 10 per month, you can invoice each month for the price of delivered (and accepted) items.

Larger fixed-price contracts and subcontracts where the first delivery is several months after award may contain a clause permitting you to receive progress payments based upon costs incurred as work progresses.

Because progress payments are based on work that is not completed, you must repay them if you fail to complete the work. To protect its interest, the government takes title to your work-in-process for which progress payments have been made. To qualify for progress payments, you must have an accounting system that can accurately identify and segregate contract costs.

The federal government has exact specifications for most of the products and services it buys on a regular basis. In all likelihood, your contract will contain such precise specifications. In fact, the specifications -- which describe the government's requirements -- were contained in the invitation for bids or request for proposals on which you based your bid or proposal.

Once an award is made to your company, you are contractually bound to deliver the product or service described in the specifications. Sometimes, the basic specifications will make reference to and incorporate other federal specifications. You are, of course, bound by the terms of these specifications as well as the basic specifications. Failure to deliver a product meeting these terms may result in termination of your contract by default.

Accordingly, as mentioned previously, never bid on a contract unless you have read and understood all of the specifications. Also, read the specifications again before you start work under the contract.

Government contracts provide that the government may inspect and test the items you deliver to determine if they conform to contract requirements and specifications. The government will not accept a contractor's product unless it passes inspection. The type and extent of inspection and testing depend largely on what is being procured.

In addition to knowing the item you are manufacturing or the service you are providing, you should have a working knowledge of government contracting procedures, some of which are explained in this publication. You should also be aware of the following:

• As you have learned, the government conducts its business through authorized agents called contracting officers. Only a contracting officer has authority to bind the government, unless you are otherwise advised in writing. However, even contracting officers have limits on their authority, so do not hesitate to make sure of the authority of the person with whom you are dealing.
• Government procurement has historically been used as a vehicle for advancing various national, social and economic objectives. As a government contractor, you will be required to comply with the labor standards statutes (Service Contract Act, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, etc.) and other statutes advancing national socio-economic objectives, except for certain contracts where such legislation is specifically stated as non-applicable.
• You should become familiar with the contract provisions protecting the integrity of the government procurement process. These provisions include the "officials not to benefit" clause, the "anti-kickback" provisions, the "gratuities" clause, etc.
• Disputes between you and the contracting officer may occur under the contract. Federal contracts contain a clause setting forth procedures to resolve disputes. If the contracting officer issues a decision that is not satisfactory to you, you must make a timely appeal or the decision becomes final. Appeals are heard by the Board of Contracts Appeal.
• Do not attempt to build something bigger, better or different than called for by the contract. If you do, it may be too big or too heavy or may not fit and the government will not accept it. Simply comply with the contract terms, particularly the specifications.
• If your contract requires production, establish a production control schedule to assure that you will have the right materials in-house at the right time to meet delivery requirements. Make sure to place any subcontracts promptly and schedule delivery of subcontracted items carefully to avoid over-or-under stocking. If it appears you will not meet your schedule, notify the administration office immediately to obtain assistance. Failure to deliver on time gives the government the right to cancel your contract, with possibly disastrous results to you.
• One of the first things that must be done by a small business is to market to the Federal government. The best ways to start include registering on SBA’s PRO-Net database, and contracting the agency’s office of small and disadvantaged business utilization (OSDBU).
• Being e-commerce savvy is very important in doing business with the federal government. For example, if you want to do business with the Department of Defense, you must be able to invoice and receive payments electronically. Therefore, small business owners interested in doing business with the federal government should master electronic commerce.

There are SBA Field Offices located throughout the United States. To locate the SBA Office nearest you, look in your telephone directory, or call the SBA Answer Desk at 1-800 U- ASK-SBA.

The SBA Offices of Government Contracting and Disaster have specialized area offices across the country.

Area 1: CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT
10 Causeway Street
Room 265
Boston, MA 02222-1093
Telephone: (617) 565-5622
FAX (617) 565-5598

Area 2: DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV
475 Allendale Road
Suite 201
King of Prussia, PA 19405
Telephone: (610) 962-3706
FAX (610) 962-3743

Area 3: AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN
1720 Peachtree Road NW
Room 318N
Atlanta, GA 30309
Telephone: (404) 347-4483
FAX (404) 347-2956

Area 4: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MD, NB, OH, WI
500 W. Madison Street
Suite 1250
Chicago, IL 60661-2511

Telephone: (312) 353-7381
FAX (312) 353-1160

Area 5: AR, CO, LA, NM, TX, OK
8625 King George Drive
Building C
Dallas, TX 75235-3391
Telephone: (214) 655-2008
FAX (214) 655-2027

Area 6: AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA
455 Market Street
6^th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: (415) 744-6820
FAX (415) 744-0314

Area I:
360 Rainbow Blvd. S.
3rd Floor
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone: (716) 282-4612
FAX (716) 282-1472
TDD (716) 282-0508

Area 2:
One Baltimore Place, N.E.
Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30308
Telephone: (404) 347-3771
FAX (404) 347-3813
TDD (404) 347-3751

Area 3:
4400 Amon Carter Boulevard
Suite 102
Ft. Worth, TX 76155
Telephone: (817) 885-7600
FAX (817) 885-7616
TDD (817) 267-4688

Area 4:
1825 Bell Street
Suite 208
Sacramento, CA 95825
Mail Address:
P.O. Box 13795
Sacramento, CA 95853-4795
Telephone: (916) 566-7246
FAX (916) 566-7280
TDD (916) 566-7388

Send mail to the U.S. General Services Administration at the appropriate address from the following list:

District of Columbia; nearby Maryland and Virginia
Business Service Center (WCA4)
Program Support Division
7th & D Streets, SW, Room 1050
Washington, DC 20407
Tel: (202) 708-5804
Fax: (202) 205-2872

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Business Service Center (1AB)
T.P. O’Neill, Jr. Federal Building
10 Causeway Street, Room 290
Boston, MA 02222
Tel: (617) 565-8100
Fax: (617) 565-8101

New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Program Support Division (2AR)
Business Services, Room 18-130
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
Tel: (212) 264-1234
Fax: (212) 264-2760

Delaware, Maryland & Virginia (except District of Columbia metropolitan area), Pennsylvania, West Virginia
Program Support Division (3ADS)
Wanamaker Building
100 Penn Square East, Room 808
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tel: (215) 656-5525
Fax: (215) 656-6404

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
Office of Enterprise Development (4E)
401 West Peachtree Street, Rm. 2832
Atlanta, GA 30365-2550
Tel: (404) 331-5103
Fax: (404) 331-1813

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
Office of Enterprise Development (6ADB)
230 South Dearborn Street, Room 3714
Chicago, IL 60604
Tel: (312) 353-5383
Fax: (312) 353-5385

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
Office of Enterprise Development (6ADB)
1500 E. Bannister Road, Room 160
Kansas City, MO 64131
Tel: (816) 926-7203
Fax: (816) 823-1167

Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma
Business Service Center (7ADB)
819 Taylor Street, Room 11A09
Forth Worth, TX 76102
Tel: (817) 334-3284
Fax: (817) 334-4867

Colorado, Montana, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Business Service Center (8PB-B)
Denver Federal Center
Building 41 Room 145
P.O. Box 25006
Denver, CO 80225
Tel: (303) 236-7408
Fax: (303) 236-7403

Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada
Office of Enterprise Development (9ADB)
450 Golden Gate Avenue
5th Floor, Room 6514
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel: (415) 522-2700
Fax: (415) 522-2705

Satellite Office
Office of Enterprise Development
(9ADB-L)
300 N. Los Angeles Street, Room 3259
Los Angeles, CA 94107
Tel: (213) 894-3210
Fax: (213) 894-3473

Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
Office of Enterprise Development (10AB)
400 15th Street, SW
Auburn, WA 98001-6599
Tel: (206) 931-7965
Fax: (206) 894-488

Have you ever tried to find an answer to a simple question about the federal government and ended up on a merry-go-round of referrals? Or have you ever had a question about the federal government that was so difficult that you didn’t know where to begin?

The Federal Information Center has specially selected and trained staff who can answer your questions or direct you to the appropriate person.

Simply dial toll-free 1-800-688-9889. Users of Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD/TTY) may call toll-free from anywhere in the United States by dialing 1-800-326-2996.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency funds Business Development Centers nationwide to assist with the start-up, expansion and acquisition of competitive minority-owned firms offering quality goods and services. Minority Business Development Centers, Native American Business Development Centers, Business Resource Centers and Minority Business Opportunity Committees known as MBDCs, NABDCs, BRCs and MBOCs—provide business assistance for bonding, bidding, estimating, financing, procurement, international trade, franchising, acquisitions mergers and joint ventures to increase opportunities in domestic and international markets for minority entrepreneurs. Individuals eligible for the centers’ business assistance are Hispanics, Asians, Native and African-Americans, Aleuts, Eskimos and Hasidic Jews.

The MBDA-funded centers are operated by private firms, non-profit organizations, state and local government agencies, Native American tribes and educational institutions. The centers provide accounting, administration, business planning, construction and marketing information. They also identify minority-owned firms for contract and subcontract opportunities with federal, state and local government agencies and the private sector. The centers identify both private and public-sector sources of financing for minority-owned firms and assist with the preparation of financial documents and plans for submission to lenders.

MBDA’s Regional and District Offices oversee the centers’ business assistance services to minority entrepreneurs—including youth entrepreneurship training and mentoring – in five multi-state regions.

MBDA MIAMI Regional Center
51 SW 1st Avenue
Suite 928
Miami, FL 33130
Telephone: (305) 536-5054
Rsuarez@mbda.gov

MBDA DALLAS Regional Center
http://www.mbda.gov/MBDA_agency/Dallas/Dallas_RO.html
1100 Commerce Street
Suite 7B23
Dallas, TX 75242
Telephone: (214) 767-8001
Jiglehart@mbda.gov

MBDA New York Regional Center
http://www.mbda.gov/MBDA_agency/New_York/NewYork_RO.html
26 Federal Plaza
Room 3720
New York, NY 10278
Telephone: (212) 264-3262
Hdavenport@mbda.gov

MBDA BOSTON Regional Center
10 Causeway Street
Room 418
Boston, MA 02222
Telephone: (617) 565-6850
Rkschwartz@mbda.gov

MBDA PHILADELPHIA
Regional Center
600 Arch Street, Room 10128
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: (215) 597-9236
Ajackson@mbda.gov

MBDA San Francisco
http://www.mbda.gov/MBDA_agency/San_Fco/SanFrancisco_RO.html
Regional Center
221 Main Street
Room 1280
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: (415) 744-3001
Mcabrera@mbda.gov

MBDA LOS ANGELES Regional Center
http://www.mbda.gov/images/table/table_bottom.gif
355 S. Grand Avenue
Suite 1150
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Telephone: (213) 613-1300
Rguerra@mbda.gov

Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov/da/smallbus.html
14th and Independence Ave., S.W., Room 1323, South Bldg.
Washington, DC 20250
Telephone: (202) 720-7117
FAX (202) 720-3001

Department of Commerce
http://www.osec.doc.gov/osdbu
14th and Constitution Ave., N.W., Room H-6411
Washington, DC 20230
Telephone: (202) 482-1472
FAX (202) 482-0501

Department of Defense
http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu
Office of the Director for Small Business Programs
3061 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-3061
Telephone: (703) 588-8618
FAX (703) 693-588-7551

Department of the Air Force
http://selltoairforce.org/
Office of the Secretary of the Air Force
The Pentagon - Room 5E271
Washington, DC 20330-1060
Telephone: (703) 697-1950
FAX (703) 614-9266

Department of the Army
http://www.hqda.army.mil/osd_directive.html
Office of the Secretary of the Army
The Pentagon - Room 2A712
Washington, DC 20310-0106
Telephone: (703) 697-7753
FAX (703) 693-3898

Department of the Navy
http://www.hq.navy.mil/sadbu
Office of the Secretary of the Navy
2211 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA 22244-5102
Telephone: (703) 602-2700
FAX (703) 602-2477

Defense Logistics Agency
http://www.dla.mil/ddas
8725 John J. Kingman Rd.
Attn: DDAS
Suite 2533
Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060-6221
Telephone: (703) 767-1650
FAX (703) 767-1670

Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov/offices/ODS
600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 3120-FOB-3
Washington, DC 20202-0521
Telephone: (202) 708-9820
FAX (202) 401-6477

Department of Energy
http://www.hr.doe.gov/ed/osdbu.htm
1000 Independence Avenue, SW,
Room ED-3
Washington, DC 20585
Telephone: (202) 586-7377
FAX (202) 586-5488

Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.os.dhhs.gov/
200 Independence Ave., S.W., Room 517D, Humphrey Building
Washington, DC 20201
Telephone: (202) 690-7300
FAX (202) 690-8772

Department of Housing and Urban Development
http://www.hud.gov/osdbu/osdbu.html
451 7th Street, S.W., Room 3130
Washington, DC 20410
Telephone: (202) 708-1428
FAX (202) 708-7642

Department of the Interior
http://www.doi.gov/osdbu
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 2727
Washington, DC 20240
Telephone: (202) 208-3493
FAX (202) 208-5048

Department of Justice
http://www.usdoj.gov/jmd/osdbu
National Place, Room 1010
Washington, DC 20530
Telephone: (202) 616-0521
FAX (202) 616-1717

Department of Labor
http://www.dol.gov/dol/osbp
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room C-2318
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone: (202) 219-9148
FAX (202) 219-9167

Department of State
http://www.statebuy.gov/osdbu1.htm
OSDBU, Room 633, State Annex 6
Washington, DC 20522-0602
Telephone: (703) 875-6824
FAX (703) 875-6825

Department of Transportation
http://osdbuweb.dot.gov/
400 7th Street, S.W., Room 9414
Washington, DC 20590
Telephone: (202) 366-1930
FAX (202) 366-7228

Department of the Treasury
http://www.treas.gov/sba
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
Attn: 1310 G/400 West
Washington, DC 20220
Telephone: (202) 622-0530
FAX (202) 622-2273

Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.va.gov/osdbu
810 Vermont Avenue, N.W. (00SB)
Washington, DC 20420
Telephone: (202) 565-8127
FAX (202) 565-8156

General Services Administration
http://www.gsa.gov/oed
18^th & F Street, NW, Room 6069
Washington, DC 20405
Telephone: (202) 501-1021
FAX (202) 208-5938

Commerce Business Daily, published by the Department of Commerce. A synopsis of U.S. government proposed government sales and contract awards. Issued daily, Monday-Friday. Subscription price: Domestic $275.00 a year; $324.00 a year (first class). GPO 703-013-00000-7. Available online free of charge at http://cbdnet.gpo.gov

• Acquisition Reform Network (ARNet) – http://www.arnet.gov
• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

• Commerce Business Daily – http://cbdnet.gpo.gov/
• FedWorld - a comprehensive indexing of government resources on the Internet – http://www.fedworld.gov
• Federal Acquisition and Procurement Opportunities – http://www-far.npr.gov/AcqOpp/AcqOpp.html
• Federal Acquisition Jumpstation – http://nais.nasa.gov/fedproc/home.html
• Federal Acquisition Virtual Library – http://www.arnet.gov/Reference/References.html
• Federal Register Online – http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html
• Office of Governmentwide Policy – http://www.policyworks.gov
• Stat-USA integrates different federal data sources into one site – http://www.stat-usa.gov
• U.S. Business Advisor - Gateway to the federal government – http://www.business.gov

• White House – http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/Welcome.html
• Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) – http://www.arnet.gov/References/References.html#OFPP
• Procurement Reference Library – http://procure.msfc.nasa.gov/procref.html

• Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) – http://www.usda.gov/da/smallbus/sbonline.html
• USDA Procurement – http://www.usda.gov/da/procure.html

• OSDBU – http://www.doc.gov/osdbu
• Commerce Acquisition Community Home Page – http://www.netsite.esa.doc.gov/oam/

• http:// www.mbda.gov

• Central Contractor Registration (CCR)

• DoD OSDBU – http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu
• Defense Acquisition University – http://www.acq.osd.mil/dau
• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Solicitations, BAA’s, RFP’s) – http://www.csto.arpa.mil/Solicitations.html
• Defense Technical Information Center (pre-award procurement planning updates and links to current military solicitations) – http://www.dtic.dla.mil/c3i/c3ibusop.html
• Defense Technical Information Center Acquisition Information Home Page – http://www.dtic.dla.mil/hovlane/
• Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization National Capital Region – http://www.disa.mil/line/ncrco.html
• Army, Navy, Air Force Acquisition Reform Nets – http://www.acq.osd.mil/ar/
• Air Force OSDBU – http://www.safsb.hq.af.mil/index.html
• Air Force Acquisition Home Page – http://www.safaq.hq.af.mil/
• Air Force Contracting Home Page – http://www.safaq.hg.af.mil/contracting/
• Army Acquisition Corps Home Page – http://www.sarda.army.mil/dacm/
• National Imagery and Mapping Agency OSDBU – http://www.nima.mil/poc/small_bus.html
• National Imagery and Mapping Agency Procurement and Contracts Directorate – http://164.214.2.59/poc/contracts/contracts.html
• Navy ASN RD&A Acquisition & Business Management Home Page – http://www.abm.rda.hq.navy.mil/
• Navy Acquisition Reform – http://www.acq-ref.navy.mil
• Navy Marketing Information Service – http://38.242.41.5/marketing/

• Grants and Contracts Information – http://gcs.ed.gov/

• OSDBU

Business Communications Center – http://www.pr.doe.gov/prbus.html

• DOE Office of Procurement and Assistance Management – http://www.pr.doe.gov/default.htm
• DOE-Wide Information Management Acquisition Program (DIMAP) – http://www-it.hr.doe.gov/dimap/
• DOE Field and Contractor Home Pages and Doing Business Pages – http://www.pr.doe.gov/prpages.html

• OSDBU – http://www.hhs.gov/progorg/oam/osdbu/
• Office of Acquisition Management – http://www.hhs.gov/progorg/oam/
• NIH - Chief Information Officers Solutions and Partners (CIO-SP) – http://www.nci.nih.gov/admin/misb/ciosp.htm

• OSDBU – http://www.hud.gov/cts/ctssmbus.html
• HUD Contracting – http://www.hud.gov/cts/ctshome.html

• OSDBU – http://www.doi.gov/osdbu/
• Acquisition, Financial Assistance, and Property Management Home Page – http://www.ios.doi.gov/pam/pamhome.html
• Bureau and Office Acquisition Home Pages – http://www.ios.doi.gov/pam/acqsites.html

• OSDBU – http://www.usdoj.gov/jmd/pss/home/osd.htm
• DOJ Acquisition Home Page – http://www.usdoj.gov/jmd/pss/acquistn.htm

• OSDBU – http://www.dol.gov/dol/osbp
• Grant and Contract Information – http://dol.gov/cgi-bin/consolid.pl?grants
• Bureau of Labor Statistics – http://stats.bls.gov

• OSDBU – http://www.statebuy.inter.net/osdbu1.htm
• Office of the Procurement Executive Acquisition Home Page – http://www.statebuy.inter.net/home.htm
• Contracting Opportunities and Related Information – http://www.state.gov/www/about_state/admin.html
• Business Opportunities – Solicitations – http://www.statebuy.inter.net/busnsops.htm

• OSDBU – http://osdbuweb.dot.gov/main.html-ssi
• Acquisition and Grant Management Home Page – http://www.dot.gov/ost/m60/index.html
• FAA Tech Center Bid Solicitations – http://www.tc.faa.gov/its/contracts/index.html
• Doing Business with the Department of Transportation – http://www.dot.gov/business.htm
• Procurement Offices – http://www.dot.gov/business/dotlinks.htm

• OSDBU – http://www.ustreas.gov/sba/
• Financial Management Service Procurement Opportunities –http://www.fms.treas.gov/procure.html
• Bureau of Engraving and Printing Office of Procurement – http://www.ustreas.gov/treasury/bureaus/bep/proc/proc1.html
• Customs Service ProcureNET – http://www.customs.treas.gov/carercnt/contract/procure.htm

• OSDBU – http://www.va.gov/osdbu
• FY 1998 Business Opportunities Forecast – http://www.va.gov/osdbu
• VA Acquisition Home Page – http://www.va.gov/oa&mm/
• Current Business opportunities with the Department. of Veterans Affairs –
  http://www.va.gov/oa&mm/busopp.htm
• VA Information Resource Management Program – http://www.va.gov/oirm/program/index.htm

• Doing Business with EPA – http://www.epa.gov/oam/
• EPA Acquisition Policy Information (active contracts) – http://www.epa.gov/oam/ptod/index.htm
• Headquarters Procurement Operations Division - http://www.epa.gov/oam/hpod/
• Superfund/RCRA Procurement Operations Division - http://www.epa.gov/oam/srpod/

• Doing Business with GSA – http://www.gsa.gov/pubs/dbgsa.htm
• Federal Acquisition Institute – http://www.gsa.gov/staff/v/training.htm
• Federal Supply Service (including schedules) – http://www.fss.gsa.gov/

• NASA OSDBU – http://www.nasa.gov/office/codek
• NASA Office of Procurement – http://www.nasa.gov/office/procurement/
• Links to NASA's Business Opportunities by Center – http://procure.msfc.nasa.gov/midrange/link_syp.html

• U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business – http://www.senate.gov/sbc/
• U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business – http://www.house.gov/smbiz
• Thomas - U.S. Library of Congress Legislative Research – http://www.loc.gov
• US Government Printing Office Procurement Services – http://www.access.gpo.gov/procurement/index.html

• U.S. Postal Service Home Page – http://www.usps.gov
• Selling to the US Postal Service – http://www.usps.gov/business/

• SBA Home Page - http://www.sba.gov/
• SBA "Jumpstation" – http://www.sba.gov/library/listingsroom.html

• Federal Prison Industries - http://www.unicor.gov
• National Industries for the Blind - http://www.nib.org
• National Industries for the - http://www.nish.org
• Federal Supply Schedules (GSA Advantage) – http://www.fss.gsa.gov/cgi-bin/advwel

• Air Force FARSite Contracting Laboratory (searchable FAR) – http://farsite.hill.af.mil
• Central Contractor Registration (DoD vendor registration database) – http://ccr.edi.disa.mil/ccragent/plsql/ccr.welcome
• CBD Online – http://cbdnet.access.gpo.gov
• Commercial Advocates Forum (Government market research site) – http://www.cadv.org
• Companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable sureties on Federal bonds and as acceptable reinsuring companies (Dept. of Treasury) - www.fms.treas.gov//c570/index.html
• Contract Pricing Reference Guides (General Services Administration) - www.gsa.gov/staff/v/guides/instructions.htm
• Davis-Bacon and Related Acts – http://www.dol.gov/dol/esa/public/programs/dbra/index.html
• EDGAR ( Securities and Exchange Commission filings of information by public companies – http://www.sec.gov/edaux/wedgar.htm
• Federal Acquisition Circulars (Looseleaf Version) - http://www.arnet.gov/far/fac.html
• Federal Acquisition Jumpstation (links to Procurement Reference Library; Procurement and Acquisition Sites by Contracting Activity) – http://nais.nasa.gov/fedproc/home.html
• Federal Acquisition Regulations – http://www.arnet.gov/far/
• Federal Acquisition System for Technology – http://www.gsa.gov/iti/fast/
• Federal Computer Acquisition Center (client services for information technology) – http://gsa.gov/fedcac
• Federal Procurement Data System (statistical data on contract awards) – www.fpds.gsa.gov
• Federal Supply Schedules (information on GSA online schedules) – www.pub.fss.gsa.gov/fcoc/sched.htm
• Federal Supply Service Codes – http://www.ecrc.uofs.edu/fsc-codes/fsc.html
• GSA Advantage (GSA online catalog) – http://www.fss.gsa.gov/cgi-bin/advwel
• GSA Board of Contract Appeals Cases: Appeals, Travel Cases, Rate Cases, Relocation Cases, Oct. 1996 to present - search (GSA) - www.gsbca.gsa.gov/currcase.htm
• i-Mart (links to multiple market research sites and embedded market research tutorial) – http://www.imart.org
• List of Metropolitan Areas (U.S. Census Bureau – useful in doing PRO-Netâ searches) - http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metrodef.html
• List of Parties Excluded From Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs – http://www.arnet.gov/epls
• List of 8(a) Companies – http://www.sba.gov/med/8a/list/
• Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars – http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/OMB/html/circular.html
• Phoenix (database of minority-owned businesses) - http://www.mbda.gov/Phoenix/register_phoenix.html
• PRO-Net â (database of small businesses) – http://pronet.sba.gov
• SBA Home Page – http://www.sba.gov
• SBA Internet Business Cards (posted by businesses world-wide) – http://www.sba.gov/buscard/
• SBA "Jumpstation" – http://www.sba.gov/library/listingsroom.html
• Service Contract Act Occupations Directory – http://www.dol.gov/dol/esa/public/regs/compliance/whd/wage/main.htm
• Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes – http://www.osha.gov/oshastats/sicser.html
• Size Standards – http://www.arnet.gov/far/current/97-04/html/19.html
• Thomas - U.S. Library of Congress Legislative Research – http://www.loc.gov
• United States Code - http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/
• Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations (VAAR online) – http://www.va.gov/oa&mm/vaar/

• Aerospace Industries Association of America (links to its membership) – http://www.access.digex.net/~aia/members.html
• American Institute of Architects (searchable database of building product manufacturers) – http://www.aia.org
• PurchasingGuide.com (sophisticated search engine to help commercial buyers locate suppliers – http://www.purchasingguide.com
• Big Yellow (omnibus yellow pages site maintained by Bell Atlantic) – http://www1.bigyellow.com
• BizWeb (listings for 22.000 companies in 187 categories) – http://www.bizweb.com
• Geocities ( market research web site) – http://www.geocities.com
• Hoover’s Online (10,000 free company profiles) – http://www.hoovers.com
• National Defense Industrial Association (provides a search and link capability to its membership) – http://www.access.digex.net/~aia/members.html
• Thomas Register (listings for 520,000 products and services; 148,000 companies [requires free registration]) – http://www.thomasregister.com
• Thomas Regional Electronic Network Directory (TREND - listings for 4,500 products; 400,000 suppliers) – http://www.trendonline.com
• Vivamus Concepts, Inc. (commercial site with embedded market research tutorial) – http://www.vivamus.com/index.html
• Top Ten (links to wide variety of market information) – http://www.vivamus.com/topten.html

• Computer Society – http://www.computer.org/
• Dow-Jones – http://www.dowjones.com
• Dun & Bradstreet – http://www.dnbcorp.com
• Electric Library – http://www.elibrary.com
• Electronic Newsstand – http://www.enews.com
• Farcast – http://www.farcast.com
• Federal Computer Week – http://www.fcw.com
• Frost & Sullivan – http://www.frost.com/pr/links/
• Government Computer News – http://www.gcn.com
• Internet Public Library – http://www.ipl.org/
• Lexis-Nexis – http://www.lexis-nexis.com
• Los Angeles Times – http://www.latimes.com
• Moody’s – http://www.moodys.com
• Pathfinder – http://www.pathfinder.com
• PAWWS – http://www.pawws.com
• Reuter’s – http://www.reuters.com
• SIRS – http://www.sirs.com
• Standard & Poor’s – http://www.ratings.standardpoor.com
• Switchboard Incorporated – http://www.switchboard.com
• Wall Street Journal – http://www.wsj.com
• Washington Post – http://www.washingtonpost.com
• World Bank of Licensable Technology – http://www.wblt.org/
• Washington Researchers Publishing – http://www.researchers.com

• American National Standards Institute – http://www.ansi.org
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers – http://www.asme.org
• DefenseLink (links to DoD sites and resources) – http://www.defenselink.mil
• Defense Standardization Program (DoD site for specifications and standards reform) – http://www.acq.osd.mil/es/std/stdhome.html
• Defense Technical Information Center(Technical/R&D information; R&D Descriptive Summaries, also know as PEDS; Planning documents) – http://www.dtic.mil
• FedWorld (Federal government websites and databases) – http://www.fedworld.gov
• Global Engineering Documents (Commercial site with international standards available through 16 regional groups worldwide) – global.ihs.com
• GovBot Database (CIIR search resources for government websites) – http://www.business.gov
• Government Printing Office (Superintendent of Documents home page government information products) – http://www.access.gpo.gov
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE home page includes searchable standards database) – http://www.ieee.org
• National Technical Information Service (NTIS; Government-sponsored scientific, technical, engineering, and business information) – http://www.ntis.gov
• National Standard Systems Network (NSSN; ANSI integrated catalog database of over 100,000 standards currently in use) – http://www.nssn.org
• North American Industry Classification System – http://209.155.5.145/Find_NAICS.asp

• Best Manufacturing Practices (BMP) Center of Excellence

• Deion Associates & Strategies, Inc.

• FedStats

• FedCenter Web

• Forrester Research Inc.

• Free CBD access from Loren Data – http://www.id.com
• Government Contractor’s Glossary

• The Government Contractor Resource Center

• International Trade Network Int’l Trade Info Service – http://www.ios.com/~intlnet/bbs1.html
• Lexis Nexis Small Business Advisor database search mechanism –
  http://lex-nex.openmarket.com
• National Contract Management Association (Lots of links and info on government contracting from those who do it) – http://www.cyberserv.com/ncma/
• National Federation of Independent Business
• The National Federation of Independent Business is the nation's largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses. With an audited membership of 600,000 business owners, NFIB is a melting pot of commercial enterprise; high-tech manufacturers and family farmers, neighborhood retailers and service companies. – http://www.nfibonline.com
• Procurement Resources

• Quality Shopping

• Set-Aside Alert – http://www.pasha.com/sta/sta.htm
• Smart Business Supersite – http://www.smartbiz.com/
• Visa Small Business Site

• World Wide Business City

• Foundation for American Veterans

• National Committee For Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

• National Veterans Training Institute

• Project Vote Smart

Links to veteran’s issues – http://vote-smart.org/issues/VETERANS_AFFAIRS

• U.S. Department of Labor - Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses

• U.S. Department of Labor – Veterans Employment & training Service

• U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Veterans Affairs

• Veterans Mean Business – http://members.aol.com/VMBIOWA/VMB.index.htm
• Veterans Service Organizations Military/Veteran Web Sites – http://www.theshop.net/slworley/vets.html
• Veterans Net

• Air Force OSDBU Women Owned Business – http://www.safsb.hq.af.mil/wob.html
• Air Force OSDBU Information Technology Survey (for Women Business Owners) – http://www.safsb.hq.af.mil/survey.html
• Department of Commerce, Federal Statistics and Resources

• Department of Defense OSDBU Women-Owned Business Home Page – http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/wosb/
• Department of Defense Procurement Opportunities for Women-Owned Businesses – http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/wosb/resources.html
• Department of Labor Women's Bureau Home Page – http://www.dol.gov/dol/wb
• SBA’s Office of Women's Business Ownership – http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/womeninbusiness/
• White House Office of Women's Initiatives and Outreach – http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Women/OWIO/index.html

• Advancing Women – http://www/advancingwomen.com/
• BizWomen – http://www.bizwomen.com/
• Business Women's Network, 1146 19th Street, NW Third Floor. Washington, D.C. 20036, 202/466-8212, 202/833-1808 fax – http://www.tpag.com/BWN.html
• Feminist Majority Foundation – http://www.feminist.org/
• Field of Dreams – http://www.fodreams.com/
• The National Foundation for Women Business Owners – http://www.nfwbo.org/nfwbo/
• The Online Women’s Business Center – http://www.onlinewbc.gov
• Planet Cybergrrl – http://www.cybergrrl.com/cg.html
• Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation – http://www.execpc.com/~wwbic/
• The WomanSource Online Homepage – http://www.womansource.com/
• Women's Access – Guide – http://www.grfxsoup.com/sonya/guide.htm
• WomenBiz – http://www.frsa.com/womenbiz/
• Women Business Owners Corporation – http://www.wboc.org/
• Women’s Business Resource Site – http://www.athenet.net/~ccain/
• Women’s Connection Online – http://www.womenconnect.com/wco/index.htm
• Women-Owned Small Business Web Watch – http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/wosb/web_watch.html
• Women-Owned Small Businesses Associations – http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/wosb/associations.html
• A Women's Place – http://www.womensplace.com/
• WWWomen (search site for additional women's web sites) – http://www.wwomen.com/
• Women's Web – http://www.womweb.com/

• CodeTalk (Combined Government Agency Information Source) – http://www.codetalk.fed.us/
• National Museum of the American Indian

• Small Business Administration - Tribal Business Information Centers – http://www.sba.gov/naa/test/
• U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs –
  http://www.doi.gov/bureau-indian-affairs.html
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Native American Programs,

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov/
• Tribal Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) Program – http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofa/tjobs.htm
• Office of Minority Health – http://www.os.dhhs.gov/progorg/ophs/omh/
• U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Tribal Justice – http://www.usdoj.gov/otj/otj.html
• U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs – http://www.senate.gov/~scia/

• American Indian Chamber of Commerce

• AXIOM Financial Management

• KRM Consulting

• National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development – http://www.ncaied.org/
• National Congress of American Indians – http://www.ncai.org/
• National Tribal Development Association – http://www.ntda.rockyboy.org

• Native American Contributions

• Native American Manufacturers Network

• Native American Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMCOR) – http://www.namcor.com
• Native American Technologies, Inc

• Native Cybertrade – http://www.atiin.com/cybertrade
• Native Media Resource Center – Native Stations List

• NativeTech

• NativeWeb – http://www.nativeweb.org/
• Native American Tribal Research Information – http://www.tillerresearch.com/
• Tribal Data Resources Online

• Cases and Legal Rights Issues concerning the First Nations and their People – http://www.alt.net/~waltj/shea/court.html
• Legal Information Institute (Indian laws materials) – http://www.law.cornell.edu/topics/indian.html
• Native American Rights Fund (NARF)

The Native American Rights Fund is the non-profit legal organization devoted to defending and promoting the legal rights of the Indian people. Indian lives are governed by hundreds of treaties, thousands of federal statutes, and numerous regulations and administrative rulings -- many that contradict each other. The Native American Rights Fund provides the necessary legal representation to Native American tribes and villages, organizations and individuals to help untangle the maze of laws impacting their lives. – http://www.narf.org/

• Native Sense

• The U.S. House of Representatives Internet Law Library, Indian Nations and Tribes – http://law.house.gov/31.htm

• American Association of Minority Businesses – http://www.website1.com/aamb/
  222 S. Church St., Suite 220
  Charlotte, N.C. 28202
  704/376-2262
  704/372-5524 fax

• Asian American Network – http://www.aan.net/home_d.htm
  9550 Flair Dr., 4th Floor
  El Monte, CA 91731
  818/452-2152
  818/582-1193 fax
  
  

• Minority Business Conferences – http://www.clark.net/cdpubs
• Council for Economic and Business Opportunity, Inc.

• Census Bureau's Survey of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise – http://www.census.gov/agfs/www/smobe.html
• Food Marketing Institute
• List of supermarket minority-owned vendors and suppliers – http://www.fmi.org/industry/mcl/
• Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility –
  http://www.incacorp.com/hacr/mission
  1730 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Suite 505
  Washington, D.C. 20036
  202/835-9672
• International Franchise Association – http://www.franchise.org
  1350 New York Ave., NW Suite 900
  Washington, D.C. 20005-4709
  202/628-8000
  202/628-0812 fax
• LatinExpo/Latinoamerican en internet – http://www.latinexpo.com
• MBN Global

• Minority Business Entrepreneur Magazine Home Page

• Minority Bank Deposit Program
• List of Banks participating in the Comptroller of Currency's Minority Bank Deposit Program. – http://www.mbda.gov/Banks/MinorityBank.html
• Minority online Information Service (MOLIS)