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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Procurement Status:- Sources Sought
- Synopses-RFPs Not Issued
- Solicitations/Amendments
- Closed Procurements
- Award Notices
- Canceled Procurements
- Announcements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 8(a) and small business opportunities?
- Identifying a "small business"?
- Small business programs?
- Small business assistance?
- How to join a team?
- Preparing a quote or proposal?
- Meeting expectations for reasonable quotes?
- Database of past successful quotes?
- Capabilities and timing of award?
- EPA Headquarters and Regional contracting staff?
| QUESTION
#1 Where can we find EPA's 8(a) and small business procurement opportunities? |
ANSWER #1 To locate EPA procurement opportunities, visit the EPA encourages teaming arrangements between large and small businesses. For a list of the current EPA Contractors for your use in considering potential teaming arrangements, please view the EPA Active Contracts list available on the Internet at: http://www.epa.gov/oam/ Also on this Internet site you can find the EPA organizational chart with names that you can use to submit an introduction letter or provide information on your firm and your capabilities. In addition, EPA's Office of Small Business Programs' Internet site at: http://www.epa.gov/osdbu/ provides companies with more information on doing business with EPA. |
| QUESTION #2 How does the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identify small businesses that may qualify for a procurement opportunity? |
|
ANSWER #2 The most widely used market search tool at EPA is SBA‘s PRO-Net Database in locating small businesses. PRO-Net is a free marketing tool that you can put to work for your business, if you provide the maximum amount of current information. You can register on PRO-Net at http://www.sba.gov and click on "PRO-Net." If you have any questions about using or registering on PRO-Net, click on "Comments" in PRO-Net. Please note that a search in PRO-Net for firms only shows those company profiles that have been updated in the last 18 months. In addition, it is very helpful for the company to include past performance information in their profile that includes a reference point-of-contact. |
| QUESTION #3 What are the Government programs that provide preferences for small businesses? |
| ANSWER #3 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is responsible for the certification programs that provide preferences for small businesses in Federal contracting. To find out information on how to become certified as a small disadvantaged business (SDB) visit the Internet page at:  http://www.sba.gov/sdb.
To find out information on the 8(a) program, check the Internet
page at: http://www.sba.gov/8abd. To find out information on
the HUBZone program, check the Internet page at: http://www.sba.gov/hubzone/internet/.
These three programs provide preferences for small businesses,
but they vary in their requirements to qualify and they also
vary in the type of preference they provide. For further details,
please contact SBA.
|
| QUESTION #4 What assistance is available at EPA for small businesses interested in doing business with EPA? |
| ANSWER #4 EPA's best resource for small businesses to learn how to do business with EPA is the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP, formally OSDBU). OSBP conducts one-on-one counseling and monthly training sessions. To find out more, please visit their Internet page at: http://www.epa.gov/osdbu/ or you can call them at (202) 564-4100. The Small Business Programs conducts scheduled counseling sessions one-day every two months to provide "hands-on" assistance and guidance for small businesses seeking to do business with EPA. These counseling sessions may extend to one-half business day, may also include representatives from program offices who are seeking contractors to provide specific goods or services. Most sessions are divided into two parts. The first focus on informative presentations on how to market your firm to EPA and includes information on doing business electronically. The second half of the session provides an opportunity to market one-on-one to EPA program officials. There is no charge for these counseling sessions. However, seating is limited and primary interest is given to firms who have not done business with EPA. Early registration is urged. If you are interest in attending, please contact Small Business Programs at (202) 564-4100. Participants are encouraged to bring copies of capability statements or other relevant business information. |
| QUESTION #5 Most large EPA contractors have pre-selected their small business teaming partners, so how can a new company join an existing team? |
| ANSWER #5 Teaming arrangements are negotiated between the prime contractor and the small business. EPA's Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP, formally OSDBU) provides assistance in suggesting large and small businesses for potential networking, teaming, or Mentor/Protege relationships; however, it is up to the businesses to finalize the arrangements. To help you meet other companies in your field, you can attend various Federal procurement training sessions. In addition, you can view the source list for the procurement opportunities that fit your company and contact the other businesses on the list to see if any opportunities are available. We can suggest joining professional organizations to meet business partners. The associations that focus on doing business with the Federal Government include the National Contract Management Association ( http://www.ncmahq.org/)
and the National Association of Purchasing Management (http://www.napm.org/).
In addition, we suggest you view EPA's active contract list
of the prime contractors that have a current contract with EPA
for possible teaming opportunities. The list is available on
the Internet at: http://www.epa.gov/oam/ptod/activeindex.htm.
|
| QUESTION #6 How do I prepare a quote or proposal? |
| ANSWER #6 After determining that you are interested in a particular EPA acquisition, you need to obtain a copy of the solicitation package typically referred to as the Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quotation (RFQ). Each solicitation package will set forth EPA's technical requirements in a Statement of Work, and the package will also contain all the terms and conditions and evaluation criteria that will determine the successful offeror. A contractor needs to carefully review the entire solicitation package to determine what exact information needs to be addressed in the offeror's proposal and clearly respond to all the requested information demonstrating ability to perform the work and a fair and reasonable price. The offeror must address all technical, business, and other considerations requested in the solicitation. It is important to clearly address all the information requested in the solicitation package in order to be considered for award. If you have questions regarding the solicitation, you need to submit them before the proposal due date for them to be considered. Please note that your proposal must be submitted within the time period specified in the solicitation package. If you are not selected for award, make sure to request information on why you were not selected to help improve your chances for success in the future. |
| QUESTION #7 How can I match EPA expectations with a reasonable proposal or quote? |
| ANSWER #7 To meet EPA expectations, it is important to make sure you understand the technical requirements, standard business practices, and the current market for the supplies or services required. If you don't have a substantial amount of experience in the market we suggest teaming with a more experienced contractor through subcontracting and even through the mentor-protege program. |
| QUESTION #8 Is there a database with past quotes that were successful bids? |
| ANSWER #8 There is no database with quote information nor is EPA allowed to release contractor quote information. However, an offeror can submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for a copy of the current contract and statement of work to see the Government requirements. For more information on FOIA, check the Internet at: http://www.epa.gov/foia/ |
| QUESTION #9 Do I need capability in place at the time the quote is submitted before award? |
| ANSWER #9 If a company does not have the capability at the time a quote is submitted, the company's proposal must demonstrate how the technical capabilities will be in place prior to award. This area would have to be addressed in detail to assure the Government that the technical requirements could be performed upon award. If it is a competitive procurement, not having the capability at the time of quote may impact the ranking of your proposal when compared to other companies who have the capability to perform the work. |
| QUESTION #10 Where can I locate a list of contracting personnel at Headquarters and in the Regions? |
| ANSWER #10 A list of important points of contact for Office of Acquisition Management (OAM) employees in Headquarters, RTP, and Cincinnati, as well as procurement personnel in the Regions and field offices, can be found on OAM's Internet site in the area entitled "About OAM " The site address is http://www.epa.gov/oam/aboutoam.htm. |