How Do I Get Started?
How do we select sources to buy from?
Many different ways. For example:
- Network of databases, including the Small Business Administration's
Dynamic Small Business Search Database which is part of the
Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database at
http://www.ccr.gov/.
We recommend that all businesses register on this FREE database.
- Individual contacts from requisitioners and from you (as
explained below).
- BNL’s on-line Supplier Registration
Database
- Other organizations and national laboratories.
To the maximum extent possible, BNL attempts to purchase products
and or services THAT THE LABORATORY USES from small,
Small Business Administration certified, small disadvantaged, small woman-owned, small
veteran-owned; small service-disabled veteran-owned, and small HUB-Zone businesses.
Please register on our
Self Registration Database.
If you need to talk to the Small Business Liaison Officer,
contact:
Jill Clough-Johnston
50 Brookhaven Avenue
Building 355
Upton, New York 11973
Phone:
631 344-3173
Fax: 631 344-5878
Email:
clough@bnl.gov
If your product and or service is deemed appropriate for the
Laboratory AND we have an open requirement, you will be asked to
fill out and submit a Brookhaven National Laboratory Offeror
Representation and Certification for Commercial Items form
The Laboratory strives to have more than one supply source
and encourages full and open competition among suppliers.
A Few Marketing Tips
- Market your company. Know your market niche and focus on it.
Develop a succinct, one page summary of your company's expertise and
capabilities, including relevant experience, references with federal
agencies, registrations, business type (especially
if you are one of the five small business types) and the certifications you have with
the SBA.
- Call or e-mail the buyer and/or contract specialist every
couple of months to see if your company can help them with any of
their current requirements.
- In your marketing to the buyer, if you are a small,
small business administration certified small disadvantaged, 8(a); woman-owned, veteran-owned,
service-disabled veteran-owned, or
small business administration certified HUB-zone business,
it is VERY IMPORTANT to let the buyer know that you fit into one (or
more) of these small business categories definitions.
- Follow up, follow up, and follow up on any contacts you have
made. Just because you made contact with someone does not mean your going to
be handed an order. They won’t come knocking on your door. You still
have to do your marketing!
- Make up two sets of business cards and stationary, one for
commercial and one for government customers. On the government
put in bold type that you are a small, small disadvantage. 8a,
woman-owned, veteran-owned, service disabled veteran-owned, and/or
HUB-Zone business. It is a positive thing for government buyers to
know this information while it is a negative thing for commercial
buyers.
- Send a
thank you note to the person who awarded you a purchase order.
Networking
- Project a professional image, from that first telephone call,
to the content and appearance of your company’s capability
statement.
- Market to everyone you talk to. You never know who your
next customer will be.
- Participate in events/meetings attended by your target client.
- Attend trade fairs in your company’s field and network.
Last Modified: February 22, 2008
Please forward all questions about this site to:
Michelle Holbrook
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