Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Does the Small Business Administration Disaster Contracting Assistance Center (DCAC) award contracts?
   A: No. The DCAC serves as a central resource to offer businesses the opportunity to learn how to register and become eligible for federal contracting opportunities, to be notified of contracts as they become available, and to understand the services and procedures available to them. 
   
   
2. Q: If my business registers through the DCAC, will my business be considered for contracts?
   A: There is no registration at the DCAC.  If you are seeking direct federal contracting opportunities, you must first register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR): http://www.ccr.gov.  Prior to registering with the CCR, you should know your D-U-N-S number.  Registration in CCR is required to be eligible for government contracts.
   
   

   Once you are registered in the CCR, you should connect to FedBizOpps (or FBO: www.fbo.gov).  Government buyers publicize business opportunities via the Internet.  Vendors seeking federal markets for products and services can search, monitor, and retrieve opportunities solicited by the entire federal contracting community.  One feature of FedBizOpps is the Vendor Notification Service—a service that allows vendors to receive procurement announcements.  After subscribing, you will receive e-mail announcements for areas for which you have expressed an interest.
   
   

3. Q: What information does the Disaster Contracting Assistance Center provide to new vendors desiring to do business with the Federal government?
   A: We help businesses navigate the federal contracting process, which includes the following steps:
   
   

   1) Obtaining a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) assigned by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B), which you will need prior to registering with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database.  To register for your DUNS number, please call (866) 705-5711, or visit: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do
   
   

   2) Once you have your DUNS number, you will need to register your company with CCR.  To register, please go to: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/scripts/indexnew.asp   
   
   

   3) Register to receive announcements regarding procurements more than $25,000 from the Federal Business Opportunity website (FedBizOpps or FBO).  After subscribing, you will receive the following announcements by email: (a) pre-solicitation and their modifications; b) notices of solicitation and solicitation amendment releases; and (c) general procurement announcements.  https://www.fbo.gov/?s=main&mode=list&tab=register&subtab=step1&_lsys=vendor
   The following three options are available for e-mail announcements:
   
   

   1. Register to receive all notices using a particular solicitation number.
      
      
   2. Register to receive all notices from selected organizations and product service classifications.
      
      
   3. Register to receive all procurement notices.
      
      
      

   4) If the solicitation(s) require registration, register with the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at:  http://orca.bpn.gov
   
   

   5) Research the General Services Administration (GSA) schedule process: http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/eventView.do?viewType=DETAIL&eventId=5364&occurId=2243. .  Under the GSA Schedules (also referred to as Multiple Award Schedules and Federal Supply Schedules) Program, GSA establishes long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms to provide access to more than 10 million commercial supplies and services that can be ordered directly from GSA Schedule contractors or through the GSA Advantage!®  online shopping and ordering system.
   
   

   The GSA Schedule is another vehicle for pursuing government-contracting opportunities.  On this Web site, you can find out about Schedule Training Sessions convenient to your location and schedule.  Further small business schedule assistance is available via (202) 501-1021.  In addition, it is recommended that you spend some time familiarizing yourself with the solicitations below $25,000 that are posted within the GSA Schedule Library: www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov.
   
   

4. Q: I am an independent contractor looking for work in a disaster area. How do I obtain work as a subcontractor?
   A: Each prime contractor in the disaster area has designated points of contact to explore subcontracting opportunities, including opportunities available to small business, service-disabled veterans, small HUB-Zone, small disadvantaged business, and small women-owned business concerns. If you are interested in obtaining subcontracting work, please contact the prime contractors directly. Note: Subcontractors have no direct contracts with the Government. Therefore, your company should develop and utilize strategic businesses alliances with the prime contractors working in the disaster area. Please click "Subcontracting Information" for a listing of prime contactors.
   
   
5. Q: How can I get a DUNS number?
   A: The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) is used by the Federal Government to identify contractors and their locations.  If you do not have a DUNS number, you can obtain one from Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) at no cost.  Contact D&B at 866-705-5711 or via the Internet at: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do.
   
   
   
6. Q: What is CCR?
   A: The Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary vendor database for the Federal Government.  CCR collects, validates, stores, and disseminates data in support of agency acquisition missions.  With few exceptions, vendors are required to register in CCR to be awarded contracts by the Federal Government.  Vendors are required to complete a one-time registration to provide basic information relevant to procurement and financial transactions.  Vendors must update or renew their registration annually to maintain an active status.  CCR validates the vendor’s information and electronically shares the secure and encrypted data with the Federal agencies’ finance offices to facilitate paperless payments through electronic funds transfer.  Additionally, CCR shares the data with federal procurement and electronic business systems: http://www.ccr.gov 
   
   
   Although CCR registration does not guarantee winning a contract or increasing your business, registration is a prerequisite to being awarded a Federal contract.  CCR also provides a central storage location for the vendor to supply its information, rather than registering with each federal agency separately.  When information about a business should change, the change only needs to be made in one place for every federal agency to have the most up-to-date information.
   
   
7. Q: What is FedBizOpps?
   A: FedBizOpps is the single governmentwide point-of-entry for Federal Government procurement opportunities that amount to more than $25,000.  Government buyers must, under most circumstances, publicize their business opportunities by posting information directly to FedBizOpps via the Internet.  Through FedBizOpps, commercial vendors seeking federal markets for their products and services can search, monitor and retrieve opportunities solicited by the entire federal contracting community: http://www.fedbizopps.gov.
   
   
8. Q: What does it cost to register in CCR?
   A: Registration is free.
   
   
9. Q: What is NAICS?
   A: The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) was developed as the standard for use by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the collection, analysis, and publication of statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.  NAICS was developed under the auspices of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and adopted in 1997 to replace the old Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system.  It was developed in cooperation with the statistical agencies of Canada and Mexico to establish a 3-country standard that allows for a high level of comparability in business statistics among the three countries.  NAICS is the first economic classification system to be constructed based on a single economic concept.  To learn more about the background, the development and the difference between NAICS and the SIC, see www.census.gov/epcd/www/naicsdev.htm.
   
   
10. Q: Who assigns NAICS codes to businesses?
    A: There is no central government agency with the role of assigning, monitoring, or approving NAICS codes for establishments.  Individual establishments are assigned NAICS codes by many agencies for various purposes using a variety of methods.  The U.S. Census Bureau has no formal role as an arbitrator of NAICS classification.
    
               
11. Q: If I’ve signed up through another agency already, is there a need to register on this site?
    A: There is no registration at the DCAC.  However, we recommend that all businesses interested in federal contracting opportunities should take advantage of the services provided through the Center.
    
    
    
    
12. Q: How do I find the Federal Supply Classification (FSC) code or the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code?
    A: It is helpful to know the FSC code for your product and service listing because future procurements are identified by FSC codes.  See http://www.dlis.dla.mil/h2.  Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes were replaced by the NAICS.  The NAICS code is available at http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html.
    
       
13. Q: What are the benefits of registering with the Small Business Administration (SBA)?
    A: The SBA's mission is to stimulate and foster economic development by helping new businesses get started and established firms grow. The SBA works closely with other federal agencies and the nation's leading federal contractors to ensure that small businesses obtain a proportionate share of government contracts and subcontract opportunities.
    
    
14. Q: How do I contact SBA in the Disaster Areas?
    A: Please contact a U.S. Small Business Administration Offices in your area for information.
    
    
15. Q: Is SBA offering grants for small business participating in the hurricane relief efforts?
    A: No.  SBA's limited grant offers are generally designed to expand and enhance existing small business technical assistance services.  SBA's grant programs generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments in an effort to expand and enhance small business technical and financial assistance. (Visit SBA's Grant Resources website.)  URL:  http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html.
    
    
16. Q: How do I apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Guarantee?
    A: SBA has three unique loan guarantee programs, each of which is designed to cover a variety of business needs, thus providing the most options to small businesses. (More on SBA’s Loan Programs: http://www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/snapshot.html ).  As the programs are delivered by SBA’s partners and are not direct loans from SBA, businesses should consult their SBA district offices or contact the lending partners in their area before filling out any applications.  Contact a local lender and discuss your loan proposal with one of their loan officers.  Be prepared to discuss your proposal in detail with the lender.  You should have the following information and materials available for the lenders to review: your business plan; your personal financial statements; your business financial statements (if already a business); collateral available to secure the loan; assumptions used in your projected earnings statements; management resumes of those involved in operating the business; and pro-forma balance sheets showing what the business would look like if the loan were granted.
    
    
17. Q: What is a Surety Bond?
    A: According to SBA, a surety bond is a three-party instrument between a surety, the contractor and the project owner.  The agreement binds the contractor to comply with the terms and conditions of a contract.  If the contractor is unable to successfully perform the contract, the surety assumes the contractor's responsibilities and ensures that the project is completed.  Below are the four types of contract bonds that may be covered by an SBA guarantee:
    
    
    1. Bid - Bond that guarantees that the bidder on a contract will enter into the contract and furnish the required payment and performance bonds;
       
       
    2. Payment - Bond that guarantees payment from the contractor of money to persons who furnish labor, materials equipment and/or supplies for use in the performance of the contract.
       
       
    3. Performance - Bond that guarantees that the contractor will perform the contract in accordance with its terms.
       
       
    4. Ancillary - Bonds that are incidental and essential to the performance of the contract.
       
       
18. Q: What types of businesses are eligible to participate in the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee program?
    A: Generally, all small businesses, whether they are sole-proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations, are eligible to participate in SBA’s surety bond guarantee programs if they meet certain SBA eligibility requirements.
    
    
19. Q: What Federal Grant Opportunities are available?
    A: Go to http://grants.gov/ to search and apply for Federal Grant Opportunities. Grants.gov allows organizations to electronically find and apply for more than $400 billion in Federal grants. Grants.gov is THE single access point for over 1000 grant programs offered by all Federal grant-making agencies. The US Department of Health and Human Services is proud to be the managing partner for Grants.gov, an initiative that is having an unparalleled impact on the grant community. You may also call Grants.gov Contact Center Phone Number at 1-800-518-4726. Contact Center hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
    
    
20. Q: What is a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)?
    A: Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) are located in most states and are partially funded by the U.S. Department of Defense to provide small businesses with information and technical assistance regarding how to do business with the Federal Government.  PTACs provide training and counseling on marketing, financial, and contracting issues at minimal or no cost.
    
    

    Small Business Development Centers, which are partially funded by the Small Business Administration, also offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small business by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in local branch offices: http://www.asbdc-us.org/ ).
    
      
    

21. Q: I have contacted all FEMA contractors.  However, my documents and phone calls seem to disappear into a black hole.  How can I get them to answer the phone?
    A: Be persistent and patient when following up with each prime contractor.  Remember, there is no guarantee that you will obtain a subcontract.  However, the rebuilding effort may take several years, and additional opportunities will be available in the future.  It is important that you continue to check http://www.FedBizOpps.gov and www.disastercontractingassistance.gov  Web sites for updates on contracting and subcontracting opportunities.
     
22. Q: Is there a detailed guide for firms seeking business opportunities with the federal government?
    A: Doing business with federal government agencies can be very lucrative for the people who learn how to maneuver through the maze of registrations, certifications and regulations.  If you are ready to start, these are the first steps you need to take to open the door to federal business opportunities (click here for step-by-step guide). Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.