FAQs

Q:  If I have further questions about participating in the SBIR/STTR Programs, whom should I contact?
A: 

The DoD SBIR/STTR help desk, at 1-866-724-7457.

SBIR/STTR Home page
   
Q:  Does the OSD OSBP office award contracts?
A:  No. The vast majority of DoD contracts are awarded by DoD field organizations. Please see our Small Business Specialists page for more information.
   
Q:  How do I find the Federal Supply Classification Code (FSC) or the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code?
A: 

It is helpful to know the Federal Supply Classification Code (FSC) or Product/Service Code (PSC) for your product or service. Many government product/service listings and future procurements are identified by FSC or PSC. (www.dlis.dla.mil/h2).

Small Business Size Standard for all Federal Government programs associated with SIC codes have been placed by those that SBA has established for industries as described in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). SBA has established a new table of small business size standards based on NAICS (www.census.gov/naics).
   
Q:  How do I do obtain a DUNS Number and register in the Centralized Contractor Registration (CCR) System?
A:  If you do not have a DUNS Number, contact Dun and Bradstreet to obtain one. You must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) System to be awarded a contract from the DoD. CCR is a database designed to hold information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. CCR affords you the opportunity for fast electronic payment of your invoices.
   
Q:  How do I register in the Small Business Administration (SBA) Procurement Marketing and Access Network (PRO-Net) system?
A: 

Formerly, the SBA managed the PRO-Net database of small business concerns. Pro-Net was an Internet-based database for and about small businesses used by federal government buying offices as well as many large DoD prime contractors. The Pro-Net database and the federal government's Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database merged. CCR is now the database where all businesses, large and small, must register in order to do business with the federal government. SBA manages and inputs into CCR the 8(a), SDB, and HUBZone certifications for all small businesses. The SBA side of the database can be found on the CCR webpage under "Dynamic Small Business Search".

We encourage you to determine if your firm qualifies for 8(a), SDB, or HUBZone certification while visiting the SBA website. In addition this site provides information about other SBA resources including Small Business Development Centers, Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), and Women's Business Development Centers.
   
Q:  How can I identify current DoD procurement opportunities?
A:  You can identify current procurement opportunities in your product or service area by checking the Federal Business Opportunities website www.fedbizopps.gov. It can also assist you in identifying DoD, as well as other Federal procurement opportunities.
   
Q:  Where can I find DoD contracting procedures and contract clauses?
A:  These are contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) which can be found at www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dfars/index.htm.
   
Q:  How can I get a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract?
A:  Many DoD purchases are, in fact, orders on FSS contracts. Contact the General Services Administration (GSA) for information on how to obtain a FSS contract: www.fss.gsa.gov.
   
Q:  Where can I find additional assistance in the DoD marketplace?
A:  There are several important resources that are available to assist you in the DoD marketplace:
  • Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) (www.dla.mil/db/procurem.htm) are located in most states and partially funded by DoD to provide small business concerns with information on how to do business with the Department of Defense. They provide training and counseling on marketing, financial, and contracting issues at minimal or no cost.
  • Small Business Specialists are located at each DoD buying activity and can provide assistance on how to market to the DoD.
  • The DefenseLink website: www.defenselink.mil provides links to the homepages of every DoD activity. This information can be invaluable in researching the DoD marketplace and identifying your target market.
   
Q:  How do I identify subcontracting opportunities?
A: 

Regardless of your product or service it is important that you do not neglect our very large secondary market, Subcontracting Opportunities with DoD Prime Contractors, which is available from our Doing Business with DoD page. This document lists all major DoD prime contractors by state and provides a point of contact (Small Business Liaison Officer) within each firm. We encourage you to investigate potential opportunities with these firms. Many also have websites that may be useful and we encourage you and them to team with each other.

The SBA's SUB-Net is a valuable source for obtaining information on subcontracting opportunities. Solicitations or notices are posted not only by prime contractors, but the SUB-Net is also used by other government, commercial, and educational entities.
 
Q:  What is eSRS and when will DoD prime contractors and subcontractors begin using it?
A: 

The new electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) is a government-wide Internet-based tool which will streamline the process of reporting on subcontracting plans and provide agencies with access to analytical data on subcontracting performance. The eSRS will eliminate the need for paper submissions and processing of the SF 294's, Individual Subcontracting Reports, and SF 295's, Summary Subcontracting Reports, and will replace the paper with an easy-to-use electronic process to collect the data.

DoD will implement the eSRS system once the system is successfully delivered and tested. After the system is successfully delivered and tested, DoD expects a lead time of 60 - 90 days to communicate the transition to its prime contractors and subcontractors, estimated to be sometime in FY07.

In the meantime, all DoD prime contractors and subcontractors should continue to submit the paper SF 294, Individual Reports, and SF 295, Summary Reports, in accordance with the terms of their contracts.

Related memoranda from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (for the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy and the Office of Small Business Programs) are posted on our webiste under "Hot Topics -- Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (e-SRS) Information".