From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , DC
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Question :
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Thank you for joining our chat today. Please visit www.sba.gov for more information on government contracting.
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From : Tania
Location : Alexandria , Virginia
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Question :
Do I have to enroll in order to win contracts?
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The first step is to register your small business profile in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). We highly recommend you take our free online contracting course A Guide to Winning Federal Contracts— at www.sba.gov/training
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From : Donna
Location : Alamosa , CO
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Question :
Can you describe the basic difference between an 8(a) firm and getting the SDB status?
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The 8(a) program is a nine-year business development program. The SDB certification allows a firm to pursue federal prime and subcontracts and as such is a contracting program. The SDB certification is required every three years.
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From : stan
Location : , tx
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Question :
what percentage of the hubzone contracts get awarded?
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The dollars awarded to HUBZone companies have increased from $6.2 billion in FY05 to $7.2 billion in FY06 and has increased from 1.9% to 2.1%.
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From : Valeire Lewis
Location : Pleasanton , CA
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Question :
Ms. Ott, Can I use a Large Prime for my subcontractor without losing my size status with the SBA. I know it works in the reverse, just wondering if the SBA considers this?
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Yes, as long as you don't exceed the limitation on subcontracting as listed in the contract document.
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From : Hanisya
Location : , Utah
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Question :
How does a business obtain a contract with the Governement, for services?
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The method of obtaining a contract for services is no different than the method for selling products. You need to register in the CCR and implement an effective marketing strategy. SBA’s Resource Partners, which I mentioned before, can help you with this process. Our free online contracting course A Guide to Winning Federal Contracts at www.sba.gov/training will provide guidance on how to register in CCR.
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From : Heywot
Location : Denver , CO
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Question :
With many government contracts using "past performance" as a primary factor in evaluating an offer, how do companies get past that significant barrier to doing business with the government when they do not have any past performance history with government contracts? Thank you, in advance, for your reply.
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You can develop a past performance record as a subcontractor, and you can also use your past performance record in the private sector.
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From : Lyn St Leger
Location : Denver , Colorado
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Question :
Is there a method to determine if an agency utilitizes a "Bulletin Board" for purchase opportunities below $25,000?
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Each agency has their own procedures for purchase opportunities below $25,000, so you should contact the agency’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business (OSDBU) for guidance at the particular agencies you are trying to target. SBA’s web site provides a link to a directory of all of OSDBU’s.
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From : LaShon Darby
Location : Cartersville , GA
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Question :
I have a small janitorial business which I have two warehouse contracts and an office contract. I was wanting to get into the bidding or contracting with a few government agency or businesses. How do I go about this or do you have any suggestions to grow from the point that I'm at now. Thanks
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Many small businesses have been successful in obtaining janitorial contracts at military bases and civilian agencies, so it sounds like you may have some good opportunities in this field. You should start by identifying the Government sites in your immediate geographic area and then contact the Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Specialists (called “SADBUS”) at those agencies. If you have difficulty identifying the names and telephone numbers of the SADBUS’s, SBA’s local Procurement Center Representatives (PCRs) or Office of Government Contracting can help you. We have a list of our area offices and PCRs on the SBA web site under Government Contracting.
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From : Vilma Sherbacoff
Location : Coral Springs , Florida
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Question :
How small can a business be and still do business with the Federal government? We are a small woman based Technology company in South Florida and we are looking into selling Products, Software and maybe services to the Federal Government and need a distinct roadmap for success. Does such a road map exist?
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There is no rule that prevents a very small company from doing business with the Government, but you must be realistic about the resources required for a Government contract. You should start by developing a sound Business Plan. SBA’s resource partners, especially Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), can help you with this. PTACs are particularly well suited to help you with your plan, since they specialize in helping small businesses to locate Government contracts. You can find a list of SBDCs and PTACs on the SBA web site. For a list of size standards, visit www.sba.gov/size.
Other available resources:
Contracting brochure — Opening Doors to Federal Government Contracting Opportunities available at www.sba.gov/openingdoors.
Fact sheets
Federal Contracting Opportunities for HUBZone Entrepreneurs
Federal Contracting Opportunities for Women-Owned Small Businesses
Federal Contracting Opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned
All available at http://www.sba.gov/tools/resourcelibrary/publications/index.html
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From : Dennis Fontana
Location : Columbia , SC
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Question :
Ms Ott,
In recent years, there has been much discussion of size standards at various meetings, seminars, and trade show. Do you know when we will receive more guidance regarding any modification of the size standard for NAICS 561210 (facilities maintenance)?
Thank you for your attention.
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SBA is beginning a two-year review of all of its size standards. The facilities support services industry (NAICS 561210) will, therefore, be reviewed during this timeframe and a proposed revision issued if support by SBA’s analysis.
On June 3, 2008, the SBA will host Industry Day to discuss this undertaking. We welcome your participation. This event will held at SBA headquarters at 409 3rd St., SW, Washington, DC.
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From : Kathryn Waldron
Location : Fredericksburg , VA
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Question :
What should you do if the DOD SBA representative at a particular targeted site will not return emails or phone calls?
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We are working hard to ensure good customer service. Please contact our office at (202) 205-6459, so we can assist you.
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From : Laura
Location : ,
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Question :
can you recommend different websites that provide opportunities to bid?
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I would recommend that you go to SBA's Web site where you can take a free online course, Business Opportunities: A Guide to Winning Federal Contracts at www.sba.gov/training and there you will find a list of resources for example a link to Fedbizopps which lists Federal contract opportunities.
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From : T.Jones
Location : ,
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Question :
Are there classes available to teach you how to write a proposal?
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Assistance in writing a proposal is available through SBA's resource partners, especially Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and DOD's Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. A list is available on SBA's Web site at www.sba.gov.
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From : Irene Gonzalez
Location : Boise , Idaho
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Question :
How does a 8(a) firm utilize their SDB status after graduation?
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Thank you Irene for your question. An 8(a) firm is eligible for the SDB program for the entire time that they are in the 8(a) program and three years after the last annual review in the 8(a) program. Thereafter that the firm will be required to recertify every three years.
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From : U.S. Small Business Administration
Location : Washington , DC
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Question :
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Hello. Thanks for joining our chat today. We welcome your questions.
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