Small Business Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it possible to meet with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Small Business Specialist?
A. Yes. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components (including the USCG) meet with vendors at monthly Vendor Outreach Sessions. Small businesses are encouraged to register for one of these sessions. For information on doing business with the USCG and to sign-up for a DHS Vendor Outreach Session, please visit the DHS web page at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=37
Q: Is there information available on the USCG’s procurement process and upcoming requirements?
A. Below are some helpful websites pertaining to the Federal Government’s procurement process, and contract opportunities within the USCG and DHS.
- The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the reigning document of regulations for procurement in the Federal government. In addition, each agency usually has its own supplemental regulations. However, the FAR will provide most information that you need. The website is http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html
This website includes all of the Parts (or chapters) of the FAR and acquisition-related forms that you may need. - DHS’s Forecast of Contract Opportunities, also called the Advance Acquisition Plan, lists all upcoming acquisitions expected to exceed $100,000. This is especially useful in searching for acquisitions you may be interested in pursuing, with points of contact. That link is http://www.fido.gov/dhs/.
- A good tool for small businesses to find prime contractors and to learn about DHS procurements is located at: http://www.usaspending.gov/index.php .
- FedBizOpps publishes all open market (non-GSA schedule) Federal Government opportunities exceeding $25,000. It can be accessed at http://www.fedbizopps.gov/.
- For information on Federal Acquisition Schedules (FAS) and how to obtain a contract with the General Services Administration (GSA) that can be used by all Federal Agencies, go to www.gsa.gov . A large portion of Coast Guard HQ procurements are awarded through the use of GSA schedules.
- The Government uses the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) at http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html to identify size standards (number of employees or average annual income) for small businesses in many industries. The site also provides information on converting SIC codes to NAICS codes and vice versa.
- Be sure to register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), which is required in order to do business with the Federal government. The site is at http://www.ccr.gov/.
Q: How do I market IT supplies/services to the USCG?
A. Please be advised that all IT requirements initiated within the components of DHS must be considered for acquisition using the DHS-wide multiple-award contract vehicles called EAGLE for IT services, and FirstSource for IT hardware and supplies. Further information can be obtained by going to http://www.dhs.gov/xopnbiz/opportunities/editorial_0700.shtm . You are welcome to contact the teaming coordinators for the prime contractors under EAGLE and FirstSource to discuss possible subcontracting or teaming opportunities.