Frequently Asked Questions

Answers To General Questions:

1. How can I reach the FedBizOpps Help Desk?
2. Why can't I open files? (Links to Document Viewers)
3. Why can't I find a particular solicitation, if it was here before?
4. Does FBO store a list of vendors who indicated interest in a solicitation? Is this available for buyers and/or vendors to review?
5. What are Procurement Classification Codes?
6. How do I find out about upcoming opportunities related to reconstruction efforts in Iraq?
7. Do all Iraq reconstruction contract opportunities have to be competitive and/or posted to FedBizOpps?
8. What is a 'sources sought" notice? And how can I find them?
9. What is a "special notice"? And how can I find them?
10. If I forget my password, how do I get a copy?
11. How can I obtain a user's manual?

Answers To Buyer Faqs

1. What is a valid solicitation number? Can it include "spaces"?
2. What does "save draft" mean?
3. I posted a notice to FedBizOpps, and then realized that I created it with the wrong solicitation number. How can I correct this?
4. Why was I prematurely timed out of the system?
5. When I cut and paste text from my word processor into the description field of the synopsis, my formatting is corrupted (see odd characters or different format than intended). Why is this happening?
6. How do I delete a Modification?
7. How do I delete a solicitation?
8. How do I archive a solicitation?
9. How do I unarchive a solicitation?
10. I just posted a solicitation and don't see it as opportunity for vendors?
11. How do vendors become eligible to download documents marked Export-Controlled?
12. How do I post Justification & Approvals (J&As) on the site?

Answers To Vendor Faqs

1. How do I find a solicitation without the solicitation number?
2. How do I get on the GSA Schedule?
3. How can I find business opportunities for the NAICS code that represents my business product or service?
4. How can I find business opportunities for a specific set-aside designation.
5. Why am I unable to download information marked Export-Controlled?

ANSWERS TO GENERAL QUESTIONS:

How can I reach the FedBizOpps Help Desk?

You can reach the FedBizOpps Help Desk by clicking on the Help desk link on the bottom left of every page help@fbo.gov. The Help Desk is open between 9am and 6pm Eastern Time (M-F).

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Why can't I open files? (Links to Document Viewers)

When you are trying to open attachments, assuming you are authorized to view them, if you receive an "open" error or are asked to convert the attachment files it may mean the document type is one that you do not have the softward to view. For instance, you may also need to install a document viewer, such as, Acrobat (.pdf files) or WinZip (.zip files) on your system.

Links to Document Viewers:

• WinZip - Use to unzip compressed technical data files ( .zip)
• Adobe Acrobat - Use to view technical data files saved as PDFs
• Microsoft Office Viewers and Converters - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Project, Access, Outlook (.doc, .docx, .xls, .ppt, etc)
• Lucent MIDAS Viewer - Use to view technical data from OC-ALC
• Irfanview - Use to view TIFF files (.tif, .bmp, .jpg, .gif, .png)
• ArNoNa CADViewer - Use to view AutoCad Drawing Web Format files ( .dwf)
• Autodesk DWF Viewer - Use to view AutoCad Drawing Web Format files (.dwf)
• Autodesk Composer - Use to view design web format files (dwg, dwf)
• Autodesk Volo View - Use to view design web format files (dwg, dwf)
• Drawings .dwg and .dxf (Flatout)
• Maxview - Use to view .maxfr, .svd, .cal, .tiff, Jedmics .C4, .jpeg, .bmp files
• PageView - Use to view Print and Postscript Files (.prn, .pcl, .ps)

If the file type is not on this list, please contact the solicitation Primary Point of Contact for assistance.

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Why can't I find a particular solicitation, if it was here before?

The posting may have been deleted, however it is more likely that it was archived. To find an archived posting:

1. Go to www.fbo.gov
2. Click on Opportunities main navigation (upper navigation bar).
3. To see both archived and active solicitations, from the "advanced search" tab, use the filter "documents to search" filter to find both archived and active documents.
4. Refine the search with other search criteria as appropriate to your search (e.g., solicitation number in the full text search field).
5. Click "search" to proceed to search results.

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Does FBO store a list of vendors who indicated interest in a solicitation? Is this available for buyers and/or vendors to review?

The system allows the buyer to specify the following for each solicitation they enter:

1. Will vendors be able to indicate interest in the particular notice (if yes, buyers will be able to review the list of interested vendor)
2. Will vendors be able to review the listing of interested vendors for a notice (i.e., list of targets for potential collaboration).

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What are Procurement Classification Codes?

In this system, procurements are classified by Federal Supply Codes/Product Services Codes.The following is a listing of the classification codes:

Note: The contracting official has final authority on which procurement classification code the solicitation will use, Therefore you may want to search on several classification codes related to your area of interest.

• 10 -- Weapons
• 11 -- Nuclear ordnance
• 12 -- Fire control equipment
• 13 -- Ammunition & explosives
• 14 -- Guided missiles
• 15 -- Aircraft & airframe structural components
• 16 -- Aircraft components & accessories
• 17 -- Aircraft launching, landing & ground handling equipment
• 18 -- Space vehicles
• 19 -- Ships, small craft, pontoons & floating docks
• 20 -- Ship and marine equipment
• 22 -- Railway equipment
• 23 -- Ground effects vehicles, motor vehicles, trailers & cycles
• 24 -- Tractors
• 25 -- Vehicular equipment components
• 26 -- Tires and tubes
• 28 -- Engines, turbines & components
• 29 -- Engine accessories
• 30 -- Mechanical power transmission equipment
• 31 -- Bearings
• 32 -- Woodworking machinery and equipment
• 34 -- Metalworking machinery
• 35 -- Service and trade equipment
• 36 -- Special industry machinery
• 37 -- Agricultural machinery & equipment
• 38 -- Construction, mining, excavating & highway maintenance equipment
• 39 -- Materials handling equipment
• 40 -- Rope, cable, chain & fittings
• 41 -- Refrigeration, air-conditioning & air circulating equipment
• 42 -- Fire fighting, rescue & safety equipment
• 43 -- Pumps & compressors
• 44 -- Furnace, steam plant & drying equipment; & nuclear reactors
• 45 -- Plumbing, heating, & sanitation equipment
• 46 -- Water purification & sewage treatment equipment
• 47 -- Pipe, tubing, hose & fittings
• 48 -- Valves
• 49 -- Maintenance & repair shop equipment
• 51 -- Hand tools
• 52 -- Measuring tools
• 53 -- Hardware & abrasives
• 54 -- Prefabricated structures and scaffolding
• 55 -- Lumber, millwork, plywood & veneer
• 56 -- Construction & building materials
• 58 -- Communication, detection, & coherent radiation equipment
• 59 -- Electrical and electronic equipment components
• 60 -- Fiber optics materials, components, assemblies & accessories
• 61 -- Electric wire & power & distribution equipment
• 62 -- Lighting fixtures & lamps
• 63 -- Alarm, signal & security detection equipment
• 65 -- Medical, dental & veterinary equipment & supplies
• 66 -- Instruments & laboratory equipment
• 67 -- Photographic equipment
• 68 -- Chemicals & chemical products
• 69 -- Training aids & devices
• 70 -- General purpose information technology equipment
• 71 -- Furniture
• 72 -- Household & commercial furnishings & appliances
• 73 -- Food preparation and serving equipment
• 74 -- Office machines, text processing systems & visible record equipment
• 75 -- Office supplies and devices
• 76 -- Books, maps & other publications
• 77 -- Musical instruments, phonographs & home-type radios
• 78 -- Recreational & athletic equipment
• 79 -- Cleaning equipment and supplies
• 80 -- Brushes, paints, sealers & adhesives
• 81 -- Containers, packaging, & packing supplies
• 83 -- Textiles, leather, furs, apparel & shoe findings, tents & flags
• 84 -- Clothing, individual equipment & insignia
• 85 -- Toiletries
• 87 -- Agricultural supplies
• 88 -- Live animals
• 89 -- Subsistence
• 91 -- Fuels, lubricants, oils & waxes
• 93 -- Nonmetallic fabricated materials
• 94 -- Nonmetallic crude materials
• 95 -- Metal bars, sheets & shapes
• 96 -- Ores, minerals & their primary products
• 99 -- Miscellaneous

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How do I find out about upcoming opportunities related to reconstruction efforts in Iraq?

The Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for the repair and continuity of operations of the Iraqi oil infrastructure. The Army is the Executive Agent for this mission and the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for awarding and managing contracts required to carry out this mission. The DoD Contractor Hot Line for expressing interest in procurements involving the repair and continuity of operations of Iraqi oil infrastructure is 1-866-461-5171. There will be a competitive procurement. The solicitation will be posted at the FBO website, http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. Information can also be obtained from the USACE website, http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/cepa/iraq/iraq.htm

DoD has available an online publication, "Doing Business with the DoD, " offering a step-by-step guide to marketing your business within the DoD arena. The site is located at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/doing_business/index.htm.

A DoD small business guide that may be helpful is at http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/doing_business/index.htm.The reconstruction effort may encompass everything from power grids, ports, roads, bridges, and telecommunications, to schools and health care facilities. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is involved, and has a number of procurement actions planned and in process. Details can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/.

The US Department of Commerce provides prime contractor POC information for those seeking subcontracting opportunities at http://www.export.gov/iraq. Commerce also has a hotline (1-866-352-IRAQ).

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Do all Iraq reconstruction contract opportunities have to be competitive and/or posted to FedBizOpps?

Contract opportunities in Iraq will be posted at the Government point of entry (GPE), Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) at http://www.fedbizopps.gov// unless a statutory exception to synopsis requirements as described in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) applies. Specific exceptions to the posting of proposed contract actions at FBO include, but are not limited to, requirements where...

• Disclosure would compromise the national security.
• There is unusual and compelling urgency.
• An order is placed under an existing indefinite delivery (e.g., Multiple Agency Contract, Government wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC), Federal Supply Schedule contract).
• Perishable subsistence supplies are needed and advance notice is not appropriate or reasonable.
• The proposed contract action is made under the terms of an existing contract that was previously synopsized in sufficient detail.
• The proposed contract action is authorized or required by a statute to be made through another Government agency. This would include acquisitions from the Small Business Administration (SBA) using the authority of section 8(a) -- except for competitive 8(a)s as described in FAR 19.805.
• The proposed contract action
  • is for an amount NOT expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold;
  • will be made through a means that provides access to the notice of proposed contract action through the GPE; and
  • permits the public to respond to the solicitation electronically.

For comprehensive coverage of statutory exceptions to posting proposed contract actions, please refer to FAR 5.202 and FAR 5.205. For exceptions to posting contract award information, refer to FAR 5.301. You may access the FAR online at Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Index

For contractors interested in Iraq reconstruction contracts, the following information may also be of interest: The Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for the repair and continuity of operations of the Iraqi oil infrastructure. The Army is the Executive Agent for this mission and the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for awarding and managing contracts required to carry out this mission. The DoD Contractor Hot Line for expressing interest in procurements involving the repair and continuity of operations of Iraqi oil infrastructure is 1-866-461-5171. The Corps will be conducting a competitive procurement. The solicitation will be posted at the FBO website http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. Information can also be obtained from the Corps' website, http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/cepa/iraq/iraq.htm.

DoD has available an online publication, "Selling to the Military," that identifies the research, development, and procurement responsibilities of each DoD organizational activity. The publication provides helpful advice for marketing ideas and other relevant information. The site is located at http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps57820/www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/publications/selling/.

A DoD small business guide that may be helpful is at http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/publications/sbs/sbs.html

The reconstruction effort may encompass everything from power grids, ports, roads, bridges, and telecommunications, to schools and health care facilities.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is involved, and has a number of procurement actions planned and in process. Details can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/.

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What is a 'sources sought" notice? And how can I find them?

The Sources Sought notice is a synopsis posted by a government agency that states they are seeking possible sources for a project. It is not a solicitation for work, nor is it a request for proposal. Reference the FAR, Subpart 7.3 and OMB Circular A-76. You can use the following search technique to find Sources Sought notices. Advanced Search:

1. Go to www.fbo.gov
2. Click on "opportunities" main navigation (upper navigation bar).
3. On the "opportunities list" tab, use the "more" field to see additional search filters.
4. Select "Sources sought" type.
5. Refine the search with other search criteria as appropriate to your search (e.g., agency, keyword, posting date).
6. Click "go" to proceed to filter the lists of opportunities.

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What is a "special notice"? And how can I find them?

The Special Notice is used for the announcement of procurement matters such as business fairs, long-range procurement estimates, pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences, meetings, and the availability of draft solicitations or draft specifications for review. You can use the following search technique to find Special Notices. Advanced Search:

1. Go to www.fbo.gov
Click on "opportunities" main navigation (upper navigation bar).
On the "opportunities list" tab, use the "more" field to see additional search filters.
Select "special notice" type.
Refine the search with other search criteria as appropriate to your search (e.g., agency, keyword, posting date).
Click "go" to proceed to filter the lists of opportunities.

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If I forget my password, how do I get a copy?

You can obtain your username and/or password by performing the following:

1. Go to www.fbo.gov
Click on Buyers | log-in
Click on the "forgot my password" tab.
Enter your username and select "go". Doing so will reset your password on your account. The new password will be emailed to you.
Click "go" to proceed to filter the lists of opportunities.

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How can I obtain a user's manual?

User manuals are available on the home page (www.fbo.gov)

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ANSWERS TO BUYER FAQs

What is a valid solicitation number? Can it include "spaces"?

Solicitation number can only contain alphanumeric characters. Spaces are not allowed. As you create a solicitation, the system will prompt you to correct an incorrectly structured solicitation number.

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What does "save draft" mean?

The "Save Draft" button saves the data entered on a form as a draft version. Note, for save as draft, the user is not required to complete all required fields on the form. Required fields are indicated by a red asterisk. Materials saved in draft format will remain on a buyers list of available items, but will not be viewable on the vendor interface until saved and posted/released to vendor review (or deleted).

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I posted a notice to FedBizOpps, and then realized that I created it with the wrong solicitation number. How can I correct this?

When you have posted a solicitation with the wrong solicitation number, we caution users from deleting the incorrect synopsis as vendor potentially have already added the solicitation to their watchlist or received communication about the solication through a search agent. To resolve, create a posting with the correct solicitation number. Then post an amendment modification to the errant notice. In the amendment, detail the error and direct the reader to the proper solicitation number. This will allow people who have received email notifications of your opportunity to find the proper synopsis.

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Why was I prematurely timed out of the system?

Once a user is logged onto the system, the system will check to make sure the user is actively using the site. If a user is inactive for 60 minutes, the user will be automatically logged off the system. Activity in this sense is defined as data that has been submitted by the user. Some examples are the request for a navigational (e.g., selection of a quicklink) or if a user submits a form (e.g., selection of "save draft" during notice creation). To ensure the user is aware of this pending circumstance, after 55 minutes of inactivity, a warning message appears that indicates the pending action. When the warning message appears, to remain logged onto the system, select "click keep me logged in". If the user does not make this selection, the session will be closed and any unsaved data will be lost. The system returns the user to the system logon screen (fbo.gov).

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When I cut and paste text from my word processor into the description field of the synopsis, my formatting is corrupted (see odd characters or different format than intended). Why is this happening?

Formatting problems can be caused when word processor (including notepad) formatted text is put into a browser format. The formats are not always compatible. Because the form is WYSIWIG, you should review your inserted text to ensure the material correctly reflects your intention.

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How do I delete a Modification?

Please note that FedBizOpps will not allow a buyer to delete a modification without deleting the associated notice. If an error is made on a modification, you can either post another modification or delete the entire notice. We caution users from deleting a notice as vendor potentially have already added the solicitation to their watchlist or received communication about the solicitation through a search agent.

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How do I delete a solicitation?

We caution users from deleting the incorrect synopsis as vendor potentially have already added the solicitation to their watchlist, or received communication about the solicitation through a search agent. .If the solicitation is then deleted, the vendors will be frustrated as they use these features. Instead, we recommend that amendments be posted to the solicitation, explaining the error that was made, and where to find the correct solicitations, if any. This can be done by anyone who has access to those solicitations.

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How do I archive a solicitation?

As each notice is created, archival information is established for the notice. Buyers are allowed to specify that the notice archive on a specified date, X days after a response deadline or via "manual archive". Manual archive means the notice remains as posted until a user manually archives the notice. Using modify or amend users can archive any solicitation, regardless of the notices specified archived settings, with the following procedure:

1. Go to www.fbo.gov and login as buyer.
Click on "notices" upper navigation.
Click on the modify/amend icon for the posted notice that needs to be archived.
This takes the user to the "modification type" screen. If only the archival date is to be set/changed, select "add/edit description" and then "proceed."
Users will be asked to then indicate whether they wish to "edit existing description" or "add to description" (creates a new text box that is distinct from previously entered materials). Select "edit existing description" (because that is where the archive date is established).
This opens "notice details". Scroll down to the "archiving policy" section and use "automatic, on specified date" to enter a specific date for archive. This opens a "archive date" field. Note, because the archiving process occurs at the start of the day on the date specified, users are not allowed to enter any dates less than or equal to today's date. Note, the system also checks to ensure that the response date vis-a-vis archive date and may require adjust to that field as well.
Click on "proceed" to progress through the modification process. The next step is "attachments". Unless new attachments are required, hit "proceed".
The final step allows the buyer to review the updates being made. If updates are correct, then hit "post" to update the archive date for the notice.

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How do I unarchive a solicitation?

You can unarchive a solicitation with the following procedure:

1. Go to www.fbo.gov and login as buyer.
Click on "notices" upper navigation.
Click on "archived" sub-tab.
Click on the "review" icon for the notice that needs to be unarchived.
Click on the "unarchive" button. The system will prompts a user to confirm this request. Unarchiving a notice also unarchives all related modification/amendment notices, documents, links and sensitive documents. Click "ok" to confirm. How do I unarchive a solicitation?

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I just posted a solicitation and don't see it as opportunity for vendors?

The system periodically sweeps through the database of notices and releases new notices for vendors to see in batches. Therefore you may notice a brief lag between hitting "post" on the buyer side and seeing it on the opportunities list.

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How do vendors become eligible to download documents marked Export-Controlled?

A company must be certified by the Joint Certification Program (JCP) administered by the Defense Logistic Information Service (DLIS) to be eligible to download documents marked Export Controlled. This certification establishes that a company is a U.S. or Canadian contractor eligible to receive unclassified technical data that is under the control of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND).

Vendors outside the U.S. or Canada must be granted authorization by your agency to access the documents. Upon authorization, you must either distribute the documents directly to the vendor or utilize the Explicit Access feature within the FBO system and manually vet each request.

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How do I post Justification & Approvals (J&As) on the site?

Currently, a notice type is not available specifically for J&As. However, users can upload a document containing the J&A and attach it to an existing notice (such as Award Notice or Synopsis) as an amendment/modification. It is mandatory that you use the J&A and type of exception to full and open competition in the title of the document. For example, document title should be: J&A6.302-1, J&A6302-2, etc. This will enable any agency or vendor to query J&A in the quick search function and find what has been posted. Please contact your FBO Agency Administrator for more information regarding your agency's internal policy for publishing J&A's.

Note: A new notice type called "Justification & Approvals (J&As)" will be established within the Opportunities section by April 9th, 2009. This will enable Buyers to post a J&A Notice type and have it associated to the notice of award, if applicable. Vendors will also be able to search for and retrieve posted J&A Notices according to specific criteria.

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ANSWERS TO VENDORS

How do I find a solicitation without the solicitation number?

To locate a specific solicitation without the solicitation number, you will need to search for the solicitation based on unique attributes of the solicitation. So for instance, you might search based on Agency, office, posted date, procurement classification code, and/or archived versus active status. The advance search features of the system are well suited for this purpose.

1. Go to www.fbo.gov and login as vendor (logging in allows you to save the search for later use. Note you can also do the same search not logged into the site using "opportunities" link on the home page, but the search cannot be saved for later use).
2. Click on "opportunities" upper navigation.
3. Click on "advanced search" sub-tab.
4. Use the fields to enter the terms of your search. There are some tools that might help as you set up your advanced search. If presented on a filter, you can use the "+" tool to select all values of the list (e.g., all procurement types). Then you could uncheck the one or two you may not want to include (e.g., uncheck "award"). Once you are satisfied with your filters, click "search"
5. Results are then presented on the "search results" tab.
6. rom the search results page, users are given the option to save the search criteria for use at a later date. Click "save this search as a search agent"to save the search. If you do so, you will need to provide a label that you would like to use for the search agent. You will need to "save" the label once entered.

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How do I get on the GSA Schedule?

For information about the GSA schedule, please contact the MAS Helpdesk at: Phone: (800) 488-3111, Email: mashelpdesk@gsa.gov, or go to http://www.gsa.gov/ and click on "GSA Schedules" to walk through the process.

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How can I find business opportunities for the NAICS code that represents my business product or service?

First, you may want to validate your NAICS code selection at an Internet reference site, such as http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html. Once you have selected the 6-digit NAICS code that best represents your business product or service, you can use the code as a search filter. Note the filter search for NAICS Code allows you to select codes at either the broader (3 number) or narrow (6 number) code specificity.

1. Go to www.fbo.gov and login as vendor (logging on allows you to save the search for later use. Note you can also do the same search not logged into the site using "opportunities" link on the home page, but the search cannot be saved for later use).
2. Click on "opportunities" upper navigation.
3. Click on "advanced search" sub-tab.
4. Use the "NAICS Code:" field to filter your search. Hold down the Control Key (CTRL) with menu open to select to select multiple codes. The list is hierarchical in nature. Selections can be made at both the three digit code and the six digit code. Once you are satisfied with your filter selection, click "search"
5. Results are then presented on the "search results" tab.
6. From the search results page, users are given the option to save the search criteria for use at a later date. Click "save this search as a search agent"to save the search. If you do so, you will need to provide a label that you would like to use for the search agent. You will need to "save" the label once entered.

Refer any questions regarding the NAICS code and other synopsis content to the point of contact (POC) in the synopsis.

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How can I find business opportunities for a specific set-aside designation.

The systems advance search feature is well suited for this purpose.

1. Go to www.fbo.gov and login as vendor (logging on allows you to save the search for later use. Note you can also do the same search not logged into the site using "opportunities" link on the home page, but the search cannot be saved for later use).
2. Click on "opportunities" upper navigation.
3. Click on "advanced search" sub-tab.
4. Use the "Set-Aside Code:" field to filter your search.
5. Results are then presented on the "search results" tab.
6. From the search results page, users are given the option to save the search criteria for use at a later date. Click "save this search as a search agent"to save the search. If you do so, you will need to provide a label that you would like to use for the search agent. You will need to "save" the label once entered.

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Why am I unable to download information marked Export-Controlled?

A company must be certified by the Joint Certification Program (JCP) administered by the Defense Logistic Information Service (DLIS) to be eligible to download documents marked Export Controlled. This certification establishes that a company is a U.S. or Canadian contractor eligible to receive unclassified technical data that is under the control of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND).

If you are a vendor outside of the U.S. or Canada you must obtain authorization by the government agency; contact the Contracting Officer directly to obtain the documents.

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