Please allow me to take this opportunity to explain our program to you. Phoenix-Opportunity is an on-line system that allows you to register your minority company with the MBDA's database using the Internet. With this tool, you will be able to access contract opportunities and other information vital to the success of your business. You will also be able to post opportunities and seek business partners.

The Phoenix-Opportunity database is very different from most business registration and contract referral systems found in government and private industry today. First, unlike most private services, Phoenix-Opportunity is FREE. Second, Phoenix-Opportunity permits you to register once and receive many public and private contract referrals. Third, government and some private services require that you search lengthy databases of contract opportunities on-line. This is time-consuming and difficult, as the wording and context of the contract notices are often confusing and the information outdated.

Phoenix-Opportunity sorts the database for you each night and automatically refers opportunities to you via simply worded e-mail or fax. You receive timely information without extensive searching. As your business grows and you increase your capabilities, you can use your personal password to update you business profile on-line at any time. When a match is made, you receive the dollar amount of the contract, time and place for delivery, contact information and bonding requirements. The offering company receives your corporate contact information, e-mail and Internet home page (if available). You also receive information about minority business support services that may assist you with bid preparation, finance or bonding.

There is a specific test for social and/or economic disadvantage. One is assumed to be disadvantaged by virtue of his/her cultural or racial make-up. Further, under 15 U.S.C. 1512, Section 1400 and our Executive Order 11625, to be eligible for MBDA assistance, a concern must be BOTH a minority business enterprise, which is a business enterprise that is owned or controlled by one or more socially or economically disadvantaged persons AND a member of one of the following eligibility groups: Blacks, Puerto-Ricans, Spanish-speaking Americans, American Indians, Eskimos and Aleuts, Hasidic Jews, Asian Pacific Americans, and Asian Indians.

For purposes of receiving MBDA assistance, you must meet both of these requirements. Should you wish a copy of Part 1400 of 15 U.S.C. 1512 and our Executive Order, please let us know.

To register your company, please point your web browser to http://www.mbda.gov and follow these steps:

(We recommend Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x or Netscape Communicator 4.x. It is best if your browser will accommodate secure socket layer (SSL) or JavaScript.) Instructions for Phoenix:

On the right hand side under the statement "Login-Members" you should see a box to enter your user id and password. However, if you are a new user to the portal click on the tab called "New users click here".

From there you should see a screen entitled "New User Step 1 of 2". You should fill out the contact information about yourself and click the "Add User" tab located at the bottom of the screen.  Complete the contact information for yourself including your first and last name, fax number and email address. All fields in red are required.

The next screen you should create a password for yourself as well as answer the "Challenge Question". After you complete this information click the "submit" tab at the bottom of the screen. The next screen will say "Welcome and your name". It will also give you your id and a continue tab to access the MBDA Portal. Click on the tab.

From there you should see the screen "Welcome" on the top left hand side.  From there scroll down to the middle of the screen. Under the title "Tools and Services" you should see a link for Phoenix. Click on that link.

The next screen is called "Phoenix Company List" with the feature to "Add a Company" at the top of this screen.  Click on that link. You now must read the MBDA disclaimer and agree to terms by entering YES in the box provided and click on the "Submit to MBDA" tab.

You are now ready to register your company.  Please answer all of the fields in red.  They are mandatory fields. Click "Next" at the bottom of each page to proceed to the next screen. When you are finished you will see a screen that says you have completed registration and your company will be registered in the system.

I thank you again for your interest and I wish you success in your endeavors.