Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What do I do if I don’t have a DUNS number?

    2. The following website will help you obtain a DUNS number. https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/companylookup.htm

    In the meantime, you may enter 000000 (six zeroes) to proceed with the application, as this is a required field.

  2. I am at Step 5 and do not see a “Continue” button.

    3. Simply click on the “Return to Step 5 Menu” button. From that screen the “Continue” button should be active.

  3. I am currently active duty, work for the government or have a spouse / business partner who does. Can I still do business with The Exchange?

    4. Per regulations AR 60-20 / AFR 147-14, The Exchange cannot negotiate, purchase or otherwise conduct any procurement business (including accepting in-store or other contract service) with active duty military personnel, U.S. Government employees (including NAF employees), or immediate family members of the above who reside in the same household.

  4. I do not have past 12 months sales history. May I submit estimated future sales?

    5. To get a true representation of your business, The Exchange asks only for actual past 12 months sales history and not projected sales.

MINORITY BUSINESS:

A business that is at least 51% owned by minority group members; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more minority group members, and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more minority group members. For purposes of this definition, minority group members include African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian-Americans and Native Americans (including American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts and Native Hawaiians).

SMALL BUSINESS:

A business that is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field. The Exchange considers a business small when there are 499 or fewer employees.

SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS:

A business with either:

  1. 51% unconditionally owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged, or a publicly owned business that has at least 51% of its stock unconditionally owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and that has its management and daily business controlled by one or more such individuals.
  2. 51% unconditionally owned by an economically disadvantaged Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization, or a publicly owned business that has at least 51% of its stock unconditionally owned by one of these entities, that has its management daily business controlled by members of an economically disadvantaged Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization.

WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS:

A business that is at least 51% owned by women who are United States citizens and who also control and operate the business.

HUBZONE:

Historically underutilized Business Zone – Must be located in HUBZone area (see https://eweb1.sba.gov/hubzone/internet).

VETERAN OWNED:

At least 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans, that has management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

NIB/ NISH:

National Institute for the Blind / National Institute for the Severely Handicapped.

AUTOMOTIVE:

Tires, batteries, gasoline, oil, and auto accessories, parts and chemicals

CASUAL HOME FURNISHINGS:

Area rugs, folding chairs and tables, ready-to-assemble furniture

CLOTHING / ACCESSORIES:

Military and civilian clothing items

FOOD & BEVERAGES:

Candy, snacks, soft drinks, water, juices, all categories of alcoholic beverages

HOUSEWARES & ELECTRONICS:

Baby furniture and safety items, mattresses and box springs, kitchen items, small electrical appliances, linens and domestics, sewing machines and accessories, cleaning supplies, dinnerware, clocks, flatware, lamps, audio components, radios, CD players, VCRs, console and portable televisions, blank tapes, prerecorded music, video tapes, plants and shrubs, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, dishwashers and refrigerators.

JEWELRY:

Costume and fine jewelry, watches

SPORTING GOODS, RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES:

Power tools, bicycles, tents, guns, fishing, golf, ski, physical fitness, outdoor power equipment and photographic equipment

STATIONERY & SUPPLIES:

Greeting cards, calculators, seasonal decorations, artist supplies, school and office supplies

TOBACCO & ACCESSORIES:

A full line of tobacco products and accessories (does not include accessories made of precious metals)

TOILETRIES & HEALTH CARE:

Health and beauty aids, hair care products, perfumes, fragrances, shaving accessories, personal grooming appliances, first aid items, sunglasses, vitamins, disposable diapers, toilet tissues