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Business Community
The Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD) is a business centric environment. As an organization that understands revenue generation,
we know how important it is to drive the business, and work with the customer.
Within the
Interior Business Center we are one of eight business lines, whose focus is to serve not only the
Department of the Interior programs, but DoD and Civilian Agency managers who need contracting support.
Partnerships
AQD strives to solidify strong vendor and Federal customer partnerships. Business development between government and industry includes mandated
goals for small business, created by the
Small Business Administration. In turn, each Federal agency via their
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization negotiates these goals throughout their contracting offices. At AQD, more than 50% of all
awards each year have been to the small business community.
Networking
For industry interested in networking through our website, we maintain a vendor database and encourage its use by all who are involved in
Federal contracting. Program managers, contracting officers, and vendors utilize this database as a market research tool.
Although the
System for Award Management (SAM) is the required gateway for all Federal contractors, our database serves as a unique
promotional resource for the vendor.
Registration in the AQD database is voluntary and complimentary. Registration does not imply or guarantee business opportunities with the
Federal Government. The
System for Award Management (SAM) website is the primary vendor database for the U.S. Federal Government. Federal Government vendors, both current
and potential, are required to be registered in CCR to be awarded a Federal Government contract.
New to the Federal Government?
As you begin to become familiar with the Federal Government as a place to do business, it can be overwhelming. Agencies, contracting offices,
program managers, small business specialists and a host of others will become known to you over time. The key is to focus on your core capabilities,
where you believe and understand initially that you would like to concentrate your time, and create in-roads that will put you in front of the
right people.
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Begin with the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers in the area where
your business is based. These organizations can give you one-to-one attention, advise you on your marketing plan, collateral material,
and often times, give critical guidance and direction to you. In addition, they are closely linked with the
Small Business Development Centers which can work with you on the financial side of your business.
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Review online any events and conferences that seem to be streamlined with your specialty. Go to some of these events that are both promoted by the
government and by the private sector. Recognize that all of these opportunities may lead you not only to individuals within the government,
but also other vendors that you could potentially team and partner with for government business. Create contracts that solidify those relationships
when it comes to having a prime/subcontractor partnership.
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Create a one page capability sheet that defines your business. If you are a small business, consider noting your small business
designation on your business card.
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Whether you sell a product or service, you need a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code.
You can have multiple codes, but choosing them is important.
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Federal Business Opportunities, Interior’s Advanced Procurement Plans
and other resources are online catalogs of information for future awards.
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Reach out to Program Managers, not just Contracting Officers. Program managers are the 'technical' representatives, and perform market research that enhances the development of their project plans.
Small Business Specialist (SBS)
For more information on small business, please visit the
Small Business page.