Established Businesses and Growth

Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the official, free on-line registrant database for the U.S. Federal Government. CCR collects, validates, stores and disseminates data in support of agency acquisition and award missions.

Purpose: Client Resource, Marketing Businesses

Who should register in CCR?

• Current and potential vendors must be registered in CCR prior to an award or contract, basic agreement, basic ordering, or blanket purchase agreement [See FAR 4.11]
• Private non-profits, educational organizations, state and regional agencies that apply for assistance awards via grants.gov must now register with CCR
• A foreign company that performs work outside the US is required to register in the CCR system in order to be awarded a contract [See FAR 4.1102(a)(5)]
• Exceptions are reserved for classified contracts (see 2.101) or contracts to support unusual or compelling needs

What is required to register?

The SBA also issued a proposed rule to increase the small business size standards for 28 industries in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector.   As many as 4,100 additional firms could become eligible for SBA’s programs and services if the proposed increases are adopted. 

Comments can be submitted on this proposed rule on or before April 24, 2012, at Regulations.gov, identified by RIN 3245-AG30, where they will be posted.  You may also mail comments to Khem R. Sharma, Chief, Size Standards Division, 409 3rd St., SW, Mail Code 6530, Washington, DC  20416.

“Before beginning, plan carefully.” 

The philosophy of the great Roman Orator Cicero is just as appropriate in today’s small business environment as it was in the political arena of the Roman Empire.  A sound and well thought-out marketing plan is an essential part of a firm’s ability to compete in today’s marketplace.  In spite of this, many small businesses take a disorganized or haphazard approach to their marketing efforts and, as a result, fail to capitalize on opportunities to sell more of their products and services. 

Why do so many take this half-hearted approach?   Many believe it stems from the nature of the entrepreneur, who thrives on action and being intrinsically involved in the day-to-day operations of the business.  Planning is seen as a non-active effort and therefore does not provide the same stimulus as being involved in producing and selling a product and/or service.

The process of creating a marketing plan involves three steps:

1. An analysis of the firm’s internal and external environments;

2. A decision on a “Unique Selling Point” to emphasize and project; and

3. The selection of action plans (both paid and unpaid) to reach the targeted customer base.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. Employers with employees, business partnerships, and corporations and other types of organizations, must obtain an EIN from the IRS. The EIN is also known as an Employer Tax ID and Form SS-4.

You are required to have an EIN if you answer “yes” to any of the following six questions:

1. Do you have employees?

2. Do you operate your business as either a corporation or partnership?

3. Do you file any of these tax returns: employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco and firearms?

4. Do you withhold taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien?

5. Do you have a Keogh plan?

6. Are you involved with any of the following types of organizations?