To become a GSA vendor requires perseverance, time, and research. If you are wondering if GSA is a fit for your small business, read “Is GSA Right For You?”

Prequalifying: To qualify to sell to GSA you will need to have a proven track record in your industry. Typically, this means your business existed for at least two years and has earned revenue of at least $25,000 per year, but this can vary by the type of procurement program. Not sure if you qualify as a small business in the federal government's view? Use this tool developed by the Small Business Administration to figure it out.

1. Research the government market
   • Working with GSA
   • Resources to investigate:
     • Selling to GSA versus Other Agencies
     • Forecast of Contracting Opportunities
     • FedBizOpps
     • Information Resources: Federal Procurement Data Systems; USA Spending; SmallBusiness.Data.gov
   • Partnering
2. Understand How GSA Buys
   There's a lot to know to maximize business opportunities:

   • Types of Contracts
   • Sub-Contracting
3. Required Training
   • Pathway to Success
   • Readiness Assessment
   These are required, online training that must be completed before you can respond to a Schedule contract solicitation.                                                                                                                                                                                              
4. Register Your Business
   To sell to the federal government your business must be a “known” legal entity. Requirements:

   • Get a DUNS number. A DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number is a unique, nine-digit identifier issued and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet that verifies the existence of a business entity globally.
   • Determine the Size of Your Business. Visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) website and verify that your company meets size requirements that classify it as a “small” business. While on the SBA.gov website, learn about contracting set-asides and find out if your company qualifies. If it does we encourage you to begin the certification process now. This will allow you to compete for a larger number of contracting opportunities sooner.
   • Get a Past Performance Evaluation from Dun & Bradstreet. A Past Performance Evaluation (PPE) report provides a robust and independent view of supplier past performance. The report assesses supplier performance relative to peers in the same industry and is often requested as part of a vendor bid process. Your company must register and provide the names and email addresses of six to 20 of your customers. This service has a fee.
   Visit SAM.GOV (System for Awards Management). Learn about SAM, then go to the site and register. This is a free service.

Still have questions? Contact OSBU