US Federal Contractor Registration Guide to Set-Asides IN THIS GUIDE What are Set-Asides? Federal Contracting Opportunities for Everyone! When many people think about federal government contractors, they usually envision contracting companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, or Raytheon. Thanks to the Small Business Act however, many small businesses have found success in federal contracting. Even further, several socieoeconomic set-asides have helped level the playing field and provide a wealth of opportunities to further demographics. Under this system, contracting officers are required to set aside certain contracts exclusively for businesses who meet certain criteria, such as small businesses, womenowned businesses, etc. How do You Assert Your Status? While some set-asides are considered self certifications in which the vendor simply states they belong to a particular group, others require additional certification in order for firms to be eligible for contracting opportunities. Such certifications include the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women- Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), Veteran- Owned Small Business (VOSB), Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) programs. Each program requires its own application and supporting documentation in addition to registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) that is required for all federal contractors. Need Help? Like many federal programs, the applications for these set-asides can be confusing and errors in certification can create costly problems down the road. US Federal Contractor Registration provides assistance to firms who qualify for these set-asides including document preparation and filing. For more information call (877) 252-2700 x1. Women-Owned Small Businesses Businesses owned by women can find increased opportunities through the WOSB/EDWOSB program. Page 2 Veteran-Owned Service-Disabled Small Businesses Veterans are rewarded for their service to the country through several contracting programs and perks, including the VOSDSBC program. Page 3 Historically Underutilized Business Zone Firms located in designated HUBZones can benefit from procurement preferences and set-aside contracts. Page 4 Marketing for Set-Asides Certification is just the beginning. Find out how to leverage your new status through federal government marketing strategies! Page 5
Women-Owned Small Businesses Women own over 30% of all businesses in the United States, a growth of over 54% over the last 15 years. To help these firms get their fair share of the federal procurement market, the SBA published a final rule in 2011 expanding federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses. Under this rule, contracting officers are setting aside 5% of contracts to be awarded to eligible women-owned and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses. Firms are considered to be eligible if they are at least 51% owned by one or more women and primarily managed by one or more women. These women must be US citizens and the company must meet the SBA size standards for a small business in one of 83 underrepresented industries. In order to become certified as a Women- Owned or Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business, eligible firms must register their status in the System for Award Management (SAM) and upload the required documentation supporting their status to the WOSB program repository through the SBA General Login System (GLS). DID YOU KNOW Federal agencies spent over $68 million on setaside contracts for Women-Owned and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses in FY2012. Top Prime WOSB Contractors Telesto Group LLC, based out of Princeton, NJ, performs program management, business transformation including process improvement, education and training, and SAP technical strategy, architecture and development. (609) 503-4200. T. Simons Co., Inc is a general contractor located in Nipomo, CA and performs small-tomedium remodeling, renovation, and rehabilitation of commercial/industrial structures and municipal facilities. (805) 929-0700. Osprey Contracting, Inc. performs general contracting and construction services in Cocoa Beach, FL. (321) 591-3265. One Source Roofing, Inc. provides commercial, industrial, multifamily, and institutional roofing services in Orlando, FL. (407) 660 8552. Project Solutions is based out of Rapid City, SD and provides business management consulting and mentoring, project management, engineering studies, technical training, and women and minority construction assistance. (605) 737-0377.
TOP PRIME SDVOSB CONTRACTORS There are currently 4074 SDVOSBs and 1362 VOSBs registered in the VA s Vetbiz database. Aegis Mission Essential Personnel Offers intelligence, language, training, and technical personnel solutions based out of Columbus, OH. They can be reached at (614) 416-2345. Microtechnologies LLC Provides technology services, network systems integration, unified communications & collaboration, product solutions, cloud computing, cyber security, mobility and social media solutions based in Tysons Corner, VA. (703) 891-1073. Systems Made Simple, Inc Located in Syracuse, NY, offers a wide range of enterprise level technology and management solutions. (315) 455-3200. Four Points Technology LLC Based in Chantilly, PA, provides IT products and professional services to the federal government. They can be reached at (703) 657-6100. CSI Aviation Services, Inc Located in Albuquerque, NM, offers air charters, aircraft leasing and purchase, air cargo, and fuel and ground services. (505) 761-9000. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 has helped create a wealth of opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concerns (SDVOSBC). According to the law, federal procurement officers are required to set aside at least 3% of all prime and subcontract awards for SDVOSBCs. In FY 2012, Veteran-Owned firms received over $24.5 billion in federal contracts nationwide, with over $14 billion going to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. Additional programs such as the Veterans First program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs provide added benefits such as first priority for contracts with the VA. Other federal agencies, such as those within the Department of Defense, tend to prefer awarding contracts to Veteran-Owned firms as well. To qualify for SDVOSBC program: The Service Disabled Veteran (SDV) must have a service-connected disability that has been determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense The SDVOSBC must meet small business size requirements for the NAICS code assigned to the contract The SDV must unconditionally own 51% of the SDVOSBC The SDV must control the management and daily operations of the SDVOSBC The SDV must hold the highest officer position in the SDVOSBC
Historically Underutilized Business Zones The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Empowerment Contracting program came as a result of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997 and encourages economic development in historically underutilized business zones through contracting preferences. HUBZone participants receive exclusive competitive and sole source contracting opportunities and 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions. The federal government must award at least 3% of all prime contracting dollars to HUBZone firms. In 2012, over $7 billion in contracts were awarded through the HUBZone program. HUBZONE BENEFITS FOR THE ECONOMY By creating federal contracting opportunities in economically distressed regions, the HUBZone program helps eligible businesses hire more workers, stimulate growth, and benefit local economies. Firms may be eligible for the HUBZone program if they meet the following criteria: Must be a small business according to SBA size standards Must be owned and controlled by at least 51% US citizens, or a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural coorperative, or an Indian tribe Its principal office must be located within a Historically Underutilized Business Zone, which includes lands considered Indian Country and military facilities closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Act At least 35% of its employees must reside in a HUBZone Aegis Mission Essential Personnel offers intelligence, language, training, and technical personnel solutions based out of Columbus, OH. (614) 416-2345. Tribalco LLC, located in Bethesda, MD, provides cloud computing solutions, advanced wireless implementations, and tactical combat casualty care. (301) 652-8450. Blue Tech Incorporated is based in San Diego, CA. They perform information technology systems integration and support services. (619) 497-6060. Carter Enterprises LLC provides expert welding and fabrication services in Stanton, AL. (205) 351-1461. Heeter Construction Inc is based out of Spencer, WV and performs dam and levee construction, road construction and paving, and site and surface preparation. (304) 927-3032.
OTHER TIPS Aggressively marketing your business to federal agencies is an essential component of your overall government contracting success strategy. Don t Neglect Face-to-Face Meetings Contact the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at local agencies to schedule a meeting. The OSDBU is an invaluable resource for agency insider information and determining how your firm can best meet that agency s needs and goal. Attend Industry and Matchmaking Events Networking is extremely important, especially if your company is interested in teaming or subcontracting with other vendors. Building your reputation and making your name known to contracting officers is also vital to success. Attending conferences, matchmaking events, and training events is an excellent way to accomplish these goals while also gathering information on upcoming opportunities and other vendors in your industry. FOR MORE INFORMATION Call US Federal Contractor Registration with any questions you may have about government contracting, set-asides, or how to market your business to federal buyers. https://www.uscontractorregistration.com (877) 252-2700x1 Marketing for Set-Asides Once you ve properly registered and certified your firm to become eligible for set-aside contracts, it s time to focus on winning contract awards. Unfortunately, many businesses operate under the assumption that once they ve registered all they need to do is sit back and watch the RFP s roll in. The reality however is that successful vendors work very hard to build their network and bring in business through a well-planned marketing campaign. Just like in the private sector, it s hard to bring in customers if you don t reach out to let them know who you are, what you do, and why they should spend their hard earned money on your product or service. Market Research One of the first steps you should take towards marketing your business to contracting officers is to find out who is already buying and selling the product or service you wish to offer on the federal market. Researching which agencies have awarded contracts in your industry will show you where to focus your marketing and networking efforts; finding out who they ve purchased from in the past will help you identify your competition and refine how you present your own capabilities and strengths. There are many websites where you can research this information, including the USASpending and Federal Procurement Data System sites. Don t forget to also research contracts currently up for bid on the Federal Business Opportunities website! Capabilities Statement A great, simple way to sum up your company s offerings and strengths is by drafting a one-page capabilities statement. Think of this as a resume for your business. An effective capabilities statement should contain your company s name and contact information, registration data (DUNS, CAGE, set-aside eligibility, other certifications), what you re selling, and past performance information. While it seems easy to overlook, many agencies will require you to submit a capabilities statement when bidding on a contract. Federal Contracting Website Even if you already have a company website (and you should), it s likely that your site is optimized for a private sector market and does not cater as well to federal government buyers. While obvious omissions would include your registration information, it s also possible that products and services that the private sector buys are of no use to the federal government or that perks and features that appeal to contracting officers are not applicable to the average consumer. Creating a separate site is a worthwhile investment that will set you ahead of your competition.