Look for Opportunities to Work with Government

.The government is the biggest buyer in the world, and there are a number of opportunities for small businesses to sell to the federal government.

Be warned, though, working with government is not simple and easy. From the certifications you need to get, to the paperwork you need to submit and the myriad processes you need to follow, working with the government is a big challenge.  From the article “A Step by Step Approach to the Federal Acquisition Marketplace”  here are the steps you need to take to open the door to federal business opportunities

• Identify your product or service.
• Check with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine that your business falls within the established table of small business size standards based on NAICS.
• Obtain a DUNS Number from Dunn & Bradstreet. 
• Register in the Centralized Contractor Registration (CCR) System.
• Determine if your firm qualifies for 8(a), SDB or HUBZone certification.
• Register in Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA).
• Begin to search for current federal government procurement opportunities.
• Familiarize yourself with both the federal Civilian and Department of Defense (DoD) contracting legal procedures.
• Investigate if getting on the GSA Schedule is right for you. Federal agencies can use General Services Administration s (GSA) Federal Supply Service (FSS) Schedule Contracts and Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) to make purchases. 
• Seek additional assistance, as needed, in the federal civilian and/or DoD marketplaces.
• Familiarize yourself with the budget forecasts for your targeted agencies.
• Explore subcontracting opportunities.
• Investigate government programs.
• Market your firm to the right contacts.