How to Get a Government Contract
The federal government issues billions of dollars each year to businesses in the form of government contracts. Receiving government contracts can help your business by creating additional revenue. But in order to receive government contracts, there are some steps that you and your business must take first. This guide will walk you through the steps that will help your business win contracts.
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Instructions
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Register with CCR (Central Contractor Registration), the database used by the U.S. government to collect information on various businesses. On this database you will create a profile for your business that contains information about your company. Registration is required for your business to even bid on government contracts.
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Apply for a DUNS number. DUNS stands for "data universal numbering system." Each assigned number is a unique nine-digit code system used to identify a specific business. DUNS numbers are issued by Dun and Bradstreet, located at DNB.com.
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Network with other business owners. It is always a good idea to network in order to learn about the resources that you can utilize for your own business. Also, find an organization that caters to small business owners. Many such organizations can assist you, and some even have counselors available to advise you on how to get contracts.
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Register your business as a disadvantaged business or get Sec 8(a) certified. There are some government contracts specifically designed for businesses that are considered "disadvantaged." Examples include women-owned businesses or a small disadvantaged business. A small disadvantaged business is considered one that is 51% or more owned by someone who is socially and economically disadvantaged.
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Register your business at Grants.gov, a governmental resource that stores information on over 1,000 grant programs. You will be assigned a user name and password. Once you have registered your business, you will have access to over $500 billion dollars in awards. Search the list of granters and decide which grants work best for your business. You may download an application package, complete it and submit it to the agency from which you are attempting to receive funds.
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