Working with the government.

• Position: SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE

Is the government market right for you?

What a government contract can do for your business

* Diversify your customer base

* Cover overhead costs

* Even out cash flow

What a government contract cannot do for your business

* jump-start your business

* Save your business

* Be your sole customer

Getting started in government contracting

Know your numbers

* DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number

* EIN (Employer Identification Number)

* NAICS (North American Industry Classification) codes

* SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes

Get registered

* System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov

* GSA (General Services Administration) schedule at www.gsa.gov/schedules

Search for contract opportunities

* Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) at www.fho.gov Market your business

* Registering is not enough. Like any other customer, you will need to market your business to government agency representatives. A strong capability statement will help (see below).

Make sure your businesses is financially sound

* If you receive a government contract, you will not be paid all at once.

Federal government contracting goals

The federal government spends more than $500 million annually on goods and services, and has established goals for small business contracting:

5% to women-owned small businesses 5% to small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs)

Create a credible capability statement

A capability statement will help you market your company to government agencies and prime contractors, and includes the following key...