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8a Business Development Program Help Desk Assistance

The 8(a) Business Development Program has been a huge success for those US based small businesses that have joined this SBA program. The benefits, resources and opportunities accessible to it’s program members are untouchable when compared to any other small business certification or program.

The first step in becoming certified would be to complete and have an active System for Award Management (SAM) Registration in place with at least 6 months of validity left prior to expiring. Then of course you would want to create and optimize your DSBS Profile, SBA Profile, Capabilities Statement, and any other registration or profile that pertains to your industry and/or business itself.

Once you begin the 8(a) Program certification application process, it normally takes about 3-6 months to reach completion. The application process is quite tedious and must be completed with full accuracy and without errors. Submitting an application with any errors or omissions will delay the approval of said application by at least another 2-3 months.

The Office of Government Contracting and Business Development does have a Help Desk that 8(a) Program applicants can call for assistance regarding any issues, obstacles or technical problems that arise during the application process iteself. And yes, there will be many.

The Office of Government Contracting & Business Development’s Help Desk is ONLY available on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 3pm EST. The phone number to call is 202-765-1264.

USBRI was established in 2011 to provide the level and type of assistance that most businesses need in order to successfully complete this certification and reap the benefits of having said certification actively in place. This also include attending to and updating all the other remaining profiles, platforms, registrations, capabilities statements, narrative statements, FEMA/SEMA (if applicable) and whereever else your business information is presented to Contracting Officers and Prime Vendors for directly awarding contracts and subcontracting opportunities.

Which Small Business Certification(s) Are Best For My Company?

There are many different types of Small Business Set-Aside Certifications  for U.S. based small businesses. Such as Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB/SDVOSB), Woman Owned Small Businesses (WOSB/EDWOSB), Historically Underutilized Small Business Zone Certification (HUBZone), 8a Business Development Program (Minority Owned), etc.

ALL Federal Contracts from $10K-$250K are AUTOMATIC Small Business Set-Aside Contracts — 23% of ALL Federal Contracting Dollars MUST BE AWARDED to a Certified Small Business

Government Contracting Opportunity Options

Government Contracting Opportunity Options

Exploring government contracting can open new doors for your business. Here are some key opportunities to consider:

  • Federal Contracts:
    • General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule: Long-term governmentwide contracts with commercial companies.
  • State and Local Contracts:
    • State Government Contracts: Each state has its own procurement system for goods and services.
    • Local Government Contracts: Cities, counties, and municipalities often have contracts for local projects.
  • Subcontracting Opportunities:
    • Prime Contractors: Large contractors often need subcontractors to fulfill their government contracts.
    • Mentor-Protégé Program: Pairing small businesses with experienced government contractors to enhance capabilities.

Unlocking these opportunities requires understanding the specific requirements and compliance standards. Begin by registering your business with the System for Award Management (SAM) and explore relevant certifications to increase your eligibility and competitiveness in government contracting.

The most important requirement of federal government contracting is having an active and compliant SAM Registration. USBRI and the team of Certified Registration Specialists (CRS) has been helping companies with SAM and Small Business Certification since 2011. Get in contact with a CRS today to learn more by contacting the USBRI Help Desk at 1-888-646-9998.

If you are unsure if you have a SAM Registration or would like to find out your status, use the tool by clicking the button below

 

Need to Register or Renew?

If you have used the Lookup Tool and find your registration is expired, soon-to-be expired, or missing, begin the process TODAY with a CRS so you are not missing out on important contracting opportunities. Click the button below to start the process.

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What is the Importance of Federal Contracting?

The Importance of Federal Contracting

Federal contracting is a crucial avenue for businesses looking to expand their market reach and secure consistent revenue streams. Engaging in federal contracts allows businesses to work directly with the government, leading to significant financial stability and growth opportunities. The federal government is one of the largest consumers of goods and services, offering billions of dollars in contracts each year. This creates a reliable source of income and opens doors to long-term partnerships, enhancing a company’s credibility and market position.

  • Access to a large and reliable customer (the federal government)
  • Opportunities for long-term partnerships and contracts
  • Enhanced credibility and market presence

However, navigating the complexities of federal contracting by yourself can be challenging and overwhelming. With the team of Certified Registration Specialists (CRS), USBRI provides expert assistance in obtaining necessary registrations and certifications, ensuring compliance with federal standards, and streamlining the application process. CRS support significantly reduces the time and effort required, increasing the likelihood of securing contracts and setting the stage for sustainable business growth.

To find out if you are registered in SAM if you are unsure, use the Status Lookup Tool by clicking below

 

Need to Register or Renew?

If you have found that your registration has expired or is missing, begin the process with a CRS today by clicking the button below. If you have any questions or issues, do not hesitate to reach out to the help desk at 1-888-646-9998.

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Benefits of a Multi-Year SAM Registration

Benefits of a Multi-Year SAM Registration

After servicing the industry for almost 10 years now, USBRI has figured out the primary issues for new and existing SAM Registrants. Having a Multi-Year SAM Registration in place with an established credible long-term organization can make all the difference in the world. Some of the major problems we have found:

  • Regulations & Procedures change almost daily in the Federal Procurement & Federal Financial Aid areas (including Set-Aside Certifications). Each year the process gets a bit more complicated with additional required information and/or documents.
  • It is becoming even more imperative that ALL filings are filed with exactly the same updated information & updated codes (product & service codes change too). This is how 70% of the Federal Contracts below $150,000 are directly awarded to Certified Small Businesses without ever making to public bid.
  • Companies & Organizations with a SAM Registration are repeatedly called & emailed by multiple unethical and fraudulent people and sometimes organizations. AND they are very very creative and quite successful. USBRI is the only organization in the industry where the phone will NOT be answered by a commissioned sales person, but a CRS (Certified Registration Specialist) who will ensure your needs are met and all services/updates/changes are completed as quickly as possible.
  • Jobs/Grants even Contract Consideration is all lost due to inactive SAM Registrations or registrations with errors or a lack of their Small Business Certification.

The cost of our service really depends on how valuable your Contracts & Grants are to your organization.

 

Check your entity’s SAM Registration status below!

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Where do I register for SAM?

Where Do I Register for SAM?

Registering for System for Award Management (SAM) https://unitedstatesbusinessregistration.us is one way to register with a minimum fee, getting assistance and walking you through the required information.  There are never shortcuts in government contracting SAM.   Making sure your company is well represented on the internet, with an up to date website that clearly describes the goods and services you offer and (if possible) includes a link to your catalog.  In emergency cases agency buyers may rely on the internet for market research.  Again, making sure you are registered with SAM and any applicable databases and your company information is accurate, complete ( include detailed capabilities listings) being consistent across all the various registrations is key.  This will make it easier for government agencies to cross check your information.   For more information and how to register https://unitedstatesbusinessregistration.us   We are here to help.

 

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What is the Robert T Stafford Act?

What is the Robert T Stafford Act?

The Robert T Stafford Act is a United States federal law which is designed to bring orderly and systemic means of federal natural disaster assistance for state and local governments carrying out their responsibilities to aid citizens.  Congress’s intention was to encourage states and localities to develop comprehensive disaster preparedness plans, prepare for better intergovernmental coordination in the face of a disaster.  Encouraging the use of insurance coverage, and provide federal assistance programs for losses due to disaster.

The Robert T Stafford Act is a 1988 amended version of the Disaster Relief Act of 1974.  This started the system in place today by which a presidential disaster declaration or an emergency declaration triggers financial aid physical assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  This act gives FEMA the responsibility for coordinating government-wide relief efforts.  The Federal Response Plan includes contributions from 28 federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, such as the American Red Cross.  It is named for the Sen. Robert Stafford serving from 1971-1989, who helped pass the law.

There are many criticisms of the Robert T Stafford Act.  The institute for Southern Studies has stated that the Act needs to give greater latitude to FEMA on how it responds to disasters that are extraordinarily  devastating such as Hurricane Katrina.

For more information https://unitedstatesbusinessregistration.us/fema-disaster-response-disaster-relief-contracts/

 

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What are the 3 phases of disaster?

3 Phases of Disaster

First response phase can include activities to meet basic human needs.  Joint Field Office setup, Individual Assistance as well as Public assistance. Recovery phase includes search and rescue support to communities  Helping to return to self-sufficiency, such as housing and medical support.  Long term recovery gets established to the community and individuals after the initial 30 to 90 days.

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