subject: Advice And Tips For Doing Business With The Government [print this page] There are various agencies such as the Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, Homeland Security, FBI, and many other federal agencies that spend billions of dollars a year. For example, according to the SBA 2010 Small Business Procurement Scorecard, the federal government purchased more billions in goods and services from small businesses. These purchases were made using prime contractors and subcontractors.
After you have identified a government sales strategy, incorporated your business, established a DUNS number, and formerly registered through the CCR, this will guarantee that your business will be spotted on the federal governments radar.
Although it is not necessary to have a website to register or benefit from government sales, it is highly recommend for the following reasons. During the registration process, you will be asked to list your companys website if you have one. This increases your exposure to a captive audience of government purchasers.
During the CCR registration process you will be asked to identify NAICS code numbers that apply to your particular market sector and industry classifications. NAICS industries are identified by a six digit code, in contrast to the four digit SIC code. In the past, a shorter four digit industry classification code was used to identify business types. The longer code accommodates a larger number of business sectors and allows more flexibility in designating sub-sectors. It also provides for additional detail not necessarily appropriate for all three NAICS countries. The international NAICS agreement fixes only the first five digits of the code. The sixth digit, where used, identifies subdivisions of NAICS industries that accommodate user needs in individual countries.
Once you have completed your CCR registration your business will be issued a CAGE Code database registration number. This number acts like a Social Security number for your business. It is how the government knows who you are, what you sell, where you are and how to contact your business.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with valuable information that can be of help to your small business. As many seasoned and respected business owners know, these these useful tips and information will be of great service. Hopefully you will be able to avoid some common misconceptions and unnecessary pitfalls that many face when starting out. Thank you for your valued attention and the opportunity to provide this commentary. We will continue to provide articles to the best of our abilities because helping others is so rewarding.
