If you own a small business, you might be interested in finding ways to expand it through methods that allow you to sell your goods or services to the government. All government agencies at the federal, state and local level can participate, giving small businesses many opportunities. These procurement programs require extensive government contracting and knowledge about the procedures. In order to make sense of it all, it is beneficial to obtain counseling or training at your local small business development center to ensure you handle the requirements appropriately and are successful in your endeavor.
Who Qualifies
In order to qualify to sell your products or services to the federal, state or local government, you must be a small business that is owned by a minority, including women. The minority must own at least 51 percent of the small business and needs to show a qualifying disability to become certified to sell to the government agencies.
What Are the Goals?
The goal of government procurement programs is to ensure small businesses receive a certain percentage of the business the government has to offer. There are yearly goals in which Congress sets the amount of contract dollars that should be spent with small businesses. At the moment, 23 percent needs to be spent with small businesses. Within that percentage, five percent should come from disadvantaged businesses and five percent from women-owned businesses.
Who Oversees It?
The Small Business Administration oversees the agencies to determine the goals are met on a yearly basis. There are many government departments that participate in the program, which a small business development center could help you determine. The SBA works directly with federal, state and local agencies to help determine goals and try to help each agency reach those goals to help small businesses succeed.
Because navigating the system for procurement programs can be overwhelming, it is best to consult with a small business development center to determine how to achieve your goals. Most centers offer a variety of in-person, online and video training that can help you understand the government system, as well as learn how to navigate it. The first few steps require you to establish that you are a small business and you are a minority. Because the contracts and requirements are in-depth, it is best to obtain appropriate help.
