How to Become a Government Contractor
Find your NAICS classification., Gather information about your business., Get a DUNS number., Create an account with the System of Award Management (SAM).
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find your NAICS classification.
The federal government uses the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) to classify U.S. businesses for the purposes of gathering statistics on the U.S. economy.
These codes also are used to classify contracts.The most current edition of the NAICS manual is available at https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/.
Use it to find the code or codes for your business. -
Step 2: Gather information about your business.
In addition to your NAICS classification codes, there are other codes and numbers related to your business that you'll need to register as a federal contractor.You'll need the federal tax ID number of your business, as well as your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.
You may have other codes, such as a federal supply code or product service codes.
If you don't have these, don't worry about it – but if you do, they may come in handy. , The federal government uses a unique, nine-digit number issued by Dun & Bradstreet to identify contractors.
You can get a number free of charge if you are registering as a government contractor.To start the process, visit http://www.dnb.com/us and complete the online form.
Your number will be issued within 48 hours. , SAM is the main database you'll use to manage your government contracts and do business with the federal government.
You must register here before you can accept any government contracts.Get started by visiting the SAM website at www.sam.gov.
Create your user account, then register your business.
If you have more than one business, register each of them separately under the same user account.
Include as much information about your business as well.
Use SAM as a marketing tool so government agencies can find you.
Agencies often search based on size, location, ownership, and other factors. -
Step 3: Get a DUNS number.
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Step 4: Create an account with the System of Award Management (SAM).
Detailed Guide
The federal government uses the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) to classify U.S. businesses for the purposes of gathering statistics on the U.S. economy.
These codes also are used to classify contracts.The most current edition of the NAICS manual is available at https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/.
Use it to find the code or codes for your business.
In addition to your NAICS classification codes, there are other codes and numbers related to your business that you'll need to register as a federal contractor.You'll need the federal tax ID number of your business, as well as your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.
You may have other codes, such as a federal supply code or product service codes.
If you don't have these, don't worry about it – but if you do, they may come in handy. , The federal government uses a unique, nine-digit number issued by Dun & Bradstreet to identify contractors.
You can get a number free of charge if you are registering as a government contractor.To start the process, visit http://www.dnb.com/us and complete the online form.
Your number will be issued within 48 hours. , SAM is the main database you'll use to manage your government contracts and do business with the federal government.
You must register here before you can accept any government contracts.Get started by visiting the SAM website at www.sam.gov.
Create your user account, then register your business.
If you have more than one business, register each of them separately under the same user account.
Include as much information about your business as well.
Use SAM as a marketing tool so government agencies can find you.
Agencies often search based on size, location, ownership, and other factors.
About the Author
Ann Russell
Enthusiastic about teaching cooking techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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