How to Get Help with a GSA Contract
Visit the GSA’s Office of Small Business Utilization (“OSBU”)., Ask for help navigating the federal contract system., Use GSA tools to research open business opportunities., Ask for help finding set-aside opportunities available to your business...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Visit the GSA’s Office of Small Business Utilization (“OSBU”).
The OSBU was established to help small businesses locate and obtain GSA contracts.
You may visit the OSBU online at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/105221 or contact them by telephone at 1-855-OSBUGSA (672-8472). -
Step 2: Ask for help navigating the federal contract system.
You may locate training programs near you by selecting your GSA regional office on the map at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/event/getRegions.
The OSBU offers In-person training designed to teach you how to locate and procure a government contract Online training designed to teach you how to locate and procure a government contract A mentor-protégé program that facilitates partnerships between small, disadvantaged businesses and seasoned GSA contractors. , From the GSA website, you can locate and read about current and upcoming GSA contracts and opportunities throughout the federal government.
Tools provided include:
A Google-like search engine, which allows users to search the procurement database for contracts by keyword A more advanced search engine, which allows users to select the type of contract, the location of the contract, the set-aside code, and even the agency offering the contract Search engines for specific contract types, such as set-aside programs and green initiatives , Set-aside opportunities provide specific socio-economic businesses with their fair share of government contracts.
To determine if your business falls within one of the designated socio-economic categories, visit the Small Business Association’s (“SBA”) Small Business Certifications and Audiences webpage at http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/contracting/working-with-government/small-business-certifications-audiences.
Businesses that qualify for set asides include:
Businesses owned by women Businesses owned by veterans Businesses owned by minorities , The OSBU maintains a network of support for small businesses.
The fastest way to receive counseling and support services information for your local area is to complete a request for information form at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/101355.
Common services include assistance with:
Marketing Disputes Other challenges businesses may encounter while attempting to procure a GSA contract , The GSA will give you step-by-step instructions for registering with the GSA to receive government contracts.
Before obtaining any government contract, providers must complete specific registration requirements.
Common requirements include:
Completion of programs offered by the GSA Submission of various financial statements Submission of proof of experience in the field Submission of pricing lists Submission of labor descriptions , If you have a question specific to your business and you cannot find the answer elsewhere, you may ask the GSA directly at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/101355. -
Step 3: Use GSA tools to research open business opportunities.
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Step 4: Ask for help finding set-aside opportunities available to your business.
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Step 5: Ask for counseling and support services.
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Step 6: Ask for step-by-step instructions.
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Step 7: Ask a GSA representative directly.
Detailed Guide
The OSBU was established to help small businesses locate and obtain GSA contracts.
You may visit the OSBU online at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/105221 or contact them by telephone at 1-855-OSBUGSA (672-8472).
You may locate training programs near you by selecting your GSA regional office on the map at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/event/getRegions.
The OSBU offers In-person training designed to teach you how to locate and procure a government contract Online training designed to teach you how to locate and procure a government contract A mentor-protégé program that facilitates partnerships between small, disadvantaged businesses and seasoned GSA contractors. , From the GSA website, you can locate and read about current and upcoming GSA contracts and opportunities throughout the federal government.
Tools provided include:
A Google-like search engine, which allows users to search the procurement database for contracts by keyword A more advanced search engine, which allows users to select the type of contract, the location of the contract, the set-aside code, and even the agency offering the contract Search engines for specific contract types, such as set-aside programs and green initiatives , Set-aside opportunities provide specific socio-economic businesses with their fair share of government contracts.
To determine if your business falls within one of the designated socio-economic categories, visit the Small Business Association’s (“SBA”) Small Business Certifications and Audiences webpage at http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/contracting/working-with-government/small-business-certifications-audiences.
Businesses that qualify for set asides include:
Businesses owned by women Businesses owned by veterans Businesses owned by minorities , The OSBU maintains a network of support for small businesses.
The fastest way to receive counseling and support services information for your local area is to complete a request for information form at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/101355.
Common services include assistance with:
Marketing Disputes Other challenges businesses may encounter while attempting to procure a GSA contract , The GSA will give you step-by-step instructions for registering with the GSA to receive government contracts.
Before obtaining any government contract, providers must complete specific registration requirements.
Common requirements include:
Completion of programs offered by the GSA Submission of various financial statements Submission of proof of experience in the field Submission of pricing lists Submission of labor descriptions , If you have a question specific to your business and you cannot find the answer elsewhere, you may ask the GSA directly at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/101355.
About the Author
Kimberly Rodriguez
Writer and educator with a focus on practical organization knowledge.
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