1. HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT George R. Brown Convention Center Houston, Texas December 9, 2003

2. So, why the federal government? World’s best customer Buys everything Spends billions

3. Goal of the Federal Government A quality product or service Delivered on time At a competitive price

4. Okay – So how do I get started? Registration Research The right people Finding Opportunities Marketing

5. Registrations Dun & Bradstreet (www.dnb.com) orwww.dnb.com 1-800-333-0505 CCR (Central Contractor Registration (www.ccr.gov)www.ccr.gov Pro-Net (http://pro-net.sba.gov/)http://pro-net.sba.gov/

6. Pro-Net Internet-based database of small businesses One stop procurement shop A link to procurement opportunities Electronic search capability for contracting officers and prime contractors Marketing tool

7. Research, Research, Research Identify your product/service Identify who buys your product/service Identify your NAICS code –North American Industry Classification System Know your size –Annual Sales (average last 3 years) –Number of employees

8. The Right People Start with the Small Business Specialist –Acts as liaison between supplier & buyer –Does not buy anything –Can put you in contact with technical person or buyer

9. Finding Opportunities FedBizOpps www.eps.gov

10. Types of Businesses – Other than Large Small Business 8(a) Small, Disadvantaged Business Woman Owned Small Business HUBZone Small Business Veteran Small Business Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business

11. Marketing 1.Market selectively 2.Market knowledgeably 3.Market constructively 4.Market early 5.Market timely 6.Market continually 7.Repeat and improve on steps 1 - 6

12. Know the Rules !! FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) –http://www.arnet.gov/far/http://www.arnet.gov/far/ –Each agency may have their own supplement, i.e., DFARS Army - AFARS –Corps of Engineers – EFARS FAR Part 14 – Sealed Bidding FAR Part 15 – Contracting by Negotiation FAR Part 19 – Small Business Programs

13. I am with the government and I am here to help ! Valerie J. Coleman, PCR/CMR U.S. Small Business Administration 2101 NASA Road 1, Mail Code: BD35 Houston, TX 77058 281/483-1549, FAX: 281/483-4326 valerie.j.coleman1@jsc.nasa.gov