In this article I will discuss some basics and key indicators that should save you a considerable ...  

First, some basic terms you should know:

A. Dun and Bradstreet (B&D) Registration

• You probably already have this but if not your company needs to apply

• Their website is: http://www.dnb.com

B. Contractors Central Registration (CCR)

• You must be registered in CCR to do business with the Govt.

• Their website is: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/

C. Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA)

• Required to receive an award from the Govt.

• Their website is: http://orca.bpn.gov/

D. Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website

• This is your main website for finding opportunities for Govt. contracts

• Their website is: https://www.fbo.gov/

E. Business Partner Network

• A very helpful source of information

• Contains links to CCR,SBA, ORCA and FBO

• Their website is: https://www.bpn.gov/

F. The Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code

• Required for Govt. contracts

• The CAGE request process is incorporated into the CCR registration

G.  Federal Service Desk

• Contains great info on how to register in CCR

• Their website is: https://www.fsd.gov/app/answers/list

H. Small Business Administration

• Registration is very helpful in getting awards as many contracts are set-aside for small businesses

• Their website is: http://www.sba.gov/

I. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes

• ORCA and CCR require you to select these codes that describe your business

• You will find the codes are non-specific but adequate to describe the kind of work or services you can provide (check

• Check out categories under codes 221, 236, 237,and 238 for a start

J. Product Service Codes (PSC) and Federal Supply Classification (FSC) codes

• Only a few of these apply to construction work, for example:

• Y -- Construction of structures and facilities

•  Z -- Maintenance, repair, and alteration of real property

The foregoing is a lot to take in at first glance.  Don’t be discouraged, you only need to accomplish each step one at-a-time.  The most time-intensive tasks are getting registered in CCR and ORCA.

If you have never searched for Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Quotations (RFQ) from the Government; the best place to get a feel for how things work, is FBO.  This will be the main emphasis of this article.

Continue Reading this Article HERE 

About the Author: Mr. Paul F. Hahn has more than 30 years of experience in the positioning industry. He has worked as a land surveyor, construction surveyor, in
sales, marketing and product development for surveying and construction
instrument manufacturers

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