Completing government contracts can make your business more successful. To ensure the general public’s safety, the federal government has implemented regulations to prevent corporate abuse of its authority.
You must complete requirements before your business becomes officially under the federal government. This article gives you a comprehensive insight into being a successful contractor.
Table of Contents
What is government contracting?
Government contracting is the agreement process between the business owner and the government office. It is helpful for companies who request to bridge their business with the federal government.
Small businesses have a lot to gain financially from government contracts since the U.S. government is the world’s largest trader. Contracting is one of the most successful small business programs of the government.
What is a U.S. federal contract?
The federal government uses a federal contract as the vehicle for research and development projects and service and purchasing actions. Some examples of common government contracts are:
- Fixed-price contracts
- Cost-reimbursement contracts
- Time-and-Materials contracts
- Incentive Contracts
- Indefinite-Delivery Contracts
- GSA contracts
Federal contracts are procurement mechanisms for the federal government. It indicates that the primary goal of a federal contract is to procure property or services for the direct profit or use of the United States government or its agencies.
What are the principles of government contracting?
The federal government is extremely picky about the items and services it acquires. Competitive pricing, a level playing field in which all parties benefit, and adherence to all applicable regulations are among the goals of this policy framework.
Government contractors must abide by the following set of principles:
Transparency
Contracting by state entities must follow a transparent selection process. This principle includes objective, transparent rules that allow bidders to submit appropriate proposals and file objections, observations, questions, or clarifications to the documents adopted by the contracting entity.
Economy
The economic notion dictates that the selection procedure should only use essential phases and the accompanying deadlines, terms, and preclusive conditions.
The state agency must have the appropriate funds and basic investigations before beginning the selection process to identify the contract’s aim.
Fair deal
As a general rule, state contracts must ensure that the parties’ obligations, rights, and considerations are equal at contract execution. When a partner breaks the rules, some actions will be taken to restore the balance.
Suppliers must be handled equally and without discrimination, including protecting trade confidentiality when necessary. Suppliers and potential suppliers should not be subjected to undue burdens or restrictions by public sector organizations.
Responsibility
Under the responsibility principle, the federal contractors, state agencies, and public authorities are each held accountable for their actions during the selection process. Civil and criminal penalties and professional sanctions can be imposed on anyone who causes damage because of their actions or inactions.
Can anyone be a government contractor?
You must be registered as a government contractor to function as a prime contractor or subcontractor as a small firm. You will then be able to narrow down your search for federal government contracting jobs, whether you want to be the prime contractor or the subcontractor.
The Federal Acquisition Regulation governs the federal government’s procurement process. As part of a contractor business systems review, the defense department may impose significant withholdings if problems are detected. Several needed certifications have been included in these system evaluations.
Federal contractors and subcontractors play a critical role in developing a country. These federal contractors work together to complete federal contracts from procurement through distribution.
Prime contractors and subcontractors
Prime contractors have direct access to the government’s procurement process. They are in charge of supervising any subcontractors and ensuring that the job is well-executed.
There are different types of government prime contractors. If you want to be a contractor, you can register your business with the System for Award Management.
Subcontractors are working for a primary contractor rather than the government. They also participate in the government contracting market without dealing directly with the government.
How do you get approved for government contracts?
The federal contractor requirements may be labor-intensive but not as complicated as they may seem. Just like any other application, there are two crucial things you have to take note of requirements and process.
What are the federal contractor requirements?
To sell goods and services to the government, you’ll need to register your business with the government. Here are the 2022 updated basic contract requirements for federal government contracts:
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Unique Entity Identifier
Getting a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is the first step before you can bid on government projects. A UEI is a unique 12-character alpha-numeric value that isn’t the same as any other.
Unique Entity Identifier or Unique Entity is the updated official I.D. to do business with the U.S. Government. The federal government no longer uses the DUNS Number to identify companies. People who sign up for SAM.gov get a Unique Entity ID as part of the registration process.
This change allows the government to acquire its identifier through a third-party site. It is also more accessible and less time-consuming for companies to do business with the federal government.
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NAICS code
A NAICS Code is a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) classification. The NAICS system was designed for use by Federal Statistical Agencies to gather, analyze, and publish data on the U.S. economy.
A company’s NAICS number is based on its specific product or service. If a company sells various goods and services, it will often have a core NAICS code, but it can also have several NAICS codes.
The U.S. Census Bureau has a list of NAICS codes that you can use to identify your small business.
What is the process for government contractors?
Step 1: Register and get I.D. numbers
To be eligible to compete for federal contracts, your small firm must first meet specific requirements. Do not forget to get your UEI and NAICS code. These two requirements are the essential initial requirements.
If the contract involves the design, development, or operation of a records system on individuals to execute an agency function, the contracting officer must assess the requirements. Only use official and secure government websites to exchange critical information.
Step 2: Meet the size standards
Your company must meet the Small Business Administration or SBA’s minimum size standards to be considered for government contracts intended for small enterprises.
The following are some often used terms that might help you determine whether or not a company is appropriately labeled as “small.”
- Affiliates – To figure out if you’re a small business, you need to take into account the amount of profit your affiliates make each year and the number of employees they have.
- Annual receipts – Annual receipts are gross income and the cost of goods sold. These data are usually found on a company’s IRS tax return.
- Employee calculation – The company’s most recent twelve calendar months’ worth of payroll data yields this average number of individuals on the payroll for each pay period.
Step 3: Register your business with SAM
The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration is mandatory for every company that wants to bid for a federal contract. SAM.gov makes it possible for government organizations and federal contractors to find your business based on various criteria, including its capabilities, size, location, experience, and who owns it.
Step 4: Comply with the public law and labor laws
To engage in government procurement, you must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. The Federal Acquisition Regulation governs the federal government’s procurement process.
You can find the rules governing government contracting programs for small enterprises at 13 CFR 125.
Step 5: Acquire cybersecurity
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) will require small firms to demonstrate their ability to protect their systems and data before they can be considered for contracts with the government. A Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification level must be met to submit a proposal to the DoD.
Advantages and disadvantages of government contracting
It’s not always easy to do business with the government, but if you’re prepared, it can be worthwhile. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of government contracting is an important first step toward entering the public sector.
Advantages
Profitable
Working with the government can help you earn more. The government is willing to pay more to ensure that work is done accurately and fully. Contractors may even be paid more than full-time government employees doing the same job.
Long-term contracts
Even though becoming a federal contractor is a lengthy procedure, many companies are given long-term contracts. Most of the government’s service contracts call for contractors to work for one to three years. The federal government tends to extend contracts if the contracting company’s performance approves them.
Opportunity to new markets
A GSA Schedule contract is a terrific method to break into the public sector market and get your name. Your company’s growth and development will elevate by entering a new market.
With a GSA contract, you have greater access to federal purchasers and the potential to expand your firm.
Having a Positive Affiliation
It is a well-known fact that the federal government pays its bills on time. The government also pays additional interest when a corporation fails to be paid according to its contract conditions.
Disadvantages
Labor-intensive
There is a lot of paperwork involved in applying to work as a federal contractor. Working with the government necessitates specific certifications and codes.
Companies must also correctly adhere to the Code of Federal Regulations and other labor requirements. A small business’ paperwork needs to be organized as well. The government has the right to request an audit of any of its contracted enterprises.
There are numerous regulations to follow
Contracting with the federal government is governed by a set of labor standards and rules codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. Companies must first meet the requirements and then apply for those qualifications to collaborate with the government.
Disqualification is possible if you don’t abide by the regulations.
