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Roughly 50% of procurement at NOAA is done through Small Businesses
Roughly 50% of procurement at NOAA is done through Small Businesses
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Identify your product or service
- Know the Product Service Code/Federal Supply Code(PSC/FSC) offsite link and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for your products or services.
- Prepare a capability brief in both printed and electronic versions with an emphasis on Government work.
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Register your business
- Register with the System for Award Management (SAM).
- Register your firm on the NOAA Small Business Profile Registration System offsite link.
- If you wish to submit your firm’s capability statement please forward to NOAASB@noaa.gov (as an attached PDF).
- Obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number offsite link
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Identify opportunities within NOAA
- Identify what each NOAA Line/Staff/Corporate Office procures by reviewing NOAA’s top NAICS code list (link to FAQ table) and the NOAA Acquisition Forecast. Familiarize yourself with each Line/Staff/Corporate Office’s mission to enhance your ability to provide meaningful solutions specific to that organization. If you have questions about a specific requirement, contact the POC listed there for further information.
- Contact the NOAA Small Business Specialists. The NOAA Small Business Office hosts Industry Outreach Opportunities on a weekly basis, but by appointment only. Please see the Small Business Calendar offsite link for current availability and self-reservation instructions.
- Review the Small Business Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If additional questions are required, please contact the NOAA Small Business Office.
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Identify current NOAA procurement opportunities
- Identify current procurement opportunities in your product or service area by checking SAM.gov, which can assist you in identifying NOAA requirements and send you e-mail notifications of released requirements.
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Familiarize yourself with NOAA contracting procedures
- Be familiar with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), the Department of Commerce Acquisition Manual and the NOAA Acquisition Manual.
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Investigate Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts
- Contact the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for information on how to obtain a Federal Supply Schedule contract. Many NOAA purchases are, in fact, orders on FSS contracts.
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Seek additional assistance as needed
- Request training and counseling on marketing, financial, and contracting issues at minimal or no cost from Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs). PTACs are located in most states and are partially funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to provide small business concerns with information on how to do business with DOD and other Government agencies.
- Consult with the SBA’s Procurement Center Representatives (PCRs) and the SBA Business Development Centers. The SBA provides NOAA with a PCR that oversees all purchasing through a centralized location.
- Get free and confidential mentoring by former CEOs through SCORE offsite link.
- Review the SBA’s 12 Steps to Success – A Practical Guide to Doing Business with the Federal Government.
- Review the information provided by the Journal of Contract Management.
- Review How to Market to the Federal Government provided by GSA.
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Explore subcontracting opportunities
- Obtain information on subcontracting opportunities through the SBA’s SUB-Net.
- Learn about NOAA sub-contracting opportunities:
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Investigate the NOAA Small Business Innovation Research Program!
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Market your firm well!!!
- After you have identified your customers, researched their requirements, and familiarize yourself with NOAA procurement regulations and strategies, it is time to market your product or service. Present your capabilities directly to the NOAA Line/Corporate/Staff Offices that buy your products or services. Realize that, as with yours, their time is valuable. If the match is a good one, you can provide them with a cost-effective, quality solution to their requirements. Good luck!