The Federal, Civil and Department of Defense Marketplaces

The US Government is unparalleled in its purchasing power.  As the world’s largest consumer of good and services, the federal government awards contracts averaging $400,000 every twenty seconds.

Uncle Sam is ready to do competitive business with competent firms that can supply products and services as per required manufacturing and/or delivery specifications and schedules. Federal agencies are particularly interested in doing business with Small Business firms, Small Disadvantaged Business firms, Women-Owned Small Business firms and firms in Labor Surplus areas. By law, federal agencies are required to award a minimum of 25% of all procurements to small businesses.

There are two primary federal market segments. The first segment is comprised of defense entities and the second is comprised of non-defense or civil entities. Both Segments publish their bid opportunities (with an estimated value of $25,000+) at Fed Biz Opps.  www.fedbizopps.gov .  Vendors interested in small purchase bid opportunities (with an est. value of < $25,000) should contact the individual federal agency.

The following lists the major federal agencies, individual categories and their web-page addresses.

Department of Defense (DOD)

·        Navy – http://www.abm.rda.hq.navy.mil/

·        Air Force – http://www.safaq.hq.af.mil/

·        Army – https://acquisition.army.mil/asfi/

·        Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) – http://progate.daps.mil/home/

Non-Defense Civil Agencies

·        Department of Energy (DOE) – https://simplified-acquisitions.doe.gov/edi.nsf?opendatabase&login=1

·        National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/

·        General Services Administration (GSA) – www.gsa.gov/

·        Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – http://www.hhs.gov/ogam/oam/procurement/hhsar.html

·        Department of Treasury (DOT) – http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/management/dcfo/procurement/

·        Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) – http://www1.va.gov/oamm/

·        Department of Commerce (DOC) – http://oamweb.osec.doc.gov/default.htm

Additional federal web links can be found at the “Contracting Toolbox/Helpful Links” section of this web page.

Federal Government Contractor Registration:

If a business is interested in selling to any US Federal agency the first step is to register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system. Upon completing a registration a Trading Partner Identification Number (TPIN) or individual vendor identification number will be assigned to the firm. To register the firm in the CCR database, please visit http://www.ccr.gov. Note: businesses must have a Dunn & Bradstreet number before CCR registration can be completed. To obtain a D&B number, call 800-333-0505.  The regional PTAC offices can provide additional help with the process if necessary.