When thinking about contracting with the US Federal Government, “simple” is not a word that often comes to mind. The business of doing business with the largest buyer of goods and service in the world appears to be full of obstacles, stumbling blocks, pitfalls, dead ends, and traps. But, believe it or not, navigating the government contracting obstacle course is about to become simpler.
The System for Award Management or “SAM" is the primary supplier database for the U.S. Federal government, collecting, validating and storing data from suppliers and then making that data available to various government acquisition agencies. Your business MUST be registered in SAM to sell to the federal government.
SAM is used by anyone interested in the business of the Federal Government, including:
Entities who need to register to do business with the government, look for opportunities or assistance programs, or report subcontract information;
Government contracting and grants officials responsible for activities with contracts, grants, past performance reporting and suspension and debarment activities;
Public users searching for government business information.
In a move to simplify the acquisition process, both for businesses and government agencies, the US Government is beginning consolidation of several functions, all of which will now become part of SAM. This will provide not only better security, data quality, and convenience for users, but will also reduce barriers for doing business with the government, reduce reporting burden, and increase transparency into federal spending.
This migration includes the FBO website, known as FedBizOpps (fbo.gov). FBO is how federal contracting agencies post notices on proposed contract actions valued at more than $25,000 and is the key to finding many new contracting opportunities for YOUR SMALL BUSINESS! On November 8, FBO will become beta.SAM.gov and all current FBO users will need to join the migration.
Joya Colucci Lord is the owner of JC Gooden Ink, a full-service business strategy, development, and proposal management consultancy
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As a SAM certified, Woman Owned Small Business, me and my teaching partner Joya (a Service-Disabled Veteran and Woman-Owned Small Business) are staying on top of this migration. In response to this change, we’ve added the beta.SAM.gov migration to our Express Masterclass curriculum. Join us on November 13 for the newly updated Find and WIN Government Contracts Express Masterclass and learn how to grab your slice of the $500 billion Government Contracting Pie!
Keep on rockin' your biz,
XOXO
About the Author: Anne Ganguzza is a full-time voice talent and award-winning director and producer who works with students to develop their voice over and business skills - including VO demo training and production. She specializes in Conversational Commercial and Narration styles, including Corporate, E-Learning, Technology, Healthcare - Medical, Telephony, and On-Hold. Located in Orange County, CA, Anne offers private coaching and mentoring services to students in person and via Skype, ipDTL or Zoom.