Attempting to navigate the world of government contracting can sometimes feel like swimming through a sea of unfamiliar acronyms and mysterious requirements. Two of these that are crucial to understand are Unique Entity Identifiers (UEIs) and Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Codes. These are both necessary to have success in government contracting, but they can be a source of confusion for many as they are quite similar. In this blog, we’ll break down what each one is and what the differences between them are.

As a current or prospective federal contractor, you are likely already aware that the federal government is the largest volume purchaser of goods and services in the world. However, while the federal government purchases large volumes, that does not mean every single purchase they make is itself large. Smaller purchases are often made, which helps explain why the government created less cumbersome ordering procedures for transactions under certain dollar thresholds.

If you’re a veteran-owned small business selling to the government or are looking to become one, there have been a few updates recently you should be aware of. One of these updates is a final rule eliminating self-certification for all Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Self-certification has already been removed for SDVOSBs who want to go after prime SDVOSB set-asides, but now the option is being eliminated on all fronts.

Market research plays a key role in the procurement process for government agencies. To improve the market research involved in government procurement, GSA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently launched the aptly named Procurement Co-Pilot. This new acquisition tool aims to make market research easier and more effective for acquisition professionals procuring solutions for the government.

As a GSA Schedule contractor, you have several codes that signify your industry, business size, unique identification, and location. One of these essential codes is the CAGE Code. The Commercial And Government Entity Code, or CAGE Code, is a unique five-character ID used in the government as an identifier for suppliers to the federal government. You may be wondering, how is this code different from your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or perhaps your old DUNS Number? In this blog, we'll talk about the importance of CAGE Codes to GSA Schedule contractors and how you can get one.

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is a comprehensive document containing acquisition policies and procedures for federal agencies. Two common acquisition methods outlined in the FAR are Subpart 8.4 and Part 15. Both parts 8.4 and 15 are used for acquiring goods and services, leading to confusion over which guidance to follow. For instance, some procurements could be handled under either regulation, depending on the complexity and particular needs of the agency.