Keeping an active and accurate SAM registration is one of the most important things you can do in federal contracting, because it contains a repository of relevant financial, administrative, and clause information. SAM registration only lasts for a year, so it's important to renew yours before it expires. You'll want to keep a few things in mind when dealing with SAM registration:
You need a login.gov account associated with your business entity to update your SAM registration.
SAM registration is always free. Be wary of any offers you receive to complete SAM registration for a fee.
SAM.gov currently pulls information from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), so you will want to make sure that the information you have provided D&B is up to date. Starting in April 2022 however, SAM will be using a new Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) instead of a DUNS number.
SAM will take you through a number of sections you have to either complete or confirm. Unfortunately, you have to go through every page without skipping, but this presents a good opportunity for updating important information such as your NAICS Code list, Points of Contact (POCs), annual receipts, and employee count. If you want to learn more about updating your SAM registration, be sure to check out our blog on the topic.
Couldn't make it to last month's webinar? Watch it here on demand. We cover everything you need to know about successfully managing your GSA Schedule including compliance, modifications, and marketing.
This free virtual training course will outline, in plain language, the GSA Multiple Award Schedules Program and will help your small business understand the process for getting on the GSA Schedule. Register here.
In this course, you will learn why market research is conducted, when and how to conduct market research; the regulatory nature of FAR Part 10 and how it ties into other decisions such as acquisition planning, small business set-asides, commercial items, contract type selection and more. The course will use real life scenarios, examples from GSA’s market research initiatives, tools, experts and more. Register for the event here.
CRITICAL INFORMATION
GSA Updates 2022
The new year brings many updates to GSA. In December, GSA held their annual Southwest Supply and Acquisition Center’s Industry Days conference where they outlined some changes to their acquisition and maintenance process. Some of these changes include:
In the upcoming year, there will be Transaction Data Reporting (TDR) Expansion. This would significantly alter the requirements for current and future contractors when it comes to pricing requirements and reporting.
GSA will no longer require proposals to have the Pathways to Success and Readiness Assessments certificates. Rather, offerors will be asked if they completed and viewed the trainings.
By the end of 2022, GSA hopes to roll out a beta test of a new software called the Common Catalog Platform (CCP). This would replace the legacy Schedule Input Program (SIP).
If you want to view all the changes and what to expect for this year, you can check out our blog.
QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH
How to Prepare for a Contractor Assessment Visit (CAV)
A Contractor Assessment Visit (CAV) is used by GSA to make sure your contract is compliant with all GSA Schedule terms, conditions, and regulations. Though this process may seem invasive, it’s meant to help your contract succeed and being prepared is crucial to compliance with the process. The CAV begins with an email notification and a list of documents that will need to be reviewed and suggested dates and times to schedule a meeting. The Industrial Operations Analyst (IOA) who will be reviewing your contract will review historical sales data and reporting, pricing compliance, accounting practices, or any discrepancies they found in the documents you provided.
You should be prepared to discuss these things and provide as much documentation or explanation as possible. This may include inviting members of your accounting team or other team members who can provide the best insight to these topics. The best way to prepare for your CAV is by complying with the IOA and their requests, having an organized accounting and sales reporting system, and having relevant personnel on the call to answer questions.
EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
RFI Executive Order 14028: Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity
GSA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on the Executive Order (EO) 14028 Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity. GSA wants to know the challenges industry partners, especially small businesses, face in supporting and implementing the EO. This RFI will also identify any opportunities to collaborate with the SBA and CISA on new programs. Responses are due by February 28, 2022, and must be submitted through the RFI Executive Order form 14028. More information can be found on GSA Interact.
Technology Services Organization (TSO) Business Information System Support Services
The Department of Defense Technology Service Organization (TSO) has issued a solicitation for a single IDIQ contract to provide knowledge-based support services for the maintenance of highly complex, Government-designed, and owned enterprise-class business critical systems. This opportunity is listed under NAICS 541519 – Other Computer Related Services. Offers are due March 8, 2022, at 10:00am EST. More information can be found under Notice ID M9549422R0013.
Cargo Systems Application Development and A&E Support
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for contractors to provide information about support including developers and testers/analysts to fully develop and test working software in an agile environment. This opportunity is listed under primary NAICS Code 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services. Responses are due no later than March 10, 2022, at 5 p.m. 2022. More information can be found under Notice ID HSBP21R00001.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do you determine which Special Item Numbers (SINs) are best for your company?
A: One of the most important things to consider when it comes to choosing your SIN(s) is scope. Ask yourself—do your products/services match the description of the SIN? You can find all the SIN descriptions and their subcategories on GSA eLibrary. When reviewing your GSA Schedule proposal or modification package, GSA officials will ask you the same question, so it’s important you understand the scope of each SIN and if it matches your company’s capabilities.
Q: Do your SINs have specific requirements?
A: Some SINs have special requirements and require additional attention, so you’ll want to look closely at each SIN you’re considering. There are 3 places you can check to find any additional SIN requirements:
Q: How can you avoid rejection when adding new SINs?
A: Once you have decided which SINs are applicable to your company, you want to make sure your documentation is current, complete, and accurate. If you are preparing your GSA Schedule offer, you’ll want to make sure to double-check the solicitation requirements to avoid any potential issues during the review process. If you are proposing a service-based SIN, you will most likely need to show past performance projects and examples. While products do not typically require past performance, there may be additional requirements. If you want to learn about choosing the right SIN and avoiding rejection, you can check out our blog.
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