It’s a new calendar year which means new opportunities are on the horizon. Did you know you can find relevant opportunities from your primary North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code? You can use your primary NAICS Code to narrow down and filter upcoming opportunities on SAM.gov, so you don’t have to sift through opportunities that don’t relate to your products and/or services. If you have more than your primary NAICS Code in mind or you want more listings to choose from, we suggest you use the top 5 most relevant codes from your GSA Schedule so you can browse a wider scope of opportunities. For more information on identifying opportunities with NAICS Codes, check out our blog.
This webinar is open to all small businesses looking for additional information and guidance on GSA contracting opportunities. This includes an overview of GSA Multiple Award Schedule contracts, GSA Public Buildings Service opportunities, the Forecast of Contracting Opportunities, the Small Business Administration’s Subcontracting Network (SubNet), Section 889 guidance, and more. Register here.
A deeper look at the Professional Services category and OASIS (featuring a comparison of the two for determining the best fit for your requirement); the Acquisition Gateway System, and how the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) relates to the Buy American Act (BAA). Be sure to register here.
CRITICAL INFORMATION
Updates to the new Common Catalog Platform (CCP)
The Schedule Input Program (SIP) is universally known as a program that is simultaneously crucial and frustrating for GSA contractors. Contractors must use SIP to upload important contract data, but not without effort. As part of GSA’s project to enhance and modernize the acquisition process, they have been developing the Common Catalog Platform (CCP) which will replace SIP, the Contracting Officer Reporting System (CORS), and the current Price Proposal Template (PPT).
The CCP will allow contractors to access market research and address catalog discrepancies.
The Common Catalog Platform (CCP) will use the new Product File to collect catalog information published to GSA Advantage!. The product file will also completely replace the PPT. GSA plans to pilot the CCP in Q2 with a subset of vendors holding the Office Supplies 4th Generation (OS4) Special Item Number (SIN). There is a phased transition set for other contractors to be completed by FY24. GSA will communicate with users directly about the transition process. Check out this blog for more detailed information.
QUICK TIP
Tips for GSA Schedule Modifications
GSA Schedule modifications can take a deceptive amount of time. Some take more time than others, so it’s important to plan for what you will need ahead of time. Here’s some tips on how to help the mod process go a bit smoother:
Plan Ahead on Mods
If you have any experience working with the government, you know that things take time, and there’s no exact timeline. So, if you have an upcoming business opportunity and need to modify your contract accordingly, don’t wait to submit it. Plan ahead and submit as early as you can.
Use the Most Updated Documents
Each modification type requires a certain set of documents to be completed, and when GSA sends out solicitation refreshes, they sometimes update these documents. It’s important you make sure all the documents you submit are the most current and the correct ones specific to the modification type.
Provide Supporting Documentation with Price Mods
If you are submitting a pricing mod and the new price is significantly higher than your current price, providing a detailed explanation with supporting documentation for the CO may help accelerate the review process.
Consolidate Modifications When Possible
GSA suggests you consolidate modifications when possible to hopefully shorten the processing time. This means submitting multiple additions under one add mod request, or multiple admin changes under one administrative mod request. You cannot submit different mod types under the same request.
EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Sources Sought – Radar Equipment Sets
The Air Force is soliciting sources from small businesses for radar
equipment. The proposed North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code is 334511 which has a corresponding size standard of $7.0M in annual receipts. The Government is interested in all small businesses to include 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, HUBZone, and Women-Owned small business concerns. Responses are due no later than January 15, 2023. More information can be found under Notice ID: FA8250-23-R-1UMTE.
Request for Proposal – Integrated Commercial Intrusion Detection System -VI (ICIDS-VI)
The Army is requesting proposals for a multi-year contract to field and upgrade existing security alarm systems throughout its 75 installations. The selected contract should submit a firm fixed price contract that includes hardware, software, spares, repairs, refurbishments, and engineering and technical services. The sources sought are from small business set-asides in accordance with FAR 19.5 and past performance under NAICS code 334290 (Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing) is required. Responses are due no later than February 28, 2023. More information can be found under Notice ID: W909MY-23-R-0001.
Sources Sought - Aircraft Paint Remover in 1-Gallon Containers
The Navy is seeking sources for specialized aircraft paint remover in accordance with TT-R-2918 Type I, which can be found at https://quicksearch.dla.mil. These products can be found under NAICS code 424950 – Paints, Varnish, and Supplies for Merchant Wholesalers. Responses are due no later than February 17, 2023. More information can be found under Notice ID: N6833523R0049.
business size standards. Each NAICS Code has its own threshold to determine if a business is small, so you will enter your primary NAICS Code to find this information. If your company falls under the specified dollar amount or employee number, then the SBA considers you a small business concern.
Q: What are the Benefits of a Small Business Designation?
A: The "Small Business" designation in the GSA contracting realm is a
powerful designation. As a small business, your company will have access to several tools, programs, and opportunities to help you succeed as a small business. Some of the programs available to small businesses include small business set-asides. The federal government prioritizes small business participation in government contracts—one of the ways they do this is by setting aside specific contracts only small businesses can compete on.
Q: What is the 8(a) Program?
A: The 8(a) program is an example of a small business set-aside you may
qualify for. The purpose of the 8(a) Business Development Program is to assist eligible small, disadvantaged business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to compete in the U.S. economy. Through the 8(a) Program, businesses receive training and technical assistance which helps them strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the economy.
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