It's almost here--on April 4, 2022, GSA will officially retire the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and fully transition to the new Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). While you will automatically be assigned a UEI when registering in SAM, or have already received a UEI if you are currently registered in SAM.gov, there are a few things you can do to prepare for a smooth transition:
Update your searches in SAM: If you are currently using a DUNS number in a saved search, you will want to replace it with a UEI.
Update your Ad Hoc Reports: You will want to replace any DUNS numbers used as a filter or attribute with a UEI, otherwise you may not see the expected results.
Find Your Unique Entity ID: Make sure you locate your UEI in SAM before the transition so you can put it in an accessible place. You can find your new UEI in your SAM entity registration record.
For more tips and information on the transition from DUNS to UEI, check out our blog.
Couldn't make it to last month's webinar? Watch it here on demand. In this webinar, we’ll cover what you need to know about how to succeed as a small business in the federal marketplace.
Join key industry advisers as they outline the best practices for successfully selling to the government. Industry Partner Briefings are interactive webinars designed to provide contractors with a better understanding on various aspects of GSA's professional services and human capital program. Register for the event here.
This live training is focused on MAS Pre-Award and Offer preparation. Hosted by a GSA acquisition professional, key elements of the eOffer process for attaining a MAS contract will be reviewed. Plus, a Q&A with expert GSA contracting personnel. Register for the event here.
Learn more about RFIs and how they can be a useful tool. Join the Market Research as a Service team to learn innovative insights on how to respond RFIs. Experts provide tips and tricks on how to fill out important surveys and how the data collected shapes future purchasing decisions. Register for the event here.
CRITICAL INFORMATION
GSA Interact Updates
One of GSA’s best resources, GSA Interact, will have a completely new website this spring. GSA Interact is a crucial resource for connecting federal customers with private industry partners to collaborate, inform, and build better relationships in government acquisition. Aside from the URL change, the design and features will be revamped to be more user friendly. These new features will include:
Single Sign On: To create compatibility across platforms, your password for GSA Advantage!, eBuy, or the Acquisition Gateway can be used to sign on to the new Interact platform without needing a new password.
Community Management: You will better understand who manages the content in your community of interest, as well as an increased flexibility for posting content.
Filter and Search: To help you find the information you are looking for more efficiently, there will be improved filtering and search capabilities.
To keep the transition as user friendly as possible, if you already have a GSA Interact account, it will be migrated to the new URL.
QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH
Finding Business Opportunities with Your Primary NAICS Code
North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Codes are an integral part of government contracting. Not only are they an industry classification system used by the government, but they also help you figure out if you qualify as a small business and identify relevant contracting opportunities.
With your NAICS Code(s), go to SAM.gov and select “contract opportunities” on the homepage. In the advanced search section, you can filter your search by several criteria including “product or service information” which includes your NAICS Code(s). This way you can narrow down opportunities that apply to your industry and capabilities. You can use this search prematurely to see what NAICS Code your business will best fall under if you are planning to get a GSA Schedule, or see what current opportunities are available to you.
You can also use your NAICS Codes to perform market research in GSA’s Schedule Sales Query Plus and find expiring contracts that might generate future opportunities in SAM.gov. For more information on NAICS Codes, check out our blog.
EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
DCSA Background Investigation Fieldwork Service
The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a pre-solicitation which seeks to better understand the capabilities of background investigation fieldwork services. This opportunity is listed under NAICS 561611 - Investigation Services. Responses are due by March 31, 2022, at 5:00 pm EST. More information can be found under Notice ID HS0021-22-BIFW-1029.
Depot Systems Support
The Department of the Navy, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC), has issued a solicitation for joint maintenance and operation of a restoration depot. This acquisition has security requirements at the Secret level. This opportunity is listed under NAICS 334290 - Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing. Offers are due April 04., 2022. More information can be found under Notice ID N66001-22-R-0037.
Financial Specialist - Personal Services Contractor
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) has issued a pre-solicitation seeking for financial specialists to perform accounting functions and other financial related analyses. This opportunity is listed under NAICS 561110 - Office Administrative Services. Offers are due Apr 30, 2022, 11:59 pm EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID 2032K822R00012.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is Government market research?
A: Market research covers the data collection and analysis made by government agencies when they want to procure products and services. Market research allows government agencies to make informed decisions on the best products and services for their needs. This goes beyond pricing and includes determining the market capabilities and business practices associated with offerings, so an overall best value can be determined. Market research is often required by law, and in other cases may be used simply because it makes good economic sense.
Q: How do government agencies perform market research?
A: If a government agency decides to perform market research, they will search for commercial items, commercial services, or non-developmental items that may fit their requirements. Market research can vary in complexity and thoroughness depending on the agency’s requirements and government regulation. Government agencies can issue Requests for Information (RFI) or Sources Sought Notices to find out more info from contractors, meaning contractors have a stake in the government market research process.
Q: What does market research mean for government contractors?
A: Government contractors can take advantage of market research by involving themselves in the process. They can respond to RFIs and communicate with government agencies when asked about their offerings and capabilities. Market research affects a government agency’s acquisition strategy, requirements, Statement of Work, evaluation factors, and contract terms and conditions. If you make your company and its capabilities known to government agencies, you increase your chances of being selected for future procurement opportunities. For more information, check out our blog.
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