Your company may now qualify as a small business—on May 2, 2022, the Small Business Administration (SBA) increased over 200 small business size standards in 16 different industry sectors. What does this mean for current and prospective GSA contractors? The revised standards will increase small business eligibility for the SBA’s federal contracting and loan programs for approximately 59,000 businesses. In other words, some mid-sized businesses will be able to regain their small businesses status and small businesses that are growing will be able to keep their designation for longer.
In the federal contracting world, small businesses have access to several tools, programs, and special set-aside opportunities, so it’s important you are aware of your business’s business size. Learn more about the revised size standards and how to calculate your business size here.
Couldn't make it to last month's webinar? Watch it here on demand. In this webinar, we'll explain the Trade Agreements Act (TAA), identify common issues, and offer best practices for compliance.
GSA's Public Buildings Service (PBS) is hosting a national industry day that can help contractors find upcoming contract opportunities, assist new entrants, and learn best practices for competing in the current market. Register here to join.
GSA's Quality Partnership Council (QPC) will be hosting a virtual Furniture & Furnishings Industry Meeting covering updates to the MAS program, GSA Catalog Management initiative, and the future of the federal workplace. Register here.
This webinar is great for prospective contractors. Learn the processes and necessary preparations for submitting an offer to GSA. Register here to join.
Winvale Webinar
THURSDAY, MAY 19
12:00 PM ET
Breaking Down a Government Solicitation
The wait is finally over--your government customer finally released the government solicitation you have been keeping your eye on and preparing for. Now what? Government solicitations are dense and it can be difficult to figure out how to make sense of the requirements and evaluation criteria, leaving you confused on where to start. Whether you are a new or a seasoned GSA contractor, knowing how to navigate a government solicitation is crucial to your contracting success. In this webinar, we will discuss how to break down a government solicitation, including:
One of the most important aspects of having a GSA Schedule is keeping and maintaining compliance such as reviewing and accepting Mass Modifications when GSA refreshes the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Solicitation. GSA periodically refreshes the Solicitation with updates and additions of relevant applicable clauses.
Recently, GSA announced MAS Refresh #12 which will be released on May 16, 2022. This Refresh is packed with significant changes. First, GSA will be expanding the Startup Springboard program from the IT Large Category to all the MAS Large Categories. This program allows companies with fewer than 2 years of experience to get a GSA Schedule if they meet the requirements. GSA is also adding a new IT Special Item Number (SIN) as well as closing down SIN 561210FS Facilities Support Services and SIN 541519CDM Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM). Learn more about these Solicitation changes in our recent blog.
GSA Launches Buy.gsa.gov
GSA is launching a new tool, buy.gsa.gov, to help simplify the federal buying process for both government agencies and contractors. This tool was created to provide information about the acquisition process so agencies can make smarter purchase while saving taxpayer dollars. On this site, you can find streamlined market research, searchable templates, and interactive resources. You can also browse between “buyer resources” and “vendor resources.” The site is still in its testing phase, but you can check it out and give feedback here.
QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH
Utilizing the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS)
The California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) is an enrollment contract that is awarded using the same terms and conditions (including pricing) determined by your GSA Schedule. CMAS, though tied to your GSA Schedule, is a different contract and is the primary contract used by the state of California for procurement. There are several benefits to having a CMAS aside from being able to compete on CMAS specific contracts. For example, the funding fee is returned directly to the state of California, giving them more room to spend. Also, since your company has already been vetted through your GSA Schedule, the process for obtaining a CMAS is fairly painless and quick. If you think that CMAS might be beneficial for your company or want to learn more about it, we would be happy to help you.
EMERGING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Engineering Directorate Facility Data Asset Management Program
The Department of Defense has issued a Sources Sought Notice for the Engineering Directorate Facility Data Asset Management Program “Draft” Statement of Objectives. This opportunity is listed under primary NAICS Code 541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. Responses are due by June 01, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID RFI2022001.
Modernization of Current Logistic Command and Control Systems
The Department of Defense has issued an RFI for findings and recommendations relating to distribution, warehousing, networks, transportation capacity planning, and support in near- and long-term requirements to deliver IT capabilities in support of the Marines. Responses are due by June 06, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID M6785422i7614.
Enterprise Sales and Marketing - End to End Solution
The Department of the Treasury has issued a Sources Sought Notice for an Enterprise Sales & Marketing (ESM) Solution. This opportunity is listed under primary NAICS Code 518210 - Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services. Responses are due by June 30, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. More information can be found under Notice ID RFI2022001.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why is SAM.gov important for federal contractors?
A: SAM.gov is one of the most important websites for federal contractors. Contractors must use the site to register their entity, because an active SAM registration is required to do business with the government. Most contractors become familiar with SAM through registering their entity and renewing it annually, but savvy contractors should familiarize themselves with everything that SAM has to offer.
Q: What is available in SAM?
A: Most contractors are familiar with their entity registrations in SAM, which contains business, contact, and financial information as well as their terms and conditions. SAM also contains a database of upcoming contract opportunities, which you can search by keywords, solicitation numbers, NAICS codes, etc. You can also find updated wage determinations by locality in SAM. A list of excluded entities, people and businesses that are restricted from involvement in contracts with the federal government is searchable in SAM, which you may want to reference when hiring new employees or looking to partner with other firms. SAM now also contains the ability to run reports on historical contract data.
Q: How do you register your entity in SAM?
A: Obtaining and maintaining an active SAM registration is required for GSA contractors. To get started, you will need to make sure you have a login.gov account. If you already have a SAM registration, this login.gov account must be associated with your entity in SAM. Information you will want to gather before registering or renewing includes, but is not limited to: your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), financial information (U.S. bank Electronic Funds Transfer), Point of Contact (POC), employee count, average annual revenue, and desired NAICS Codes. Your SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually, so be sure to mark your calendar.
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Winvale, 3951 Westerre Parkway, Suite 250, Richmond, VA 23233, United States, (202) 296-5505
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