Doing business with the United States Government can be a complex process, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be a rewarding opportunity for your company. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to successfully do business with the United States Government. From identifying your products or services to familiarizing yourself with legal procedures, we will cover all the essential steps. So, let's get started!

Step 1: Identify Your Products or Services using Federal Supply Classification (FSC) Codes

Federal Supply Classification (FSC) codes are used to categorize the products and services that the government procures. These codes help government agencies identify and classify items for procurement purposes. You can find the appropriate FSC codes for your products or services by visiting the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) website or by consulting the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.

Step 2: Obtain a DUNs Number

A Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique identifier for businesses. It is necessary for government registration and is used to track your company's financial and credit history. To obtain a DUNS number, visit the Dun & Bradstreet website and follow the registration process. It is a free service provided by Dun & Bradstreet.

Step 3: Register in the System for Award Management (SAM)

To do business with the United States Government, you must register in the System for Award Management (SAM). SAM is the primary database for vendors doing business with the government. To register, follow these steps:

- Visit the SAM website at sam.gov.

- Click on the "Create a User Account" button.

- Provide the required information, including your DUNS number, EIN (Employer Identification Number), and NAICS code.

- Complete the registration process and wait for your SAM registration to be active.

Step 4: Obtain a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code

A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a unique identifier assigned to entities doing business with the United States Government. To obtain a CAGE code, follow these steps:

- Visit the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) website.

- Navigate to the CAGE code request page.

- Provide the necessary information, including your SAM registration number and business details.

- Submit your request, and you will receive your CAGE code via email.

Step 5: Obtain NAICS Codes

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes are used to classify businesses by industry. To find the appropriate NAICS codes for your business, visit the U.S. Census Bureau's NAICS website and search for relevant codes based on your industry and business activities.

Step 6: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned to businesses by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To obtain an EIN, follow these steps:

- Visit the IRS website.

- Navigate to the EIN application page.

- Complete the online application form, providing accurate information about your business.

- Once submitted, you will receive your EIN immediately.

Step 7: Register in your State's Online Representative and Certification Application (ORCA)

The Online Representative and Certification Application (ORCA) is an online system some states use to collect information from vendors seeking to do business with the government. The requirement to register in ORCA varies by state. To determine if your state requires ORCA registration, visit your state's procurement website or consult with your state's procurement office.

Step 8: Register in Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) for Department of Defense Payments

To receive Department of Defense (DoD) payments for your products or services, you must register in the Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) system. To register in WAWF, follow these steps:

- Visit the WAWF website.

- Click on the "Register" button.

- Complete the registration process, providing accurate information about your business.

- Once your registration is approved, you can use the system to submit and track invoices for DoD contracts.

Step 9: Familiarize Yourself with Federal Civilian and Department of Defense Legal Procedures

To ensure compliance and success in doing business with the United States Government, it is important to familiarize yourself with the legal procedures and regulations specific to federal civilian and Department of Defense contracts. Consult the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) for comprehensive information on procurement procedures, contract terms, and other legal requirements.

NOTE:

Recently, the government has added a new code call the UEI. In order to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number for your business to do business with the federal government, follow these steps in this exact order:

Follow step 5.
Follow step 3.
Follow step 2.
Follow step 6.
Follow step 9.

Conclusion:

Doing business with the United States Government requires careful preparation and adherence to various registration processes and legal procedures. By following these nine steps, you will be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of government contracting. Remember to stay informed, keep your registrations up-to-date, and continuously educate yourself on the evolving landscape of government procurement. Book a session with our team if you want assistance or a consulting session on this process!

Good luck on your journey & wishing you much success in the government marketplace!