www.wipp.org
By Lourdes Martin-Rosa
Starting a 2015 procurement year without sequestration is good news! As you may know, Congress finally passed the spending bill, avoiding another government shutdown for 2015 and long awaiting contracting opportunities sitting on the shelf will soon be advertised in 2015. However this will be the year for Women CEO's to capture opportunities within the WOSB/EDWOSB federal government procurement set aside program. The recent enhancements to the WOSB program open up opportunities, making it an ideal time for women to consider the federal government as a prospective customer. Here are some tips for women entrepreneurs to get started:
1. Register your business with SAM, the federal government’s central contractor registration website. This helps your business get noticed by government agencies. Registration is free, but requires specific company data such as a DUNS number or NAICS code.
2. Get your business certified by visiting www.sba.gov to determine if your firm qualifies for the WOSB self-certification (as well as others).
3. Learn which government agencies buy your type of products and services before responding to any solicitation. Successful government contractors visit USAspending.gov, where they can find out who the federal government buys from and for how much.
4. Use all available resources to find information that will save you time and money. For example, you can find how-to articles, guides, videos and tips on how to do business with the government on the American Express OPEN Forum. You’ll find free monthly webinars at Give Me 5, a website for women-owned businesses seeking federal contracts created by Women Impacting Public Policy and American Express OPEN.
Lourdes Martin-Rosa is the American Express OPEN Advisor on Government Contracting and has 20 years of experience in the federal procurement arena. She helps small businesses get contract ready and achieve contract success.
Tips for Women Entrepreneurs in the New Fiscal Year
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