Government Contracting
The Idaho Business Network
Government agencies spend billions of dollars on goods and services every year. Any company, regardless of size, is eligible to compete for these contracts. The majority of federal purchases under $100,000 are set aside for small businesses, which opens new opportunities for many Idaho firms. Idaho Department of Commerce can help your company access this immense market through its Idaho Business Network. Since 1985, this service has helped Idaho small businesses secure over $500,000,000 in awards and sales.
Working with the Idaho Business Network is timely, efficient and productive. Using specially designed bid tracking software to access a variety of procurement systems, the Idaho Business Network alerts you to potential new customers and provides information on new opportunities that match your company’s product and service profile. The Idaho Business Network is a service available to all Idaho businesses and is a great tool to expand your sales and marketing reach. Best of all, if you opt to receive your bid notification by e-mail, your IBN membership is free.
For any questions about the Idaho Business Network, please call (208) 334-2470 Or e-mail: ibn@business.idaho.gov
IBN is specifically designed for Idaho companies. If you do not have a business address within Idaho, click here for procurement programs in other states.
Workshop & Event Details
21st Annual Idaho Governor's Business Opportunity Conference
Date: November 4th, 2009
Time: 7:30am - 3:00pm
Location: Nampa Civic Center
Mark your calendars! An excellent one-day opportunity
Meet with purchasing professionals from many of the Northwest's largest government agencies and corporations. Connect with them individually to learn how your products and services match up with their purchasing needs. This is an excellent opportunity for manufacturers, contractors, distributors, and service providers. All Idaho businesses looking for new customers and increased sales will find this conference productive and rewarding. Registrations will not be available until October 1st, 2009.
Information on Doing Business With...
FAQs
Getting Started
I’m new to government contracting. How do I sell to the federal government?
If you want to sell your products/services to the federal government you must first find your DUNS number. The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique nine character identification number provided by Dun & Bradstreet which provides identifiers to single entity businesses while linking corporate family structures together. This process is FREE of charge and only takes a few minutes. Please contact 1-866-705-5711 to receive your DUNS number. You can also visit www.dnb.com for more information.
Find out your NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes. These are six digit codes that describe the products and services you offer. Visit the NAICS home page at www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/. Be sure to keep these codes handy, as you will need them when filling out government registrations or searching for bids.
Next, you must register with the Central Contractors Registration (CCR). Their website is located at www.ccr.gov then click “Start New Registration”. Companies who want to do business with the Federal Government are required to be registered in CCR. There are NO fees associated with this registration. Need help completing CCR? Use the CCR Registration Quick Start sheet to walk you through the new enrollment process.
CCR Quick Start.pdf
New registrations can take up to 72 hours before they are considered active. Afterwards, you will be issued a CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code. The Federal Government uses this CAGE code when it pays you for goods and services. If you still have a TPIN, please log into CCR and change your TPIN to a User ID & Password. The User ID & Password allows you to login to CCR, view your account, and make changes to your CCR profile.
After signing up for CCR, be sure to fill out the additional information provided by the SBA to register in the Dynamic Small Business Search (PRO-Net) within the CCR website. This provides a database for you to market your company and for government contractors and prime contractors to use when they are looking for vendors.
After signing up for CCR, Be sure to complete your ORCA (Online Representations and Certification application) at https://orca.bpn.gov/ . This registration allows you to enter your reps and certs information just once for use on all future government contracts.
Local Resources
Where can I get information on HUBZone and 8(a) certification?
These programs are available through the US Small Business Administration.
Where can I get information on becoming a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)?
This program is available through the Idaho Department of Transportation.
Where can I get information on selling to the State of Idaho?
This information is available through the Idaho Department of Administration/Division of Purchasing.