Businesses should follow these steps to get ready to compete for Federal contract opportunities with Commerce:

Step 1: Get Registered

• Register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).  All businesses, individuals, or agencies wishing to do business with the Federal Government must register with the SAM to obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Registration is free.

Step 2: Identify your company’s NAICS codes

• Your company’s North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes help determine if you qualify as a small business based on specific NAICS size standards. The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) table of small business size standards helps small business assess their business size.

Step 3: Conduct Research

• Use data tools like SAM.gov and USA Spending.gov to research what products and services Commerce buys.

Step 4: Identify Potential Contracting Opportunities

• Locate Commerce contracting opportunities using the SAM.gov Contract Opportunities database
• Review Commerce’s procurement opportunities forecasts to identify future opportunities.

Step 5: Develop a Capability Statement

• A capability statement is a concise, one-page overview of your business competencies. The capability statement should highlight your core capabilities and key performance elements that differentiate your business from the competition. 

Step 6: Engage with Commerce’s Small Business Specialists

Helpful Tip: Become an SBA Certified Contractor

Government agencies reserve contracts for small businesses certified in SBA’s contracting programs. Answer a few questions at Certify.SBA.gov to discover if your company should pursue participation in SBA’s contracting programs with the Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program, HUBZone Program, or 8(a) Business Development Program.