The DOE Purchases up to $20 Billion Worth of Goods and Services Annually, Many of Them From Small Businesses. Why Not Yours?

By Theresa Speake

If you think your business is too small to get a government contract, think again. Sure, billion-dollar corporations work with the government all the time. But so do countless small businesses just like yours. In fact, $1.2 billion in prime contracts were awarded to small business in 2006. Additionally, $3.5 billion in subcontracts were awarded to small businesses last year, and the numbers continue to increase.

Depending on the type of business you have, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is one viable avenue worth exploring. DOE purchases between $18 billion and $20 billion worth of goods and services annually—many of them from small businesses. Among the services that DOE purchases are facility management, remediation, construction, R&D, management and scientific consulting, plate work manufacturing, administrative services, data processing, security, engineering, waste treatment and disposal, and more.

Through its Small Business Programs and its commitment to President Bush’s Small Business Agenda, the Department has increased small business participation and is working to help small businesses gain access to both prime and subcontracting opportunities by positioning small businesses to team, joint venture, and learn more about DOE’s mentor protégé and SBA mentor protégé agreements.

The Department’s Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is looking for qualified small businesses that have a working knowledge of DOE’s needs and requirements. Companies in the areas of 8(a), HUBZone, Women-Owned Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, and Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Businesses are examples of the many types of companies, which can and should be doing business with the DOE.

So, how can you boost your chances of becoming a DOE contractor or subcontractor? The OSDBU offers the following tips:

• Do your homework. Get to know what DOE needs. Visit the Web site (www.energy.gov) and click on the link “Small Business” at the bottom of the page or “Doing Business with DOE”.
• Register your business. To bid on a DOE contract, you must be registered with the DOE’s Industry Interactive Procurement System online at (http://doe-iips.pr.doe.gov). Register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at (www.ccr.gov).
• Review Forecast of Prime and Subcontract Business Opportunities. You may reach the forecast at (http://hqlnc.doe.gov/forecast) . Match your expertise, capabilities, and experience with a specific DOE procurement opportunity. Once you find an opportunity, prepare a “business development” plan.
• Respond to Sources Sought Notices. DOE issues Sources Sought Notices to determine if there are qualified small businesses that can perform on the contract. If two or more small businesses respond, DOE may set-aside the procurement for small business.
• Be flexible. Consider both prime contracting and subcontracting opportunities, teaming, joint ventures, or mentor protégé programs.
• Prepare a company profile. Develop a succinct, one-page summary of your company’s capabilities, expertise and experience, references from other federal agencies, registrations, and certifications.
• Market your company. Direct contact with acquisition and program personnel is vital to marketing and success. Visit the website at (http://smallbusiness.doe.gov). Click on “Our People” for a directory of small business contacts nationwide.
• Network and participate. Utilize every opportunity to establish and develop contacts by attending the Annual DOE Small Business Conference, Expo and Matchmaking Forum. Visit: (www.SmallBusiness-Outreach.doe.gov) for more information.
• Make it easy for the DOE to do business with you. Become a GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract holder (www.gsa.gov). If you’re an IT firm, become a Government-wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) Holder, (www.gsa.gov/gwacs). Be sure you can accept payments by credit card.

Don’t give up. Learn, network, and persevere until you have a contract.