Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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  • How do I identify my competition? You can identify your competition by researching the primes and subcontractors that provide goods and/or services with each government agency. Research the government agency and identify the buyer for you product and/or services. Contact the buyer and let them know you are interested in working with that agency and […]

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  • All these insurances are expensive just to have and not use until you get a contract – can you add them when you win a contract? You should have General Liability at a minimum. Please contact your insurance agent to determine the proper coverage for your business, industry, and needs.

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  • How do I access Presenter Coach in PowerPoint? Rehearse with Coach is located in the Rehearse Group, on the Slide Show Ribbon in PowerPoint. This is available in both the desktop and the online version of PowerPoint.

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  • How will the new infrastructure bill impact my industry? Funds will be distributed at the state level and will vary. Check out our video with SBA District Director Tim Jeffcoat for more information on how to prepare for potential opportunities related to the infrastructure bill.

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  • How do you find out about bidding opportunities with Harris County? When you register in Bonfire for Harris County you can opt-in to receive notifications.

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  • What is the meaning of Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) and how can you qualify to be considered a Small Disadvantaged Business? An SDB is a small business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual or individuals. Socially and economically disadvantaged standards are set by the SBA. Learn […]

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  • Who is the contract compliance officer for SBA? Click on the link for the SBA Leadership. Learn More

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  • How and why are the SBA HUBZones set? HUBZones are set at a Federal Level. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) uses information and data from multiple federal sources to determine HUBZone designated status, such federal agencies include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Defense, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Bureau […]

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  • How can you find a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)? There are PTAC locations all over the country. SBA has a search tool to help you locate the one closest to you. Click on the link. Learn More

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  • Where can I find an example of a letter of intent? We have a sample letter of intent available for download.   Learn More  

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  • How can you get a delivery contract with the VA Hospital? All VA hospitals, clinics and medical centers are owned by and operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs as opposed to private companies, and all of the staff employed in VA hospitals are government employees. You can review past and current contracts for the […]

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  • Do supplies have to be made in the USA when bidding on supply orders? Each opportunity will specify accordingly, but we have seen ones that do specify that they do need to be USA made and others where it does not matter. It really depends on the product, service and specifications of the RFP and […]

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  • For reference letters, would you advise to have more recent references? Can they be a few old? You can have both. Some agencies will only accept references within a five year time frame. I would make sure that your most recent project with them is within that five year time frame.

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  • How do you request an RFP if there is not a current one to bid on? Research the government agency that you would like to do business with. Reach out to the small business liaison, or buyer for the general category your products/services will fall under. Have a conversation with the contact and discuss if […]

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  • What is the number for SAM.gov? The number for SAM.gov is 866-606-8220. We recommend calling early in the morning and being patient. You might be on hold for a while. 🙂

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  • Should we include our company profile in the qualifications section of a proposal? Yes, typically your company profile is either in the qualifications section or a company profile section.

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  • Do subcontractors need to be bonded for every project or is it project specific? Bonding requirements are agency and project specific. More and more agencies are requesting bonding for both primes and subcontractors. The following documents are necessary to complete the bond application process: Detailed description of the project Indemnity Agreement Statement of work on […]

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  • How do you renew your expired SAM.gov account? Annually, you need to go back into the system and update your records to reactivate.

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  • Is it possible to be a subcontractor with no past performance (from a business standpoint)? Yes, you can still be a subcontractor. You will leverage YOUR past experience and expertise vs YOUR COMPANY’S.

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  • How important is it to include a headshot on my resume? It is not mandatory. We like to include them as long as they are professional headshots.

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