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Category:

Small Business (SB)

Questions
Q1. What is the Small Business Program?
Q2. How Do I Sell?
Q3. Which regulations do I need to be aware of?
Q4. What Assistance is Available?
Q5. Where can I access a list of government-related Web sites?
Q6. Is there assistance for small businesses interested in government contracting?
Q7. Where can I learn about electronic commerce with the government?
Q8. Is contract financing available?
Q9. Is federal assistance available to help finance my small business?
Q10. Where can I go to get assistance regarding management and technical issues?
Q11. Where can I find actual Air Force opportunities?
Q12. How can buyers find me?

Answers
A1. What is the Small Business Program? 

The President and the US Congress have recognized the contribution of Small Businesses to the US economy by directing government agencies to allocate a fair share of their contracts to Small Business concerns. The Air Force Small Business Program, in compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) directives, implements an organized system for planning, executing, and measuring the effectiveness of Air Force contract awards to Small Business concerns. it is directed at all facets of the acquisition process, including program management, technical engineering, requirements, and contracting functions.

Our Air Force Small Business Program and Policy Directive clearly acknowledge that the Air Force will:
  1. Place a fair proportion of its total purchases, contracts, and subcontracts with Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, and Women-Owned Small Business concerns, and will aid, counsel, and assist such firms in their efforts to participate in Air Force acquisitions;
  2. Promote effective outreach efforts to interest, encourage, and assist Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, and Women Owned Small Business concerns in doing business with the Air Force;
  3. Promote acquisition policies, procedures, and practices that provide maximum opportunity for participation by these concerns; and
  4. Promote effective outreach efforts, policies, procedures, and practices that provide maximum opportunities for participation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions (HBCU/Ml) in Air Force program.


A2. How Do I Sell? 

For information on getting started and locating contacts and contracts, see Getting Started.


A3. Which regulations do I need to be aware of? 

You can get information on Defense (DFAR) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) by visiting Regulation Review. Search for regulations specific to "small business" at the Regulation Search.


A4. What Assistance is Available? 

The Small Business Administration web site has information on a variety of topics relevant to small and disadvantaged businesses.


A5. Where can I access a list of government-related Web sites? 

Important Air Force, DoD, federal agencies, and other organizations are listed on our Important Web Sites page.


A6. Is there assistance for small businesses interested in government contracting? 

Procurement assistance is available at DoD, GSA, and SBA. and the SBA's Online Women's Business Center Procurement Place.

Each federal agency has its own Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU).


A7. Where can I learn about electronic commerce with the government? 

Online assistance is available at Federal Electronic Commerce Initiatives.


A8. Is contract financing available? 

U.S. government contractors who are unable to obtain financing for capital necessary for contract performance might qualify for one of several contract financing methods. Progress payments, loan guarantees, and (rarely) advance payments may be available. For more information regarding advance payment programs, contact the contracting officer of the appropriate government agency. Additional information can also be found in the Federal Acquisition Regulation.


A9. Is federal assistance available to help finance my small business? 

Yes, the Small Business Administration has several loan guarantee programs and other services.


A10. Where can I go to get assistance regarding management and technical issues? 

Several federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration, Department of Commerce, Securities and Exchange Commission, Labor and Employment Assistance, the Department of the Treasury (IRS), and offer small business assistance.

Assistance is also available from state agencies and private organizations.


A11. Where can I find actual Air Force opportunities? 

Use our customized search tool to see who typically buys your product and who is currently buying your product.


A12. How can buyers find me? 

Register with vendor databases including Central Contractor Registration, ProNet, and SupplierGATEWAY.


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