U.S. Air Force Small Business

Step 1: Identify Your Product or Service

It is essential to know the Federal Supply Class or Service (FSC/SVC) codes and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for your products or services.

Step 2: Register Your Business

Obtain a DUNS Number
The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number is a unique nine-character contractor identification code used by the federal government for all procurement-related activities. If you do not have a DUNS Number, contact Dun and Bradstreet to obtain one or call the government-dedicated, DUNS Number self-request line at 866-705-5711. DUNS Number assignment is free for all businesses required to register with the U.S. federal government for contracts or grants.

Register with Central Contractor Registration (CCR)
You must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system to be awarded a contract from the Department of Defense (DoD). CCR is a database designed to hold information relevant to DoD procurement and financial transactions. CCR also enables fast electronic payment of your invoices. For more information read the CCR Handbook.

Government contracting officers, contract specialists, etc. use the CCR, as well as the CCR’s “Dynamic Small Business Search” tool, to identify small business concerns for potential prime and subcontracting opportunities.

Complete the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA)
In addition to CCR, all government contractors must complete the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). ORCA is an e-Government initiative that enables you to enter your representations and certifications information only once for use on all federal contracts with online applications.

Step 3: Identify Opportunities

There are many resources available to search for U.S. Air Force contracting opportunities online, or to help present your products and services to Air Force customers.

Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) Portal
FedBizOpps is a single Web site where commercial vendors and government buyers can post, search, monitor and retrieve opportunities solicited by the entire federal contracting community. For an index of Air Force-specific opportunities on FedBizOpps, click here.

Long Range Acquisition Estimate Database
The U.S. Air Force’s Small Business Long Range Acquisition Estimate (LRAE) database consolidates anticipated procurements from U.S. Air Force Major Operational Commands and their direct reporting units. Small businesses can use this resource early in the acquisition process to identify upcoming procurements and improve the timeliness, responsiveness and success rates of their proposals.

General Services Administration Schedules Program
Many DoD purchases are ordered through the General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules Program – also referred to as Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) or Multiple Award Schedules (MAS). This program establishes long-term, government-wide contracts that allow customers to acquire a vast array of products, supplies and services directly from commercial suppliers. To learn about becoming a GSA Schedule contractor, click here.

DoD EMALL
EMALL is the DoD equivalent of a dot.com mega store with over 40,000 DoD registered customers. To learn how to become an EMALL supplier or vendor click here.

Subcontracting Opportunities with DoD Major Prime Contractors
Investigate potential subcontracting opportunities and explore teaming options with major prime contractors that provide products and services to DoD. For a list of major prime contractors, click here. For the Small Business Association subcontracting opportunities directory, click here.

Federal Grants and Research Funding
Small businesses are eligible for many discretionary grants funded by government and military organizations. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer significant funding for research and development with military and commercial applications. In addition, proposals for research grants are solicited using Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) posted on the Web sites of individual commands and bases.

Step 4: Assistance and Resources

A small business or minority institution new to government contracting or the U.S. Air Force contracting process can obtain assistance to pursue suitable opportunities. The following resources will make your company or organization as competitive as possible during the contracting process.

Small Business Specialists
Each Air Force base in the continental United States has a contracting specialist assigned to assist small businesses in obtaining contracts with the Air Force. Use the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs Locator to find the right Small Business Specialist for your opportunity.