The U.S. Government as a customer is often an un-tapped resource for small businesses. There is great potential for a small business, especially if minority-owned, to sell its goods and services to the government. This webguide is for those in small business who are interested in getting started in government contracting and procurement. However, this guide is only a starting point, the key to selling to the government is networking with those in the government procurement offices.

Getting Started
Registering for Contract Awards
Minority Certification
Searching for jobs and Contract Oportunities

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Dun & Bradstreet DUNS Number
A DUNS number is required for registration in the Central Contractor Registry. The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) is a unique nine-character identification number assigned to you by Dun & Bradstreet at no charge. A different DUNS number is required for each physical location or address your company may have.

Internal Revenue Service
The IRS website has the forms needed to get your Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is not needed if you are a sole proprietor, however for all other forms of business an EIN is required.

NAICS Codes
North American Industry Classification Codes (NAICS) help classify businesses. To register in CCR at least one NAICS code must be supplied, but more NAICS codes listed increases your chances for contract awards. This site lists all NAICS codes currently used and shows the conversion of SIC codes to NAICS codes.

SIC Codes
Standard Industry Classification Codes also classify businesses. Although SIC codes are being replaced by NAICS codes, at least one SIC code (more are helpful) must be listed for your CCR registration to be complete. This website lists SIC codes that are needed for registration.

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Central Contractor Regisrty
The Central Contractor Registry (CCR) is your starting point for selling goods and services to the government. CCR is the primary vendor database for the Deparement of Defense (DoD), Department of Transportation (DoT), NASA, and the Department of the Treasury. Registration in CCR is required to be awarded contracts by DoD, NASA, DoT and Treasury. The on-line instructions walks you through the application process and lists the information you need to gather for registration. Vendors must update or renew their information annually to maintain an active status.

ProNet
ProNet is a search engine for contracting officers, a marketing tool for small businesses, and links to procurement opportunities. Registration in ProNet is only for small businesses and is essential for marketing your business to procurement officers. ProNet also is a database for searching for business opportunities posted by various agencies.

Office of the State CIO
Materials Management Office
South Carolina's  Procurement Services Division, Materials Management Office,  and Office of the State CIO, are the procurement centers for S.C. These websites have on-line vendor registration applications and allow searches for procurement opportunities and contract awards.

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