Prepared by Laura Miller Arkansas State University Small Business and Technology Development Center for attendees to recent FEMA disaster contracting. Provides initial steps and links to follow up from seminar

1. Securing Contracting Opportunities
First Steps:
1. Know your Federal Tax identification Number (TIN or EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number,
and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. This is a free
service offered by the Internal Revenue Service.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97860,00.html
2. Be sure you have the proper business licenses and permits
Regulations vary by industry, state and locality. Not complying with licensing and permitting
regulations can lead to expensive fines and put your business at risk. SBA offers a search tool
that allows you to get a list of federal, state and local permits, licenses, and registrations you
need for your business.
http://www.sba.gov/content/search-business-licenses-and-permits
3. Determine your NAICS code(s)
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS, pronounced Nakes) was developed
as the standard for use by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for
the collection, analysis, and publication of statistical data related to the business economy of the
U.S.
http://www.naics.com/search.htm or consult your Accountant/CPA to determine the NAICS code
applicable to your business.
Steps to Registering as a Federal Contractor:
1. Obtain a D&B D-U-N-S® number
You will need to obtain a Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S® Number (Data Universal Numbering
System). This is a unique nine-digit identification number for each physical location of your
business. The assignment of a D-U-N-S Number is free for all businesses required to register
with the federal government for contracts or grants.
https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/companylookup.htm
2. Register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR)
You need to register your business with the federal government's Central Contractor Registration
(CCR), the primary database of vendors doing business with the federal government. Federal
Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) require all prospective vendors to be registered in the CCR prior
to the award of a contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase
agreement. Federal Contracting Officers use the CCR to search for companies based on ability,
size, location, experience, ownership, and more.
https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx

2. 3. Register with the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA)
You need to complete the solicitation clauses and certifications of the Online Representations
and Certifications Application (ORCA), an e-Government initiative designed to replace the paper-
based Representations and certifications (Reps and Certs) process. This requires you to
certify that the information provided about your company and its business activities is correct.
https://orca.bpn.gov
Find Local Contracting Opportunities:
Contact local officials for local contracting opportunities. For contact information, visit:
1. County Judges: http://www.arcounties.org/counties
2. Mayors: http://local.arkansas.gov/index.php
Other Contracting Resources:
1. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers resources for contractors:
http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/contracting
2. To do business with FEMA, request a vendor profile by registering with the Acquisition
Industry Liaison (AIL) Program. The profile as well as additional tips can be found in “How to
do Business with FEMA.”
http://www.fema.gov/pdf/privatesector/industry/do_business.pdf
3. Federal and State agencies place procurement opportunities on their web sites. Many
federal agencies use the Federal Business Opportunities website.
https://www.fbo.gov
4. Arkansas Procurement Assistance Center is an economic development program operated by
the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. APAC offers free counseling and
consulting to Arkansas businesses only, on any issue related to selling goods or services to
public agencies.
http://www.arcommunities.org/APAC.htm
This document is designed to help you get started doing business with the government is by no means an
exhaustive listing of resources. We encourage you to seek assistance from the many federal and state
resources available.
For additional information and assistance, contact the Arkansas State University Small Business and
Technology Development Center at (870) 972-3517.
051111