Government Procurement Resources

The NYS SBDC offers services to businesses that are interested in selling to local, state and federal government organizations. These services are provided at no charge to small businesses, including women-owned and minority-owned businesses throughout the state. SBDC assistance includes identifying markets, providing group training, and offering access to a reference library of publications including the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

Selling to the government is not recommended for start-up businesses in most cases. The market is extremely competitive; therefore, experience in the business can help you avoid costly mistakes. A proven track-record is also considered an asset to government purchasers as they evaluate procurement awards. The government does not purchase all products by bidding. In addition, purchasing procedures vary widely among government agencies and military installations. State agencies and municipal organizations also have other regulations. When you are ready to sell to the government, the SBDC can assist you in working toward the goal of preparing to submit your first bid or proposal.

Procurement Help Desk – Mohawk Valley SBDC
The SBDC has a procurement help-desk at the Mohawk Valley SBDC. It is a resource for the statewide network to use in providing more timely and in-depth assistance to advisors working with clients who are or wish to be engaged in government procurement. The help desk features:

• Specialists to provide information and referrals to interested business owners. 
• Procurement training for SBDC Business Advisors, to ensure that all participating staff members are trained in the most current federal and state procurement practices.
• SBDC relationships with regional procurement agencies, to keep current with changes at individual procurement offices.
• A library of procurement materials, both low-cost and no cost, to be distributed to clients.  The library includes software, audio-visual, and Internet resource materials, as well as written materials.
• A Procurement Resource Guide (PRG) for distribution to qualifying businesses.  The PRG provides general guidance in the area of federal and NYS procurement laws, regulations and practices. 

The federal government offers a number of incentive programs for purchasing from women-owned and minority-owned businesses. The SBDC program offers assistance in helping women- and minority-owned businesses understand the process of obtaining the appropriate certifications [link to the page about  8a/mwbe cert]  to be considered for these incentive programs.

More useful links and resources for goverment procurement.