What the heck is a Digital Certificate?

Welcome to all... To the Premier Blog (at least I think so) for the most boring of subjects: Federal Government Contracting. The good news is that you will find nuggets of information that you can trade in for payments from the government. Hey, send me a question or two and I'll have even more fun blogging! GB. Summer, 2011


A digital certificate allows you to upload and submit documents with an "electronic" signature. For many of us it means no more last minute dash to UPS or FedEx to send a signed document.  More and more, the federal government and GSA in particular are requiring vendors (you) to submit offers electronically. For example, GSA, uses "eOffer" for new offers, and "eMod" for contract modifications.


The digital certificate is actually assigned to a specific person and a specific computer. Your business may need more than one digital certificate if there are multiple authorized negotiators. Digital certificates can be moved from one computer to another, so if you move your office, get a new computer, or change employment, you can take the certificate with you.


It is definitely worth it. I find that I can get offers submitted in a shorter time, thus improving my service to my clients. It is also easier to work with a contracting officer during the final stages of award.


For the latest information and how to get a digital certificate, use the GSA Vendor Support Center site, and view the instructions for digital certificates. One place to find the instructions is at https://vsc.gsa.gov/ ->  "Modifications". You can also contact me and I will send a copy of the instructions - no obligation.


Thanks for listening, and let me know what you want to learn about... for government contracting that is! 
GB

GSA Overview - A quick start guide to General Services Administration Contracts

Federal buyers represent the world’s largest buying group. Buyers use GSA to find suppliers (vendors) for almost any product or service you can imagine. Simply put, GSA is a giant catalog of suppliers (maybe you). To be listed in the catalog, you must be awarded a GSA contract. 
 
Once you win, it is easy for buyers to purchase from you. Most transactions under $25,000 are simple. Do you want to see what GSA suppliers are offering? Use GSA Advantage!, described below.

How to use GSA Advantage!

Go to http://www.gsaadvantage.gov./

Enter any labor or product search term in the “What are you looking for?” field. Examples: “Program Manager”, “Office Supplies”, “Equipment”, “Construction”.

Observe your competitors’ prices and other information. This is an example of how the great consultants will help you with marketing, such as how to use such resources to find GSA business.

Is GSA right for you?

 

If you sell anything from IT Services to farm equipment and supplies, GSA may be a way to substantially increase your revenue. GSA is best for established companies, because GSA often wants past performance references, a commercial price list, copies of invoices, and basic financials such as a Balance Sheet and a Profit and Loss Statement. A reputable consultant will tell you up front how it looks for you with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

How to get on schedule.

Winning an award takes time, patience, and great attention to detail.

• Go to www.gsa.gov, then select “Schedules e-library”.
• Locate the schedule that fits your offerings.
• Download and print the schedule.
• Fill-in the blanks and include additional information as required (price lists, discount history, and so on).
• Send in to GSA and be ready to negotiate your GSA discount.

If you are a busy growing company, finding the time may be difficult. GSA Consultants will save you a lot of time and money in the short and long run.

 

Register with the Central Contractor Registry

Are you registered with Central Contractor Registry (CCR)? If so, does it represent you well? CCR registration is required for GSA contracts, but it is more than that; it is your best chance at advertising to the government and all of its prime contractors for contracts.

 

Buyers look at CCR Profiles to find suppliers. If you your profile is bad, you are probably missing opportunities every day because buyers will not call you. Consultants who provide value do more than just getting you the award; they show you how to use it.

How to register with the federal Central Contractor Registry (CCR).

Information you need beforehand:

• Dunn & Bradstreet credit number (DUNS). It’s free. Go to www.dnb.com. For faster response, call them at 1-866-705-5711 and tell them you need a number to register with the government.
• North American Industrial Classification (NAICS) code. Find at www.sba.gov, “Business Opportunities”, “Search Tool for NAICS… “.
• Bank account and routing numbers (these are printed on your checks).
• Bank telephone number.
• If you use an Automated Clearing House (ACH) have the name and phone.

If you already have a CCR Profile, you need your UserID and Password to edit your profile. For new registrations, go to www.ccr.gov. Then select “Start New Registration”. 

Edit your profile. You can save your work as you go, so you don’t have to finish in one session. For existing registrations, select “Update or Renew Registrations”, then use your UserID and Password to enter.

In summary, government contracting is not for everyone, but the rewards can be great. And remember, we are at war, so the country needs good quality suppliers to help with the effort - either directly or indirectly. If you have something of value to offer and the background to prove it, consider getting on GSA contract!

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures in the world of government contracting, as we explore the vast largely untamed continent called "GSA". GB