Send us a text

Marc Schulman, CEO and Founder of Advocate Consulting Group, LLC (“ACG”), leads a team of professionals providing medical devices and diagnostic testing resources for the medical community, federal government, private industry, and school systems. ACG distributes a wide array of point-of-care and over-the-counter medical test kits and a catalog of certified personal protective equipment (“PPE”). 

Marc previously served in the U.S. Navy, and ACG is SBA Certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (“SDVOSB”). After his naval service, Marc worked in the corporate world as a turnaround specialist for Fortune 50 companies and has mentored hundreds of executives in the U.S., China, and Vietnam. Marc and his wife, Jeannie, have seven grown children and four grandchildren.

ACG began working with FedBiz Access in 2021 and has been awarded his SDVOSB Certification. In addition, he has worked with FedBiz Access to maintain his SAM & DSBS registrations and to help market his business to the government marketplace with a Capability Statement and Federal Connections Package (“FCP”). He is currently working with FedBiz Access to complete his GSA Schedule. 

“I'd rate FedBiz Access a ten out of ten! I recommend them to anyone who is either in the government services space or looking to get into the space,” said Marc.

ACG is currently working within the Veterans Administration (“VA”). Marc’s goal is for the business to continue to grow by working as a subcontractor with larger prime contractors, as well as acting as a prime contractor and expanding ACG’s network with the federal government.

“This would not have been possible without the great help of the wonderful people at FedBiz Access,” said Marc.

FedBiz Access is leading government contracting business development and marketing firm that offers research and engagement strategy coaching, registrations, certifications, and GSA Schedules, as well as marketing packages to targeted buyers at the federal, state, and local levels. The company has over 21 years of experience working with thousands of companies worldwide to help them win over $35.7 billion in awards. From registration to award, FedBiz helps businesses succeed in the government marketplace.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on LinkedIn

Send us a text

In its mission to care for veterans, the federal government developed the veterans set-aside certifications for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (“VOSB”) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (“SDVOSB”). Per the SBA there are approximately 2.5 million veteran owned businesses in the U.S., but only 15,299 are certified through the Veterans Administration (“VA”).

In this episode of FedBiz’5 we are hosting Amanda Bach from FedBiz Access to discuss the benefits of the veteran certification program.

The federal government has set-aside and sole source contracts available for veteran-owned small businesses that have been certified through the VA. In total the SBA goal for awarding small businesses federal contracts is 23.0% of all federal contract spending. For FY2021 this spending exceeded 27.0% or $154.2 Billion.

In particular, set-aside federal contract spending for SDVOSB has a targeted goal of 3.0% and exceeded this in FY2021 to 4.4% or $25 Billion.  

To qualify as a veteran-owned small business, a business must:

•  Be a for-profit small business according to SBA’s size standards
• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans that have been honorably discharged
• Have one or more veterans manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions
• In addition, to qualify for the SDVOSB designation eligible veterans must have a VA verified service-connected disability

Currently, eligible small businesses must receive their VOSB and SDVOSB certification through VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (“CVE”), as required by the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) of 2021.

Effective January 1, 2023, the VA’s CVE responsibilities will be transferred to SBA. At that time veterans will no longer be able to self-certify in the SBA Dynamic Small Business System (“DSBS”).

Federal agencies will still be mandated to set-aside a certain percentage of their business to certified VOSB and SDVOSB businesses. This will increase the need for SBA certified veteran-owned business, instead of relying on self-certification to be considered for candidacy for certain of those set-aside awards.

FedBiz Access honors the sacrifice of our veterans and proudly offers support services to help veteran-owned businesses expedite registration for certification as a VOSB or SDVOSB business eligible for certain federal contracts set-aside specifically under the SDVOSB and VOSB designations.

FedBiz Access has over 21 years of experience working with companies to help them win business by ensuring their set-aside certifications, research, engagement strategy, registrations, and GSA Multiple Award Schedules are current, complete, and compliant.  

FedBiz Access helps companies build a clear path from registration to award.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on LinkedIn

Send us a text

Government contracting is a good way to expand your business opportunities in preparation for a potential downturn in the economy.

In this episode of FedBiz’5, we are hosting Amanda Bach from FedBiz Access to discuss the how you may be able to recession proof your business by expanding your government contracting opportunities.

So why is it important for businesses to learn about and understand government contracting in preparation as the U.S. and world economies approach a forecasted recession?

With persistent inflation, a likely increase in the Federal Reserve interest rate, and the Ukraine war as threats to the health of the U.S. economy, diversification is important as commercial and consumer spending slows. For example, the consumer price index shot up more than 9.1% in June, creating more trepidation for the economic outlook.

However, the federal government remains the largest single purchaser of goods and services in the world. With the federal government working to simulate the economy, government spending will likely continue to grow. Why not get your piece of this pie?

The federal government makes “small” purchases (under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures regulation, small businesses must be considered for all federal awards under $250,000 if there are two or more small business offerors expected to compete). These purchases include everything from office supplies, office furniture, security systems, spending for commercial services, including IT software and service solutions, janitorial, landscaping, facilities management, marketing, and other services. 

In addition, large contracts are awarded to prime contractors that need small business subcontractors to meet their set-aside contracting goals. These large projects include everything from military hardware, large scale engineering and construction projects, and major IT system upgrades, to name a few.

To take advantage of the current economic environment, time is of the essence and there is and will be an influx of businesses in pursuit of government contracting work as the recession is coming upon us. 

The important steps are to get informed by knowing who your government buyers are and get connected with them, as well as having your business ‘government ready’, including all registrations compliant, complete, and competitive. In addition, submitting applicable set-aside certifications and a GSA Schedule contract that your business may qualify for. This is all part of your Government Readiness Level(“GRL”).

It is important to be educated regarding all the contracting vehicles that are available to your business. FedBiz Access provides its clients with solutions, including registration services, training, engagement coaching, and market research. This provides you with the necessary tools and resources to find your government buyers, know when they're buying, how they're buying, and get connected with the right targeted government buyers for your business. 

FedBiz has over 21 years of experience working with thousands of companies worldwide to help them win over $35.7 billion in awards. From registration to award, FedBiz Access helps

Stay Connected:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on LinkedIn

Send us a text

SAM ("System for Award Management") is a federal registration that is required if you are going to participate in the federal market.  It is sometimes called your “accounting record” and is used as the primary database of vendors doing business with the federal government. 

In this episode of FedBiz’5, we are hosting Cassie Elbany from FedBiz Access to discuss the importance of your SAM registration.

SAM can be found on the official government website (SAM.gov) used to register entities for government contracts or grants.

When you register in SAM you are assigned a CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity) and a  UEI number (Unique Entity ID) as your official federal government identifiers.  Within the SAM website federal buyers can search for your business, and you can use the system to search for contract opportunities using search features such as keywords, NAICS codes (North American Industry Classification System), or PSC codes (Product and Service Codes).

That is why it is important to properly identify is your industry classification using NAICS and PSC codes. Simply put, NAICS codes are for your business function or commercial activity, and PSC describe your products or services themselves.  These codes let the federal government, or the federal buyers know what it is you do and makes it easier for them to identify you for award opportunities based on your industry and your products or services offered.

A business can self-certify in SAM, but because of the complexity of the registration process many businesses are better suited to use a professional service to complete their registration.  This may be considered in the same way that many businesses use a professional accountant to file their tax returns to ensure they are complete and compliant.

For businesses looking to work with the federal government, they must remain compliant and keep their registration active to be awarded a federal contract. 

As your business evolves, so should your SAM be updated to reflect your most current information. SAM must be renewed annually, but can be updated more frequently.

Additionally, businesses must conform to the Federal Acquisition Regulations, referred to as the FAR.  The FAR are the overriding set of regulations for federal procurement and agreement to adherence to the FAR is required to be registered in SAM.  Having a clear understanding of the FAR as you are completing your SAM registration is very critical. A misrepresentation or wrong answer could not only get you in trouble but could bar you from federal work.

Businesses also register their business size and socio-economic status while completing the required solicitation clauses and certification. By completing the required solicitation clauses and certifications you certify that the information provided about your company and its business activities are correct.

In addition, it is very important that your SBA registration in the Dynamic Small Business Search be properly aligned with your SAM for marketing purposes.

One source federal buyers turn to to easily find information you register in SAM is FedBiz Connect, a searchable database of businesses registered for federal contracting that highlights their business to contracting officers and prime contractors.  The database is searchable by keywords, business name, CAGE code, UEI No., location, socio-economic status, NAICS Codes, PSC, capabili

Stay Connected:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on LinkedIn

Send us a text

The month of September marks the end of the federal government’s fiscal year and the beginning of its annual year-end spending spree.  

In this episode of FedBiz’5, we are hosting Amanda Bach from FedBiz Access to discuss the advantages of marketing your business to the Federal Government for ‘September Spending.’

During the month of September, federal agencies typically scramble to spend what’s left in their annual budget, for fear that leaving excess funds unspent may prompt Congress to spend less in the following year.  It is known as “use-it-or-lose-it” spending, and it happens every year.

Most budget authority provided to federal agencies for discretionary spending requires the agencies to obligate funds by the end of the fiscal year or return the funds to the Treasury; state and local government agencies typically face similar constraints. 

Early in their fiscal year, when future spending demands are uncertain, agencies have an incentive to hold back on marginal spending early in the budget cycle and then burn through those dollars near or at the end of their fiscal year, by September 30th.

So, in the month of September you'll find that government buyers are purging their remaining budgets and looking accelerate award opportunities. Government buyers are required as part of their incentives to create set-aside award opportunities for certified small businesses. 

As a government contractor the best time to plant the seed with buyers is early in the cycle. Research who buys what you sell, make sure your registrations are current and compliant, and market your capabilities. 

One source federal buyers turn to is FedBiz Connect, a searchable database of businesses registered for federal contracting that highlights their business to contracting officers and prime contractors.  The database is searchable by keywords, business name, CAGE code, UEI No., location, socio-economic status, NAICS Codes, PSC, capability statement, past performance, FEMA registered, smart cards, points of contact, etc.  

The key to government contracting is connections. Government buyers purchase from businesses that they know, they have their Capability Statement on file, and experience proves they can be a reliable source.

September spending creates an opportunity for federal contractors, who have established relationships with buyers, to support their immediate needs. FedBiz Access (“FedBiz”) has a fulfillment team that takes the time to understand your business and ask questions to ensure you have a solid engagement plan.  

FedBiz offers proprietary marketing packages to targeted buyers in the federal government with its Federal Connections Package, and on the state, local, and education market with its Local Connections Package.

FedBiz is a leading government contracting business development and marketing firm that offers research and engagement strategy coaching, registrations, certifications, and GSA Schedules.

FedBiz has over 21 years of experience working with thousands of companies worldwide to help them win over $35.7

Stay Connected:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on LinkedIn

Send us a text

Do you know who your buyers are?

In this episode of FedBiz’5 we are hosting Anthony D’Attore from FedBiz Access to discuss marketing your business to the Federal Government.

Once you complete your SAM and DSBS registrations, your next step is to market your business to federal buyers who buy what you sell.

Your Capability Statement is your government resume representing your business. It is your opportunity to make a good first impression and highlight your strengths and experience. 

To successfully market your business, you need to get that Capability Statement into the right hands. Who buys what you sell?

Step 1 – Research & Target

Research and identify agencies and points of contact within the agencies that have purchased the products and/or services you sell. As an example, you can find this information in the FedBiz Access Market Intel database. You’ll get award history, name, phone number, and email address in a downloadable format.

Step 2 – Email Introduction

Send a personalized introductory email highlighting your capabilities, stating who you are, and why you are reaching out. It is also important to include your professional Capability Statement.

Step 3 – Introductory Call

Be prepared with an engagement plan including your ‘elevator pitch,’ and make sure you have done your homework to know what types of solicitations the buyers have awarded in the past. Your goal here is to get your name into their rolodex for future awards. 

Step 4 – Connect

Repeat this process and you will begin to establish your company’s ‘brand’ with federal buyers. You want to build relationships. When buyers are conducting their market research, deciding on set-aside and sole source awards, or simply evaluating their options, you want to be part of their buying decision.

The key is to let buyers know who you are. Because, how else would they know if you don't tell them? Let them know your advantages - how you can help them save money, provide better products and/or services, speed of delivery, etc. 

Federal buyers want to include small businesses in their buying decisions. It is part of their job goals. You job is to make it easy for them to find you.

Through research you will learn which agencies are buying what you sell, how they buy, when they buy, and who signs the contract. This gives you a better idea of how to position and present your business, as well as ask the right questions so you understand how to best solve their problem. 

FedBiz Access (“FedBiz”) has a fulfillment team that takes the time to understand your business and ask questions to ensure you have a solid engagement plan.  

FedBiz offers proprietary marketing packages to targeted buyers in the federal government with its Federal Connections Package, and on the state, local, and education market with its Local Connections Package.

FedBiz is a leading government contracting business development and marketing firm that offe

Stay Connected:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on LinkedIn

Send us a text

A Capability Statement is your government resume representing your business. It is your opportunity to make a good first impression and positively impacts your ability to win awards.

In this episode of FedBiz’5 we host Anthony D’Attore from FedBiz Access to discuss what makes a Capability Statement effective.

A Capability Statement is usually a one-page government centric resume for your company. Just like in a job interview scenario, it is your opportunity to highlight your strengths and experience.

It should be a concise, aesthetically pleasing, document that speaks to your business's competencies. 

Its purpose is to provide specific information that will convince potential customers within government agencies to do business with you. When written well, a Capability Statement will help differentiate your business from others.

Information to Include on Your Capability Statement:

Company Information: Point of Contact, Contact Information (phone number, email, website,  address), UEI Number, Cage Code, Certified Socio-Economic Status such (WOSB, SDVOSB/VOSB, MBE, 8(a), HUBZone), GSA Schedule, and applicable designations.

Industry Codes: NAICS and PSC Codes for your primary business operations. Do research to pinpoint the codes that make the most sense to your target agency for the products and/or services you offer.

Capability Narrative: A brief ‘About Us’ description, similar to a mission statement. A short, direct, and concise general overview of your company without delving too much into your products/services.

Core Competencies: Listing of products and/or services that speak to the agency you are trying to do business with.  What do you do well? Core Competencies do not need to include everything about your business, and what you are able to do. In fact, they should focus on the needs of your audience.

Differentiators: Why should the government choose you to do business with you over your competition?  List the unique benefits of your products and/or services that set you apart from your competition. How is your business best suited for the needs of the targeted government agency?  A clear statement that relates to specific needs of the agency can help the buyer understand why they should choose you. 

Past Performance: List your previous customers, typically best to list government agency clients, but you can also list commercial clients that you have done similar projects for previously. You should include details such as the date, location, and value of the award.

If you don’t have Past Performance and are a new business, but have extensive past professional experience in the field, list your qualifying experience.

The next step is to market your business.  Do the buyers know who you are?  Do you know how to find them?

FedBiz Access (“FedBiz”) has a fulfillment team that takes the time to understand your business and ask questions to pull information from you to ensure your Capability Statement is the best presentation of your business.  

FedBiz also offers marketing packages to targeted buyers in the fed

Stay Connected:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on LinkedIn

Send us a text

Tiffanye Paige – Making an impact on the community by driving change.

Tiffanye is the founder and president of Sampson, Jefferson and Associates (“SJA”), a consulting firm she launched 2017 to partner with healthcare, educational, and business organizations to drive and sustain cultural changes for effectiveness and efficiency. 

“Looking at all of the necessary certifications and things needed to be successful within the government space, I started doing research and found FedBiz Access. It truly was a godsend,” said Tiffanye. 

Tiffanye began working with FedBiz Access in 2019 and was awarded the Women-Owned Small Business (“WOSB”) Certification. In addition, she has worked with FedBiz Access to maintain her SAM & DSBS registrations, complete the process for her Minority Business Enterprise (“MBE”) Certification, and to help market her business to the government marketplace with a Capability Statement and Federal Connections Package (“FCP”). Subsequently she has been working with FedBiz Access to complete her GSA Schedule award.

“I have loved working with the team at FedBiz Access. They have helped take me from registration to award. I highly recommend working with them to reach your goals in government contracting,” said Tiffanye.

After being a subcontractor on other government awards, in 2021 SJA was awarded its first direct government contract with a $711,724 Award from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons for Education/Training Curriculum Development. SJA was tasked with creating a national database for our returning citizens as they come back into society, making sure that they have access to the necessary resources to be successful coming home.

Tiffanye plans to continue to grow her business and utilize her small business set-aside certifications to win government awards to help organizations drive and sustain cultural changes.

FedBiz Access is leading government contracting business development and marketing firm that offers research and engagement strategy coaching, registrations, certifications, and GSA Schedules, as well as marketing packages to targeted buyers at the federal, state, and local levels. The company has over 21 years of experience working with thousands of companies worldwide to help them win over $35.7 billion in awards. From registration to award, FedBiz helps businesses succeed in the government marketplace.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on LinkedIn

Send us a text

The 8(a) Business Development Program and Certification helps minority and small disadvantaged businesses grow through a program of federal contracting preferences and set asides with the goal of awarding at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to qualified businesses. Last year the program exceeded its goal and awarded approximately $60 billion or almost 10% of all federal contracting dollars.

In this episode of FedBiz’5 we are hosting Amanda Bach from FedBiz Access to discuss the benefits of the 8(a) Business Development Program and Certification (“8(a)”).

The goal of the 8(a) program is to help fuel business growth for U.S. small businesses 51% or more owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. 

Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans are presumed to be socially disadvantaged under federal law. This also includes small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations.

In determining economically disadvantaged status requires an evaluation of the individual’s total assets, net worth, and personal income for the past three years.

• The individual’s total assets must be valued at $6 million or less. This calculation is based on the fair market value of all assets, including the primary residence and the value of the business concern. 
• The individual’s net worth must be less than $750,000. This calculation excludes the individual’s ownership interest in the applicant concern, the individual’s equity interest in his or her primary residence, funds invested in a qualified Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) or other official retirement account.
• The individual’s personal income must be $350,000 or less. This calculation is based on the individual’s adjusted gross income averaged over the last three years.

In addition to the requirements stated above, the applicant must be in business for two years, demonstrate good character and potential to perform on contracts. Businesses that participate in the program receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively. 

A government business mentor is assigned to the business to assist in the efficient utilization of certification to win awards. It’s like having your own government coach to help you navigate federal contracting. The 8(a) certification lasts for nine years, and the business can earn up to $100 million through the program. 

FedBiz Access has over 21 years of experience working with companies to help them win business by ensuring their research, engagement strategy, registrations, set-aside certifications, and GSA Multiple Award Schedules are current, complete, and compliant.  

FedBiz Access helps companies build a clear path from registration to award.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on LinkedIn

Send us a text

To encourages economic development in Historically Underutilized Business Zones - "HUBZones" – this SBA set-aside certification provides federal contracting opportunities to qualified small businesses located in distressed areas to help empower communities, create jobs, and attract private investment.

In this episode of FedBiz’5 we are hosting Amanda Bach from FedBiz Access to discuss the benefits of the HUBZone certification.

The goal of the HUBZone program is to fuel small businesses in historically underutilized business zones in urban and rural communities by awarding at least 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone certified companies each year.

The HUBZone Act of 1997 was created in the effort to increase employment and investment opportunities in historically underutilized business zones to help them develop economically. 

These areas include rural non-metropolitan counties, land within the boundaries of Indian reservations, and other designated urban areas in need of economic development. These areas may also include those affected by natural or manmade disasters.

These areas are designated by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and can be identified in the SBA HUBZone Map by entering the street address. 

There is currently a shortage of small businesses, and the SBA has only reached approximately 2% of its total federal spending with HUBZone certified businesses instead of its target goal of at least 3%. The SBA is actively seeking businesses that are operating, qualified, and certified as a HUBZone business. So, having that HUBZone certification drastically decreases your competition in the government market as a small business. 

Additionally, because there is such a shortage of HUBZone certified small businesses, government contracting officers give preferential consideration to these businesses in full and open competition. HUBZone certified business are eligible for sole source contracts and set-aside awards. HUBZone certified businesses also get a 10% price evaluation preference, meaning their prices can be set 10% higher than competitors and still be considered equal pricing.

To qualify for the HUBZone certification the small business must meet the following criteria:

• Fall within the small business qualifications set by SBA standards
• Be a for-profit small business
• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by a U.S. citizen(s)
• Primary location within a designated HUBZone
• At least 35% of all employees must reside within a designated HUBZone

FedBiz Access has over 21 years of experience working with companies to help them win business by ensuring their research, engagement strategy, registrations, set-aside certifications, and GSA Multiple Award Schedules are current, complete, and compliant.  

FedBiz Access helps companies build a clear path from registration to award.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Follow Us on LinkedIn