***  IMPORTANT CONTRACTOR INFORMATION  ***

FBO: (FedBizOpps/Federal Business Opportunities)

• FBO enables agencies to post synopses, solicitations, and award information electronically via the internet.
• FBO replaces hard-copy solicitation packages and pre-solicitation notices.
• Contractors can register (free of charge) to receive e-mail notifications:  for contracting opportunities with selected agencies; by product service classifications; or for all procurement notices.
• Contractors can retrieve selected solicitations over $25,000 as well as some under $25,000.
• More information (including registration instructions) is available at http://www.fbo.gov.

Pro-Net:

• Pro-Net is an Internet-based database of information on more than 195,000 small, disadvantaged, Hubzone, 8(a), and women-owned businesses.
• Registration is free.
• Contracting offices utilize Pro-Net to identify potential contractors.
• More information (including registration instructions) is available at www.pro-net.sba.gov.

NOTE:  The Lake States Acquisition Team is beginning to phase out the use of hard copy mailing lists.  Contractors are strongly encouraged to begin utilizing FBO and get registered with Pro-Net.

EFT: (Electronic Funds Transfer)

• EFT speeds up the receipt of payment.
• EFT enables payments automatically deposited to enrollee’s bank account.
• More information (including enrollment instructions) is available at http://www.nfc.usda.gov/dcia/ or via telephone at (800) 421-0323.

Procurement Preference Programs:

Pursuant to various Federal laws, competition for some federal government solicitations will be limited to contractors certified under specific programs.  In some instances, price evaluation is adjusted when certified contractors respond to competitive solicitations.  IF ELIGIBLE, GET CERTIFIED!

• Small Business Set-Aside:  small business contractors
• 8(a):  socially and economically disadvantaged contractors
• HUBZone:  small business contractors located in historically underutilized business zones

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal agency responsible for administering these programs.  Visit www.sba.gov or contact your local SBA office www.sba.gov/regions/states.html.

Duns Number:  Contractors are required to submit this number with bids, quotes, or offers.  Numbers can be obtained free of charge from Dun and Bradstreet at www.dnb.com or via telephone at (800) 234-3867.