(NAPSI)–There is good news for small businesses looking for contracting opportunities. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is working to make sure small businesses get their fair share of contracting opportunities resulting from the 2009 Recovery Act.
The Recovery Act, The SBA And Contractors
The Recovery Act of 2009 requires all the federal agencies to provide opportunities for small businesses to compete for contracts. To make sure that small businesses are aware of existing opportunities and how to take advantage of them, the SBA is working with its district offices to provide information and guidance.
Readiness Required
For example, while the Recovery Act is a federal program, the projects funded by the act will, in many cases, be administered at the state or local level, with the funds provided directly to state and local governments.
To be competitive, contractors must be “contract ready.” This means they must be registered and certified to do business with the state and local entities awarding the contracts and familiar with their procedures.
Access To Information
All federal government contracting opportunities over $25,000 will be posted on the Web site FedBizOpps (www.fbo.gov). Subcontractors can also learn about opportunities directly from prime contractors. These can be identified through the SBA Subcontracting Network at sba.gov/subnet/search/index.cfm.
Targeted Assistance
Small businesses can also contact the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization in any participating agency procuring services. These offices are designed to assist small businesses with obtaining contracts from agencies and prime contractors.
The SBA And The Act
The SBA has long had a commitment to helping small businesses compete in the market place. Its work with the Recovery Act of 2009 is a logical extension of that work. To learn more, visit SBA.gov.
