USFCR Blog

Efficient procurement is essential in federal contracting. One key tool that ensures this efficiency is the National Stock Number (NSN). By understanding NSNs, businesses can streamline their procurement processes and gain a competitive edge in federal contracts.

What Are National Stock Numbers (NSNs)?

National Stock Numbers (NSNs) are standardized 13-digit codes used by the federal government to identify and catalog items.

For instance, an NSN might look like this: 1234-00-567-8901.

Each segment of this number provides specific information about the item. An NSN ensures precise identification and includes the following parts:

1. 1234 - Federal Supply Group (FSG): Indicates the broad category of the item.
2. 00 - Federal Supply Class (FSC): Further classifies the item within the FSG.
3. 567 - National Item Identification Number (NIIN): A unique identifier for the item
4. 8901 - Check Digit: Used for error checking to ensure the accuracy of the NSN.

Securing federal contracts requires a solid understanding of various laws and regulations. Among these, the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) is a key regulation that can significantly impact your ability to win government contracts. This blog will explain TAA compliance, why it matters for federal contractors, and how to ensure your products meet the necessary standards. Whether you're an experienced federal contractor or new to this space, understanding TAA compliance is essential for your success.

Registering in the System for Award Management (SAM) is a vital first step for businesses aiming to secure federal contracts. However, SAM registration alone is not enough to guarantee success. To effectively compete in the federal marketplace, businesses must take additional steps. This blog will guide you through essential actions to take after SAM registration, including understanding NAICS codes, finding contract opportunities, and building a compelling proposal.

Compliance in federal contracting is essential for businesses aiming to win and maintain government contracts. This article is for newcomers and those already familiar with federal contracting basics. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including penalties, contract termination, exclusion from future bids, and reputational damage. Understanding and adhering to federal regulations is crucial for long-term success.

Hurricane Beryl has caused extensive damage as it moved through the Caribbean and Texas, leaving communities devastated and in urgent need of assistance. This post will focus on the ongoing recovery efforts in Texas and highlight how federal contractors can contribute to rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Current Status of Hurricane Beryl

Hurricane Beryl made landfall along the Texas coast as a Category 1 storm early Monday, July 8, 2024. The storm unleashed severe weather as it moved inland, weakening into a tropical storm but still capable of causing widespread damage. For the latest updates on the storm's current status, please refer to the National Hurricane Center website.

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program is offering up to $68,000,000 in funding that supports the recruitment, preparation, and retention of highly effective K-12 STEM teachers and teacher leaders in high-need school districts. This program offers four distinct avenues that applicants can choose from:

An overview of the celebrations of Disability Pride Month and information on Grants available towards ensuring equal opportunities for all.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." - Christopher Reeve

The month of July is celebrated as Disability Pride Month, marking the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With aims to uplift the experiences and dreams of those living with disabilities, celebrations seek to encourage love, joy and fair treatment year-round. Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations have stepped up to fill gaps in service for the Disabled community, often in partnership with state or federal funding through grants.

[…] Disasters come in all shapes and sizes—fires, hurricanes, economic downturns, droughts, virus outbreaks, terrorism. We can’t predict how long the impact will be felt but we can do much to be ready. […] Disasters stretch the limits of community systems. Communities that recover best are […] those that have invested in social fabric, inter-connectedness, physical and emotional infrastructure, and those that have woven bonds between sectors and between citizens.

Jennifer Cole, Metro Nashville
Arts Commission¹

Given the uncertainty of disasters, humanities organizations must have precautionary preparedness plans to ensure that their valuable works are accounted for. Some risk strategies to develop include:

• Relocating pieces to more structurally-sound areas;
• Conducting comprehensive structural assessments of the building to determine areas of vulnerability;
• Training staff to know the plan of action when disasters occur;
• Prioritizing pieces of most importance; and
• Ensuring that individuals are not put in harm's way in order to protect their work.²

Toby Fritz joined US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR) as a Registration & Contracting Specialist in February 2024. Growing up in Clearwater and now residing in Tampa, Toby brings a local perspective to his role. His hobbies include golfing, going to the beach, and watching baseball, complementing his professional life with leisure and relaxation.

Before his tenure at USFCR, Toby worked as an accountant, leveraging his financial acumen to provide precise account management. He is a proud graduate of the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida, where he developed a strong foundation in business principles.

Toby was drawn to USFCR by the opportunity to improve customer service in the federal space, particularly for small business owners who often struggle to find the assistance they need. He finds immense satisfaction in teaching these business owners, helping them understand and navigate the complexities of federal contracting.

His education in hospitality has honed his customer service skills, making it his strongest asset. At USFCR, Toby's notable accomplishments include collaborating with the small business consulting team to help businesses qualify for the GCA program, a key focus since its launch.

Toby Fritz's commitment to client education and his dual expertise in customer service and finance make him a vital part of the USFCR team, dedicated to supporting the growth and success of small businesses in the federal marketplace.

Daniel Cavins joined US Federal Contractor Registration (USFCR) in March of 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for helping organizations thrive. Originally from Metro Detroit, Daniel moved to Tallahassee in 2018 to attend Florida State University College of Law.