In federal contracting, efficient and flexible procurement processes are essential. Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) are a key tool that helps achieve these goals. Understanding BPAs can offer businesses significant advantages in navigating government contracts.
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:
- 1234 - Federal Supply Group (FSG): Indicates the broad category of the item.
- 00 - Federal Supply Class (FSC): Further classifies the item within the FSG.
- 567 - National Item Identification Number (NIIN): A unique identifier for the item
- 8901 - Check Digit: Used for error checking to ensure the accuracy of the NSN.
TAA compliance mistakes can cost contractors valuable awards, often without warning. The Trade Agreements Act sets strict rules on where products and components can come from when selling to the U.S. government. After helping thousands of businesses prepare compliant bids, we’ve found that most issues happen because contractors don’t fully understand how the law is applied in practice. This article breaks down what the Trade Agreements Act means, the core requirements you must meet, and how to avoid the common mistakes that can get your offer rejected.
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
Did you know that according to a recent study, businesses lose millions each year due to preventable mistakes in federal contracting? Navigating the federal contracting process can be complex, especially for newcomers. By understanding these common pitfalls, you can avoid costly missteps and significantly increase your chances of winning contracts. This article is especially beneficial for small businesses new to federal contracting.
