Certifications
Federal Certifications
SAM/CAGE
The SAM, CAGE and FEMA registrations are key to federal contracting.
SAM allows you to do business with the government, CAGE keeps track of your federal contracting progress, and FEMA enables you to help in disaster relief. Each is crucial to getting started in a federal contracting career.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created a way to work directly with small and medium-sized businesses for disaster relief in affected areas..
With FEMA’s Industry Liaison Vendor Program Profile, you will be the first one to be contracted (a “preferred vendor”) for disaster relief in your area.
FEMA is in need of businesses willing to provide commodities such as; toddler/infant products, water, meals, sign language interpreters, medical supplies, and more. In order to work with FEMA as a contractor, you must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) portal. Your business will also become familiar with FEMA’s mission; helping people before, during, and after disasters. Understanding this mission will help you provide goods and services with the intent of helping your community build itself back.
WOSB
The federal government has established a target of accumulating 5 percent of all federal contracting dollars to award to women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) annually.
The goal of the program is to promote diversity and equity in federal contracting opportunities and to give exclusive contracts and market opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to obtain to women owned businesses. The government intends to level the playing field in a way that women are able to compete for and secure federal contracts by setting aside a part of contracts for WOSBs.
The WOSB Certification was established to remedy the past lack of women’s presence in the federal marketplace. Through this certification, women can gain access to certain advantages, like the ability to compete for federal contracts that are exclusively reserved for WOSBs (direct award). Targeted support such as this ensures that women owned small businesses have a fair chance at securing federal contracts in untouched industries.
The EDWOSB (Economically-Disadvantaged Woman-Owned) Certification is an extension of the WOSB program to help women who are economically disadvantaged bid and win contracts. This certification has its own additional requirements for eligibility.
EDWOSB
The EDWOSB Certification program was established in 2020 to improve customer experience and reduce administrative burdens, making the certification process more transparent and accessible to women who are economically disadvantaged.
The economic disadvantage requirements have been curated with both WOSB and 8(a) Business Development Program in mind.
In order to participate and get your EDWOSB Certification, a business must meet additional requirements in order to obtain the certification. This includes a personal net worth less than $850k, having less than $6.5 in personal assets, and more. Part of the 5% of contracting dollars set-aside for WOSB is applied to EDWOSB as well.
VOSB/SDVOSB
The federal government and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are committed to helping U.S. veterans have a fair chance at participating in federal contracting opportunities.
VOSB and SDVOSB programs allow veterans to have access to exclusive federal contracts, ensuring that veterans have a fair chance to participate in federal procurement.
Additionally, the federal government sets aside 5% of all federal contracting dollars for SDVOSBs which continue to increase the involvement of serviced-disabled veterans in federal contracting. This certification seeks to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans through providing them with equitable opportunity in the federal marketplace.
HUBZone
In 1997, the HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) Act was established to give businesses located in economically disadvantaged and underutilized areas a fair chance at federal contracting.
The HUBZone Certification program receives 3% in federal contracting dollars each year to be awarded to HUBZone Certified businesses.
With a HUBZone Certification, your business will be recognized by prime contractors in a much smaller pool of competition and the chance to be awarded contracts based on your HUBZone Certification alone. Every five years, the Census Bureau in cooperation with the SBA updates the HUBZone Map based on recent data to ensure everyone is getting their fair share of the federal marketplace.
8(a) Business Development Program
The 8(a) Business Development Program was created to assist businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
With the federal government’s 5% allocation of contracting dollars to 8(a) participants, this provides assistance to disadvantaged business owners, helping them thrive in the competitive field of federal contracting.
During the program’s 9-Year duration, business owners will be provided courses and training on mentorship, training, and exclusive contracting opportunities to support business growth.
GSA Schedule
The GSA Schedule is a list of pre-negotiated prices of services for the federal government provided by private businesses.
These long-term contracts are a rewarding opportunity for businesses to sell their goods and services directly to the federal government, without going through the procurement and awarding hassle.
State Certifications
WBE
The Women Business Enterprise Certification is a state-level certification administered by WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) for women-owned businesses in their state.
This certification will give your business a competitive edge with exclusive chances to win state, local, and municipal government contracts.
With the requirement of being 51% owned and controlled by a woman, this certification gives your business access to thousands of organizations. Those organizations look for WBE Certified companies to purchase goods and services from, giving businesses exclusive access to state-level opportunities.
MBE
The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) developed the MBE Certification to give minority-owned businesses access to state-level grants and contracts.
Getting your MBE Certification will open doors to thousands of organizations that are required to purchase goods and services from minority-owned companies. Businesses that are 51% owned by a minority American citizen will be able to participate. This is especially an important opportunity for those who do not yet meet the qualifications for federal certifications.
DBE
DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) is a state level certification that gives businesses access to contracting opportunities for disadvantaged businesses.
Governments and the state, local, and municipal level allocate a percentage of their spending specifically to disadvantaged businesses.
VBE
The VBE Certification offers veteran-owned businesses access to state-level government contracts, grants, and other resources.
It assists veteran entrepreneurs in tapping into the diversity and inclusion initiatives to provide them with a competitive edge in securing lucrative business opportunities. In addition, the certification frequently results in networking connections and more growth prospects.
A key certification requirement is that the business must be at least 51% veteran owned and operated. This ensures the program’s integrity and that the businesses are indeed led by veterans. The certification can drive financial growth by unlocking state level government contracts, bringing stability and growth and a chance to expand within a supportive network of veteran businesses. As a result, veteran owned businesses can gain visibility, increase revenue and make their long term sustainability stronger.
Additionally, the SDVE (Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise) allows service-disabled veterans to also participate in state-level programs.
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