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Here are the steps you need to take to make a bid or proposal to the federal government.

• There is a Standard Indentification Classification (SIC) code for every category of business the government deals with. The SIC shows a size category for the purpose of determining what the government considers to be a "small business" within that industry. The first thing you must do is make sure that your business falls into the definition of "small business" for your SIC. A list of SICs is available from the SBA.

• The next step is to file a Standard Form 129. This will get you on the bidders list for individual government agencies. Fill one out for every agency that you are interested in submitting proposals to. You cannot get on the list of bidders without this form, and you must file a separate form for each contracting office, because they usually don't use the bidders lists of other agencies. Contact the agencies you are interested in submitting proposals to get the Standard Form 129.

• After this is done, you should obtain a Data Universal Numbering System number (DUNS number). This identifies your individual business and lets the government know your location. It is required for any company doing business with the government. There is no charge for this number, just contact Dun and Bradstreet at 1-800-333-0505.

• Next, consult the U.S. Government Purchasing and Sales Directory. This publication is available from the U.S. Small Business Administration. It lists products and services bought by the federal government and tells which agencies buy what products or services. Here you will also get information on the proper purchasing offices to be contacted. This will save you time and money, by leading you in the right direction to the right agencies. Call the Government Printing Office at 202-783-3238 for a copy. The stock number for the directory is 378-8310-82-13. You can also obtain a copy from your local SBA office.

• Once you have identified all the government agencies that you are interested in submitting proposals to, begin introducing yourself to their small business specialists (SBS). Most procurement offices have such a person, usually in an office known as a SADBU (Small and Disadvantaged Business Unit). The people in these offices are your best resource for marketing to the government because their mission is to recruit new small and disadvantaged business owners and to help them learn how best to do business with their facility.

• When submitting a proposal to the federal government, remember that as with any business, the low bid will win.

Those are the basics to obtaining a government contract. There is of course too much to learn on the subject to include it all here, however, this should get you started. You can click on the links below for some additional information.

• Glossary of Federal Contracting Acronyms

• Minority and Women Owned Business

• Article-Selling to Our Government

• Find Federal Contract Opportunities