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Small Business Office header bar with Small Business Office in a gold gradient text, Rock Island District text in red outlined with black, and the Corps symbol which is a stylized castle on a red background

drawing of the Rock Island District Clock Tower

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How does SBA define a business as small?
A1. In making a detailed definition, SBA may use a number of criteria, including the number of employees, annual receipts, affiliates, or other applicable factors. These specific criteria are set forth in the SBA Small Business Size Regulations, Title 13, Part 121 of the Code of Federal Regulations. For information on specific industry
classifications (manufacturing, construction, services, transportation, refined petroleum products, and research development and testing), or more information on general small business definitions, please contact the SBA's Office of Size Standards.

Q2. How do I find out who in the government
purchases my product or service?
A2. The www.sba.gov web site contains links to "Federal Acquisition and Procurement Opportunities," and to Federal Government Acquisition sites under "Programs to Assist You."

Q3. How can I get a DUNS number?
A3. DUNS stands for "Data Universal Numbering System" and is used by the government to identify contractors and their locations. The number is also required to register with the that is used by the government's electronic
commerce/electronic data interchange (EC/EDI) system called FACNET. If you do not have DUNS Number, you can obtain one from Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) at no cost. Contact the company at 800-333-0505.

Q4. What is the FedBizOpps?
A4. FedBizOpps.gov is the single government point-of-entry (GPE) for Federal government procurement opportunities over $25,000. Government buyers are able to publicize their business opportunities by posting information directly to FedBizOpps via the Internet. Through one portal – - commercial vendors seeking Federal markets for their products and services can search, monitor and retrieve opportunities solicited by the entire Federal contracting community.

Q5. What is the 8(a) Program?
A5. The 8(a) Business Development program is designed to provide business development assistance and technical assistance to help socially and economically disadvantaged American businesses gain access to the mainstream American economy. The program is named for the section of the Small Business Act that authorizes its policies and procedures.

Q6. What is the Vendor Identification Program?
A6. The Vendor Identification Program (VIP) assists small businesses by identifying government purchasers for the items they produce for large defense contractors. The program helps SBA to increase competition by adding qualified sources to bidder lists and creating prime contracting opportunities for small businesses.

Through the Vendor Identification Program, SBA matches the past procurement history and acquisition needs of the government and identifies the actual manufacturer of systems, subsystems, components, and spare parts. This expedites the procurement process and facilitates the participation of small businesses as prime contractors.

If your company has manufactured weapons system parts or items for a defense contractor, and you are interested in selling directly to the Government, the SBA’s VIP program may benefit your firm.

Q7. What is the Certificate of Competency Program?
A7. The Certificate of Competency (COC) program allows a small business to appeal a contracting officer's determination that it is unable to fulfill the requirements of a specific government contract on which it is the apparent low bidder. When the small business applies or a COC, SBA industrial and financial specialists conduct a detailed review of the firm's capabilities to perform on the contract. If the business demonstrates the ability to perform, the SBA issues a COC to the contracting officer requiring the award of that specific contract to the small business.

Q8. What is the 7(j) program?
A8. Section 7(j) of the Small Business Act authorizes SBA to enter into grants, cooperative agreements or contracts, with public or private organizations that can deliver management or technical assistance to eligible individuals and enterprises. This assistance is delivered to 8(a) certified firms, small disadvantaged businesses, businesses operating in areas of high unemployment or low-income or firms owned by low-income individuals.