Gaining WOSB certification is only the first step for firms looking to increase their procurement activity. Once certified, there are several avenues to pursue when looking for contracts:
- If you know a specific agency (or agencies) you’re interested in doing business with, reach out to that agency's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). These offices exist to help small businesses successfully do business with federal agencies.
- Check the agency forecasting list. This is a list that agencies update to reflect current and future contracting opportunities. If you know what an agency is looking for, you can better compete for contracts that fit your firm’s strong suits.
- Connect with your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Counselor. PTACs are wonderful resources who can assist at all levels of the procurement process, including: assessing suitability for contracting, networking, identifying contracting opportunities, and proposal preparation. They are located nationwide and are well-suited to address specific local concerns.
- Connect with your local SBA Field Office Representative. SBA has 68 District Offices throughout the country with the ability to respond to specific questions in a more targeted way than WOSB headquarters. Field Office employees work tirelessly on the ground to make sure that our firms are receiving all the benefits of our programs and that our initiatives are properly executed. They can provide guidance and counseling as well as help navigating SBA programs and contracting relationships.
- Receive mentoring from a SCORE consultant. SCORE is a non-profit organization that provides free business mentorship as part of their mission to support and help grow small businesses. SCORE works closely with SBA to ensure that businesses have the best chance to learn, grow, and succeed in today’s competitive but exciting climate. The have invaluable resources like webinars, conferences, and one-on-one mentoring.