Enterprise Contracts and Certifications

Enterprise Contracts and Certifications 

 

Through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), you can complete a certification process and contract with the federal government. Certification as a woman-, native-, minority- veteran-owned business or a small business can increase access to government contracts.

Research your local supplier diversity certification programs. Some of these programs are at a regional level, county level or city level and at times have a mandate to do business with woman-, native-, minority- veteran-owned business. 

Government contracts: Look into doing business with your local government agency for additional information about their procurement process. 

Company contracts: Many large companies have supplier and procurement programs and host procurement open houses.

Government contract:  A business (for-profit or nonprofit) that provides goods/services under contract to federal, state, or local governments.

 

Key Steps to Succeed

• Know Your Company: Highlight your strengths (e.g., sustainability, minority-owned status).
• Know Your Customer: Research past/current government purchases (e.g., school meal programs, event catering).
• Know Your Competition: Differentiate your business (e.g., locally sourced ingredients, certifications).

 

Explore Opportunities

Federal:

• SAM.gov (System for Award Management)
• FPDS (Federal Procurement Data System)

State/Local:

• Arkansas State Procurement
• ARBuy (Arkansas procurement portal)
• Washington County Purchasing
• Fayetteville Purchasing

 

Helping businesses find and compete for government contract

The Arkansas APEX Accelerator is part of a nationwide network of APEX Accelerators working to help businesses compete successfully in the government marketplace. The Arkansas APEX Accelerator's mission is to help Arkansas businesses succeed in obtaining government contracts. These contracts stimulate the growth of Arkansas' economy. For over 25 years, Arkansas APEX Accelerator has assisted Arkansas businesses.