Government buyers

Why Should Government Buyers Purchase from Small Businesses?

There are several reasons why government buyers should do business with government-compliant small businesses.

First, by doing so, they can help promote economic growth and development by supporting small businesses, which are often the engines of job creation and innovation in a local community.

Second, small businesses often have specialized expertise and knowledge that can be valuable to government agencies.

Third, working with small businesses can also promote diversity and competition in the marketplace, which can lead to better products and services at lower costs.

Fourth, Government has set-aside contract and procurement goals to help small businesses and diverse-owned businesses to gain access to government contracting opportunities.  Examples of these diversity owned businesses include: 

  • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB)
  • Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB)
  • Woman Owned Small Businesses
  • Minority Owned Small Businesses
  • HUB Zone Small Businesses
  • 8(a) Small Businesses

Overall, working with government-compliant small businesses can be beneficial for both the government and the small business community.

 

Why should businesses and government buyers dedicate their spending budget on Verified SDVOSBs?

Businesses and government buyers should do business with Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses for several reasons, including:
 
  1. Supports veterans: By dedicating spending budget to SDVOSBs, businesses and governments can support veterans who have served the country.

  2. Promotes diversity: SDVOSBs are owned and run by veterans with disabilities, promoting diversity in the business community.

  3. Boosts local economy: Purchasing from SDVOSBs can help boost the local economy and create jobs in communities.

  4. Fosters competition: SDVOSBs provide competition for larger companies, leading to better products and services at a lower cost.

  5. Meets government goals: Government buyers are required by law to set aside a certain percentage of their contracts for SDVOSBs, helping them meet their own goals for supporting veteran-owned businesses.

 

What can government buyers purchase using micro-purchase spending threshold?

The micro-purchase spending threshold (MPST) is a specific dollar amount established by the government below which procurement actions can be made without competition or without formal contract award procedures. Below are some of the things government buyers can purchase using the MPST:
  1. Office supplies
  2. Printing and promotional items
  3. Small tools and equipment
  4. Simple repair and maintenance services
  5. Simple software and technology products
  6. Basic educational materials and subscriptions.

It is important to note that MPST purchases should be made in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and must be made from responsible sources at fair and reasonable prices.

 

What government agencies can make purchases from SDVOSBs using the micro-purchase spending threshold (MPST).

The micro-purchase spending threshold (MPST) applies to all federal agencies, including but not limited to the following:
  1. Department of Defense
  2. Department of Veterans Affairs
  3. Department of Homeland Security
  4. Department of Justice
  5. Department of Health and Human Services
  6. General Services Administration
  7. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  8. Department of Energy
  9. Department of Transportation
  10. Department of Agriculture

It is important to note that all federal agencies must comply with the MPST and the requirement to make purchases from Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) in accordance with the law, regulations, and policies.

 

What percentage of government spend must be allocated to small businesses, VOSBs, WOSBs, SDVOSBs, Minority-Owned Businesses, HubZone and 8(a)?

 

The government has set aside specific percentage goals for the procurement of goods and services from various small business categories. These goals are reviewed annually and may be adjusted as needed. Here are some of the goals:

  1. Small businesses: The government's goal is to award at least 23% of its contracts to small businesses.

  2. Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs): The government's goal is to award 3% of its contracts to VOSBs.

  3. Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs): The government's goal is to award 5% of its contracts to WOSBs.

  4. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs): The government's goal is to award 3% of its contracts to SDVOSBs.

  5. Minority-Owned Businesses: The government's goal is to award 5% of its contracts to Minority-Owned Businesses.

  6. Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) businesses: The government's goal is to award 3% of its contracts to HUBZone businesses.

  7. 8(a) program: The government's goal is to award 5% of its contracts to businesses participating in the 8(a) program.

It is important to note that these are goals and not quotas, and agencies are encouraged to exceed them whenever possible. Agencies must also comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies when making awards to small businesses.

 

What government agency certifies businesses as compliant small businesses, certified WOSB, certified VOSBs, certified SDVOSBs, 8(a), Minority-Owned Business, and Hubzone?

The following is a list of government agencies responsible for certifying businesses in different small business categories:
  1. Small businesses: The Small Business Administration (SBA) is responsible for certifying businesses as small businesses.

  2. Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs): The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO) is responsible for certifying WOSBs.

  3. Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs): The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for certifying VOSBs.

  4. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs): The VA is responsible for certifying SDVOSBs.

  5. Minority-Owned Businesses: The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is responsible for certifying Minority-Owned Businesses.

  6. Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) businesses: The SBA is responsible for certifying HUBZone businesses.

  7. 8(a) program: The SBA is responsible for certifying businesses in the 8(a) program.

It is important to note that each agency has its own certification process and requirements, and businesses must meet these requirements in order to receive certification in a particular small business category.

 

What percentage of government budget is actually spent on diversified small businesses?

 
The exact percentage of the government budget spent on diverse small businesses, including but not limited to those owned by women, minorities, veterans, and service-disabled veterans, is not publicly available. The government sets goals for spending with diverse small businesses, but actual spending may vary depending on various factors, such as the availability of qualified small businesses to meet the government's needs, the competition for government contracts, and the complexity of procurement procedures. The government's goal is to award at least 23% of its contracts to small businesses, with specific goals for different diverse small business categories, such as Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). It is important to note that these goals are not quotas, and agencies are encouraged to exceed them whenever possible.
 
 

Why should government buyers dedicate their budget to an SDVOSB such as GoVets.com

There are several reasons why government buyers should consider dedicating their budget to an SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) such as GoVets.com:
  1. Support for Veterans: Purchasing from an SDVOSB supports disabled veterans and helps them grow their businesses, which can have a positive impact on the veteran community.

  2. Compliance with regulations: The government has set aside a certain portion of contracts for SDVOSBs, so purchasing from one helps fulfill this requirement.

  3. Quality goods and services: SDVOSBs are required to meet the same standards as other businesses, so buyers can expect high-quality goods and services.

  4. Diverse supplier base: Buying from an SDVOSB can also help government buyers diversify their supplier base, which can lead to better prices, improved products, and increased innovation.