Getting started

Learn more about the second edition of the book.

Benefit from over 65 years of experience in government contracting.

Step 2

As in our book, we present information here in a step-by-step manner, but you don't have to follow the order we've laid out. You might do some steps before others and some at the same time. But, to be successful, we recommend you perform them all.

You must …

A.) get a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to

B.) register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system,

C.) PRO-NET small business database, and

D.) get a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code.

A.) Get a DUNS number

Dun and Bradstreet maintain the DUNS company identifier system utilized by both government and corporate officials searching for background information on companies.

Get your DUNS number at:

www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/index.html

You can also contact Dun & Bradstreet customer service at 800.333.0505. The DUNS number is free for government contracting.

B.) Register in the CCR

You must be registered in the CCR to be awarded a contract from the Federal Government. CCR is a database designed to hold information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. It allows for fast electronic payment of your invoices since the Federal Government only uses Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) to pay suppliers.

Get the new CCR registration form from our downloads page to help make your online registration process easier.

Once you've completed the form, register in the CCR at:

www.ccr.gov

C.) Register in PRO-NET

PRO-NET is an electronic gateway and database of procurement information for and about small businesses. It’s a search engine for contracting officers, a marketing tool for small firms and a link to procurement opportunities and important information. It’s designed to be a one-stop-procurement-shop.

PRO-NET is free to search by federal and state government agencies as well as prime and other contractors seeking small business contractors, subcontractors and/or partnership opportunities. PRO-NET is open to all small firms seeking federal, state and private contracts.

When you've successfully registered in CCR and indicated you’re a small business, you’ll be asked if you also want to be registered in PRO-NET. We suggest you say yes. It’s a good passive marketing tool for small businesses.

http://pro-net.sba.gov/pro-net/register.html

D.) Get a CAGE code

A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a five-position code that identifies contractors doing business with the Department of Defense (DOD), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member nations, and other foreign governments.

The CAGE code is used to support a variety of mechanized systems throughout the government and provides a standardized method of identifying a given facility at a specific location. The code may be used for a facility clearance, a pre-award survey, automated bidders lists, identification of debarred bidders, fast pay processes, etc.

Search for and learn more about CAGE codes at:

www.dlis.dla.mil/cageserv.asp

The CAGE code request process is now incorporated in the CCR registration (see step 2b above). Therefore, upon activation in CCR, your company will be assigned a CAGE code. You are notified of your new CAGE code by a letter delivered by the US Postal Service. The CAGE notification is sent to the person named as the registrant in the registration documentation. Once your registration is active you may view your CAGE code on the web by searching the active registrations at:

www.dlis.dla.mil/CAGESearch/

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