What do small business specialists at government agencies do?
Small business specialists help small businesses navigate government contracting by providing compliance guidance, identifying subcontracting opportunities, explaining certification requirements, facilitating introductions to prime contractors, and offering personalized advice on government contracting strategies and opportunities.
How can I find the right specialist for my industry or agency?
You can filter specialists by name, government department, or specific agency to find those who specialize in your industry or the agencies you want to work with. Each specialist profile includes their area of expertise and the types of businesses they typically assist.
Is there a cost to contact and work with small business specialists?
No, small business specialists are government employees whose job is to help small businesses succeed in government contracting. Their services are free to small businesses and include consultation, guidance, and assistance with navigating the federal procurement process.
What types of help can I get from small business specialists?
Specialists can help with compliance requirements, small business certification guidance, finding relevant contracting opportunities, understanding agency-specific procurement processes, connecting with prime contractors for subcontracting, and providing general business development advice for government contracting.
Which government departments and agencies have small business specialists?
Most major government departments and agencies have dedicated small business specialists including Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, GSA, NASA, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, and many others across the federal government.
How often should I contact small business specialists?
You can contact specialists as needed for specific questions or opportunities. Many businesses maintain regular contact for ongoing guidance, quarterly check-ins for new opportunities, or immediate assistance when pursuing specific contracts or dealing with compliance issues.
Can small business specialists help with subcontracting opportunities?
Yes! Specialists can help identify subcontracting opportunities, facilitate introductions to prime contractors, explain subcontracting requirements, and provide guidance on building relationships with larger contractors who need small business partners to meet their subcontracting goals.
What information do I need when contacting a specialist?
Be prepared to discuss your business capabilities, current certifications, target agencies or opportunities, specific challenges you're facing, and your goals for government contracting. This helps specialists provide more targeted and useful guidance for your situation.
How current is the contact information for specialists?
We continuously update our directory with the latest contact information for small business specialists. Government personnel do change positions occasionally, so if you encounter outdated information, the agency can usually direct you to the current specialist.
Can specialists help with small business certification applications?
While specialists can provide guidance on certification requirements and processes, the actual certification applications are typically handled by SBA or other certifying bodies. However, specialists can help you understand which certifications might benefit your business and connect you with the right resources.