AFTC/SB
Edwards AFB, CA 93524
Phone: (661) 277-3640
The AFTC Small Business Office manages all small business requests and opportunities associated with with developmental test and evaluation of air, space and cyber systems. Work is carried out at three primary locations across Air Force Materiel Command, including:
Steps to Doing Business with the Air Force Test Center
1. Classify Your Product or Service
2. Obtain a D-U-N-S Number
3. Check the SBA Size Standards
4. Get Registered in SAM
5. Become Familiar with the FAR
6. Monitor Federal Opportunities
7. Seek Assistance from the PTAC
Classify Your Product or Service
DoD acquisition professionals use the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) to identify products by manufacture type. To find the NAICS code for your product, visit www.census.gov/eos/www/naics .
Obtain a D-U-N-S Number
Unlike NAICS numbers that identify your products or services, D-U-N-S numbers, issued by Dun & Bradstreet, uniquely identify vendors. D-U-N-S numbers can be obtained (at no charge) by visiting iupdate.dnb.com or calling (866) 705-5711.
Check the SBA Size Standards
The Small Business Administration (SBA) establishes size standards for each NAICS code based on either the number of employees or the average annual receipts over the past 3 years. A potential vendor should check the size standard to confirm whether it is considered a small business for a particular NAICS code at www.sba.gov/content/small-business-sizestandards
Get Registered in SAM
Registering, free of charge, with the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.beta.sam.gov is a MUST! SAM combines several formerly required systems such as Central Contractor Registry (CCR), Online Representations & Certifications Application (ORCA) and Excluded Parties List System (EPLS).
To register in SAM, a company needs to have a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Check http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/InternationalTaxpayers/Taxpayer-Identification-Numbers- (TIN) for more information.
When a firm first registers in SAM, a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is automatically assigned.
This is the most important step in doing business with the Federal Government since registration in SAM, with very limited exceptions, is mandatory prior to award!
Become Familiar with the FAR
The Federal Government’s procurement activities are governed by a standardized body of rules known as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) which is supplemented by the Department of Defense and its agencies. Often clauses and provisions of the FAR and its supplements are incorporated into contracts. For this reason, all potential Government contractors should understand the FAR. Visit www.farsite.hill.af.mil for more info. Monitor Federal Opportunities FBO.gov is retired! It is easy to find out which agencies have purchased the types and products a company sells. Select "Contracting Opportunities" at
www.beta.SAM.gov is the Federal Government’s designated portal for advertising government-wide information about Federal contract solicitations and awards estimated over $25,000.
Seek Assistance from the PTAC
Funded by the Department of Defense, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) are a nationwide network of centers devoted to providing practical, hands-on assistance for small businesses seeking government contracts.
PTACs provide assistance at every stage, from identifying potential customers and developing a marketing plan to understanding the bid process and complying with applicable regulations. For a list of PTACs and for more information, visit http://www.aptac-us.org today!