Step 1: Identify your product or service. It is necessary to know North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and Federal Supply Classification (FSC) code for your product or service. Most federal government product/service listings and procurements are identified by their NAICS code and/or FSC code. You can find codes relating to your business at these web sites: NAICS codes: http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html and FSC codes: http://fpdcapp.gsa.gov/pls/fpdsweb/PscWiz

Step 2. Check with Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine that your business falls within established table of small business size standards based on NAICS. www.sba.gov You may be very surprised just how big a company can be and still be considered “small” in eyes of federal government.

Step 3: Obtain a DUNS Number from Dunn & Bradstreet. This is a business identification number that is used much like a person uses a social security number. If you do not have a DUNS Number, contact Dun and Bradstreet to obtain one. www.dnb.com There is no charge for assigning a DUNS number and you must have one to proceed.

Step 4: Register in Centralized Contractor Registration (CCR) System. You must be registered in CCR to be awarded a contract from any federal civilian or military agencies. CCR is a database designed to hold information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. CCR also affords you opportunity for fast electronic payment of your invoices. www.ccr.gov And you will want to get paid quickly!

Step 5: Determine if your firm qualifies for 8(a), SDB or HUBZone certification. These certifications are detailed at www.sba.gov. They are essentially for companies that are owned by individuals who have experienced some sort of disadvantage in business environment. This may be based on economic factors, race or geographic location. Firms with these certifications may compete for set-aside contracts – those contracts specifically designated for certified companies.

Step 6: Register in Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). ORCA is a brand-new e-Government initiative that was designed to replace paper based Representations and Certifications process. This will be a central repository of all of your company’s certifications and can be accessed by any federal agency. http://orca.bpn.gov Step 7: Begin to search for current federal government procurement opportunities. Identify current procurement opportunities in your product or service area by checking at FedBizOpps web site, federal civilian and military government single point of entry for many opportunities over $25,000. Once you start to search for current open bids you will get a good feel for market for your products and services. www.fedbizopps.gov

Step 8: Familiarize yourself with both federal Civilian and Department of Defense (DoD) contracting legal procedures. The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) can be found at http://www.arnet.gov/far/. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) are located at http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dfars/index.htm. These are legal regulations for federal acquisitions. While they are not “light reading” if you are serious about federal procurements, you need to know and understand legal requirements and regulations pertaining to federal contracts. This is a good time to look for an attorney who is experienced in federal procurement policies.

Functional

The design should be usable and must function as promised. It must have appropriate ergonomics considering its usage conditions. It must at least have a minimum or appropriate level of performance. A product has a core level of functionality that design must meet. Augmented functionality if required is desirable also.

Appearance A new product design must appeal to eye and must create space in mind of buyer. Its looks must relate to age, gender, lifestyle, culture, education, occupation, nature of market and place of use. Its looks will also depend upon competitive and complementary products. Customers must be willing to pay a premium to own product. It must be stylish, must feel good and appear easy to use.