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Government Procurement Resources
(Toll Free) 877-789-BIDS

The New York SBDC offers services to businesses that are interested in selling to local, state and federal government organizations. These services are provided at no charge to small businesses, including women-owned and minority-owned businesses throughout the state.

SBDC assistance includes identifying markets, providing group training, and offering access to a reference library of publications including the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

Selling to the government is not recommended for start-up businesses in most cases. The market is extremely competitive; therefore, experience in the business can help you avoid costly mistakes. A proven track-record is also considered an asset to government purchasers as they evaluate procurement awards. The government does not purchase all products by bidding.

In addition, purchasing procedures vary widely among government agencies and military installations. State agencies and municipal organizations also have other regulations.

When you are ready to sell to the government, the SBDC can assist you in working toward the goal of preparing to submit your first bid or proposal.

Procurement Assistance Center – Mohawk Valley SBDC

The SBDC has a procurement help-desk at the Mohawk Valley SBDC. It is a resource for the statewide network to use in providing more timely and in-depth assistance to advisors working with clients who are or wish to be engaged in government procurement. The help desk features:

  • Specialists to provide information and referrals to interested business owners. 
  • Procurement training for SBDC Business Advisors, to ensure that all participating staff members are trained in the most current federal and state procurement practices.
  • SBDC relationships with regional procurement agencies, to keep current with changes at individual procurement offices.
  • A library of procurement materials, both low-cost and no cost, to be distributed to clients.  The library includes software, audio-visual, and Internet resource materials, as well as written materials.

The federal government offers a number of incentive programs for purchasing from women-owned and minority-owned businesses. The SBDC program offers assistance in helping women- and minority-owned businesses understand the process of obtaining the appropriate certifications to be considered for these incentive programs.

BidLinx

BidLinx™ is the New York SBDC's government contract “bid-matching” service. It is a Web-based program that monitors thousands of bid sources on the Internet and sends email notices of opportunities tailored to match a firm’s products, services and capabilities.  BidLinx™ is free to SBDC clients in New York State.

New York State Contract System

Current and potential Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs) can:

  • Access new online application forms for faster MWBE certification and recertification
  • Quickly find bid and contract opportunities with state agencies and authorities
  • Easily manage your records and submit reports online
  • Establish contact with prime contractors seeking your services
  • Learn about NYS programs to strengthen your business

New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program

The New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program provides credit support, training and technical assistance to qualified small businesses or Minority Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in New York to help them secure surety bonds for State contracting.  The program provides collateral support in the form of an Irrevocable Letter of Credit of up to 30% of the base contract amount.  The maximum contract size is limited to $2 million.  The SBDC provides training and follow up technical assistance for contractors seeking surety bonds.

Applicants must be a small business or MWBE.


Program Brochures:

Internet Resources for Government Contractors:

Guides to the Procurement Process:

Purchasing Contacts: