NYS SBDC Services & Specialty Programs: Selling to the Government

Government Procurement Resources

Small Business Opportunities in SUNY Procurement (video)
Small Business Opportunities in SUNY Procurement (video):
Low resolution
High resolution
SUNY Purchasing Contacts (pdf)
SUNY MWBE Contacts (pdf)

Internet Resources for Government Contractors (pdf):

NYS Agency Contacts (pdf)

The NYS 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 Help Desk – 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.

Free Counseling | Services | Locations | Training | Success Stories | Resources
NYS Small Business Development Center
State University Plaza
Corporate Woods Building, 3rd Floor
Albany, NY 12246
In NY State (800) 732-SBDC
Outside NY State (518) 443-5398

SBA Logo

Partnership Program with the SBA, administered by the State University of New York. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.