What is a Subcontract?
A contract between a prime contractor and a subcontractor to furnish supplies or services for the performance of a prime contract or subcontract.
December 2016
What is a Request for Proposal (RFP)?
A document outlining a government agency’s requirements and the criteria for the evaluation of offers.
What is a Prime Contract?
A contract awarded directly by the Federal government.
What is a Negotiation?
Contracting through the use of either competitive or other-than-competitive proposals and discussions. Any contract awarded without using sealed bidding procedures is a negotiated contract.
What is a Contractor Team Arrangement?
An arrangement in which (a) two or more companies form a partnership or joint venture to act as potential prime contractor; or (b) an agreement by a [...]
What is a Contracting Officer?
A person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.
What is a Best and Final Offer?
For negotiated procurements, a contractor's final offer following the conclusion of discussions.
What is an Acquisition?
The acquiring of supplies or services by the federal government with appropriated funds through purchase or lease.
What is a Certified Small Disadvantaged Business?
A Small Disadvantaged Business Concern that is certified by the SBA. SBA certifies SDBs to make them eligible for special bidding benefits.
What is a Economically Disadvantaged Business?
A economically disadvantaged business that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. This can include a [...]
What is an Emerging Small Business?
A small business concern whose size is no greater than 50 percent of the numerical size standard applicable to the Standard Industrial Classification code assigned to a [...]
What is a Small Business?
A business smaller than a given size as measured by its employment, business receipts, or business assets.
What Is The General Services Administration (GSA)?
GSA is a centralized, federal procurement, property management, policy development and information provision agency, created by Congress to improve government efficiency and help federal agencies better serve [...]
What is a GSA Contract?
A GSA contract, also known as a GSA Schedule, Federal Supply Schedule contracts, or multiple award schedules, is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract negotiated between [...]
What is the Federal Business Opportunities Site?
Federal Business Opportunities or www.FedBizOpps.gov is the single government point-of-entry (GPE) for Federal government procurement opportunities over $25,000. Government buyers are able to publicize their business opportunities [...]
What is Best Value?
Best value is the expected outcome of any acquisition that ensures the customers needs are met in the most effective, economical, and timely manner. Best value is [...]
What resources are available to help me learn government contracting processes?
Along with ARC Business Solutions, many government agencies have in-house resources to provide contracting assistance. The General Services Administration's Office of Business Support assists businesses in determining [...]
What is a NAICS code?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is an industry classification system used by the statistical agencies of the United States for classifying business establishments.
What is a CAGE code?
The Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a five character ID number used extensively within the Federal Government.
What is a DUNS Number?
A Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number that to identify unique business establishments. This nine-digit number is assigned and maintained by Dun and Bradstreet.