Doing Business with the Command (LK)

Small Business Programs (LK)

Thank you for your interest in doing business with the United States Marine Corps. We recognize the importance of participation by the small business industrial base in the maintenance and support of the Marine Corps’ mission and defense of our nation.

Headquarters Marine Corps Installations and Logistics (HQMC I&L) is one of two Marine Corps major buying commands. The other is Marine Corps Systems Command. For information on doing business with them visit MARCORSYSCOM OSBP.

HQMC I&L serves as the contracting arm of the Marine Corps responsible for policy and oversight of award and administration of contracts for supplies and services to support installation and logistics requirements of the Marine Corps’ Fleet Marine Forces and supporting establishments.

Our contracting is performed by the Marine Corps Field Contracting System (MCFCS). The MCFCS is comprised of 24 contracting offices spread across the United States and overseas. They are supported by nine Small Business Professionals and Small Business Professional Authorized Representatives. You can find a list of potential MCFCS contracting opportunities by reviewing the HQMC I&L Long Range Acquisition Forecast.

10 Steps to Procurement Readiness

The following guidance provides basic information to assist you in becoming procurement ready and successfully marketing your product/service to the Marine Corps. We look forward to doing business with you!

1. Identify NAICS Codes

Identify your product or service using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). This is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.

NAICS is a Self-Assigned System. Your organization should select the code that best suits your business and use it. Note that it is not assigned.

To identify the NAICS Code being used for a specific company, visit https://www.census.gov/naics/. To identify the proper code for your company, use the NAICS SEARCH TOOLS to identify the code that best reflects your primary business activity (revenue producing activity.)

2. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

Request the UEI and register your entity to do business with the U.S. Government at SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/SAM/). The UEI is a 12-character, alpha-numeric value within databases and passed as such within interfaces and extracts.

This number will replace the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, the Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number unique nine-digit identifier used previously. The DUNS number assignment will be retained if already assigned to records for historical purposes following the transition.

3. Register at Beta SAM

The SAM.gov domain contains data that has been migrated from the legacy SAM system. It replaces FBO.gov and can be searched for federal activities.

To register your entity or update your registration, please continue to use SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/SAM/)

4. Obtain a CAGE Code

Obtain a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code.

A CAGE code is a five character alpha-numeric identifier assigned to entities located IN the United States and its' territories. The DLA CAGE Program Office is the only activity authorized for assignment or update of a CAGE code. It is used to support a variety of procurement and acquisition processes throughout the U.S. Government.
If you are doing business with the U.S. Government to include contracts and grants, you must register at SAM. During this process you will be assigned a new CAGE code if one doesn't already exist. Or, if you have an existing CAGE code your information will be updated.
You do not need to separately register for a CAGE code, however more information can be found at https://cage.dla.mil/

5. Register in the SBA DBS

Register in the Small Business Administration (SBA) Dynamic Small Business Search system and investigate other SBA resources and small business programs. .

The SBA maintains the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) database. As a small business registers in the System for Award Management, there is an opportunity to fill out the small business profile. The information provided populates DSBS. DSBS is another tool contracting officers use to identify potential small business contractors for upcoming contracting opportunities. Small businesses can also use DSBS to identify other small businesses for teaming and joint venturing.

This is generally a self-certifying database. Go to https://web.sba.gov/pro-net/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm to identify other small businesses for teaming and joint venturing.

6. Familiarize yourself with Federal, DOD, and Navy contracting procedures

Be familiar with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and the Navy Marine Corps Acquisition Regulation Supplement (NMCARS).

7. Identify Current and Future Procurement Opportunities

Identify current and future Marine Corps procurement opportunities (Review the Long Range Acquisition Forecasts).

Long Range Acquisition Forecast (LRAF) creates a demand signal of anticipated business needs and makes early planning possible to a wide range of current and potential industry partners. It also contributes to better support of an organization’s requirements and fosters increased competition, which benefits both the organization and new business partners.

8. Investigate Federal Supply Schedule Contract

GSA Schedules (also referred to as Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) and Federal Supply Schedules) are long-term government-wide contracts with commercial firms providing federal, state, and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial supplies (products) and services at volume discount pricing.

For buyers, Schedules save your agency time and money. For industry, Schedules are your direct link to the government contracting community.

Go to https://www.gsa.gov/buying-selling/purchasing-programs/gsa-schedules to view what was bought and sold through schedules.

9. Explore Subcontracting Opportunities

Regardless of your product or service, it is important not to neglect the very large secondary subcontracting market. Visit Subcontracting For Small Business (defense.gov) for a list of major DOD prime contractors by state with points of contact (Small Business Liaison Officer). We encourage you to investigate potential opportunities with these firms. Many also have websites that may be useful, and we encourage you to team with them.

SBA SubNet is the SBA's Subcontracting Network. Prime contractors use SUB-Net to post subcontracting opportunities. These opportunities may or may not be reserved for small business, and they may include either solicitations or other notices.

10. Investigate DoD Programs

Other DoD programs including Mentor-Protégé, Public-Private Talent Exchange, etc.

DON OSBP participates in programs that develop small businesses to ensure they gain knowledge and experience in the Navy and Marine Corps marketplace. These initiatives enhance the small businesses’ skills and helps to grow the industrial base.
Public-Private Talent Exchange Program - The DON participates in the Public-Private Talent Exchange Program (PPTE). This program hosts a six-month acquisition exchange between DoD and private sector participants to gain a better understanding between each’s business operations and to share innovative best practices. The PPTE policy was published on July 19, 2018. The Implementation Plan was released via DCPAS Message 20180831, dated July 24, 2018 and can found here. For more information on the PPTE, go to Talent Development - Broadening (osd.mil) .

Mentor-Protégé Program - The DON Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) provides incentives for DON contractors (Mentors) to assist small businesses (Protégés) in developing their capabilities, increasing their participation in DON contracts and subcontracts, and strengthening the industrial base by supporting the warfighter. The Department of Defense (DoD) Pilot was established under Section 831 of Public Law 101-510, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (10 U.S.C. 2302 note).

Seek Additional Assistance

Seek additional assistance as needed in the DOD marketplace.

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) are located in most states and partially funded by the DOD to provide small business concerns with comprehensive information on how to do business with the DOD. They provide training and counseling on marketing strategies, business development, financial and contracting issues, and procurement regulations. Visit www.aptac-us.org to find your local PTAC.
After you have identified your customers, researched their requirements, and familiarized yourself with Department of the Navy and DOD procurement regulations and strategies, it is time to market your product or service. The first presentation of your company's capabilities should be directly to the Small Business Professional at the Marine Corps activities that buy your products or services. The Small Business Professional will provide you additional advice and information regarding long-range acquisition forecasts and doing business with their respective organizations. Remember, the Marine Corps seeks quality, timely and cost-effective solutions for its requirements. Outstanding "past performance" is one of your most valuable assets.