SMALL BUSINESS FAQS
 
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FAQs
 
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF DIA's OSBP?

DIA's Office of Small Business Programs advocates for small businesses across DIA. In advocating for small businesses, we do the following:

  • Increase contracting opportunities for small businesses within DIA and DoD through review of acquisition strategies and contract actions.
  • Participate in outreach events to increase small business awareness of DIA's mission and potential opportunities.
  • Actively communicate with industry to better understand small businesses and support their needs.
  • Get involved with small business contracting concerns (e.g., payment or performance inquiries).
  • Strategize to meet statutory goals for particular socioeconomic categories.
  • Collaborate with the DIA workforce to bring awareness of small businesses.
  • Manage the 8(a) program and the mentor-protégé program for DIA.
DOES OSBP MEET WITH INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES?

Currently, OSBP is limited in our ability to meet directly with individual companies. We are in the process of establishing a monthly meeting to provide multiple businesses an opportunity to learn how to do business with DIA in a group networking environment. These will be held in lieu of one-on-one meetings due to the large number of businesses interested in meeting with OSBP. If specific assistance is needed on an existing contract, please do not hesitate to contact us through email.

DOES OSBP PARTICIPATE IN OUTREACH EVENTS AND INFORMATIONAL SEMINARS?

OSBP travels to a number of events each year, participating in business-related conferences, informational seminars and similar activities. With limited resources, the events we attend can change from year to year. Our intent is to reach a variety of small businesses that can assist DIA in meeting and enhancing our evolving mission and capabilities, so we look to attend events that best attract small business participants.

WILL OSBP ASSIST SMALL BUSINESSES IN MEETING WITH PROGRAM OFFICES OR CONTRACTING OFFICERS?

The OSBP can assist in providing an understanding of DIA; however, we do not arrange meetings between small businesses and program offices or contracting officers. DIA’s Acquisition Office holds industry days to provide information regarding procurement activities. These are not opportunities to brief your capabilities; rather, they are opportunities to learn about DIA’s needs. The best way to get your capabilities known is responding to Requests for Information or Sources Sought Notices, as these responses are reviewed by Program Offices.

WE HAVE AN INNOVATIVE IDEA THAT BENEFITS DIA’S MISSION. HOW DO WE GET OUR IDEA IN FRONT OF A DIA CUSTOMER?

Submit a white paper on DIA’s NeedipeDIA. These white papers are reviewed by DIA’s Innovation Office and then forwarded to the appropriate DIA office for review. The Innovation Office provides a response within 30 days, either requesting further information or stating that the idea may not be a good fit at this time. For more information, please visit DIA’s Innovation and NeedipeDIA pages, located on DIA’s website under the Business tab.

WHERE DOES DIA POST THEIR PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES?

DIA posts the majority of its solicitations on Beta.SAM.gov. You can find our notices in the “Search Contract Opportunities” section via the “Federal Organization” field on the homepage, using the search term “Defense Intelligence Agency” or the code “97DL.” This can give you a good idea of the types of procurements we look for. In addition, procurement opportunities may be posted on GSA, NASA SEWP, the NSA ARC and the NRO ACE.

Some users have noted an inability to find DIA procurement opportunities on Beta.SAM.gov using the search term “Defense Intelligence Agency.” In most cases, once you use the search term “97DL,” DIA opportunities should appear. You may need to use “97DL” any time you clear your browser history or cookies.

HOW CAN INDUSTRY RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ON THE AGENCY’S GENERAL DIRECTION?

Acquisition elements within the Chief Financial Office host quarterly industry days. Special notices with registration information are posted on Beta.SAM.gov, and may be found with our other notices by searching the “Federal Organization” field on the Search Contract Opportunities page, using the search term “Defense Intelligence Agency” or the agency code “97DL.”

WHERE CAN INDUSTRY LOCATE A FORECAST OF DIA PROCUREMENTS?

Acquisition elements within the Chief Financial Office provide information regarding procurement activities at industry days. This forecast is typically an attachment to special notices for CFO industry days. DIA endeavors to be transparent in providing forecast information; however, the information in forecasts may change based on changing mission requirements or acquisition strategies.

WHAT ACTIVITIES DOES DIA HOLD FOR INDUSTRY?

DIA hosts several industry activities throughout the year. The list below includes an overview of current activities:

  • DoDIIS Worldwide: Hosted annually by DIA’s Chief Information Office, the DoDIIS Worldwide Conference brings together experts from Government, military, industry and academia in order to tackle the IT challenges and complexities impacting the mission user.
  • Acquisition Industry Days: These industry days provide a forum to understand DIA acquisition activities. Each industry day has unique topics depending upon current events. Previous topics include the DIA source selection procedures, an overview of the Innovation Office, and an overview of the security process.
  • OSBP is looking for additional venues to provide information to industry. Feedback from industry is appreciated.
WHAT ARE THE CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS TO DO BUSINESS WITH DIA?

In order to be awarded a contract with DIA, a company must comply with contract-specific clearance requirements. In almost all cases, a company must possess a Top Secret Facilities Clearance at the time of proposal submission. For information on the requirements, visit the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency website.

HOW CAN INDUSTRY OBTAIN THE APPROPRIATE FACILITIES CLEARANCE?

Our recommendation is to find a prime contractor that is willing to sponsor their subcontractors for facilities clearance.

DOES DIA HAVE A MENTOR-PROTEGE PROGRAM?

DIA participates in DoD’s mentor-protégé program, tailored to meet DIA’s unique needs. For information on how the program functions, visit http://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program/.

WHAT ARE THE CYBERSECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES DOING BUSINESS WITH DOD?

DoD’s cybersecurity requirements for businesses changed in 2017. Review the DoD OSBP’s cybersecurity page. Additionally, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment is working with several partners to develop the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.

HOW CAN I CONTACT OSBP?

You can reach us via the Contact Us page. We recommend email, as our office frequently travels to events, and email will give us an opportunity to research and give you a more in-depth answer.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?
 

1. Know the rules. Familiarization with the Federal Acquisition Regulations and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement will prove helpful. Small business information can be found at FAR Part 19 and DFARS Part 219.

2. Register for a DUNS number. Before a company may bid on Government proposals, it needs a Dun & Bradstreet DUNS Number — a unique, global business, nine-digit identification number. DUNS number assignment is free for all businesses required to register with the Federal Government. DUNS Number Registration.

3. Register in SAM. The Federal Acquisition Regulation requires all Federal Government contractors to be registered in the System for Award Management. SAM’s website includes FAQs, user guides, helpful hints and videos.

3a. CAGE Code After registering in SAM, a Commercial and Government Entity code will be assigned if the business does not already have one. This can take up to a week. SAM profiles will not be active until the CAGE code is assigned.

3b. DSBS  Complete the SAM Small Business Profile for Dynamic Small Business Search. When a small business registers in SAM, there is an opportunity to fill out a small business profile to populate DSBS. Many Federal agencies use DSBS as part of their market research.

4. Research DIA. Know DIA's mission, what the Agency buys, and how your company's products and services can contribute.

4A. Target your market. Find your niche. Don’t try to be everything to everybody. You should only market your products and services to potential customers that buy what you sell.

5. Create a Capabilities Statement. Create a two-page capabilities statement summarizing your small business’s experience, highlighting your core competencies and unique differentiators. See our capability statement recommendation.

RESOURCES
 
 

Federal Regulations

Federal regulations are enforceable laws authorized by major legislation enacted by Congress.

Federal Acquisition Regulation

FAR Part 19—Small Business Programs
FAR Part 52.219—Small Business Programs Provisions and Clauses

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement

DFARS Part 219—Small Business and Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns
DFARS Parts 207—Consolidation of Contract Requirements
DFARS Part 226—Other Socioeconomic Programs
DFARS Part 252.219—Small Business Subcontracting Plan (DoD Contracts)
DFARS Appendix I—DoD Pilot Mentor-Protege Program

DFARS Class Deviations

Code of Federal Regulations
13CFR—Small Business Administration