OFFICE OF
SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS
 
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DIA Office of Small Business Programs

DIA's Office of Small Business Programs is committed to increasing acquisition opportunities to small businesses. We understand how forming partnerships with the private sector enhance the DIA mission and support U.S. growth. Their contributions to our national economy in terms of innovation, job creation, efficiency, increased competition, reduced prices and quality sources of supply warrant the inclusion to the greatest extent possible when making Federal contract award decisions.

The OSBP serves as the Agency's focal point for issues and practices concerning small business utilization. The office promotes the use of small, disadvantaged, women-owned, HUBZone, veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. In addition, OSBP provide assistance to small businesses by participating in and conducting outreach activities to ensure a fair portion of DIA's total acquisitions are awarded to small businesses pursuant to public law.

Small businesses will be given an equitable opportunity to compete for all contracts that they can perform, consistent with the best interests of the Government.

Mission

Provide small businesses maximum practicable opportunities to participate in the contracting process at the prime and subcontracting level.

Performance Goals

Congress sets Federal small business procurement statutory goals annually, which require the Federal Government to direct a percentage of spending dollars to small business concerns and certain socioeconomic categories of small businesses.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) ensures that agencies establish participation goals relative to statutory goals. The SBA negotiates with agencies to develop individual agency goals that, in the aggregate, constitute government-wide goals. In addition, the SBA negotiates a small business subcontracting goal based on recent achievement levels.

The prime contract award goals for DIA are as follows in the table to the right:

  FY22 Goals FY23 Goals FY24 Goals FY25 Goals
Small Business 30.0% 30.0% 30.0% 30.0%
SDB 5.4% 5.4% 6.0% 5.0%
WOSB 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0%
SDVOSB 3.0% 3.0% 5.0% 5.0%
HUBZone 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0%

Focus Areas

DIA is committed to collaborating with the industry to obtain the necessary capabilities to support the warfighter. Supplies and services that we procure:

Manpower

Linguistic Services

IT Supplies/Services

Security

Testing and Evaluation

Hardware, Software, Cyber Security

Program Management

Analytical Research

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Business Systems

Systems Engineering

Aquisition and Finance

Networks

Logistics Management

Intelligence Collections

Facilities Engineering

Small Business Programs

Contracting officers can use set-asides and sole-source contracts to help the federal government meet its small business contracting goals. To be eligible for certain Federal programs, contracts and subcontracts, a firm must meet SBA’s criteria to be considered a “small business concern.” Contracting officers are required to verify small business status via SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS).

To qualify as a small business concern, businesses must meet all the following SBA eligibility criteria:

  • Meet the SBA’s numerical size standards for small businesses
  • Be a for-profit business of any legal structure
  • Be independently owned and operated
  • Not be nationally dominant in its field
  • Be physically located and operate in the U.S.
  • Businesses in outlying areas may still be counted as small if they have an operation in the U.S. that makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials, or labor.

You may self-certify and register your business as a Small Disadvantaged Business, if you meet all the following SBA criteria:

  • The firm must be 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged persons
  • The disadvantaged person or persons must be socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged
  • The firm must be small, according to SBA’s size standards

Unless specifically stated otherwise, the phrase “socially and economically disadvantaged individuals” includes small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations.

The 8(a) program is a robust nine-year business development program created to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Businesses participating in the program receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy. Small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible to participate in the 8 (a) program.

To qualify for the 8(a) program, businesses must meet all the following SBA eligibility criteria:

  • Be a small business
  • Not have previously participated in the 8(a) program
  • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged
  • Have a personal net worth of $850,000 or less, adjusted gross income of $400,000 or less, and assets totaling $6.5 million or less
  • Demonstrate good character
  • Demonstrate the potential for success by having been in business for two years

8(a) certification lasts for a maximum of nine years, the first four years are the development stage and the last five years are the transitional stage. Continuation in the program is dependent on staying in compliance with program requirements.

Federal agencies reserve certain contracts exclusively for SDVOSBs. To qualify for the SDVOSB Program, your business must meet all SBA eligibility criteria:

  • Be a small business
  • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans (i.e., eligible veterans must have a service-connected disability)
  • Have one or more service-disabled veterans manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions

For those veterans who are permanently and totally disabled and unable to manage the daily business operations of their business, their business may still qualify if their spouse or appointed, permanent caregiver is assisting in that management.

The WOSB Program was created to help level the playing field for women business owners. Under the program, DIA and other federal agencies reserve certain contracts exclusively for competition among woman-owned small businesses or economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSB).

To be eligible for the WOSB program, you must meet all SBA eligibility criteria:

  • A small business according to SBA size standards
  • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens
  • Have women manage day-to-day business operations and make long-term decisions

To qualify as an EDWOSB within the program, you must meet all SBA requirements for WOSBs and be owned and controlled by one or more women each with:

  • A personal net worth less than $850,000
  • $400,000 or less in adjusted gross income averaged over the previous three years
  • $6.5 million or less in personal assets

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) designates Historically Underutilized Business Zones, or HUBZones, based on a combination of unemployment and income, among other things. The purpose of the HUBZone Program is to assist qualified small business concerns located in areas designated as HUBZones to increase employment opportunities, investment, and economic development. With a goal of awarding at least three percent of federal contract dollars to HUBZone-certified companies each year, the program fuels small business growth in HUBZones.

To qualify for the HUBZone Program, you must meet all SBA eligibility criteria:

  • Be a small business according to SBA size standards
  • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe
  • Have its principal office (where the majority of employees work) located in a HUBZone
  • Have at least 35% of its employees residing in a HUBZone

Subcontracting

Subcontracting can be a great way for small businesses to get started in federal contracting. To promote small business participation in larger contracts, Congress enacted Public Law 95-507, requiring all contractors, other than small businesses, receiving federal contract awards over $750,000 ($1,500,000 for construction) to submit acceptable subcontracting plans prior to contract award.

Subcontracting plans must specify goals and demonstrate contractors' best efforts to subcontract to small, small disadvantaged, HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, and women-owned small businesses. The subcontracting program creates real opportunities for small firms.

Understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial for small businesses interested in subcontracting. An eligible subcontractor must represent itself as a small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, or women-owned small business concern. For more information about the Subcontracting Program, go to FAR Subpart 19.7.

Potential subcontracting opportunities are available through prime contractors on DIA's multiple award indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts - Solutions for Intelligence Analysis 3 (SIA 3) and Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise III (SITE III).

Outreach

OSBP provides continuous outreach and assistance dedicated to increasing contracting opportunities for small businesses through participation in matchmaking events and hosting virtual monthly outreach sessions.

INTRODUCTION TO DIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Informative briefing for small businesses interested in conducting business with DIA. The briefs are generally held the second and fourth Wednesday of the month.

Click HERE to register for an upcoming engagement.

CAPABILITIES BRIEFINGS

The Office of Small Business Programs offers thirty-minute one-on-one virtual MS Teams meetings for companies to brief their capabilities.

Click HERE to request a meeting date and time.

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

DIA's Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) 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.

A. 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.

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

A. 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
 

Useful Links

DoD Homepage
DoD Office of Small Business Programs
Federal Acquisition Regulation
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation
Small Business Administration
Beta.SAM.gov
System for Award Management
General Services Administration
North American Industry Classification System

Training

GSA Training
SBA Training

 

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