Do you guarantee approval or award?

No — and you should be cautious of anyone who does. Approvals are decided by the SBA, certifying bodies, and contracting officers, not by us. What we control is the quality and defensibility of your packet: accurate eligibility, clean documentation, and a file that holds up under review. We tell you honestly up front if we think a certification is a stretch.

Which certifications should we pursue first?

It starts with the foundation. SAM registration comes first — nothing else functions without it. From there we look at your ownership, location, and target buyers to sequence the rest: a veteran-owned firm in a HUBZone has a very different best path than a women-owned services company chasing corporate diversity spend. We map the order that gives you real, usable access fastest.

Do we need SAM before anything else?

Almost always, yes. SAM registration issues your UEI and is the prerequisite for federal awards and most certifications. If you are starting cold, we typically stand up your entity, complete SAM, then move into the certifications that fit your goals. It keeps the whole sequence clean.

What if we don't qualify for the SBA programs?

There is still a lot of room. Supplier-diversity certifications (MBE, WBE, DBE, ACDBE), state and local vendor registrations, and contract vehicles like GSA open substantial markets that do not depend on SBA socioeconomic status. We help you focus on the credentials that actually match your business and your buyers.

Can we bundle multiple certifications together?

Yes, and it is usually the smart move. Most of these filings draw on the same underlying documents — ownership records, financials, entity paperwork. Handling them together means we gather everything once and sequence the submissions efficiently. Reach out and we will scope a bundle around your goals.

Who actually does the work — you, or an outsourced team?

Us. Federal Bid Partners is a boutique, family-owned firm built by brothers Weston and Daniel Zloty, with a U.S.-based senior team. Your filings are handled directly, not routed to a rotating bench or sent offshore. That is the whole reason we built the firm this way.

Federal Contracting Certifications | Federal Bid Partners LLC

What it is

Registration in the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov), which issues your Unique Entity ID (UEI) and lists your business as eligible to receive federal contracts and grants.

Why it matters

No federal agency can pay you without an active SAM record. It is the single prerequisite that gates every other opportunity, certification, and award in the federal space.

Eligibility

Any business or organization that wants to do business with the federal government. There is no size or ownership restriction.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers verify SAM status before award; primes confirm it before adding you to a team.

What FBP helps with

We complete the full registration, secure your UEI, set up your entity profile, handle NAICS and representations & certifications, and keep the record clean and renewal-ready.

Contact Us About SAM Registration

What it is

Formation of a Florida limited liability company — articles of organization, registered agent setup, and EIN guidance so you have a proper legal entity to contract under.

Why it matters

Agencies and primes contract with legal entities, not individuals. A clean formation gives you liability separation and the paperwork foundation everything else builds on.

Eligibility

Founders and operators who need a U.S. legal entity before registering in SAM or pursuing certifications.

Common buyer use

Required identity documentation when establishing your SAM profile and certification eligibility.

What FBP helps with

We file the formation, walk you through registered agent and EIN steps, and make sure the entity is structured so SAM and certification filings go smoothly.

Contact Us About Florida LLC Formation

What it is

Notary services for the affidavits, certifications, and signed attestations that federal and state filings frequently require.

Why it matters

Several certification packages require notarized statements. Having notary support on hand keeps a submission from stalling at the last step.

Eligibility

Any client mid-filing who hits a notarization requirement on a certification or registration document.

Common buyer use

Required wet/electronic signatures on certain SBA, state, and supplier-diversity attestations.

What FBP helps with

We provide notary support as part of our delivery — often at no charge when it is needed to finish a packet we are already handling for you.

Contact Us About Mobile Notary

What it is

Registration of original works — written materials, software, designs, and other creative assets — with the U.S. Copyright Office.

Why it matters

Registered copyright strengthens your ownership claims and can matter when your deliverables, tools, or content carry real commercial value.

Eligibility

Businesses with proprietary materials, software, training content, or creative assets they want formally protected.

Common buyer use

Protects deliverables and IP that may be referenced in proposals or licensing arrangements.

What FBP helps with

We prepare and file the registration, organize the deposit materials, and keep the paperwork clean so the record holds up.

Contact Us About Copyright Registration

What it is

Certification into the SBA 8(a) Business Development program — a nine-year program for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Why it matters

8(a) firms can receive sole-source contracts up to defined thresholds and compete for set-aside work, with access to dedicated business development support. It is one of the most valuable federal certifications available.

Eligibility

At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged; meets SBA size standards; demonstrates potential for success and good character.

Common buyer use

Agencies with 8(a) goals route sole-source and set-aside awards to certified firms.

What FBP helps with

We assess eligibility honestly, assemble the full application and supporting financials, manage the narrative and document workflow, and keep the file defensible through review.

Contact Us About 8(a) Business Development

What it is

Women-Owned Small Business certification, which lets you compete for federal contracts set aside specifically for WOSBs in eligible industries.

Why it matters

Federal agencies have government-wide goals for awarding to women-owned firms. Certification unlocks set-aside competitions you otherwise cannot bid.

Eligibility

At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens; meets SBA small business size standards for the relevant NAICS.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers use WOSB set-asides to meet statutory participation goals.

What FBP helps with

We confirm eligibility, prepare the ownership and control documentation, manage the SBA certification submission, and keep your record current.

Contact Us About WOSB Certification

What it is

Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business certification — a subset of WOSB for women owners who also meet economic disadvantage thresholds, opening additional set-aside categories.

Why it matters

EDWOSB status qualifies you for set-asides in industries where WOSBs are deemed substantially underrepresented, expanding the contracts you can pursue.

Eligibility

Meets all WOSB criteria, and the qualifying woman owner meets SBA limits on personal net worth, income, and asset value.

Common buyer use

Used by agencies for the most targeted women-owned set-aside opportunities.

What FBP helps with

We evaluate the economic-disadvantage tests carefully, prepare the financial documentation, and handle the full certification so it stands up to scrutiny.

Contact Us About EDWOSB Certification

What it is

Historically Underutilized Business Zone certification, for firms located in — and employing residents of — designated HUBZone areas.

Why it matters

HUBZone firms get set-aside and sole-source access plus a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition. Location can become a real competitive edge.

Eligibility

Principal office in a HUBZone; at least 35% of employees reside in a HUBZone; 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens; meets size standards.

Common buyer use

Agencies with HUBZone goals direct set-aside and sole-source awards to certified firms.

What FBP helps with

We verify zone and employee-residency requirements up front, assemble the documentation, manage the SBA filing, and help you stay compliant through recertification.

Contact Us About HUBZone Certification

What it is

Small Disadvantaged Business positioning — establishing and documenting SDB status so it is recognized in your federal profile and by buyers tracking diversity goals.

Why it matters

Agencies and primes track SDB participation toward government-wide goals. Clear SDB status improves your visibility for those targeted dollars.

Eligibility

At least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens; meets SBA size standards.

Common buyer use

Primes and agencies count SDB dollars toward subcontracting and participation goals.

What FBP helps with

We document the ownership and disadvantage basis, set your representations correctly, and make sure the status is reflected where buyers look.

Contact Us About Small Disadvantaged Business

What it is

Self-certification of small business status in SAM, including the NAICS codes, size representations, and socioeconomic indicators that define how buyers see you.

Why it matters

Your self-certified size and status drive which set-asides you qualify for. Getting the representations right protects you from compliance problems later.

Eligibility

Businesses that meet SBA size standards for their primary NAICS codes and want their status represented accurately.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers rely on your SAM representations to confirm set-aside eligibility.

What FBP helps with

We map your NAICS codes, set the size and socioeconomic representations correctly, and align your profile so it supports the work you actually pursue.

Contact Us About Small Business Self-Certification

What it is

Veteran-Owned Small Business certification through the SBA VetCert system, formally verifying veteran ownership and control.

Why it matters

VOSB verification qualifies you for veteran set-asides government-wide and is increasingly expected by primes building veteran participation into their teams.

Eligibility

At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans; meets SBA small business size standards.

Common buyer use

Agencies and primes use verified VOSB status to meet veteran participation goals.

What FBP helps with

We organize the service and ownership documentation, manage the VetCert submission, and keep the verification current through renewals.

Contact Us About VOSB Certification

What it is

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification through SBA VetCert — verifying service-disabled veteran ownership and control.

Why it matters

SDVOSB is one of the strongest set-aside categories, with sole-source authority and priority at the VA under its Vets-First program.

Eligibility

At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans; meets SBA size standards; service-connected disability documented.

Common buyer use

The VA and other agencies route sole-source and set-aside awards to verified SDVOSBs.

What FBP helps with

We handle the disability and ownership documentation, manage the VetCert verification, and keep your status defensible and current.

Contact Us About SDVOSB Certification

What it is

Minority Business Enterprise certification, typically through the NMSDC or a state/regional council, recognizing minority ownership for supplier-diversity programs.

Why it matters

Large corporations and public agencies maintain supplier-diversity spend goals. MBE status puts you on the lists their procurement teams source from.

Eligibility

At least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by minority group members who are U.S. citizens.

Common buyer use

Corporate supplier-diversity and Tier-2 programs source directly from certified MBEs.

What FBP helps with

We identify the right certifying body for your market, prepare the application and site-visit materials, and manage the process end to end.

Contact Us About MBE Certification

What it is

Women's Business Enterprise certification, often through WBENC or a state/regional body, recognizing women ownership for corporate and public supplier-diversity programs.

Why it matters

WBE status qualifies you for women-owned supplier-diversity spend at major corporations and public entities that track and report it.

Eligibility

At least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.

Common buyer use

Corporate and institutional buyers source from certified WBEs to meet diversity targets.

What FBP helps with

We select the appropriate certifying organization, assemble documentation and prepare you for any interview or site visit, and manage the filing.

Contact Us About WBE Certification

What it is

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification under the U.S. DOT program, administered by state agencies for federally funded transportation projects.

Why it matters

DBE certification is required to win DBE-allocated work on highway, transit, and airport projects funded with federal dollars — a large, steady market.

Eligibility

At least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; meets program personal-net-worth and size caps.

Common buyer use

State DOTs and transit/airport authorities set DBE goals on federally funded contracts.

What FBP helps with

We confirm eligibility against the program caps, prepare the state application and supporting financials, and manage the certification and any on-site review.

Contact Us About DBE Certification

What it is

Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification — the DBE counterpart for concessions and commercial activity at federally funded airports.

Why it matters

ACDBE status is required to participate in airport concession opportunities reserved for disadvantaged businesses, from retail to services on airport property.

Eligibility

At least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; meets the program's specific net-worth and size limits.

Common buyer use

Airport authorities set ACDBE goals on concession leases and agreements.

What FBP helps with

We evaluate eligibility, prepare the application and financial documentation, and manage the state-administered certification process.

Contact Us About ACDBE Certification

What it is

A range of additional state, county, and municipal diversity and small-business certifications beyond the major national programs.

Why it matters

Many local agencies and large institutions maintain their own certification lists. Holding the right local credential can be the difference in regional bids.

Eligibility

Varies by program — generally tied to ownership, control, residency, or size criteria set by the certifying jurisdiction.

Common buyer use

Local governments and institutions source from their own certified vendor pools.

What FBP helps with

We identify which certifications actually move the needle for your market, then prepare and manage the filings so you are not chasing paperwork.

Contact Us About Other State & Local Certs

What it is

Registration in state and local government vendor and procurement portals so agencies can find, solicit, and pay you for regional opportunities.

Why it matters

Many state and municipal buyers only solicit from registered vendors. Being listed in the right portals is the local equivalent of SAM.

Eligibility

Any business pursuing state, county, or city government work in its target regions.

Common buyer use

Procurement offices issue solicitations and purchase orders to registered vendors.

What FBP helps with

We register you in the portals that matter for your market, set up your profiles and commodity codes, and keep credentials organized.

Contact Us About State & Local Vendor Registration

What it is

Getting onto the GSA Multiple Award Schedule — a pre-negotiated, long-term governmentwide contract that lets agencies buy your products or services quickly.

Why it matters

A GSA Schedule turns you into an easy, low-friction buy. Agencies across government can order from your Schedule without running a full open competition each time.

Eligibility

Businesses with a track record, financial stability, and commercial sales history in their offering; pricing must be deemed fair and reasonable.

Common buyer use

Federal (and many state) buyers purchase directly off Schedule contracts.

What FBP helps with

We assess Schedule fit, build the offer including pricing and compliance narratives, and manage negotiations through award.

Contact Us About GSA MAS Schedule

What it is

Setup and application support for the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program, which formalizes a developmental relationship between an experienced mentor firm and a smaller protégé.

Why it matters

An approved relationship lets mentor and protégé joint-venture on set-aside contracts the protégé could not pursue alone — a powerful way to win bigger work and build past performance.

Eligibility

Protégé is an eligible small business; mentor and protégé have a credible development plan; the relationship meets SBA structural requirements.

Common buyer use

Joint ventures formed under the program compete for set-aside and full-and-open work.

What FBP helps with

We structure the relationship, prepare the agreement and development plan, and manage the SBA application so the approval holds up.

Contact Us About SBA Mentor-Protégé

What it is

Ongoing maintenance of your SAM registration, certifications, and vendor profiles — renewals, updates, and representations kept accurate over time.

Why it matters

A lapsed SAM record or expired certification can pull you out of contention overnight. Staying current protects everything you have already built.

Eligibility

Any client with active registrations or certifications that require periodic renewal and upkeep.

Common buyer use

Buyers re-verify status at award; lapses can disqualify an otherwise winning offer.

What FBP helps with

We track your renewal dates, handle the updates and recertifications, and keep your profiles consistent so nothing quietly expires.

Contact Us About Annual Maintenance & Renewals

What it is

Registration and profile setup so your business is positioned to support FEMA and disaster-response contracting opportunities.

Why it matters

Disaster response generates fast-moving contracting needs. Being registered and ready means you can respond when those opportunities surface rather than scrambling.

Eligibility

Businesses offering goods or services relevant to emergency management, response, recovery, or related logistics.

Common buyer use

FEMA and partner agencies source from ready, registered vendors during response operations.

What FBP helps with

We set up your registration and profiles, align your commodity and service codes, and position you to be found when the need arises.

Contact Us About FEMA Vendor Registration

What it is

Federal registration of your business name, logo, or slogan with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), establishing nationwide legal rights to the mark.

Why it matters

A registered trademark protects your brand identity as you win contracts and build past performance — and keeps a competitor from registering a confusingly similar name first.

Eligibility

Any business using a distinctive name, logo, or slogan in commerce that it wants to protect nationally.

Common buyer use

Not typically checked by contracting officers, but matters in teaming, licensing, and as your brand becomes a real asset.

What FBP helps with

We handle the trademark search, prepare and file the USPTO application, and respond to office actions so your mark clears registration cleanly.

Contact Us About Trademark Registration

What it is

Registration for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS — the federal tax ID that identifies your business on contracts, bank accounts, and your SAM registration.

Why it matters

SAM registration, business banking, and payroll all require an EIN. It's one of the first things any new entity needs before it can do business with the government.

Eligibility

Any newly formed business entity, or a sole proprietor who wants to separate business and personal tax identity.

Common buyer use

Referenced on every SAM profile and W-9 a buyer or prime requests before payment.

What FBP helps with

We file the EIN application correctly the first time and make sure it matches your entity paperwork so SAM registration doesn't stall on a mismatch.

Contact Us About Federal EIN Registration

What it is

Registration of a "doing business as" (DBA) or fictitious name, letting your legal entity operate publicly under a different trade name.

Why it matters

If your marketing name doesn't match your legal entity name, a DBA keeps your contracts, invoices, and SAM profile consistent and legally clean.

Eligibility

Any registered entity or sole proprietor operating, or planning to operate, under a name other than its legal name.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers and primes cross-check your legal name against your DBA when it appears on proposals or invoices.

What FBP helps with

We file the DBA with the appropriate state or county office and make sure it's reflected correctly across your SAM and entity records.

Contact Us About DBA / Fictitious Name Registration

What it is

Formation of a corporation — S-Corp or C-Corp — as an alternative to an LLC, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, and initial governance setup.

Why it matters

Ownership structure affects taxes, how you raise capital, and how ownership is documented for certifications like 8(a) or WOSB that scrutinize control and equity closely.

Eligibility

Founders whose tax situation, investor plans, or ownership structure make a corporation a better fit than an LLC.

Common buyer use

Underlies every ownership and control document a certifying body or contracting officer reviews.

What FBP helps with

We help you choose the right structure for your goals, file the incorporation paperwork, and set up the governance documents certification applications will later require.

Contact Us About S-Corp / C-Corp Formation

What it is

A designated registered agent who receives legal notices, state correspondence, and service of process on behalf of your business.

Why it matters

Every state requires a registered agent with a physical address in-state. Missing a notice — a lawsuit, a compliance letter, a renewal deadline — can have real consequences.

Eligibility

Any LLC or corporation registered to do business in a state.

Common buyer use

Not buyer-facing, but required for your entity to remain in good standing — which buyers and certifying bodies do check.

What FBP helps with

We provide or help set up reliable registered agent coverage so nothing falls through the cracks while you're focused on the work.

Contact Us About Registered Agent Service

What it is

Registration for the city, county, or state business licenses and permits required to legally operate in your jurisdiction and industry.

Why it matters

Missing a required local license can disqualify a bid or trigger compliance problems even after a contract is won.

Eligibility

Any business operating from a physical location or in a regulated industry.

Common buyer use

Some solicitations require proof of active local licensing as part of the submission package.

What FBP helps with

We identify which licenses and permits actually apply to your business and manage the applications so you're not guessing what's required.

Contact Us About Business License & Permit Registration

What it is

Formation and IRS recognition of a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3), including articles of incorporation and the federal exemption application.

Why it matters

Nonprofit status opens access to federal grants and certain contract categories that for-profit entities can't pursue, but it comes with its own compliance obligations.

Eligibility

Organizations formed for a qualifying charitable, educational, or public purpose.

Common buyer use

Grant-making agencies and some contract programs require current 501(c)(3) status before funding.

What FBP helps with

We prepare the incorporation and IRS exemption filings and help structure governance so the exemption holds up under review.

Contact Us About Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Formation

What it is

Registration of your existing LLC or corporation to legally do business in a state other than the one where it was originally formed.

Why it matters

Winning work in a new state without registering there first can mean fines, back taxes, and an inability to enforce contracts in that state's courts.

Eligibility

Any entity pursuing physical operations, employees, or a genuine business presence in a state outside its home state.

Common buyer use

State and local agencies may require proof of foreign qualification before awarding or paying on a contract.

What FBP helps with

We handle the foreign qualification filing and registered agent setup in the new state so you can operate there without interruption.

Contact Us About Foreign Qualification

What it is

An official state-issued document confirming your business entity is properly registered, current on filings, and authorized to operate.

Why it matters

Certifications, loan applications, contract awards, and due diligence requests routinely ask for a current Certificate of Good Standing — and it can't be backdated if you're behind on filings.

Eligibility

Any registered entity that is current on its state filings and fees.

Common buyer use

Frequently requested as supporting documentation for certification applications and larger contract awards.

What FBP helps with

We confirm your filings are current, request the certificate from the state, and keep it on hand for whenever a buyer or certifying body asks.

Contact Us About Certificate of Good Standing

What it is

The recurring state filings — annual or biennial reports, franchise tax filings, and fee payments — required to keep your entity in active, good standing.

Why it matters

A lapsed or administratively dissolved entity can invalidate your SAM registration and certifications without warning, right when you're mid-pursuit on a contract.

Eligibility

Any registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit with recurring state filing obligations.

Common buyer use

Buyers and certifying bodies check entity status as part of standard due diligence before award.

What FBP helps with

We track your state filing deadlines and handle the recurring submissions so your entity never lapses without you knowing.

Contact Us About Annual Report & State Compliance Filing

What it is

Registration and eligibility positioning for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which set aside federal R&D funding specifically for small businesses.

Why it matters

SBIR/STTR awards fund early-stage research and development without giving up equity, and a strong track record here can open doors to larger follow-on contracts.

Eligibility

For-profit small businesses majority-owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, meeting SBA size standards, with the principal investigator primarily employed by the business.

Common buyer use

Participating federal agencies solicit SBIR/STTR proposals directly through agency-specific topics and solicitations.

What FBP helps with

We confirm eligibility, register you in the required federal systems, and help you understand the solicitation cycle so you're ready when a relevant topic opens.

Contact Us About SBIR/STTR Registration

What it is

An SBA program that guarantees a portion of a surety's risk on contract bonds, helping small businesses qualify for bonding they couldn't get on their own.

Why it matters

Many construction and service contracts require bid, performance, or payment bonds. This program can be the difference between qualifying for a bond and not.

Eligibility

Small businesses that meet SBA size standards and don't yet qualify for standard commercial bonding on their own.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers on bonded contracts require proof of bonding capacity before award.

What FBP helps with

We help you understand whether this program fits your situation and prepare the documentation your surety and the SBA will need.

Contact Us About SBA Surety Bond Guarantee

What it is

Positioning support for businesses owned by federally recognized tribes, Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), or Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), which have access to unique federal contracting authorities beyond standard 8(a).

Why it matters

Tribally-owned and ANC-owned firms can access sole-source authorities and contracting advantages not available to other 8(a) participants, under distinct statutory rules.

Eligibility

Businesses majority-owned by a federally recognized tribe, ANC, or NHO, structured to meet the specific ownership and control requirements for these authorities.

Common buyer use

Agencies with tribal contracting goals or specific statutory authorities route eligible work to qualifying entities.

What FBP helps with

We help you understand which authorities actually apply to your ownership structure and prepare the documentation to support them.

Contact Us About Native American & Tribal Business Positioning

What it is

Positioning support for nonprofit agencies that employ people who are blind or have significant disabilities, to participate in the AbilityOne Program's federal procurement list.

Why it matters

AbilityOne channels federal purchasing directly to participating nonprofit agencies for specific products and services, creating a steady, priority source of federal work.

Eligibility

Qualified nonprofit agencies where employees who are blind or have significant disabilities perform the direct labor on the contracted work.

Common buyer use

Federal agencies are required to purchase certain listed products and services through the AbilityOne procurement list.

What FBP helps with

We help qualifying nonprofits understand the pathway to AbilityOne participation and prepare the supporting documentation.

Contact Us About AbilityOne Program Positioning

What it is

Support for responding to a size protest — a formal challenge to your small business status under a specific NAICS code, filed by a competitor or contracting officer.

Why it matters

A successful protest can disqualify you from an award you've already won. A well-documented, timely response is the only way to defend it.

Eligibility

Any small business that has been named in a size protest tied to a specific solicitation or award.

Common buyer use

The SBA Area Office adjudicates size protests, typically within strict, short deadlines after an award is announced.

What FBP helps with

We help you assemble the ownership, affiliation, and revenue documentation needed to respond within the deadline.

Contact Us About Size Standard / NAICS Protest Response

What it is

Planning support for 8(a) participants approaching graduation from the nine-year program, including positioning for continued competitiveness afterward.

Why it matters

Many firms lean heavily on sole-source 8(a) awards. Without a transition plan, graduation can mean a steep drop-off in eligible opportunities.

Eligibility

8(a) participants in the later years of their program term who want to plan ahead rather than react at graduation.

Common buyer use

Not buyer-facing directly, but shapes which set-asides and contract vehicles remain available to you after program exit.

What FBP helps with

We help you map which other certifications, contract vehicles, and past performance you'll need lined up before your 8(a) term ends.

Contact Us About 8(a) Graduation & Transition Planning

What it is

Third-party verification of veteran ownership for corporate supplier-diversity programs, offered through organizations such as NaVOBA and NVBDC — distinct from SBA's VOSB/SDVOSB verification, which is used specifically for federal set-asides.

Why it matters

Many large corporations track veteran-owned spend through these certifying bodies rather than SBA's VetCert system, so this credential opens doors SBA verification alone doesn't reach.

Eligibility

Businesses majority-owned and controlled by one or more veterans (or service-disabled veterans, for the SDV tier some bodies also offer).

Common buyer use

Corporate supplier-diversity and Tier-2 programs source from VBE-certified firms to meet veteran-owned spend goals.

What FBP helps with

We help you determine which certifying body fits the corporate programs you're targeting and manage the application.

Contact Us About Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)

What it is

Ongoing support to maintain and reverify your VOSB or SDVOSB status through SBA's VetCert system, which requires periodic reverification to stay current.

Why it matters

An expired verification can pull you out of eligibility for a set-aside you're actively pursuing — sometimes without much advance warning.

Eligibility

Any currently VetCert-verified VOSB or SDVOSB approaching its reverification window.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers confirm active VetCert status at the time of award, not just at proposal submission.

What FBP helps with

We track your reverification date and manage the update so your status never quietly lapses.

Contact Us About VA Verification Maintenance

What it is

LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) certification administered by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), verifying majority LGBTQ+ ownership and control.

Why it matters

A growing number of corporations and public agencies track LGBTQ+-owned spend as part of their supplier-diversity programs, and NGLCC certification is the credential most of them recognize.

Eligibility

Businesses at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more LGBTQ+ individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Common buyer use

Corporate supplier-diversity programs and some public agencies source from NGLCC-certified LGBTBEs to meet inclusion goals.

What FBP helps with

We prepare your application and documentation and manage the certification process with NGLCC.

Contact Us About LGBTBE Certification

What it is

Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) certification through Disability:IN, verifying majority ownership by one or more individuals with disabilities — including Veteran (V-DOBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran (SDV-DOBE) variants.

Why it matters

Corporate supplier-diversity programs increasingly include disability-owned spend as a tracked category, and DOBE is the certification most widely recognized for it.

Eligibility

Businesses at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more individuals with disabilities.

Common buyer use

Corporate supplier-diversity programs source from DOBE-certified firms to meet disability-inclusion goals.

What FBP helps with

We prepare your application, gather supporting documentation, and manage the certification process with Disability:IN.

Contact Us About DOBE Certification

What it is

California's Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certifications, administered by the Department of General Services' Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS).

Why it matters

California state agencies have participation goals for SB and DVBE spend, and certification is required to be counted toward them — a meaningful market given the size of California's state procurement.

Eligibility

Small businesses meeting California's size standards for SB; businesses at least 51% owned by one or more disabled veterans for DVBE.

Common buyer use

California state agencies source from certified SB and DVBE firms through caleProcure and related procurement channels.

What FBP helps with

We prepare and submit your certification application through the state's system and keep it current.

Contact Us About California SB/DVBE Certification

What it is

Certification through Washington's Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE), the state's sole certifier of M/WBE status for public contracting.

Why it matters

Washington state and local agencies track M/WBE participation, and OMWBE certification is the credential that counts toward those goals.

Eligibility

Businesses at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority individuals or women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Common buyer use

Washington state agencies and many local jurisdictions source from OMWBE-certified firms to meet participation goals.

What FBP helps with

We prepare your application and supporting documentation and manage the OMWBE certification process.

Contact Us About Washington OMWBE Certification

What it is

Certification through the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), which certifies MBE, WBE, Veteran (VBE), and Portuguese (PBE) ownership categories, and recognizes third-party SDVOBE, LGBTBE, and DOBE certifications.

Why it matters

Massachusetts state agencies track supplier-diversity spend, and SDO certification is the credential that counts toward those participation goals.

Eligibility

Businesses at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals in the qualifying ownership category.

Common buyer use

Massachusetts state agencies source from SDO-certified firms to meet supplier-diversity goals.

What FBP helps with

We identify which category fits your ownership, prepare the application, and manage the certification process with SDO.

Contact Us About Massachusetts SDO Certification

What it is

Certification under Ohio's EDGE (Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity) program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development, for economically and socially disadvantaged small businesses.

Why it matters

Ohio state agencies set EDGE participation goals on state contracts, and certification is required to be counted toward them.

Eligibility

Small businesses meeting Ohio's economic disadvantage and size criteria under the EDGE program.

Common buyer use

Ohio state agencies source from EDGE-certified firms to meet participation goals on state contracts.

What FBP helps with

We prepare your application and financial documentation and manage the certification process with the state.

Contact Us About Ohio EDGE Certification

What it is

Minority Business Enterprise certification through Maryland's Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE), a division of the Maryland Department of Transportation, accepted as the standard MBE credential across most Maryland state agencies.

Why it matters

Maryland agencies track MBE participation on state contracts, and OMBE certification is the credential recognized across the state's procurement system.

Eligibility

Businesses at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Common buyer use

Maryland state agencies source from OMBE-certified MBEs to meet participation goals.

What FBP helps with

We prepare your application and documentation and manage the certification process with OMBE.

Contact Us About Maryland MBE Certification

What it is

New Jersey's Business Certification Program, administered by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, covering SBE, MBE, WBE, SEDB, and VOB categories through a single online application.

Why it matters

New Jersey state agencies track participation across these categories, and certification is required to be counted toward their goals.

Eligibility

Businesses meeting the ownership, control, or size criteria for the specific category being pursued.

Common buyer use

New Jersey state agencies source from certified firms to meet participation goals on state contracts.

What FBP helps with

We determine which category — or categories — fit your business and manage the single application through the state's system.

Contact Us About New Jersey Business Certification

What it is

Certification through Pennsylvania's Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO), covering self-certified Small Business (SB) status and Small Diverse Business (SDB) status — recognition of an approved third-party minority-, woman-, veteran-, disability-, or LGBTQIA+-owned certification.

Why it matters

Pennsylvania state agencies track SDB participation, and this recognition is required to be counted toward those goals.

Eligibility

Small businesses for SB status; businesses holding, or pursuing, an approved third-party diverse-ownership certification for SDB status.

Common buyer use

Pennsylvania state agencies source from SB- and SDB-recognized firms to meet participation goals.

What FBP helps with

We help you sequence the underlying certification and the state recognition so both are in place together.

Contact Us About Pennsylvania SDB Certification

What it is

Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) business certification through Virginia's Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD).

Why it matters

Virginia state agencies set SWaM participation goals on state contracts, and certification is required to be counted toward them.

Eligibility

Small businesses meeting Virginia's size standards, with additional ownership criteria for the women- and minority-owned categories.

Common buyer use

Virginia state agencies source from SWaM-certified firms to meet participation goals.

What FBP helps with

We prepare your application and documentation and manage the certification process with SBSD.

Contact Us About Virginia SWaM Certification

What it is

Business Enterprise Program (BEP) certification through the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI), covering minority-, women-, and veteran-owned business categories.

Why it matters

Illinois state agencies track BEP participation on state contracts, and certification is required to be counted toward those goals.

Eligibility

Businesses at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals in the qualifying ownership category.

Common buyer use

Illinois state agencies source from BEP-certified firms to meet participation goals.

What FBP helps with

We prepare your application and documentation and manage the certification process with CEI.

Contact Us About Illinois BEP Certification

What it is

Positioning support for Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) and other multi-award IDIQ vehicles — large, pre-competed contracts that agencies order task orders against for years at a time.

Why it matters

A seat on the right vehicle can mean a steady stream of task order opportunities without competing from scratch each time, but getting on — or teaming onto — one takes real positioning.

Eligibility

Businesses with the past performance, capacity, and — for some vehicles — certifications required by the specific GWAC or IDIQ's on-ramp criteria.

Common buyer use

Agencies across government issue task orders directly against these vehicles rather than running full open competitions.

What FBP helps with

We help you identify which vehicles fit your capabilities and map a realistic path onto them, whether as a prime or a teaming partner.

Contact Us About GWAC / IDIQ Vehicle Positioning

What it is

Structuring and documentation of an SBA-approved joint venture — a formal partnership between two businesses, often under a mentor-protégé relationship, that lets them jointly pursue set-aside contracts under specific SBA rules.

Why it matters

A properly structured joint venture can let a smaller firm compete for larger set-aside awards than it could win on its own, while staying compliant with SBA affiliation rules.

Eligibility

Two or more businesses — frequently under an approved mentor-protégé relationship — structuring a joint pursuit of set-aside work.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers verify the joint venture's SBA-approved status and structure before honoring its set-aside eligibility.

What FBP helps with

We structure the joint venture agreement to meet SBA's requirements and manage the approval process.

Contact Us About SBA-Approved Joint Venture Structuring

What it is

Support engaging with the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), where agencies formally record your performance on federal contracts.

Why it matters

Contracting officers pull your CPARS history when evaluating proposals. A strong, well-managed record is one of the most powerful things you can bring to a competition.

Eligibility

Any business currently performing on, or that has completed, a federal contract subject to CPARS reporting.

Common buyer use

Evaluators reference CPARS ratings directly during proposal evaluation and responsibility determinations.

What FBP helps with

We help you track your reporting periods, prepare your self-assessment input, and respond effectively when a rating needs context.

Contact Us About CPARS & Past Performance Management

What it is

Registration in HUD's Section 3 Business Registry, identifying businesses that are majority-owned by low- or very low-income residents, or that employ a significant share of Section 3 workers.

Why it matters

Recipients of certain HUD funding are required to direct contracting and employment opportunities to Section 3 businesses and workers first.

Eligibility

Businesses meeting HUD's ownership or workforce composition thresholds under the Section 3 rule.

Common buyer use

HUD grantees and their contractors prioritize Section 3-registered businesses on HUD-funded projects.

What FBP helps with

We confirm your eligibility, prepare the registration, and help you document your qualifying ownership or workforce.

Contact Us About Section 3 Business Registration

What it is

Development of the small business subcontracting plan required on larger federal contracts, detailing your goals for subcontracting with small, veteran, HUBZone, and other socioeconomic categories.

Why it matters

Large contracts require an approved subcontracting plan before award, and your performance against it gets tracked and reported for the life of the contract.

Eligibility

Large businesses, and some small businesses on certain contracts, awarded a contract above the subcontracting plan threshold.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers require an approved plan before award and monitor performance against it through contract closeout.

What FBP helps with

We build a realistic, compliant plan and help you track and report performance against it over the life of the contract.

Contact Us About Subcontracting Plan Development

What it is

Preparation and processing of a novation agreement — the formal government approval required to transfer an existing federal contract to a successor entity after a merger, acquisition, or corporate restructuring.

Why it matters

Without an approved novation, a contract can't legally transfer to the new entity, which can jeopardize the work and the relationship with the buying agency.

Eligibility

Businesses undergoing a merger, acquisition, or restructuring that affects the legal entity holding an active federal contract.

Common buyer use

The responsible contracting officer must approve the novation package before recognizing the successor entity.

What FBP helps with

We assemble the novation package and manage the approval process with the contracting agency.

Contact Us About Novation Agreement Processing

What it is

Development of an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) mitigation plan, addressing situations where your business's other work could create a real or apparent conflict on a specific procurement.

Why it matters

An unresolved OCI can disqualify an otherwise winning proposal. A credible mitigation plan can be the difference between being excluded and being cleared to compete.

Eligibility

Any offeror whose current or prior work creates a potential conflict of interest on a specific solicitation.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers evaluate OCI mitigation plans as part of responsibility determinations before award.

What FBP helps with

We help you identify the conflict, structure a credible mitigation approach, and document it for the contracting officer.

Contact Us About OCI Mitigation Plan

What it is

Structuring and documentation of a GSA Contractor Team Arrangement (CTA), which lets two or more GSA Schedule holders team together to jointly propose on a requirement that spans their combined capabilities.

Why it matters

A CTA lets you compete for opportunities that exceed what any one Schedule holder could deliver alone, without the complexity of a formal joint venture.

Eligibility

Two or more businesses that each independently hold an active GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract.

Common buyer use

Agencies buying off GSA Schedules accept CTA teams as a single combined offer against a requirement.

What FBP helps with

We help structure the CTA agreement and prepare the combined offer so it's ready to submit.

Contact Us About Contractor Team Arrangement (CTA)

What it is

Compliance review confirming which of your products meet Buy American Act domestic-content rules or Trade Agreements Act country-of-origin rules, depending on which applies to a given procurement.

Why it matters

Offering a noncompliant product — even unknowingly — can disqualify a bid or create liability after award. The right rule depends on the contract type and dollar value.

Eligibility

Any business supplying products, rather than pure services, under federal contracts.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers require a compliance representation for covered acquisitions, and may verify country-of-origin claims.

What FBP helps with

We help you review your supply chain and product lines against the applicable rule so your representations hold up.

Contact Us About Buy American Act / TAA Compliance

What it is

Readiness support for FedRAMP, the federal program that authorizes cloud services (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) for use by federal agencies, rated Low, Moderate, or High based on data sensitivity.

Why it matters

Most agencies can't buy a cloud service without a FedRAMP authorization behind it. For a cloud provider, it's often the single biggest gate standing between the product and the federal market.

Eligibility

Cloud service providers pursuing federal agency customers, sponsored either by an agency or working toward FedRAMP's evolving authorization pathways.

Common buyer use

Federal agencies check FedRAMP status in the Marketplace before purchasing or authorizing use of a cloud service.

What FBP helps with

We help you understand the current authorization pathway, prepare your system security plan and supporting documentation, and get ready for the independent third-party assessment (3PAO) FedRAMP requires — that assessment has to be independent by design, so it isn't something we perform ourselves.

Contact Us About FedRAMP Authorization Readiness

What it is

Readiness support for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), which verifies that DoD contractors protect federal contract information and controlled unclassified information at the level required for their work — Level 1 through Level 3, built on NIST SP 800-171.

Why it matters

CMMC is being written directly into DoD contracts, and the requirements and rollout timeline have continued to evolve through rulemaking — a moving target that's easy to fall behind on.

Eligibility

Any business holding or pursuing DoD contracts that involve federal contract information or controlled unclassified information.

Common buyer use

DoD contracting officers will require the applicable CMMC level be in place before award on covered contracts.

What FBP helps with

We track the current requirements and timeline, run a gap assessment against the applicable level, and help you prepare documentation. Level 2 and above ultimately require assessment by an accredited third party (a C3PAO) — we help you get ready for that assessment rather than perform it ourselves.

Contact Us About CMMC Certification Readiness

What it is

Support for self-assessing your information systems against NIST SP 800-171's security requirements and submitting the resulting score to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).

Why it matters

A current SPRS score is required to hold many DoD contracts involving controlled unclassified information, and it underpins CMMC readiness as well.

Eligibility

Contractors handling controlled unclassified information under DoD contracts.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers check for a current, qualifying SPRS score before award on covered contracts.

What FBP helps with

We help you assess your systems against the requirements, build your system security plan and plan of action, and get the score submitted and kept current.

Contact Us About NIST SP 800-171 & SPRS Scoring

What it is

Readiness support for GovRAMP (formerly known as StateRAMP), an independent authorization program modeled on FedRAMP for cloud products sold to state, local, tribal, and education government buyers.

Why it matters

A growing number of state and local agencies require GovRAMP authorization before purchasing cloud services, similar to how federal agencies rely on FedRAMP.

Eligibility

Cloud service providers selling, or planning to sell, to state and local government buyers.

Common buyer use

Participating state and local agencies check GovRAMP status before approving a cloud purchase.

What FBP helps with

We help you prepare documentation and understand which authorization tier fits your offering — full authorization requires an independent, accredited assessment, which we help you get ready for.

Contact Us About GovRAMP (StateRAMP) Readiness

What it is

Compliance support for the DFARS safeguarding clause, which requires DoD contractors handling covered defense information to implement NIST SP 800-171 controls and report cyber incidents within a strict window of discovery.

Why it matters

This clause underlies most DoD cybersecurity requirements — including SPRS and CMMC — and a documented incident-response process is one of its core obligations.

Eligibility

DoD contractors and subcontractors whose systems process, store, or transmit covered defense information.

Common buyer use

The clause flows down through prime and subcontract agreements automatically on covered DoD work.

What FBP helps with

We help you implement the required controls and build an incident-response process that meets the reporting timeline if it's ever needed.

Contact Us About DFARS Safeguarding Compliance

What it is

Support preparing the security documentation — system security plans, risk assessments, plans of action — that a federal Authorizing Official reviews when granting a system an Authorization to Operate (ATO) under FISMA.

Why it matters

A federal information system generally can't go live on an agency network without an ATO, and the documentation package behind it is extensive.

Eligibility

Contractors operating an information system on behalf of, or connected to, a federal agency.

Common buyer use

The agency's own Authorizing Official reviews and grants the ATO — no outside party can grant it on the agency's behalf.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the security documentation package your agency sponsor and Authorizing Official will need to review.

Contact Us About FISMA / ATO Support

What it is

Registration with the U.S. State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), required for companies that manufacture, export, or broker defense articles and technical data on the U.S. Munitions List.

Why it matters

Registration is required even for companies with no current export activity if they manufacture covered items — and it's a prerequisite for any future export license application.

Eligibility

U.S. companies that manufacture, export, temporarily import, or broker USML-covered defense articles, technical data, or defense services.

Common buyer use

DoD and other agencies may require proof of current ITAR registration before awarding contracts involving covered items.

What FBP helps with

We help you determine whether your products trigger registration, prepare the filing, and keep your registration current.

Contact Us About ITAR Registration

What it is

Support identifying a sponsorship path and preparing the package for a Facility Security Clearance (FCL), which allows a company to access classified information under DCSA's National Industrial Security Program.

Why it matters

A company can't sponsor its own FCL — it needs a genuine classified contract need and sponsorship from a government contracting activity or a cleared prime, so the path there matters as much as the paperwork.

Eligibility

Businesses with a legitimate, sponsored need to access classified information for a specific contract.

Common buyer use

Only DCSA grants the clearance itself, based on the sponsoring agency's or prime's validated need.

What FBP helps with

We help you identify a credible sponsorship path and prepare the FCL package, including foreign ownership disclosures where relevant.

Contact Us About Facility Security Clearance Sponsorship

What it is

Development of the internal policies, training, and controls needed to properly mark, access-limit, and safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) under federal requirements.

Why it matters

For DoD contractors specifically, CUI handling is a core piece of the NIST 800-171 requirements underlying SPRS and CMMC — and mishandling CUI carries real compliance risk.

Eligibility

Any contractor that receives, generates, or stores CUI in the course of federal contract work.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers and agency security offices expect a documented CUI program as part of broader cybersecurity compliance.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the marking, access, and handling policies and train your team on them.

Contact Us About CUI Handling Program Development

What it is

Compliance review confirming your business doesn't use or supply covered telecommunications or video surveillance equipment banned under Section 889 of the FY2019 NDAA.

Why it matters

A false representation on this requirement carries real liability, and the ban covers use anywhere in your business — not just on the specific contract.

Eligibility

Any business pursuing or holding federal contracts, since the representation is required broadly across procurements.

Common buyer use

Required as a standard representation in SAM.gov and reviewed as part of contract award.

What FBP helps with

We help you review your equipment and supply chain and complete your SAM.gov representations accurately.

Contact Us About Section 889 Supply Chain Compliance

What it is

Alignment support against the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), a voluntary, widely adopted structure for identifying, protecting against, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity risk.

Why it matters

CSF alignment gives buyers and partners a recognized way to evaluate your cybersecurity maturity, and it complements — rather than replaces — DoD-specific requirements like NIST 800-171.

Eligibility

Any business that wants a structured, recognized way to organize and communicate its cybersecurity program.

Common buyer use

Some agencies and primes reference CSF alignment as part of vendor risk assessments.

What FBP helps with

We help you map your current practices to the framework and identify the gaps worth closing first.

Contact Us About NIST Cybersecurity Framework Alignment

What it is

Development of an insider threat detection and prevention program, required for facilities holding a Facility Security Clearance under DCSA's National Industrial Security Program.

Why it matters

Cleared facilities must have a designated insider threat program in place, and it's reviewed as part of DCSA's ongoing security oversight.

Eligibility

Businesses holding, or actively pursuing, a Facility Security Clearance.

Common buyer use

DCSA reviews the program as part of its periodic security assessments of cleared facilities.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the program structure, designate the required roles, and document it for DCSA review.

Contact Us About Insider Threat Program Development

What it is

Compliance support for the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which govern the export of dual-use items and technology through Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) — distinct from ITAR, which covers defense-specific articles.

Why it matters

Misclassifying an export or shipping to a restricted party can trigger serious civil and criminal liability, even for items that seem commercially routine.

Eligibility

Any business exporting products, software, or technology that may be subject to EAR jurisdiction.

Common buyer use

Buyers and primes on internationally exposed contracts may require proof of an active export compliance program.

What FBP helps with

We help you classify your products, determine licensing requirements, and build a basic export compliance program.

Contact Us About EAR/ECCN Export Compliance

What it is

A listing in the Cloud Security Alliance's STAR Registry, a publicly searchable database where cloud providers document their security controls through self-assessment or independent certification.

Why it matters

A STAR listing is a recognized way to demonstrate cloud security maturity to buyers — and can complement a FedRAMP pursuit rather than substitute for it.

Eligibility

Cloud service providers of any size wanting a public, structured way to document their security posture.

Common buyer use

Buyers evaluating cloud vendors often check STAR Registry listings as part of vendor due diligence.

What FBP helps with

We help you prepare and submit your self-assessment so your listing accurately reflects your controls.

Contact Us About CSA STAR Registry Listing

What it is

Readiness support for ISO 9001 certification, the internationally recognized standard for quality management systems, issued by independent, accredited certification bodies.

Why it matters

ISO 9001 is one of the most widely recognized quality signals in both commercial and federal markets, often referenced in past-performance and technical-approach narratives.

Eligibility

Any business willing to implement a documented quality management system and undergo an external audit.

Common buyer use

Proposal evaluators and primes often treat ISO 9001 certification as objective evidence of a functioning quality system.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the required quality management system and documentation and prepare you for the accredited certification body's audit — the certification itself is issued by that independent body, not by us.

Contact Us About ISO 9001 Certification Readiness

What it is

Readiness support for ISO 27001 certification, the international standard for information security management systems, issued by independent, accredited certification bodies.

Why it matters

ISO 27001 signals a structured, audited approach to information security — increasingly relevant for IT and data-handling contracts, alongside (not instead of) U.S.-specific requirements like NIST 800-171.

Eligibility

Any business willing to implement a documented information security management system and undergo an external audit.

Common buyer use

Buyers evaluating data-handling vendors reference ISO 27001 as evidence of information security maturity.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the management system and documentation and prepare you for the accredited body's audit.

Contact Us About ISO 27001 Certification Readiness

What it is

Readiness support for ISO 14001 certification, the international standard for environmental management systems, issued by independent, accredited certification bodies.

Why it matters

Contracts with environmental or sustainability components increasingly look for a documented environmental management system, and ISO 14001 is the recognized way to show one.

Eligibility

Any business willing to implement a documented environmental management system and undergo an external audit.

Common buyer use

Referenced in proposals for contracts with environmental compliance or sustainability requirements.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the management system and documentation and prepare you for the accredited body's audit.

Contact Us About ISO 14001 Certification Readiness

What it is

Readiness support for ISO 45001 certification, the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, issued by independent, accredited certification bodies.

Why it matters

Field, construction, and industrial-adjacent federal work often looks for a documented safety management system, and ISO 45001 is the recognized international standard.

Eligibility

Any business willing to implement a documented occupational health and safety management system and undergo an external audit.

Common buyer use

Referenced in proposals for construction, industrial, and field-service contracts.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the management system and documentation and prepare you for the accredited body's audit.

Contact Us About ISO 45001 Certification Readiness

What it is

Readiness support for ISO 13485 certification, the international quality management standard specific to medical devices, issued by independent, accredited certification bodies. FDA's device quality regulation now incorporates ISO 13485 by reference.

Why it matters

Businesses selling medical devices to federal health purchasers — VA, DoD medical, HHS-regulated buyers — increasingly need this credential to demonstrate a compliant quality system.

Eligibility

Businesses that design, manufacture, or distribute medical devices.

Common buyer use

Federal health purchasers and their prime contractors look for ISO 13485 certification as part of medical device vendor qualification.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the required quality management system and prepare you for the accredited body's audit.

Contact Us About ISO 13485 Certification Readiness

What it is

Readiness support for AS9100 certification, the aerospace industry's quality management standard, built on ISO 9001 with added requirements for configuration management, risk, and counterfeit-parts controls — issued by certification bodies specifically accredited for aerospace.

Why it matters

Most aerospace and defense primes require AS9100 certification from suppliers in their aerospace supply chain — a plain ISO 9001 certification isn't sufficient.

Eligibility

Businesses manufacturing or supplying parts, assemblies, or services into the aerospace and defense supply chain.

Common buyer use

Aerospace and defense primes require AS9100 certification as a condition of supplier qualification.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the required quality system and prepare you for the aerospace-accredited certification body's audit.

Contact Us About AS9100 Certification Readiness

What it is

Readiness support for a CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) appraisal, which benchmarks your organization's process maturity — most federal IT and software contractors target Maturity Level 2 or 3 — conducted by an authorized Lead Appraiser using the SCAMPI method.

Why it matters

Some federal IT and software solicitations require or favor a specific CMMI maturity level as a condition of eligibility or an evaluation factor.

Eligibility

Organizations with a defined software or systems engineering process willing to undergo a formal, independent appraisal.

Common buyer use

Referenced as an eligibility gate or evaluation factor in IT and software development solicitations.

What FBP helps with

We help you assess your current processes, close gaps against the target maturity level, and prepare for the independent Lead Appraiser's SCAMPI appraisal.

Contact Us About CMMI Appraisal Readiness

What it is

Readiness support for a SOC 2 report — an attestation, issued by a licensed CPA firm under AICPA standards, evaluating your controls around security and, depending on scope, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, or privacy.

Why it matters

SOC 2 is widely used as evidence of security maturity in IT and cloud contracting, and a Type II report — covering a period of time, not just a point in time — is often the more credible bar buyers look for.

Eligibility

Any service organization handling customer data that wants an independent report on its control environment.

Common buyer use

Buyers evaluating IT and cloud vendors frequently request a current SOC 2 report as part of due diligence.

What FBP helps with

We help you prepare your control environment and documentation ahead of the CPA firm's examination.

Contact Us About SOC 2 Readiness

What it is

Compliance support for Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires federal agencies to procure accessible information and communication technology, evaluated against the WCAG-based technical standard.

Why it matters

Non-accessible technology can be excluded from federal procurement outright, and agencies increasingly expect conformance documentation up front, not after an issue surfaces.

Eligibility

Any business providing websites, software, or digital products or services to federal agencies.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers request accessibility conformance documentation — typically a VPAT — during technology procurements.

What FBP helps with

We help you assess your product against the applicable standard and prepare the conformance documentation buyers ask for.

Contact Us About Section 508 / Accessibility Compliance

What it is

Readiness support for ISO 20000 certification, the international standard for IT service management systems, issued by independent, accredited certification bodies.

Why it matters

IT services contracts increasingly look for a documented, audited service management approach, and ISO 20000 is the recognized international standard for it.

Eligibility

Businesses delivering IT services that are willing to implement a documented service management system and undergo an external audit.

Common buyer use

Referenced in proposals for IT service and help desk contracts as evidence of mature service delivery.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the service management system and documentation and prepare you for the accredited body's audit.

Contact Us About ISO 20000 Certification Readiness

What it is

Readiness support for ISO 22301 certification, the international standard for business continuity management systems, issued by independent, accredited certification bodies.

Why it matters

Contracts supporting critical or essential functions increasingly want documented proof that you can maintain operations through a disruption, not just a promise that you can.

Eligibility

Any business willing to implement a documented business continuity management system and undergo an external audit.

Common buyer use

Referenced in proposals for contracts supporting critical infrastructure or essential agency functions.

What FBP helps with

We help you build the business continuity management system and documentation and prepare you for the accredited body's audit.

Contact Us About ISO 22301 Certification Readiness

What it is

Setup and review of your accounting system against the adequacy criteria DCAA evaluates for cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, and other cost-type federal contracts.

Why it matters

An inadequate accounting system can block award of cost-type contracts outright, and DCAA's ongoing incurred-cost audits continue to review it after award.

Eligibility

Businesses pursuing or holding cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, or other cost-type federal contracts.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers require an adequate accounting system determination before awarding qualifying contract types.

What FBP helps with

We help you structure your accounting system to meet the required criteria — segregation of costs, timekeeping controls, job-cost accumulation — ahead of a pre-award review.

Contact Us About DCAA-Compliant Accounting System

What it is

Readiness support for a Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), which evaluates a contractor's purchasing and subcontract management system for compliance with federal acquisition requirements.

Why it matters

Contractors managing significant subcontract dollar volume are subject to a CPSR, and an approved purchasing system reduces the government's oversight of individual purchases.

Eligibility

Contractors whose government sales and subcontracting volume put them within CPSR review thresholds.

Common buyer use

The responsible contracting agency conducts and relies on the CPSR to determine how closely to oversee your subcontracting decisions.

What FBP helps with

We help you document your purchasing policies and procedures and prepare your team for the review.

Contact Us About CPSR Readiness

What it is

Setup of the property management system required to track, maintain, and account for government-furnished and government-acquired property in your custody under a federal contract.

Why it matters

A government property administrator periodically reviews your system, and a significant deficiency can trigger a formal corrective action requirement.

Eligibility

Contractors holding government property — equipment, materials, or facilities — under a federal contract.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers and property administrators require an approved system before and during contract performance involving government property.

What FBP helps with

We help you set up property records, inventory procedures, and reporting processes that meet the required standard.

Contact Us About Property Management System

What it is

Compliance support for the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), a set of rules governing how costs are measured, assigned, and allocated on larger negotiated federal contracts.

Why it matters

CAS applicability and its dollar thresholds have shifted with recent legislation, and getting your cost accounting practices wrong can create real exposure on qualifying contracts.

Eligibility

Contractors awarded negotiated contracts above the current applicable thresholds, with specific exemptions for certain contract types.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers and auditors review CAS compliance as part of cost-type contract administration.

What FBP helps with

We help you determine current applicability to your contracts and align your cost accounting practices accordingly.

Contact Us About Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)

What it is

Readiness support for Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA) requirements — providing current, accurate, and complete cost or pricing data on negotiated contracts above the applicable dollar threshold.

Why it matters

A defective pricing finding after award can lead to a price reduction, penalties, and reputational damage — thresholds for when this applies have also shifted with recent legislation.

Eligibility

Contractors negotiating contracts or modifications above the current applicable dollar threshold, without an exception such as adequate price competition.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers require certified cost or pricing data as part of the negotiation record on qualifying awards.

What FBP helps with

We help you determine whether a specific negotiation triggers the requirement and prepare compliant, well-documented pricing data.

Contact Us About TINA / Certified Cost or Pricing Data

What it is

Registration and setup in the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) — the system that now houses the invoicing and receipt-and-acceptance functions historically known as Wide Area Workflow (WAWF).

Why it matters

Most federal contracts require electronic invoicing through this system, and getting your account and routing set up incorrectly is a common cause of payment delays.

Eligibility

Any business holding a federal contract that requires electronic invoicing and receipt processing.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers and pay offices process invoices and acceptances through PIEE for the life of the contract.

What FBP helps with

We help you register correctly, configure the right document routing, and troubleshoot when an invoice gets stuck.

Contact Us About PIEE / WAWF Registration

What it is

Support developing and negotiating your indirect cost rates — overhead, fringe, and G&A — and the provisional billing rates you use to invoice on cost-type contracts before final rates are settled.

Why it matters

Rates set too high or too low create real cash flow and compliance problems, and provisional rates need periodic true-up against actual costs.

Eligibility

Contractors billing indirect costs on cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, or other cost-type federal contracts.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers and auditors rely on your indirect rate structure to evaluate proposal pricing and invoice reasonableness.

What FBP helps with

We help you build a defensible indirect rate structure and keep your provisional rates realistic and current.

Contact Us About Indirect Cost Rate Support

What it is

Preparation support for your annual incurred cost submission — the yearly report reconciling your actual indirect costs against what you billed on cost-reimbursement contracts.

Why it matters

A late or incomplete submission can hold up final rate settlement and contract closeout for years, and it's often the trigger for a DCAA audit.

Eligibility

Contractors holding cost-reimbursement contracts that require an annual incurred cost submission.

Common buyer use

DCAA and the contracting agency use the submission to settle final indirect rates and close out completed contracts.

What FBP helps with

We help you assemble and reconcile the submission so it's accurate, complete, and filed on time.

Contact Us About Incurred Cost Submission Support

What it is

Support negotiating a Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA) with your cognizant government auditor, pre-establishing indirect rates for use in future proposal pricing.

Why it matters

An FPRA can meaningfully speed up proposal evaluation and negotiation, since your rates aren't re-litigated on every new bid.

Eligibility

Established contractors with a consistent volume of cost-type or negotiated federal work.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers accept FPRA-established rates in proposal evaluation without re-auditing them each time.

What FBP helps with

We help you prepare the rate proposal and supporting data for negotiation with your cognizant auditor.

Contact Us About Forward Pricing Rate Agreement

What it is

Compliance support for your cost estimating system — the documented process you use to develop proposal pricing — reviewed against federal criteria for accuracy and consistency.

Why it matters

Larger contractors are subject to a formal estimating system review, and a disapproved system can affect how much scrutiny every future proposal receives.

Eligibility

Contractors whose government contract volume subjects them to estimating system review requirements.

Common buyer use

The contracting agency's auditors evaluate the estimating system as part of broader contractor business system oversight.

What FBP helps with

We help you document a consistent, defensible estimating process and prepare for the review.

Contact Us About Estimating System Compliance

What it is

Enrollment and setup in E-Verify, the federal system contractors use to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires, required under a standard federal contract clause.

Why it matters

Covered contracts require enrollment within a set window of award and consistent use afterward — missing the deadline is a compliance gap that's easy to overlook amid contract startup.

Eligibility

Businesses awarded a covered federal contract above the applicable dollar and performance-period thresholds.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers verify E-Verify enrollment as part of standard contract compliance.

What FBP helps with

We help you get enrolled correctly and set up the process for verifying new hires and contract-assigned employees on time.

Contact Us About E-Verify Enrollment

What it is

Compliance support for the Service Contract Act, which sets minimum wage and fringe benefit requirements for service employees working on covered federal contracts, based on Department of Labor wage determinations.

Why it matters

Underpaying against the applicable wage determination creates real back-pay liability and can jeopardize future awards.

Eligibility

Contractors performing covered service contracts above the applicable dollar threshold.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers incorporate the applicable wage determination into covered service contracts and monitor compliance.

What FBP helps with

We help you identify the correct wage determination for your contract and build payroll processes that stay compliant with it.

Contact Us About Service Contract Act (SCA) Compliance

What it is

Compliance support for the Davis-Bacon Act, which sets prevailing wage and fringe benefit requirements for laborers and mechanics on federal and federally assisted construction contracts.

Why it matters

Davis-Bacon compliance requires certified payroll reporting, and errors here are a common source of audit findings and withheld payments.

Eligibility

Contractors and subcontractors performing covered federal or federally assisted construction work.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers require certified payroll records throughout performance on covered construction contracts.

What FBP helps with

We help you identify the applicable wage determination and set up compliant certified payroll reporting.

Contact Us About Davis-Bacon Act Compliance

What it is

Setup support for OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping — the logs and postings required under federal workplace safety regulations.

Why it matters

Some federal solicitations request your OSHA incident rates as part of past-performance or responsibility evaluation, and recordkeeping gaps can complicate an audit.

Eligibility

Employers subject to OSHA recordkeeping requirements based on industry and company size.

Common buyer use

Contracting officers on construction and industrial contracts may request OSHA recordkeeping history as part of evaluation.

What FBP helps with

We help you set up compliant recordkeeping processes and organize your history for when a buyer asks.

Contact Us About OSHA Recordkeeping Compliance

What it is

Registration of a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the Department of Labor, formalizing on-the-job training and instruction for a skilled trade or occupation.

Why it matters

Some federal and federally funded construction contracts favor or require registered apprenticeship utilization, and it's a genuine workforce development asset beyond compliance.

Eligibility

Employers willing to structure and document a formal training program meeting DOL's registration standards.

Common buyer use

Some solicitations evaluate or require registered apprenticeship participation, particularly on federally funded construction work.

What FBP helps with

We help you structure the program and prepare the registration package for DOL approval.

Contact Us About Registered Apprenticeship Program

Foundation FBP service $599 SAM Registration Your federal front door — required before any award. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

Foundation FBP service $795 Florida LLC Formation Stand up a clean, contract-ready legal entity. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

Foundation FBP service $149 Mobile Notary On-demand notarization when a filing needs it. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

Foundation FBP service $495 Copyright Registration Protect the work product behind your business. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

SBA Federal FBP service $1,250 2+ SBA certs · $2,000 total 8(a) Business Development The flagship SBA program for disadvantaged-owned firms. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

SBA Federal FBP service $1,250 2+ SBA certs · $2,000 total WOSB Certification Compete for women-owned set-aside contracts. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

SBA Federal FBP service $1,250 2+ SBA certs · $2,000 total EDWOSB Certification The economically disadvantaged tier of WOSB. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

SBA Federal FBP service $1,250 2+ SBA certs · $2,000 total HUBZone Certification Leverage your location in an underutilized zone. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

SBA Federal FBP service $1,250 2+ SBA certs · $2,000 total Small Disadvantaged Business Signal disadvantaged status across the buying market. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

SBA Federal FBP service $1,250 2+ SBA certs · $2,000 total Small Business Self-Certification Set your size status correctly from day one. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

Veteran FBP service $1,250 2+ SBA certs · $2,000 total VOSB Certification Verified veteran ownership for federal work. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

Veteran FBP service $1,250 2+ SBA certs · $2,000 total SDVOSB Certification Service-disabled veteran set-asides, including VA. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

Supplier Diversity FBP service $995 MBE Certification Open doors with corporate and public buyers. View details

What it is

Why it matters

Eligibility

Common buyer use

What FBP helps with

Supplier Diversity FBP service $995 WBE Certification Women-owned recognition for diversity spend. View details

What it is