Working with the government can be a completely new experience for some people. The government uses terminology and acronyms that isn’t general knowledge to most. The terms may not matter to you, but they do matter to contracting officials. Learning the terminology and acronyms that are commonly used is important when becoming successful in obtaining a contract. Understanding the government and what it does is important because it will make working with them a lot easier in the long haul.
A great way to learn the processes and terms that the government uses is reading about The Office of Small Business Utilization (OSBU). It contains a glossary of the more common terms and training that will help your company be successful while working with the government.
A few common acronyms that are used daily are DUNS, eMod, SIN, and SDVOSB. These terms may seem overwhelming, but when they are broken down they are a lot easier to understand. A DUNS number is obtained to be able to pursue a GSA Schedule contract to sell through GSA to customer agencies. You can receive a DUNS number by applying through Dun and Bradstreet, you cannot purchase through the GSA without one. If you feel the need to make changes to your contract, such as adding new goods or services, eMod is a system that allows you to do so. A Special Item Number (SIN) is used to put similar products into categories within schedules, this makes the acquisition process easier. SDVOSB stands for service disabled veteran owned small business, this is a socioeconomic designation that can give you many more opportunities through set-asides. A few more examples would be women owned small business, 8a business development, and HUBZone. These certifications are approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
