The first step would be to join AFCEA (if you haven’t already done so) then make reservations to attend monthly chapter luncheons and other functions.   AFCEA provides a powerful networking forum for businesses of all sizes and capabilities.   Many prime contractors such as SAIC, CSC, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and the like are looking to partner / team with Small Business organizations.   Take advantage of the opportunity to meet the individuals of these and many other organizations and start building your business relationships.

For more information on Chapter Small Business activities, contact Leslie Chism, Small Business Committee Chair at leslie.chism@clrgroup.com CLR Group Ltd - 618-624-6799 or Ralph Thompson, Small Business Committee Co-Chair at rthompson@mindsafety.com   MSM, LLC - 314-436-3233. 

The second step to having success, as a vendor partner, is to investigate if your organization has the capabilities for products and/or services to obtain a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS).   This is not a simple task to accomplish and work will be needed by the organization in order to secure a government vehicle.

In addition to participating at the Chapter-level, AFCEA International Headquarters also has a Small Business Committee that regularly meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.   Most meetings feature an hour-long speaker presentation on various topics of interest to Small Businesses.   AFCEA members are welcome to dial-in to listen to these informative presentations or view the presentation materials after the meeting on the AFCEA International Small Business Committee site. For more information about the AFCEA International Small Business Committee or to be added to the HQ email distribution list and receive announcements of AFEA International Small Business activities, please contact Tammy Goehring, Small Business Program Coordinator at tgoehring@afcea.org or (703) 631-6119.

Some government procurement vehicles include the following:

• General Services Administration (GSA) 
  
• Treasury Department / FedSource 
  
• National Institute of Health (NIH) 
  
• National Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center (NITACC) www.nitaac.nih.gov

If your organization meets the criteria for an FSS you or an outside entity can prepare the paperwork (please note that the process can take 6 to 24 months).  
 
These options include:

• Contacting EZ GSA in Washington D.C. 
  
• Contact Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), Richard Fyke at (314) 621-7280. 
  
• Contacting the local Contracting Officer, Mara E. Shultz, at GSA in Fairview Heights, IL at (618) 398-4929.

Familiarize the organization with contracting procedures Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) (www.arnet.gov/far).

Identify current procurement opportunities in your product or service area by checking the electronic version of the Commerce Business Daily (CBD) (cbdnet.access.gpo.gov) and the Federal Business Opportunities website (www.fedbizopps.gov).

Obtain a DUNS Number.

Review and select your SIC and NAICS codes.

Register your company's capabilities on the various web sites, especially, PRO-Net and CCR.   You will need to have your DUNS number, Federal Tax ID number and your SIC / NAICS codes to complete your registration.

If your business is Woman-Owned, Small Disadvantaged, Minority, Veteran owned, or a HUB Zone, work toward all your certifications. You will have a better chance for success because there is a percentage of business that is set aside for businesses with these certifications.   These certifications also make you a more attractive teaming partner for larger companies that are pursuing business opportunities.

There are a variety of seminars in Washington DC to attend.   You can find them on the AFCEA International web site.   Choose one or several that match your companies’ products and start networking.   Some companies offer a Mentor Protégéé program.   Find out how your company can become part of their program.

If your organization does not have an FSS there are still ways of marketing to the Federal Government at Scott Air Force Base, including several Contracting Officers with which you can discuss your organizational capabilities. 
 
Mr. Rodney DeaVault 
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) 
Deputy for Small Business Programs 
2300 East Drive, Building 3600 (AQS) 
Scott AFB, IL   62225-5406 
(618) 229-9106 office 
deavault@scott.disa.mil 
 
Ms. Catherine M. Simpson 
Air Mobility Command (AMC) 
Contracting Flight (CONF) 
507 Symington Drive, Room W202 
Scott AFB, IL   62225-5015 
(618) 256-9960 office 
Cathy.Simpson@scott.af.mil 
 
Mr. Edwin Beussink 
Air Mobility Command 
Director of Small Business 
402 Scott Drive, Unit 3L3 
Scott AFB, IL   62225 
(618) 229-4379 office

There are also a variety of business development companies available that are willing to work as a "Government Contractor" to assist with growing your business.   However, they do charge premium prices for services rendered.