Federal regulations require that women-owned small businesses (WOSB) have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in performing contracts awarded by any federal agency. The regulations direct federal agencies to reach out to women-owned small businesses and make sure that they understand the process and are offered contract opportunities. As of this writing, there were no specific preference programs in this area and no requirements for formal certification. The system still recognizes self-certification.

A list of resources specifically organized to offer support and tools for women-owned businesses and female entrepreneurs.

Traditionally, the government has used the federal acquisition process as a tool to implement and further its programs and initiatives for social and economic change, and this trend continues.

How much opportunity is there in doing business with the government? Some statistics from fiscal year 2005 will give you an idea of how much opportunity there is. (While Fiscal Year 2006 figures were not yet available, recent reports indicate that procurement spending continues to grow about 10 percent per year.)

One of the government requirements that primes must meet in order to be awarded a federal contract really works to generate a significant market for small business subcontractors.

The 8(a) Business Development Program, like the Small Disadvantaged Business Certification Program described above, is administered by SBA and designed to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy.

Now let's get a better picture of where the government spends its money.

What was so significant about FASA to the interests of small businesses? Here are some of the specific changes that this law made:

Find out the government's needs and specs. The first, and most important, sections you should review are Part I Section B (Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs) and Part IV Section L (Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors). These sections are crucial, so read them together carefully and check out the information to see whether this is a product or service that you can provide, and whether you comply with the requirements. Take notes!

One way to find bid leads is through FedBizOpps (http://www.fbo.gov), the official web site listing of all federal government contracting opportunities and awards over $25,000. Federal agencies are required by law to post their contracting opportunities over $25,000 here.