Frequently Used Websites in Doing Business with the Government

We at the Arkansas Procurement Assistance Center understand it can be overwhelming breaking into the government marketplace. Keeping all the different websites, usernames and passwords separate can be difficult. Here are some resources that can help alleviate the confusion, including some popular basic websites business owners use to get started.

Arkansas Secretary of the State - www.sos.arkansas.gov/
If your business is set up as an LLC or INC, you will need to register with the Arkansas Secretary of the State. Sole proprietors do not need to be registered with the Secretary of the State. However, if you are a sole proprietor but want to keep your business taxes separate from your personal taxes, then you will need to register your DBA (Doing Business As) with the Secretary of State. Example: Jane Doe DBA Doe Lawn Services.

Dun & Bradstreet iUpdate - https://iupdate.dnb.com

Website for businesses to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number which is required to register with the federal government for grants and contracts. The 9 Digit number is required for all government projects.

IRS EIN - www.irs.gov  
This is the Internal Revenue Service website to apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN). You will need an EIN if your business is set up as an LLC or INC. Sole proprietors do not need an EIN. If you chose to be a sole proprietor but want to keep your business taxes separate from your personal taxes, then you may apply for an EIN for your DBA (Doing Business As). 

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) -  ww.census.gov/eos/www/naicsThese 6 digit numbers represent the type of business you are in. Examples: Construction – 236220, Landscaping - 561730, Janitorial - 561720

System for Award Management (SAM) - www.sam.gov

SAM is the registration portal for all businesses seeking to be vendors or to obtain grants with the federal government. This process is free.

FEDBIZOPPS - www.fbo.gov 
Use this General Services Administration website to search for federal bid opportunities over $25,000.

North America Procurement Council (NAPC) - http://napc.pro/ 
Various bid sites for state and local opportunities. 

State of Arkansas bids - www.state.ar.us/dfa/procurement/bids/index.php and  www.arkansasbids.com/
Search these sites for bidding opportunities in Arkansas, including on the state and county level.

Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Vendor Registration - www.ark.org/vendor 
Registration is required to do business with the State of Arkansas.

On our APAC website, you can find more helpful information under the resources tab. If you need help navigating through the websites or have any questions, give us a call at 501-671-2390.