Getting Started Doing Business at Stennis Space Center

June 20, 2016

Here are the basics to become part of the procurement process at Stennis.

For general or routine supplies and services, the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET) recommends registering your company in the System for Award Management (SAM).

You’ll need a corporate tax ID and will have to select a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for your business. The website  will help you find the proper code.

MSET also recommends setting up a regular search on FedBizOpps to monitor the system for you. 

Business owners should visit the small business specialists, tech transfer specialists and prime contractor representatives at Stennis Space Center.

MSET maintains a Small Business Specialist List that is distributed at its networking events. “It contains a list of those people in federal agencies and local prime contractors to contact for additional information and/or to get on their vendor list,” said Laurie Jugan. “We never encourage ‘cold calls’ to these specialists. Instead, it is better to learn where a company’s product or service is needed, then contact those agencies or companies.” 

Jugan said MSET assists companies in figuring out the best specialists to contact. “If a company requires more information, or tailored information about an agency, company, or upcoming contract opportunity, then we ask them to join MSET’s Affiliate Program, where, for an annual fee, we provide assistance in Stennis’ business development,” she said.

MSET recommends small business owners to take the time to determine where their services or products are needed by reading the agency’s or contractor’s official website.  MSET also recommends setting up a meeting with the small business or technology transfer specialists at the organization and attending network events to learn about the missions and requirements of agencies and companies.

MSET cautions that doing business with the government and its contractors takes time to become familiar with the process. Start early, do your homework and have realistic expectations.