Small Business: SBA integrating vendor-tracking computer systems

Sam Jones is the regional administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Small Business Administration is taking a big step to simplify the way small businesses do business with the federal government. We are making changes in the Procurement Marketing and Access Network (PRO-Net) database by partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense, and its Defense e-Business Program Office to integrate PRO-Net and the Central Contractor Registration system.

The CCR is the primary vendor database for the Department of Defense, U.S Departments of Treasury and Transporta-tion, and NASA. It collects, validates, stores and disseminates data in support of agency missions and collects information needed for electronic funds transfer.

The CCR validates registrant's information and electronically shares the secure and encrypted data with federal agencies to facilitate paperless procurement and payment through electronic funds transfer.

Eventually, all firms doing business with the federal government will need to be registered in CCR in order to be paid. Firms are required to complete a one-time registration process to provide basic information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. Registration must be renewed annually.

Both current and potential vendors must register in CCR now to be awarded contracts, and to be paid by the above noted agencies. By the fall of 2003, vendor payments for all federal agencies will be made on the basis of electronic funds transfer information contained in CCR.

Firms can now register by going to the PRO-Net or CCR Web site. If the firm goes to the PRO-Net Web site, it will be automatically directed to the CCR database to enter information.

Three types of information will be captured: information that is unique to CCR (electronic funds transfer information), information that is common to both CCR and PRO-Net (firm demographic information), and information unique to PRO-Net (firm marketing information).

The PRO-Net system will continue to serve as a major marketing development tool for small businesses seeking to do business with the federal government and prime contractors. It will also continue to be an important marketing research tool for government contracting officers and commercial buyers seeking small business sources.

Finally, it will continue to be the authoritative source of certification information for 8(a) Business Development and HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Programs, and for Small Disadvantaged Business status.

During fiscal year 2003, SBA will further modify CCR/PRO-Net so that SBA will pass certification information for 8(a), HUBZone, and Small Disadvantaged Business programs from PRO-Net database to the CCR database.

Each firm should check its PRO-Net records and be sure that it contains a valid DUNS number. If a firm has multiple locations, it should have a valid DUNS numbers for each location.

If a firm does not have a DUNS number, it should contact Dun & Bradstreet Inc. to obtain the free nine-digit identification number. If a firm is currently registered in the CCR, then it will make all future PRO-Net profile updates to its CCR record. If a firm is not registered in CCR, it should visit the CCR website at www.CCR.gov to register immediately.

Don't let this opportunity for the possibility of more contracts slip by. Check your registration today!