How to do business with MSC

1. Identify your product or service

   It is essential to know the Federal Supply Class or Service FSC/SVC codes and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for your products or services.

2. Register your business

   • Obtain a DUNS Number
   • Register with Central Contractor Registration
   • Register with the MSC Master Vendor List

3. Identify your target market within MSC

4. Identify current MSC procurement opportunities

   Identify current procurement opportunities in your product or service area by checking the Federal Business Opportunities website or the MSC Procurement website, which can assist you in identifying MSC, as well as other Federal procurement opportunities.

5. Familiarize yourself with DoD contracting procedures

   Be familiar with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

6. Investigate GSA Schedule Program Contracts

   Many DoD purchases are, in fact, orders on GSA Schedule contracts. Contact the General Services Administration (GSA) for information on how to obtain a GSA Schedule contract.

7. Seek additional assistance as needed

   • Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) are located in most states and are partially funded by DoD to provide small business concerns with information on how to do business with the Department of Defense. They provide training and counseling on marketing, financial, and contracting issues at minimal or no cost.
   • Small Business Specialists (SBS) are located at each Navy buying activity and can provide assistance on how to market to the DoD.
   • DefenseLink provides links to the homepages of every DoD activity. This information can be invaluable in researching the DoD marketplace and identifying your target market.

8. Explore sub-contracting opportunities

   The SBA's Subcontracting Opportunities Directory is another valuable resource for obtaining information on subcontracting opportunities. Solicitations or notices are posted by prime contractors as well as other government, commercial, and educational entities.

9. Investigate Navy and DoD small business programs

   There are several programs that may be of interest to you, such as the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program, the Small Business Innovation Research Program, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions Program. Information on these and other programs are available on the Navy and DOD Office of Small Business Programs websites.

10. Market your firm well

    After you have identified your customers, researched their requirements, and familiarized yourself with DoD procurement regulations and strategies, it is time to market your product or service. Present your capabilities directly to the activities that buy your products or services. Realize that, like you, their time is valuable and if the match is a good one, you can provide them with a cost-effective, quality solution to their requirements.