- Text Size
-
-
External Resources
Federal Agencies
Federal Acquisition Regulations
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the principle set of rules in the Federal Acquisition Regulation System. This system consists of a set of regulations issued by agencies of the Federal Government of the United States to govern what is called the "acquisition process"; this is the process through which the government purchases goods and services.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Serves as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) advocate, to assist and support the interests of small businesses with services including:
- Monthly business counseling sessions
- Subcontracting program
- Small, disadvantaged business program
- Women-owned business program
- Veteran-owned and operated small business program
- Vocational rehabilitation and employment programs
Contact Information:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
Gary Cooper
4100 E. Mississippi Ave., Suite 510
Glendale, CO 80246
Gary.Cooper@VA.gov
(303) 691-6556
U.S. Department of Defense: Office of Small Business Programs
Advises the Secretary of Defense on all matters related to small business and is committed to maximizing the contributions of small business in DoD acquisitions through various small business services and programs including service-disabled veteran-owned small business programs to improve access to prime and subcontracting opportunities.
Contact Information:
Colorado PTAC
6 S. Tejon Street, Suite 850
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 434-3470
info@ColoradoPTAC.org
U.S. General Services Administration: Office of Small Business Utilization
Advocates for small, disadvantaged, veteran, service disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone and women business owners for increased access to GSA’s nationwide procurement opportunities with services including:
- Procurement networking sessions
- Marketing strategies and techniques workshops
- Electronic commerce/electronic data interchange
- Interagency networking breakfasts
- Trade missions
- Roundtables
- Procurement conferences
- Mentor-Protégé Program (GSA Prime Contractor Small Business Assistance program)
- Veterans Technical Services (Support Veterans First Buying Authority)
Contact Information:
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20405
small.business@gsa.gov
(202) 501-1021
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Center for Veterans Enterprise
Provides free professional development and business resources, minimizes access barriers and promotes the benefits of working with veteran-owned businesses to the public with services including:
- Comprehensive veteran small business information Web Portal
- Large veteran-owned small business database
- Toll-free business and procurement coaching support
- Delivery service of FedBizOpps notices and notices from VA’s Forecast of Contracting Opportunities
- Program pages database to aid in the search of multidiscipline business specialists.
- Electronic business owner’s toolkit
- Customized market research reports
- Customized awareness briefings and community outreach programs
- Awards and recognition programs
- Business trend reports
- Veteran franchise support through VetFran program
Contact Information:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Center for Veterans Enterprise
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
Toll-Free Helpline: (866) 584-2344
(202) 303-3260
Fax: (202) 254-0238
vacve@va.gov
American Corporate Partners
Offers a nationwide mentoring program dedicated to helping veterans transition from the armed services to private enterprise through career counseling and networking with services including:
- Mentor-Protégé matching service
- One-year mentoring commitment on behalf of corporate mentor
- Build relationships and expand network of professional contacts
- Interviewing, writing, communication, and managerial skills coaching
- Building program around specific needs of protégé
- E-mentoring program for those matches which require long-distance travel
- IBM’s SME small business toolkit offered FREE to
- participating veteran protégés
Contact Information:
400 Madison Ave., Suite 7A
New York, NY 10017
info@acp-usa.org
Federal Business Opportunities
Federally administered website which provides a search engine allowing for veteran, small business owners to search for federal contracting opportunities.
Contact Information:
Phone (Toll Free): 1 (866) 606-8220
U.S. Department of the Air Force: Small Business
http://www.selltoairforce.org/
Provides Air Force contract opportunities to small businesses, with preference given to minority and veteran owned small business owners with services including:
Access to Manufacturing Technical Assistance Production program (Technical and managerial assistance to small businesses)
- Access to the Air Force Small Business Division’s outreach programs
- Mentor-Protégé Program
- Access to research and development funding for small businesses concentrated on technological development via Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs
- Access to regional small business assistance specialists
- Resources provided to search for small business contract opportunities
Contact Information:
U.S. Air Force Academy
Mr. Robert Reyes
Director, Small Business
Phone: (719) 333-4561
Fax: (719) 333-3910
U.S. Department of the Army: Office of Small Business Programs
The Army's OSBP intends to bring faster, more efficient information on Army forecasted procurement opportunities, thereby providing the business community adequate time to develop business strategies. Army OSBP also seeks to ensure that every small business concern and HBCU/MI that wishes to do business with the Army has the necessary knowledge about the program and tools to successfully participate either as a prime contractor or a subcontractor.
- Mentor-Protege Program (Prime Contractor Assistance Program)
- Veteran-Owned/Service-Disabled Program (Increased Exposure to Prime and Subcontracting Opportunities)
- Host and Support Procurement Conferences
- Small Disadvantaged Business Assistance
Contact Information:
U.S. Army Contracting Agency
Ms. Sarah Mehlenbeck
Phone: (719) 526-6624
sarah.mehlenbeck@us.army.mil
U.S. Department of Navy: Office of Small Business Programs
http://www.donhq.navy.mil/OSBP/
Offers service disabled veteran-owned small businesses, historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses and women-owned small businesses the opportunity to participate in the Department of Navy’s acquisition program both as prime contractors and subcontractors with services including:
- Use of integrated systems and professional management tools to pursue innovative solutions in support of the small business programs
- Facilitation of communication and networking between Navy’s acquisition team and small businesses
- Access to regional small business specialists for consulting opportunities for small business owners
- Access to the Navy’s OSBP outreach programs
- Mentor-Protégé Program
- Access to research and development funding for small businesses concentrated on technological development via Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs
- Access to Department of Navy contracting opportunities
Contact Information:
Office of Small Business Programs
720 Kennon Street, SE
Building 36, Room 207
Washington, DC 20374-5015
(202) 685-6485
Fax: (202) 685-6865
United States Coast Guard: Acquisition Directorate
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg9/business/smallbusiness.asp
Provides practicable opportunities in contract acquisitions to small business, veteran-owned small business, service disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business and women owned small business concerns with services including:
- Access for small businesses to U.S. Coast Guard contracting opportunities
- Sponsorship of vendor outreach sessions for small business owners
- Access to small business specialists via outreach sessions
- Mentor-Protégé Program
- Access to research and development funding for small businesses concentrated on technological development via Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs
Contact Information:
Sara Marcheggiani
(202) 475-3746
Fax: (202) 475-3905
Sara.H.Marcheggiani@uscg.mil
Business.Gov
Business.gov is the US Government's official website for small businesses. Business.gov provides small business owners with information and resources they need to comply with laws and regulations, and to take advantage of government programs and services to help them start, expand, and run their businesses. Business.gov is the only government service to provide access to Federal, state, and local government from a single website. Small business owners no longer need to visit multiple websites to find forms, contact info, guidance with laws and regulations, and help applying for government assistance programs.
- Hosts government sponsored small-business owner on-line community forum which serves as a member-supported information clearinghouse
- Offers a business search engine which scans small-business information at federal, state, and local levels of government
- Email updates on current happening related to small businesses
- Unique online search tool for loans and grants which provides links and information pertaining to loans and grants available to small businesses
- Online search tool for licenses and permits which can provide information regarding necessary licenses and permits required for your business at both the state and local level
- Comprehensive online small-business resource guides ranging from start-up guides to finance and tax guides
- Small business videos online
- Gadgets which allow you to embed government information on your own website or iGoogle homepage
National Resource Directory (NRD)
http://www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov
Gives access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration for service members, veterans, wounded warriors and their families and caregivers by supplying helpful links to veteran-specific resources concerning benefits and compensation, education and training, employment, family and caregiver support, health, homeless assistance, housing, transportation and travel.
Contact Information:
Technical Issues: info@nationalresourcedirectory.gov
Questions about Department of Defense programs: wwrc@militaryonesource.com or 1 (800) 342-9647
Questions about Veteran’s Affairs: 1 (800) 827-1000
BUZGate.org
BUZGate.org provides an easy-to-use robust gateway to business mentors, information, goods, and services tailored to supporting small business start-up, growth, and profitability. BUZGate.org provides a reliable, trusted network where users can build knowledge and establish productive business-to-business relationships. Website content focuses on educating individuals about thousands of free and low-cost public assistance programs and productivity-enhancing business solutions that exist to support their entrepreneurial progress.
- Small and mid-sized business assistance resource search engine
- Information pertaining to almost all small-business best practices
- Links to informative sites regarding all the facets of start-up assistance for small-businesses
- Resources that aim to assist small-business owners continue to grow their business after the start-up stage
- Information regarding traditional and alternative ways to finance your business and obtain funding
- Training opportunities ranging from general to industry-specific training
- Networking resources
- Comprehensive small business success system
Contact Information:
c/o PO Box 219
E. Kingston, NH 03827
Integrated Acquisition Environment (IAE): Business Development
www.acquisition.gov/for_sellers.asp
IAE's federal website allows for easier access to government contract opportunities for American businesses.
- Registration on IAE database
- Search capabilities for business opportunities by product, service, agency, or location
- Sign up opportunities on Interested Vendors lists
- Ability to request email notification of solicitations based on specific criteria
- Access to reports on federal contract actions over $2,500
Troops to Teachers (TTT)
The purpose of TTT is to assist eligible military personnel to transition into a new career as a public school teacher in "high -need" schools. A network of State TTT offices have been established to provide participants with counseling and assistance regarding certification requirements, routes to state certification, and employment leads.
- Individual counseling: Staff develops a customized plan for individuals to help them reach their teaching goals. This includes providing information on how to become a teacher in a designated state.
- Financial Support: For participants that qualify, up to $10,000 is available in financial assistance
- Teaching licensure/certification and preparatory programs for: CA, CO, HI, KS, NE, NV, NM, UT
- Comprehensive placement assistance (job listings, network building, and interview preparation)
Contact Information:
Mountain Pacific Troops to Teachers, Forster House
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
1-800-438-6851
Where in Federal Contracting?
Wifcon.com serves the federal acquisition community by providing quick access to acquisition information such as contracting laws and pending legislation, current and proposed regulations, guidance, courts and boards of contact appeals, bid protest decisions, contracting newsletters, and selected analysis of federal acquisitions issues.
Contact Information:
Wifcon.com LLC
Box 81
Nottingham, PA 19362-0081
contact@wifcon.com
U.S Small Business Administration: Office of Veterans Business Development (SBA)
Serves as a liaison with the veterans business community; performs policy analysis and reporting; acts as an Ombudsman for veterans in SBA programs; provides business training, counseling, and assistance; and oversees the Federal procurement programs for veteran and service disabled veteran-owned small businesses with services including:
- Regional Veteran’s Business Outreach Programs (VBOP) designed to provide entrepreneurial development services
- Patriot Express Loan Program designed exclusively for use by all veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs for access to loan capital
- Possibility of deferral for loan repayment, reduction in the interest rate, and other credit/financial assistance available to National Guard and reservists
- Commercial Market Representatives (CMR) to assist small businesses in obtaining subcontracts by marketing small businesses and matching them with large prime contractors
- Procurement Center Representatives (PCR) to review and evaluate the small business programs of federal agencies and assist small businesses in obtaining federal contracts and subcontracts
- Central Contractor Registration (CCR), the search engine for government contracting officers, a marketing tool for small firms, and a link to procurement opportunities and important information
- Access to SUB-Net to search for subcontracting opportunities
- Tech-Net, an electronic gateway of technology information and resources for and about small high-tech businesses
- HUBzone Empowerment Contracting Program that provides federal contracting opportunities for qualified small businesses located in distressed areas
- Conducts and oversees SBA Mentor-Protégé Program
- Provision of free online training courses
- Access to women’s specific small business resources via SBA’s: Office of Women’s Business Ownership
Contact Information:
SBA-Colorado District Office
721 19th Street, Suite 426
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-2607
Non-Profit Organizations
ChangeCorp: for Veteran Entrepreneurs
Assists veteran small business owners in the operation of their business. Also serves as a startup resource for those veterans looking to begin their own small business venture. The information contributed by the online community of veteran small business owner’s allows for the constant rating and revision of those small business resources as offered on the website.
Contact Information:
Web site support questions/improvements should be directed to: webmaster@changecollective.net
National Economic Opportunity Fund (NEOF)
Supports financial products and resources for small businesses in low-income areas. Particular respect is paid to those service disabled veterans who seek to develop a business with the aim of improving the status of his/her local community. Expanded business opportunities have become available through the NEOF for veteran small business owners owing to a recent agreement between NEOF and the Veterans Corporation.
Contact Information:
(901) 301-3085
Fax: (901) 284-2871
jmingey@neof.com
Wounded Warrior Project
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Dedicated to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members with services including:
- TRACK Program that offers participants a range of college classes and services at no cost customized to their needs, helping them build career skills, train in veterans’ advocacy and continue recovery toward a more independent life
- Assistance in application and entrance into Transition Training Academy (TTA) that helps participants explore Information Technology (IT) as a potential career field and to develop new career skills
- Warriors to Work Program (WWP) that helps individuals recovering from severe injuries received in the line of duty connect with the support and resources they need to build a career in the civilian workforce
- Benefits counseling, caregiver support and peer mentoring
Contact Information:
Wounded Warrior Project
7020 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 100
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 296-7350
Fax: (904) 296-7347
MilitaryConnection.com
http://www.militaryconnection.com
A comprehensive online directory for military, veterans, and their family members with areas of focus including employment and job resources, education and Post-9/11 GI Bill information, scholarships, benefits, pay charts and news.
Contact Information:
250 E. Easy Street, Suite 4
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Phone (toll-free): 1 (800) 817-3777
The Veterans Corporation
The National Veterans Business Development Corporation (also known as The Veterans Corporation and "TVC") was established by Congress under Public Law 106-50 to expand the provision of and improve access to technical assistance regarding entrepreneurship for veterans. TVC works with and organizes public and private resources and the business development staff of each Federal department and assists veterans and service-disabled veterans with start-up and expansion of small businesses.
- Application for access to venture capital for veteran small businesses
- Operates a member community forum from which small business owners can ask or seek information regarding how to run a small business
- On-line support for small business owners
- Links to organizations dedicated to the assistance of veteran owned small businesses
Contact Information:
National Veterans Business Development Center
PO Box 220
202-349-0860
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE): Counselor's to America's Small Business
SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small business start, grow, and succeed nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the US Small Business Administration (SBA).
- Mentor pairing program
- Small business counseling workshops (Physical and on-line)
- Provision of Business eNewsletters
- Small business downloadable podcasts
- Quizzes used to gauge performance and expand knowledge of how to run you business
- Templates of common business forms
- Resource links
Contact Information:
Denver SCORE
US Custom's House, SBA
721 19th Street, Suite 426
Denver, CO 80202-2517
303-844-3985
The Abilities Fund
The Abilities Fund is the first nationwide nonprofit community developer and financial institution focused exclusively on expanding entrepreneurial opportunities, including access to capital, for people with disabilities.
- Financial products
- Training
- Technical assistance services
Contact Information:
Nebraska Office
1-877-518-0802
Iowa Office
1-888-222-8943
Washing DC Office
202-885-9438
State Agencies
Colorado Dept. of Labor and Employment: Division of Veteran’s Services (CODVS)
http://www.coworkforce.com/vet/
Assists military veterans in transitioning from the military to the civilian sector by offering services to help transform veterans’ military experience into experience which can be successfully applied in the civilian sector, with specific regard to employment assistance. Services include:
- Licensing and certification programs for transitioning veterans
- Access to job market search resources and labor market information
- Workers registration on Colorado employment database
- Information concerning veteran’s benefits and entitlements
- Links to veterans family assistance resources
- Information on VA medical centers and locations
- Access to veteran news sources and publications
- Contact information regarding state veterans service organizations
- Information and access to resources specific to women veterans
- Information on reserves/national guard
Contact Information:
Denver Office of Economic Development
1391 N. Speer Blvd., #500
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-5612
Fax: (720) 865-5685
TDD: (720) 865-5636
State of Colorado: Colorado Veteran’s Resource Directory (CVR)
CVR is an online partnership of “shared care” providing information and access to services and resources for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, their families and families of the fallen, and those who support them from recovery and rehabilitation to community reintegration. Services include information and resources on:
- Veteran’s benefits and compensation
- Education, training and employment programs, at both the national and federal level
- Access to job bank search engines, career counseling services and locations, small business startup assistance and military to civilian skill transfer assistance
- Family support programs, child care services, child and youth programs, counseling and support groups Medical care, psychological and behavioral conditions, treatment and support groups
- Auto and housing grants and loans, home purchasing, rentals, renovation and assistive adaptations
- Resources focused on financial and legal support, recreational programs, assistive technology and research
- Updates on veterans related events in and around Colorado
Contact Information:
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
633 17th St, Suite 1200
Denver, CO, 80202
(303) 318-8000
Veteran.Resources@state.co.us
Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: Division of Veterans Affairs (CODVA)
Assists veterans and their family members and survivors in securing any benefits they may be entitled to because of service in the military, and serves as a central source of information on veterans’ benefits, rights and issues by providing information concerning and access to the Veteran’s Trust Fund and links to veteran resources.
Contact Information:
Division of Veterans Affairs Office
7465 East 1st Ave, Unit C
Denver, CO 80230
(303) 343-1268
Fax: (303) 343-7238
VeteranOwnedBusiness.com: Colorado Directory
http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/co
A free registry for all Colorado veteran-owned and voluntarily registered businesses that assists in marketing veteran-owned small businesses to a larger market within Colorado.
Contact Information:
Phone (Toll Free): (877) VOB-LIST
All other inquiries should be directed through the website: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/contact.php
Veterans Green Jobs
Provides green jobs education, transition support and career and enterprise development opportunities for military veterans, empowering and supporting them to lead America’s transition to energy independence, ecological restoration, community renewal and economic prosperity. Services include:
- Job training to veterans in ‘green’ skill-sets
- Job opportunities largely concentrated in the San Luis Valley and Denver and Jefferson Counties
- Low cost weatherization services to the San Luis Valley and greater Denver and Jefferson counties using green-trained, certified veteran employees and funding support via the Governor’s Energy Office
Contact Information:
Veterans Green Jobs
2627 W. 6th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
Phone (Toll Free): (866) 984-8452
(720) 236-1300
Colorado VA Hospital Project Links
www.denver.va.gov/projecteagle/
The above links provide information and resources about the new Veterans Administration Medical Center. Project progress, identifying subcontracting opportunities, and counseling and training opportunities for Colorado Veteran-owned companies can found by following the links.
Colorado Lending Source (CLS)
Colorado Lending Source is a private, nonprofit, economic development organization with a mission to foster the economic growth of diverse small businesses within our communities.
- Process, administer, and service SBA 504 loans under both the Accredited Lender Program (APL) and the Preferred Certified Lender Program (PCLP)
- Offer SBA 7(a) packaging services in order to provide smaller lending institutions, who may not have SBA personnel on staff, better access to valuable loan programs.
- Provide partner bank lenders and borrowers with efficient and expedited loan processing, closing, and servicing assistance.
Contact Information:
Colorado Lending Source
518 17th Street, Suite 1800
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-657-0010
info@coloradolendingsource.org
Accion
Accion's goal is to increase access to business credit, make loans, and provide training to help emerging and existing entrepreneurs realize their dreams.
- Financial planning support (credit counseling and coaching, financial literacy training, etc...)
- Business Operation Information (basic legal tips, basic tax tips, business plan writing assistance, etc...)
- Community networking assistance
- Client business promotion
Contact Information:
Accion Colorado
PO Box 181367
Denver, CO 80218
Phone: 303-904-9362
accion@accionco.org
Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute (RMMFI)
RMMFI is a non-profit organization serving the needs of Community Entrepeneurs to foster growth within Denver communities. RMMFI's brand of microfinance combines affordable and accesible business development services and flexible microloans in a effort to support an entrepreneur in creating economic self-sufficiency through business ownership.
Contact Information:
Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute
5350 Leetsdale Dr., Suite G-120
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 720-941-5037
Veteran Verification Program
Department of Veterans Affairs - Verification Program
www4.va.gov/vetbiz/vip/verify.htm
Business Venture Funds
OEDIT Business Venture Funds Resources List
www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/OEDIT/OEDIT/1167928017304
Government Acronyms
Follow the links below to find out what government acronyms stand for:
www.cms.gov/apps/acronyms/listall.asp?Letter=ALL
www.onvia.com/b2g-resources/article/guide-to-government-acronyms
usgovinfo.about.com/od/acronyms/Government_Acronyms_and_Abbreviations.htm
The Colorado Small Business Development Network is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any of the co-sponsors’ or participants’ opinions products or services. The Colorado SBDC is a partnership between the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Colorado’s institutions of higher education and local development organizations.
©
State of Colorado 