EDS Small Business Program
Marketing to EDS U.S. Government Solutions
Today, governments worldwide are challenged by increased citizen demand for service, combined with pressure to do more with less and to use electronic government channels to speed the delivery of services. These drivers - along with the growing need for government departments to function more securely and effectively - shape the reality facing governments at all levels.
EDS' primary objective is to enable governments to focus on their core missions and become more agile. Frequently this goal is achieved in collaboration with small business. EDS engages small business, not only as a government contracting requirement, but also in the spirit of good citizenship and growing America's economy. The end result is a win-win situation for all involved, while adding value to our government clients with innovative solutions.
In order to effectively collaborate with small businesses, EDS maintains the U.S. Government Solutions Small Business Office. The following information briefly outlines the process for small businesses to engage with EDS.
Pre-engagement Considerations
Prior to engaging EDS, be prepared to address the following points:
- Strong differentiation - The key to business success is a competitive advantage, which enables clear and meaningful differentiation of your offering. The same applies when working with EDS. You will be asked to provide a company presentation, capabilities document, white paper and/or other relevant documents to illustrate this point.
- Innovative Service/Product - Another important point is to demonstrate that your service or product is innovative. This will enable EDS to differentiate you from the competition.
- Federal, State or Local Government Experience - In the competitive IT market, EDS program managers are constantly seeking small businesses with experience within federal, state or local agencies. If your small business has an existing relationship within a government agency we support and can help EDS better serve this organization, be sure to highlight this in your presentation.
- New Leads - EDS encourages small businesses to search out new leads and opportunities and bring them forward.
- Start Early - The best way to get involved with EDS is at the front end of the procurement cycle. It is during the pre-solicitation phase that EDS looks for small businesses with an understanding of an agency's current environment, both technical- and sector-specific, as well as its management. The EDS U.S. Government Solutions team typically bids on full and open solicitations, concentrating on enterprise-wide solutions and/or infrastructure support.
There are several ways to investigate procurement opportunities. Some useful Web sites for this purpose are: www.dodbusopps.com; www.govcon.com; www.fedbizopps.gov; www.input.com and www.fedsources.com.
Please contact the EDS Small Business Office if you have any questions regarding the above information.
The Process
As a small business seeking opportunities in the federal marketplace, it is important to do the following:
- Obtain a DUNS number and register in the Centralized Contractor Registration (CCR) System.
If you do not have a DUNS number, contact Dun and Bradstreet (www.dnb.com) to obtain one. To register on the CCR go to www.ccr.gov. CCR is a database designed to hold information relevant to procurement and financial transactions as it pertains to DOD.
- Register for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Dynamic Small Business Search at www.ccr.gov.
The SBA manages the Dynamic Small Business Search database of small business concerns. The Dynamic Small Business Search database is an Internet-based database for and about small businesses used by federal government buying offices as well as many large DoD prime contractors.
- Register on the EDS U.S. Government Solutions Small Business site, following the steps detailed below.
Registering on this site is important since it allows EDS to search for teaming partners with skill sets matching our requirements as new opportunities arise.
Register With EDS
- To begin, select "Register your Company" below.
- Once registered, your small business information will be available for EDS business teams to search as new business and teaming opportunities arise.
- Be sure to save your password so you can update your capabilities and business information.
(Initial Registration)
Please note that completion of the registration form is for informational purposes only and in no way constitutes an agreement or an intent to enter into an agreement with EDS.