Dec 12, 2024
What is a UEI Number? Importance and How to Get a UEI Number?
For small businesses that wish to do business with the Federal government, they would require a unique identifier number for their business. This is known as the UEI. The government provides this number, which is similar to the tax ID number. This is of tremendous use in identifying the businesses that are eligible for receiving federal grants, awards, and contracts. The UEI number is optional for businesses that work exclusively with individual consumers and private companies. However, if the business plans to pursue contracts with the federal government, then the UEI will be required. Introduction of the UEI number for Federal contracts Businesses are required to obtain the UEI number to be eligible to access federal awards and grants. In April 2022, the federal government replaced its old identifier, namely the Data Universal Numbering System number or the DUNS, with the UEI. At present, all of the Integrated Award Environment Systems from the Federal government make use of the UEI numbers instead of the DUNS number. Thus, all the businesses and entities that wish to perform business with the federal government must register for their UEI. Difference Between the UEI and the DUNS Number The UEI is completely different from […]
Nov 19, 2024
What is Federal Government Micro Purchase Threshold: A Guide for Contractors
The Federal Government’s micro purchase threshold is $10,000, which means that authorized agencies can buy goods and services directly from contractors without having to go through a very competitive bidding process. The Micro purchase threshold is the lowest limit for Federal government purchases of commercial goods and services. Introduction to Micro Purchase Threshold Micro purchase refers to the acquisition of supplies and services with the help of simple acquisition procedures, the aggregate amount of which should not exceed the micro purchase threshold. Convenience checks will not be issued for an amount that is in excess of one-half of the micro purchase threshold under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures. There are, however, certain exceptions that are levied on the Micro Purchase Threshold of certain industries, which are as follows. Purpose of Micro Purchase Threshold The Micro Purchase Threshold is an important component in the process of Federal procurement. This is especially important for contractors and businesses that seek to collaborate and work with the Federal Government. The MPT or the micro purchase threshold refers to the maximum amount in dollars that the Federal agencies are able to spend without actually having to undergo the very elaborate and competitive bidding process and the […]
Oct 17, 2024
What is EPLS (Excluded Parties List System) and Its Role in Federal Contracting
The excluded parties list system is a database that the General Services Administration maintains. The GSA is an independent government agency established in 1949 to help manage Federal agencies. The main intention of the EPLS is to identify the suppliers and the vendors who were excluded from receiving the Federal contracts, certain contractors and some types of financial and non-financial Federal assistance. The EPLS Database The GSA maintained and updated the EPLS system until it was moved into a completely new database service called the System for Award Management. The new database combines several federal procurement systems and the catalog for Federal Domestic Assistance into one system. The federal government uses the EPLS database to identify and list the sanctioned companies and individuals that are debarred and prohibited from certain federal contracts, bid on contracts, and receive government contracts. Programs that receive Federal funds for the program should access SAM.gov to search and review the status of consultants, contractors, service providers, subcontractors, and vendors doing business with the Federal government. Distinct Features Between SAM and EPLS The General Services Administration has announced that it was migrating the data from the EPLS to the new and more comprehensive system of award […]