Doing business with GCS involves navigating federal processes to provide goods or services that align with the priorities of ACF. To engage with ACF, businesses typically follow the procurement procedures established by GCS, which may include responding to requests for proposals (RFPs) and adhering to federal contracting regulations. Familiarity with ACF’s programs and priorities is crucial for aligning your offerings with the agency’s needs and requirements.
There are many resources available to help you find forecasted contract opportunities with ACF:
- System for Award Management (SAM.Gov) - Use this system to search for opportunities such as pre-solicitation, solicitation, award, and sole source notices.
- Small Business Customer Experience (SBCX) Forecast Opportunities - Search and filter ACF contract opportunities that might become available for small businesses.
- Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) - Use this real-time database to find government contracting transactions.
How to Do Business with GCS
If your business wants to conduct business with ACF, there are a few steps to complete before you can compete for GCS contracts.
Step 1: Register
- Register in the System for Award Management (SAM)
- Register within the HHS Small Business Directory (SBCX)
- Check if you qualify as a small business for government contracting purposes on the U.S. Small Business Administration website (SBA)
Step 2. Get Your Codes
- Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
Step 3. Learn how GCS does business
- Identify your good/service and potential customer
- Familiarize your company with most common procurements and frequently used NAICs codes
- Maintain compliance with contracting regulations
Step 4. Identify contracting opportunities
There are several ways you can identify contracting opportunities with GCS:
- Find contracting opportunities at SAM.Gov
- Search the FPDS database
- Explore HHS Forecast Opportunities
- Check the grants section for grant opportunities
- Attend our HHS Vendor Engagement Sessions and other upcoming small business events
Step 5. Make an Impression
- Create a capability statement. This is your business resume!
- Tips on writing an effective capability statement
- Visit your nearest PTAC or SBDC for assistance
Step 6. Leverage Small Business Resources
- Leverage Contracting Assistance Programs
- Attend and OSDBU Vendor Engagement Session
- Engage ACF/GCS Small Business Specialists
Need assistance navigating the ACF procurement process?
Our small business specialists are here to help you understand the various regulations, policies, and procedures in federal contracting:
ACF Small Business Specialist
- Natasha Boyce. Email: Natasha.Boyce@acf.hhs.gov
GCS Small Business Specialists
- Demetrius Kittrell. Email: Demetrius.Kittrell@acf.hhs.gov
- Christine Haber. Email: Christine.Haber@acf.hhs.gov
Unsolicited Proposals
Vendors often propose unique ideas or approaches to help federal agencies achieve their missions. They do so with intent to secure a contract for research and development or other efforts supporting an agency's mission. Unsolicited proposals often represent a large investment of time and effort by the offeror.
Vendors should use the unsolicited proposals form to propose unique ideas or approaches that can help ACF accomplish its mission.
Unsolicited proposals are submitted to: ACF-OGCSAcquisitionPolicies@acf.hhs.gov