Where can I find stimulus projects? The best source for identifying stimulus projects is at two main locations: The first site is a federal website. The second website is a link to federal stimulus projects within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This same website can be used for other states as well. Just change the state designation from PA to the abbreviation for the state you are looking at for stimulus projects. Other options for locating stimulus projects would be through federal agencies that manage their own projects through the federal stimulus program. Those agencies would be: This information can be obtained through agency supplements from the federal stimulus bill located at www.fedaccess.com/agency-supplements.htm. Once you access this supplement information look for: Stimulus funding for infrastructure projects is available but the big question is how to find it. This article will help contractors with two key questions regarding stimulus projects:
- DFARS – Department of Defense
- AFARS – Department of the Army
- EFARS – Engineers
Other areas to turn to would be through the Small Business Administration (SBA) (www.sba.gov). The stimulus bill was developed to provide opportunities to small contractors to complete maintenance and infrastructure work throughout the United States. The stimulus bill has a number of small business “set asides” to allow for smaller contractors to bid on stimulus projects. The small business “set aside” requirements are based upon the following as established in 13 CFR Section 121:
- Size – Based upon gross revenues. Important for qualification as a small business.
- Number of Employees
- NAICS code
Other “set aside” options found in 13 CFR Sections 121 through 127 are
- 8(a) set aside programs
- Mentor or protégé programs
- Service Disabled Veteran Owned businesses
- HUB Zone
- Woman Owned businesses
What is required of me, the contractor, to apply for stimulus work?
All interested contractors who want to bid on federal stimulus projects must complete the following in the order as outlined:
Step 1 - Register as a contractor and qualifying business through the Business Partners Network at www.bpn.com
Step 2 - Register as a contractor and qualifying business at www.federalreporting.gov.
When registering with the Business Partners Network be sure to have available your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and information on Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT) as all stimulus projects are paid to the contractor through EFT. The Business Partners Network will also require registration with Central Contractors Regulations (CCR) and Online Reporting and Certification Applications.
If you are filing under the SBA for one of the many “set aside” opportunities you will need to complete these additional steps:
1. Determine your company size and NAICS code
2. Determine eligibility for disadvantaged business status
3. Certify where required
a. www.sba.gov
b. www.dbs.gov
4. Register with CCR
In total, there is much more to the process or qualifying for federal stimulus projects then the bidding process. Knowing the requirements of the federal and participating state governments will allow for contractors to gain an advantage in regards to obtaining stimulus projects. If you would like more information on this please feel free to contact David Blain at dblain@macpas.com.
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