FedBizOpps is being retired over Veterans Day weekend 2019 and the functionality is being moved to SAM.gov starting on November 12, 2019. All federal procurements will be published under the “Contract Opportunities” tab on beta.SAM.gov. The site will have all of the same capabilities, with some new capabilities.
Companies should make sure their business development team and others that need information about new opportunities know about the change and have access to their SAM site.
Be aware that not all agencies may be moving opportunities to SAM. The FAA has announced that they will continue the use of their own contracting opportunities site, but now will use it exclusively.
The Transition
To ensure there is no gap in performance, make sure you prepare for the change ahead of time. We have listed available resources, offered by the GSA, at the end of this post.
The GSA has outlined the steps to be taken to ensure a smooth transition:
- Confirm FBO account details, such as username and password, roles and permissions, associated offices and any notices that are being watched and saved searches.
- Create your beta.SAM.gov account with a federal email through Login.gov.
- Request role/migrate legacy role. If an FBO.gov password was reset after Sept. 30, either request a role directly in beta.SAM.gov or wait to migrate the legacy role after launch on Nov. 12.
- Check out the beta.SAM.gov workspace and profile.
For vendors, here are the steps to take to ensure your watch lists and setting migrate properly:
- Confirm FBO account details such as what notices are being watched, what’s in the Search Agent, what attachments the account can access, and which vendor lists include the account.
- Create your beta.SAM.gov account through Login.gov with a business or federal email.
- No need for roles. The system will automatically give non-government users permission matching the legacy “vendor” role.
- Check out the new workspace, including the account’s profile, opportunities being followed and saved searches.
What’s the Reason?
All government-wide acquisition systems are being modernized and consolidated into one system–the System for Award Management (SAM). The aim is to improve security, data quality, and convenience for all Federal users. According to SAM.gov, “[It] will be the official U.S. government website for people who make, receive, and manage federal awards.”
This Integrated Award Environment (IAE) initiative is being spearheaded by the General Services Administration (GSA). The environment facilitates searching for, applying for, and tracking federal awards.
Alert the Press
Executives should engage their agencies’ acquisition groups and make sure they know how to hear about new opportunities after the switch. Don’t miss your agencies’ opportunities by not being aware of their new repository source.
Resources
Federal User Transition Quick Start Guide
Federal Administrator Transition Quick Start Guide