Newly approved Historically Under Utilized Business Zone (HUBZone) regulations have been enacted since December 26th 2019. EvereTech is currently an active HUBZone organization with experience providing successful Management and IT Professional Services throughout the Federal Government. 

A Brief Summary of the Changes have been listed below:

• HUBZone Residency Threshold: Threshold is 20% residency from contract performance (down from 35%)
• HUBZone Employee Grandfathering: "An employee who resided in a HUBZone for at least six months at the time of certification or recertification, and continues to reside in a HUBZone for at least six months thereafter, may continue to be considered a HUBZone resident so long as the individual is employed by the firm, even if he/she moves to a non-HUBZone area, or if the area of his/her residence loses HUBZone geographical eligibility."
• Easier HUBZone Maintenance throughout the Life of Contract Performance: "If a firm is a certified HUBZone small business at the time of its initial offer for a contract, it generally will be considered a HUBZone small business throughout the life of that contract.  HUBZone status will no longer be determined as of the time of award."

Summary of Ruling:
https://governmentcontracts.foxrothschild.com/2020/01/articles/hubzone/contractor-alert-new-year-new-hubzone-program-regulations/  

The Ruling:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/11/26/2019-24915/small-business-hubzone-program-and-government-contracting-programs   

EvereTech attended the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) Procurement Technical Assistant Center (PTAC) at the Norris Conference Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Business Matchmaking event was hosted by the UTSA PTAC and was well represented by local buyers such as the 502d CONS; Air Force Installation Contracting Center; Texas Department of Information Resources; City of San Antonio, Southwest Research Institute, UTSA, Univeristy of Texas at Austin, to name a few. 

Business Matchmaking Benefits
Meet a variety of prime contractors and government agencies to raise exposure and increase opportunities for small business clients.

• Meet and network with potential teaming partners
• Increase activities/contract opportunities within the SBDC PTAC service areas and 
• Match with prime contractors and agencies in the following industries:
  • Commodities
  • Information Technology
  • Professional Services/A&E
  • Transportation
  • Construction
  • Food & Beverage
  • Facility Management
  • Medical
  • Staffing

Diversifying the customer base is critical to ensure sustainability in an ever changing economy. However, most federal suppliers predominately support the federal market. Conversely, many state, local and county suppliers generally stay within their market area and rarely branch into the federal market. EvereTech previously fell into one of the categories, however, we made an effort and implemented it into a strategy to reach out to state, local and county governments to ensure they are aware about our capabilities. Many supplies and services transfer from agency to agency. My recommendation is for any business no matter what the size to look for other markets to expand into. Below I have included a to-do-list for respective companies looking to expand into either the federal government market and/or the state, local and county market. 


Entering the State, Local and County Government Market:

1. Reach out to local Small Business Administration Office / Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)*
2. Review City, State and County Economic Development Program / Website 
3.  Determine which National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) codes apply to business
4. Conduct analysis to determine how your organizations capabilities align with respective agencies objectives
5. Register for vendor list 
6. Participate in industry events 

Entering the Federal Government Market:

1. Reach out to local Small Business Administration Office / Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)*
2. Register with System for Award Management (SAM) 
3. Obtain a DUNS number from DUNS and Bradstreet
4. Review The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes to determine which apply to business
5. Conduct analysis on USASPENDING  to determine which government agencies purchase your goods/services
6. Register for Federal Business Opportunities (FBO.gov)
7. Register for vendor list
8. Participate in industry events