B2B Matchmaking

B2B Matchmaking: Meet With Government Agencies at the Summit!

About B2B National Procurement Matchmaking:

B2B Procurement Matchmaking, hosted by The Latino Coalition, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, during America’s Small Business Summit.

B2B National Procurement Matchmaking will connect Summit attendees with procurement officers from government agencies and Fortune 500 companies to discuss small business procurement opportunities. All Summit registrants are invited to participate, although you must have a DUNS number. Click here to register.

Thank you to those who participated in our conference call to learn more about B2B Matchmaking. If you weren't able to join us, please be sure to check out the recording of the call.

Eligibility for Participation

Due to the fast track nature of this program, we must ensure that each participant is qualified to do business with government agencies and corporations. For this reason, participating small businesses must meet the following qualifications in order to participate. Small business participants will be asked to verify this information at the time of matchmaking registration. Note: Summit registration is required before registering for matchmaking.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED:

Required: A D-U-N-S Number (www.dnb.com/us) (up to 30 days to obtain)

A D&B^® D-U-N-S^® Number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal standard for identifying over 80 million businesses worldwide. Having a D-U-N-S Number will enhance the credibility of your business in the marketplace and enable potential customers, suppliers, and lenders to identify and obtain information about your company.

The U.S. Government and many corporations require that their suppliers and contractors have a D-U-N-S Number. You may obtain a D-U-N-S Number at no charge by calling 1-866-705-5711, Monday through Friday  from 7 AM to 8 PM CST.

The process to request a D-U-N-S^® Number by telephone takes between 5 and 10 minutes. You will need to provide the following information:

• Legal Name
• Tradestyle, Doing Business As (DBA), or other name by which your organization is commonly recognized
• Physical Address, City, State, and Zip Code
• Mailing Address (if separate)
• Telephone Number
• Contact Name
• SIC Code (Line of Business)
• Number of Employees at your location
• Headquarters name and address (if there is a reporting relationship to a parent corporate entity)
• Is this a home-based business?

Recomended: Register with the Central Contractor Registration (www.ccr.gov)

The Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary vendor database for the U.S. Federal Government. The CCR collects, validates, stores, and disseminates data in support of agency acquisition missions.

Both current and potential government vendors are required to register in CCR to be awarded contracts by some government agencies. Vendors should complete a one-time registration to provide basic information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. Vendors will need to update or renew their registration annually to maintain an active status.

CCR validates the vendor's information and electronically shares the secure and encrypted data with federal agencies so that finance offices can make paperless payments through electronic funds transfer (EFT). Additionally, CCR shares the data with government procurement and electronic business systems.

Note: Registration does NOT, however, guarantee business with the government.

How do I register as a SUPPLIER?

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Who is eligible to attend B2B Business Matchmaking?
  Any Summit registrant who has a DUNS number and who is registered with the Central Contract Registration (CCR).
• When can I register for B2B Business Matchmaking?
  You must be a registered 2013 America's Small Business Summit attendee to enroll in B2B Business Matchmaking. All registrants will receive a link and a code in their event registration confirmation email that will allow you to sign-up for matchmaking.
• How does Business Matchmaking work?
  B2B Matchmaking provides an opportunity for you to meet participating Federal agencies and corporations who are searching for qualified business enterprises. Meetings between certified small businesses ("suppliers") and participating agencies and corporations ("buyers") will take place between 9:30 am and 12:15 pm on Tuesday, April 30. Meetings will last roughly 15 minutes, allowing business owners to gain valuable insight on detailed requirements for specific contract opportunities based on their qualifications.
• Who will set up the meeting?
  The Latino Coalition will coordinate roughly 15 minute appointments between Federal and Corporate partners and your business to build a relationship. Three weeks prior to the Summit (around April 8), The Latino Coalition will notify Summit registrants who have registered for matchmaking that appointment scheduling with participating buyers is open. At that time, you will visit the website via the link provided to schedule your appointments.
•  What is a Buyer?
• A Buyer is a participating business entity, corporation, or government agency interested in PURCHASING goods, services or products. View the list of confirmed buyers.
• What is a Supplier?
  A Supplier is a participating small business (that has a DUNS # and is registered with CCR) interested in PROVIDING goods, services or products. (Most small businesses attending the Summit are suppliers rather than buyers).
• How can I benefit from the Matchmaking System?
  The benefits of the Matchmaking System are abundant. You will be able to view online, from any location, currect contracting availabilities as well as post your specific buying and supplying options to be viewed by all of the other members. The System will also automatically match your business with corporations in your specific industry, effectively eliminating the previous tediousness of the process.
   

For additional information on B2B Business Matchmaking, please contact: