There are numerous opportunities for small and large businesses to work with the United States Government. With the recent passing of the Recovery Act, there are numerous opportunities for contractors. While snow plowing opportunities might be a few months away, there are many other off-season opportunities for landscapers, contractors, etc. You can always find Snow Plowing opportunities are found on FedBizOps. Even before the snow arrives the Government Agencies need to prepare for it.

Over the next few weeks I will write a series of articles that will help you find opportunities and complete several of the steps necessary to bid on government contracts.

What is a NAICS code and what does that mean anyway? The NAICS code is the North American Industry Classification System. It is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. The NAICS code is important when you register to perform services under Government Contracts.

The code for snow plowing is covered under NAICS 561730.   Technically this code covers landscaping services, but it includes snow plowing or seasonal property management services. The good thing is that most snow plow operators are landscapers when it is not snowing.

Get familiar with the NAICS 561730 code.You don’t need to memorize this, but it will be helpful to know some of the categories covered by this code. Do you do more than landscaping? There will be other codes you will find interesting too.

Take a few minutes to look through the FedBizOps website. To start you can look through the opportunities without registering. If you want to register before I write about some of the registration steps it is easy to register as a citizen. Registering as a vendor takes a couple more pieces. Give it a try if you can’t wait.

The next couple articles will cover the search process and some of the business registration websites a few of the keys steps in the registration process.