The SBAExchange is an online tool that allows agencies to award simplified acquisitions up to $100,000 (including micro-purchases) to small businesses. Purchases and payments are made electronically with government-wide commercial purchase cards.
Government agencies will be able to use SBAExchange to award purchases over $25,000 that have been posted in Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps), provided the notice states that the award will be made electronically. The program is designed to help small businesses compete for purchases that are currently being obtained through other contracting methods.
To participate, small businesses must obtain an Internet-based Supplier Web Site from the SBAExchange. Through the Supplier Web Site a small business receive:
- A fully hosted, supplier branded, e-commerce website;
- Exposure to federal buying authorities, large federal prime contractors and other large buying officials;
- An electronic catalog;
- A centralized order management system for receiving and processing Internet- based orders from federal, state, local and commercial buying authorities;
- A management system for tracking new business, creating and submitting quotes and;
- Assistance in managing the new site.
The U.S. SBA entered into a contract with NEXGEN Solutions, Inc. build the national e-procurement system so that small businesses can participate in conducting e-business transactions with a relatively low cost of entry and little or no technical expertise.
The annual cost to participate in the SBAExchange Pilot Program is $1,500. Additionally, a transaction fee of two percent will be added to all orders.
Quelle: internetnews.com