Rhode Island’s federal market is anchored by the Navy in Newport, home to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, the Navy’s research and engineering center for undersea warfare systems. As a government contracting consultant for Rhode Island businesses, GERC helps small businesses in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Newport and North Kingstown (Quonset) get registered, get certified and win bids. We are based in California and serve Rhode Island clients remotely, as part of our nationwide practice.
Federal work: government contracting consultant services for Rhode Island businesses
- SAM.gov registration, UEI and annual renewal
- SBA 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone and SDVOSB certification
- GSA Schedule offers, federal proposals and capability statements
- Targeting Rhode Island’s federal buyers, including Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport, Naval Station Newport, U.S. Naval War College (Newport) and Providence VA Medical Center
Rhode Island state contracting
- Ocean State Procures (OSP): the state’s eProcurement and vendor registration system, run by the Division of Purchases
- MBE, WBE and VBE/SDVBE certification through the Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in the Department of Administration
- DBE certification through the Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for RIDOT, RIPTA and airport work under the new U.S. DOT rules requiring an individual showing of disadvantage (see DBE certification)
Providence, Warwick and Cranston local contracting
- City of Providence MBE/WBE procurement program (Purchasing Department), Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC): vendor registration and bid opportunities
- Subcontracting with the prime contractors that serve Naval Undersea Warfare Center and other federal sites
- Airports, transit agencies and school districts, each with its own vendor list (see vendor registration)
How our government contracting consultants help Rhode Island businesses
- Free readiness call: what you sell, who buys it in Rhode Island and what you are missing
- Registrations: SAM.gov, Ocean State Procures and city and county portals
- Certifications: SBA programs, state certification and DBE
- Bid targeting and subcontracting research, using our market research for government contractors
- Proposals written to score, through our bid writing services
Example: how a Newport marine engineering and test-support firm would get started
This is an illustration of our process, not a client story.
A Newport marine engineering and test-support firm wants work with NUWC Division Newport and Naval Station Newport. First, we register it in SAM.gov, confirm its NAICS codes and check SBA certifications. Next, we research how those buyers purchase from small businesses and which contracts are coming up. After that, we register it in Ocean State Procures and prepare state MBE, WBE or VBE certification if it qualifies.
Frequently asked questions
Can a California-based government contracting consultant help my Rhode Island business?
Yes. Because registrations, certifications and proposals are all filed online, we can work with clients nationwide by video call.
Who certifies minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses in Rhode Island?
The Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (DEDI) in the Department of Administration certifies MBEs, WBEs and VBE/SDVBEs, and also determines DBE/ACDBE eligibility for federally funded transportation work.
Do Rhode Island federal buyers set aside work for small businesses?
Yes. Federal agencies and military bases in Rhode Island buy through small business set-asides, and their prime contractors have small business subcontracting goals. SAM.gov registration and the right SBA certifications put you in position for both.
Win government contracts in Rhode Island
Book a free 15-minute readiness call and we will map the registrations, certifications and bids that fit your business.
Related: SAM.gov Registration · 8(a) Certification · DBE Certification · GSA Schedule Consulting · Bid Writing Services · All service areas