Federal agencies are required to meet small business contracting goals, but the benefits of working with small business IT resellers extend far beyond compliance checkboxes. From personalized service to competitive pricing, small businesses offer unique advantages.
Meeting Small Business Goals
The federal government has established goals for contracting with small businesses, including specific targets for:
- Small Business: 23% of prime contract dollars
- Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB): 5% goal
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB): 5% goal
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB): 3% goal
- HUBZone: 3% goal
Working with certified small businesses helps agencies meet these mandated targets while accessing quality products and services.
Advantages Beyond Compliance
Personalized Service
Small business resellers provide a level of personal attention that larger corporations often cannot match:
- Direct access to decision-makers
- Dedicated account management
- Faster response times
- Customized solutions for specific needs
Flexibility and Agility
Small businesses can adapt quickly to changing requirements:
- Rapid quote turnaround
- Flexible delivery options
- Willingness to accommodate special requests
- Quick problem resolution
"Small business resellers often provide better customer service and more competitive pricing than large corporations. They're hungry for business and work hard to earn your trust."
Competitive Pricing
Contrary to assumptions, small business resellers often offer competitive or better pricing:
- Lower overhead costs passed on as savings
- Strong distributor relationships
- Motivated to win business with attractive pricing
- Flexible margin structures
Local Economic Impact
Supporting small businesses strengthens the economy:
- Job creation in local communities
- Tax revenue stays local
- Support for entrepreneurship
- Diverse supplier base
WOSB Set-Aside Opportunities
Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) are eligible for federal contracts set aside specifically for WOSBs in industries where they are underrepresented. Benefits include:
- Reduced competition on set-aside contracts
- Sole-source awards up to certain thresholds
- Priority consideration for qualified businesses
- Support agency diversity initiatives
WOSB Certification
IAT Solutions is a certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), making us eligible for WOSB set-aside contracts and helping federal agencies meet their small business contracting goals.
Finding the Right Small Business Partner
When selecting a small business IT reseller, consider:
- Certifications: Verify SBA certifications are current
- Experience: Look for federal contracting experience
- Capabilities: Ensure they can meet your technical requirements
- Partnerships: Check manufacturer authorizations
- References: Request references from other federal customers
Partner with IAT Solutions
As a certified WOSB and Cisco Value Added Reseller, IAT Solutions combines small business benefits with enterprise-level capabilities. We offer competitive pricing through our Ingram Micro partnership, personalized service, and deep federal contracting experience.
Contact us to learn how partnering with IAT Solutions can help your agency meet small business goals while getting the best value on IT products.