In the United States, companies are usually classified in either one of two categories: a small business or a big business. Sole proprietorships and mid-size companies fall into the small business category, whereas bigger enterprises are regarded as a bigger enterprise. Large companies, like supermarkets, movie theaters, and hotels fall into the large business category. A small business refers to any company that has fewer than one hundred employees. Although there are small companies that are large corporations, the most traditional forms of business ownership involve some combination of these two categories.
Whether a small business is a sole proprietorship or otherwise, all such entities are required to file an annual report with the IRS called Schedule C. This form, which must be filed by all United States citizens and resident aliens, is designed to inform the IRS about such things as revenue collected, expenditures made, and assets owned. Among other things, the small business owner must report the types of income and expenses each year. All receipts must be submitted to the IRS by April first, except for those transactions deemed exempt by the tax code. The first receipt must be the basis for the subsequent year’s statement, and the income or gain from a trade or source of income may not be deducted unless it can be proven legally free from taxes owed. Income and expenses that are deductible are those exempted by law, including interest, dividends, and Earnings, profits, and miscellaneous revenue.
As business sizes grow, so do the requirements for filing Schedule C. In other words, the small business category encompasses a great deal of different enterprises, including a sole proprietor, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporations. Each type of entity is subjected to significant reporting requirements by the IRS. Some businesses, such as sole proprietor partnerships, are subject to flexible tax treatment options because of the owners’ ability to control their LLCs. Others, such as corporations, are subject to rigid corporate taxation regulations that give the federal government great control over these kinds of enterprises.
The reporting system for small business category businesses is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel and Employee Services (OPES). The OPE will issue standards for awards from federal agencies. These standards are then used by private employers and contractors to award compensation to their employees for work performed. In order to qualify for an award, an employee must meet defined criteria. Qualification may include years of service with a federal agency, years of experience in a particular field, or a particular specialized field related to a federal agency. To apply for a federal procurement award, an employee must be registered with the Selective Service.
There are many ways to obtain award status and access to information at OTIS. To become eligible for a federal procurement award, an organization must submit a proposal describing its unique project or program and how it will benefit the agency. They also must provide a description of the unique business idea, along with the supporting details. To increase the chance of success, the small business category companies must demonstrate a need for the specific project or program and demonstrate that the solution provided will provide significant cost savings, time, and manpower savings for the government. If an organization is awarded federal procurement money, it will use the funds to conduct a specific project or program.
Each year, many federal agencies offer opportunities for small businesses to bid on specific project or programs. Many of these awards will come as a part of a larger contractor award, which allows companies to submit a single bid to win the contract. In order to participate in these bidding competitions, companies must submit a competitive bid. The competition for small business category contracts can sometimes be fierce, which increases the company’s chances of winning the award.
The Small Business Administration awards federal grants and contract awards to small businesses and sole proprietorship firms that demonstrate an ability to perform a specific service or item that benefits the community. There are a number of grant programs available to small businesses. To apply for a grant, most companies need to first complete a SBIR or SBIE – Specialist Application. Once approved, companies can spend the funds they receive to conduct the service or item they have been awarded. Many times, sole proprietorship firms that win awards will use the funds to improve or expand their business.
In conclusion, the small business category of government contracting is not only beneficial to the federal agencies that offer the awards, but also to the small businesses themselves. Since the small business category is a smaller portion of the overall government spending, these awards prove to be cost-effective to both agencies and contractors. Each year, there are many new opportunities for small businesses to receive large federal contracts. By following the guidelines noted above, a company can be well on their way to achieving this goal.