Questions government buyers ask

Yes, between the $15,000 micro-purchase threshold and the $350,000 simplified acquisition threshold, where SBA's rule says the nonmanufacturer rule does not apply (13 CFR 121.406(c)). On SDVOSB and VOSB set-asides the rule applies, and SBA's class waiver list has no software entry, so a large publisher's software needs an individual SBA waiver unless small US manufacturers' products are at least half of the order. We check before we quote.

When a set-aside buys products, a reseller qualifies only if it has 500 or fewer employees (150 under the IT reseller exception), normally sells that type of item, takes ownership or possession of it, and "will supply the end item of a small business manufacturer ... made in the United States, or obtains a waiver" (13 CFR 121.406). Most of the software buyers ask for comes from large publishers, so it usually needs a waiver.

No. SBA's class waiver list, the June 2022 edition that the FAR and SBA both point to, covers IT hardware such as off-the-shelf laptops and tablets, storage and input/output devices, printers and routers, but has no software row. A contracting officer can request an individual waiver for one contract, and SBA will not grant one for subscriptions or hosted software, which it treats as services (13 CFR 121.1203).

SBA says certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) can compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts "across the federal government," while certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) have additional set-aside opportunities at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Both need SBA VetCert certification. SDVOSB status also requires a service-connected disability record with the VA.

Ask us when you request the quote, and the quote will say how payment works for that order. The FAR names the government purchase card as the preferred way to buy and pay for micro-purchases, which are $15,000 or less today (FAR 13.201 and FAR 2.101). Card buys under the micro-purchase threshold are also one of the exceptions to SAM.gov registration in FAR 4.1102.

Today we sell by open-market purchase order. We do not hold a GSA schedule or a NASA SEWP contract. Our contract vehicles page lists every vehicle we hold or sell through, with contract numbers, once they exist, and it names the holder if a SEWP VI contract holder adds us as a supplier in writing.

SEWP's FAQ says "All quotes received from SEWP V Contract Holders are valid only through the end of SEWP V," which runs through January 31, 2027, and a new quote must come from a SEWP VI holder for any order after that. SEWP VI is scheduled to begin November 1, 2026. Orders already awarded under SEWP V can keep their options and modifications.

Yes. We request the manufacturer's current Accessibility Conformance Report for each software product we quote and send it with the quote, or tell you if the manufacturer does not publish one. Section508.gov says solicitations that include information technology "will specify accessibility requirements," so having the report at quote time saves your reviewer a step.

A public-sector distributor buys from manufacturers and supplies resellers. A value-added reseller sells to the end buyer and adds services such as configuration, installation, training or support. SBA's size rules describe an IT value-added reseller as one providing "multi-vendor hardware and software along with significant value added services." We are a reseller: we quote, deliver and support the order directly.

Yes. Subscriptions are coded under PSC DA10 and similar D-series codes. Know one rule before you set the buy aside: SBA treats subscriptions and remotely hosted software as services and "will not grant waivers of the nonmanufacturer rule" for them (13 CFR 121.1203(g)(3)). On a small business set-aside under $350,000 that does not matter; on an SDVOSB or VA set-aside it can.

Yes. The company is 100% owned by Heath Watte, a US Army veteran who served as a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief and instructor. SBA certification is a separate step after SAM.gov registration. Until then we describe the company as veteran-owned, never as certified.

We are in West Linn, Oregon, in the Portland metro area. We quote for federal offices anywhere in the United States, and for state, county, city, school and special district buyers. Northwest buyers, including the VA, NOAA, Navy and Army Corps offices in Oregon and Washington, get a reseller in their own time zone.