WHAT WE DO

    For over 40 years, Affinity Business Solutions, LLC (Affinity) owned and operated  small businesses that encompassed both government and private contracts. We have experience in business management, including corporate structure, human resources, and financial management for  businesses in higher education, independent federal contractors, as well as private entities. 

     As professionals in these areas, we are able to fulfill our mission to provide guidance to you in corporate management, human resource training for leadership and staff members, enabling your office to achieve a workflow that enhances daily operations and helps prepare for succession.

     Small businesses wishing to acquire contracts with Municipal, State, and/or Federal Government agencies are guided through the “Certification Process,” which is required in order to seek out those contracts. 

    We advise on how to identify your "Secret Codes" -- North American Industry Classification (NAIC) codse, the standard used by Federal agencies; and the Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code, used by some states. Your business will identify at least one NAIC code and one SIC code, although you may find you are able to utilize multiple codes. 

    We also train you to research and target Federal, State, and Municipal government bid opportunities. We can help your business obtain government “set-aside” contracts, to take advantage of this unique benefit to which you may be entitled. 

    Are you a small business seeking Corporate, State, Municipal City, County, or Federal contracts? The largest contract field for available federal contracts is managed by the federal government's System of Award Management (SAM). We can help you register there and search daily for contract opportunities with all federal agencies in various locations.

   The U.S. Department of Commerce, Small Administration (SBA) has a Business Development Program called the 8(a) Program, for businesses who have been operating for at least two years and want to register for specific contracts set-aside for small businesses. These programs are designed to meet the goal of leveling the playing field by identifying the socioeconomic group for which you may qualify. Federal, State and local municipalities have contracting opportunities for all types of socioeconomic businesses. You will be able to collaborate, team, manage, and most importantly, win more contracts. 

   Generally, to be approved into the SBA’s 8(a) BD program and become certified, your small business must be owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are American citizens. There are multiple categories (see below). Using our proven government market intelligence tool, Affinity will aid you in ensuring you are aware of all the bids, RFPs, contracts and re-competes available to your socioeconomic certified business in the Federal space. 

   There are certain socio-economic status classifications for specific citizens who are considered majority as well. For example, all women fall into that category, including those who are white.  The U.S. Government’s Code of Federal Regulations lists all categories of those citizens considered socially disadvantaged. (See below). Note that various States, Cities, Counties, and Municipal Agencies may have different requirements.

    In general, Socially Disadvantaged Individuals are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of their identities as members of groups and without regard to their individual qualities.  

    The SBA defines socially disadvantaged individuals as those who have been denied equal access to resources and opportunities due to their identity. Women are included in this category, acknowledging the historical and ongoing challenges they face in various sectors. 

    The social disadvantage must stem from circumstances beyond their control.

    Visit the website for the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, and review Section 124.103, "Who is socially disadvantaged". There you can find more details and a list of individuals who may be considered socially disadvantaged.

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      FREE -- Small Businesses Get  FREE Entrepreneurship and Technical

Assistance from the U.S. Government.

Two programs you may find helpful:

     1.  SCORE, managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, is the nation’s largest network of volunteer expert business mentors, dedicated to helping small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow.  SCORE is a nonprofit organization that is driven to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops.  For more information, go to  https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/score-business-mentoring1.  

     2.  APEX ACCELERATORS: Accelerating American Entrepreneurship (formerly known as PTAP: Procurement Technical Assistance Program). APEX, managed by the U.S. Department of Defense, has info for ALL federal agency contracts. They host training, workshops, and events, you may interact with like-small business owners. For more info, go to: https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/, About Us, Service Area Locator to find your area office.