What is the CCR?

The CCR (Central Contractor Registration) site is a web-based resource for information about thousands of small businesses used by the United States Federal government as a supplier database. Contracting officers can use it to find suppliers of goods and services.  Small businesses can use the CCR as a marketing tool for Federal, State, and Local government as well as private sector customers.  The CCR also provides links to procurement opportunities at the Commerce Business Daily web site and various federal agency web sites.

Small businesses can register in the CCR for free and currently the CCR has 599,435 active registered businesses.

I was surprised to learn that many people have misconceptions about the CCR. Some seem to believe their business must be 8(a) or HUB Zone certified to participate.  Others assume their business has to be a minority or women certified business enterprise to list their business as women or minority owned.  In fact, virtually any business can register in the CCR.  And, if you are women or minority owned, you can “self-certify” until you actually become certified.  Providing inaccurate information when “self-certifying” can lead to penalties, so be sure to read any statements or qualifications associated with this process, verifying that your company meets any stated requirements.

In certain cases a business MUST be CCR registered:

• According to the FAR 4.11, prospective vendors must be registered in CCR prior to the award of a contract; basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement.
• In addition, entities (private non-profits, educational organizations, state and regional agencies, etc.) that apply for assistance awards from the Federal Government through Grants.gov must now register with CCR as well.
• For EFT and assignment of claims as stated FAR 52.232-33 Para. G.

To register in the CCR, your business must have a DUNS number, issued by Dun and Bradstreet, this unique nine digit identification number is also free.  You can request a DUNS number via the CCR D&B web form or call the D&B Government Customer Response Center (U.S. and U.S Virgin Islands: 1-866-705-5711  or 1-866-705-5711; Alaska and Puerto Rico: 1-800-234-3867 or 1-800-234-3867  Monday – Friday 7 AM to 8 PM C.S.T.).

You will need to provide the following information to D&B: Legal Name; Tradestyle, Doing Business As (DBA), or other name by which your organization is commonly recognized; Physical Address, City, State and Zip Code; Mailing Address (if separate); Telephone Number; Contact Name; SIC Code (Line of Business); Number of Employees at your location; Headquarters name and address (if there is a reporting relationship to a parent corporate entity); and whether it is a home-based business.

Registering in the CCR is an easy way to gain valuable exposure for your business.