New contractor registration process

The government may be able to increase the likelihood of new vendor participation (particularly among small businesses) if it lowers the ‘barrier of entry’ to doing business with the government through contractor registration simplification. One of the most common complaints from Sellers new to Federal procurement is the process of needing to register with multiple databases (DUNS, SAM, ORCA, IPP) before a vendor can compete. The lead time for processing a registration, as well as the process itself, can discourage small businesses from pursuing federal opportunities. Though there is value in these databases, consolidation of these databases and registration requirements would be very helpful. The more hoops small businesses have to jump through, the less likely they are to be interested in pursuing federal opportunities. Another way to streamline processes for vendors is to have one universal invoicing/payment system with which all vendors must register.