Information on Mobile Technology Contracting Opportunities
For vendors of mobile products and services:
Suppliers of mobile products and services are invited to register in the Smithsonian Institution Supplier Diversity Program Small Business Database in order to be identified as interested working with the Smithsonian on its mobile initiatives. This database is searchable by all Smithsonian staff and can be used to locate vendors that have expressed their interest in working with the Institution. Mobile programs will play a major role in the future of the Smithsonian, and it is in our best interest to keep small and minority businesses engaged wherever possible.
In fact, Smithsonian policy requires all procurements $100,000 or less to be set aside exclusively for small businesses, unless there is a compelling reason for opening competition to other than small businesses. SI Mobile aims to continue the Institution’s good work by including small businesses in its efforts to accomplish the Smithsonian’s mission in the new technology arena.
Information for mobile computer and communication vendors:
You can add your business to the registry online at the Supplier Diversity Program Small Business Database. When you register you will be asked to choose the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes that bed describe your activities. Smithsonian staff can then search the database using relevant codes to find the kind of vendors they need.
What NAICS code(s) should I use?
We have identified the following NAICS codes as being most likely to cover the kinds of work that will be required for mobile projects at the Smithsonian. The text in italics following the standard definition contains examples of likely mobile project needs. These interpretations are meant to be indicative of, but not comprehensive for the kinds of work that can be described by each code. Feel free to suggest alternative codes by emailing the Supplier Diversity Program Help Desk or the Office of Contracting and Personal Property Management (OCON&PPM) Help Desk.
1. 541511 - Custom Computer Programing Services: This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in writing, modifying, testing and supporting software to meet the needs of a particular customer. -- For mobile website and application development, including content management systems and supporting code-based systems.
2. 541512 – Computer Systems Design Services: This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in planning and designing computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies. The hardware and software components of the system may be provided by this establishment or company as part of integrated services or may be provided by third parties or vendors. These establishments often install the system and train and support users of the system. -– For solutions requiring the integration of software and hardware, e.g. turn-key provision of mobile devices with the program and/or content to be played on them by visitors to the museum.
3. 518210 – Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services: This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing infrastructure for hosting or data processing services. These establishments may provide specialized hosting activities, such as web hosting, streaming services or application hosting; provide application service provisioning; or may provide general time-share mainframe facilities to clients. Data processing establishments provide complete processing and specialized reports from data supplied by clients or provide automated data processing and data entry services. —For SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions, e.g. licensing use of a WYSIWYG platform to author an application, or cloud hosting of mobile datasets and content. Geocoding and similar data conversion services would also be included here.
4. 334220 Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing: This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing radio and television broadcast and wireless communications equipment. Examples of products made by these establishments are: transmitting and receiving antennas, cable television equipment, GPS equipment, pages, cellular phones, mobile communications equipment, and radio and television studio and broadcasting equipment. —For supply of mobile devices, e.g. Smartphones, iPod Touches, or ‘traditional’ museum audio tour and group (radio) touring systems for use in the museum or outdoors, and the infrastructure they require (access points, networking equipment, etc.).
5. 517210 Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite): This industry comprises establishments engaged in operating and maintaining switching and transmission facilities to provide communications via the airwaves. Establishments in this industry have spectrum licenses and provide services using that spectrum, such as cellular phone services, paging services, wireless internet access, and wireless video services. —For supply of wireless and cellular network solutions, including WIFI services and mobile telecoms.
6. 517911 Telecommunications Resellers: This U.S. industry comprises establishments engaged in purchasing access and network capability from owners and operators of telecommunications networks and reselling wired and wireless communications services (except satellite) to businesses and households. Establishments in this industry resell telecommunications; they do not operate transmission facilities and infrastructure. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are included in this industry. —For the supply of mobile virtual networks and related services.
7. 711510 Independent Artists, Writers and Performers: This industry comprises independent (i.e. freelance) individuals primarily engaged in performing in artistic productions, in creating artistic and cultural works or productions, or in providing technical expertise necessary for these productions. – For content production-related activities, i.e. freelance script-writers, photographers, videographers, audio engineers, voice talent, actors, designers, production companies, etc.
What is a “small business”?
A “small business” is defined as an independently owned and operated concern that is not dominant in its field and that can qualify under small business size criteria established by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 48 CFR 19.001. The definition of a small business varies by industry (e.g. airplane manufacturers naturally have higher turn-over’s than web developers), based on either dollar volume (average annual receipts for the preceding three fiscal years), or number of employees. If a vendor’s annual revenues for the last three years averaged under $5 million, this may confirm that it is a small business.
You can find the maximum thresholds for mobile suppliers to be defined as “small businesses” in the cited NAICS codes in the SBA’s Table of Small Business Size Standards.
What is the Smithsonian’s policy on competing contracts?
It is the Smithsonian’s policy that, to the maximum extent practicable, and within the context of the Smithsonian’s contracting needs, small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses be provided opportunities to compete for and be awarded Smithsonian procurements and contracts for which they qualify and are able to meet performance requirements. The Smithsonian established the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) to ensure diverse resources obtain opportunities in the Institution’s procurements. Smithsonian procurement officials are encouraged to keep the following key points in mind as they obtain goods and services for the Institution.
Specifically, the Smithsonian requires:
- That all purchases and contracts under $100,000 be reserved exclusively for small and disadvantaged businesses unless a justification for considering large is supplied;
- Purchases under $100,000 require at least three competitive bids; and,
- Purchases between $3,000 and $10,000 can be contracted directly with a “single source” if the purchase is made from a supplier diversity program small business and the prices is determined to be reasonable.
What are the Smithsonian’s objectives in working with small businesses?
Supplier diversity is one of the Secretary’s strategic plan priorities. Each Smithsonian manager, supervisor and employee involved in the procurement process has a Supplier Diversity performance element and standard to assist them in meeting this priority. The Supplier Diversity Program increases the Smithsonian’s ability to meet its mission and related goals, and strengthens the business of the Smithsonian by:
- Achieving higher quality through multiple sources;
- Increasing diversity of thought and creativity;
- Inviting public involvement in Smithsonian activities;
- Broadening our knowledge base; and,
- Obtaining better prices through competition.
Where can I go for more information and help?
If you have any questions about this information request, please contact the SDP Help Desk for supplier diversity and small business questions and the OCON&PPM Help Desk. for purchasing and contracting questions.
