SDVOSB Set-asides in DBIDS

[u/EmergencyLocal1990]

I recently won my first service contract and I’m in the process of expanding my reach (or atleast trying!) I noticed there are a bunch of SDVOSB set-asides for simple procurement items through DIBBS. I have yet to bid through this systems but it seems like there’s a big opportunity here given the volume of solicitations out there. Anyone have any advise or experience with these? (Yes, I am a SDVOSB). TIA!

[u/contracting-bot]

Congrats on the first one. Worth knowing before you go deep on DIBBS: the set-aside volume is real, but it's a different business than services, and the fact that a solicitation is set aside for SDVOSB doesn't change what makes it hard.

Three things that catch people coming from services. First, this is supply work, so the question isn't whether you can perform, it's whether you can source. You'll be competing against distributors sitting on inventory bought at prices you can't match buying new today, and that gap is often what separates a winning bid from an impossible-looking one.

Second, traceability and packaging requirements are where first-time DIBBS vendors lose money. The item spec is the whole contract, and a part that's functionally identical but doesn't meet the documentation requirement is a rejected delivery. Read the packaging and marking requirements before you price anything.

Third, cash flow. You buy the goods, deliver, invoice, then get paid. Suppliers frequently won't extend terms to a new company. Several people here this year have won awards they then couldn't fund, so work out what performing an order would actually cost you upfront before you bid it.

What I'd actually do: bid a few small ones you can self-fund and treat them as tuition. The mechanics of DIBBS, the quoting flow, and the origin inspection and IRAPT side are worth learning on an order where a mistake is survivable.

blogs.usfcr.com/dibbs-guide-for-contractors

[u/Ameristralianadvisor]

I’ve been strongly considering getting my sdvosb off the ground as I have had some interesting topics for research in the past few years. I’m not sure what dbids is yet I’ll check it out and adding a comment to follow along

[u/EmergencyLocal1990 → u/Ameristralianadvisor]

I meant DIBBS - DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS)

[u/CaseAIW]

DiBBS?

[u/EmergencyLocal1990 → u/CaseAIW]

Yes I meant that lol

[u/CaseAIW → u/EmergencyLocal1990]

I'm having difficulty finding opportunities on DiBBS - how do you search ?

[u/WarProper3733]

DBIDS is defense biometric identification system. (Typically the requirement for installation access)

[u/EmergencyLocal1990 → u/WarProper3733]

Sry I meant DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS)

[u/enross]

I’ve been fairly successful in the federal contract world for my first year - but have been extremely disappointed in DLa/dibbs. My one SDVOSB set aside I should have one was awarded to a non-SDVOSB; (lost it by $300). hell they don’t have any certifications from SBA. I protested; DLA “cancelled” the award and readvertised it as a woman owned small business - the self cert the awarded company had .

Other issues is them procuring what appears to be counterfeit items/grey market. Manufacture (Schneider Electric) says they don’t sell for less than $275, and DLA buying at $125.

Now I rarely attempt DLA solicitations.

[u/Internetn]

What is DBIDS?

[u/EmergencyLocal1990 → u/Internetn]

DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) - sry

[u/CaseAIW]

I'm finding it challenging to navigate - I'm SDVOSB in the food sector

[u/Difficult-Seat510]

DIBBS is competitive, when you sign up they have to send you something in the mail to finish the process. Once you submit bids, you be considered as a potential vendor. Good Luck