GovCon Acronym Decoder
Government contracting runs on shorthand. Search any acronym and get a plain-English definition, when you will run into it, whether you need one, and where it comes from.
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14 of 172 terms matching "NIST"
National Institute of Standards and Technology
The agency whose publications, especially SP 800-171, define the security controls contractors must implement for controlled information.
When you see it
Referenced in DFARS clauses and cybersecurity requirements.
Do you need it
If you handle CUI, NIST SP 800-171 compliance is required.
Where it comes from
U.S. Department of Commerce.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
The agency whose publications, especially SP 800-171, define the security controls contractors must implement for controlled information.
When you see it
Referenced in DFARS clauses and cybersecurity requirements.
Do you need it
If you handle CUI, NIST SP 800-171 compliance is required.
Where it comes from
U.S. Department of Commerce.
Administrative Contracting Officer
The CO responsible for administering the contract after award, often at DCMA.
When you see it
During performance, on modifications and rate matters.
Do you need it
Yes, once you have DoD contracts under administration.
Where it comes from
FAR Part 42.
Federal Aviation Administration
Uses its own Acquisition Management System rather than the FAR.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Food and Drug Administration
Regulatory agency within HHS with significant IT and lab services buying.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
General and Administrative Expense
The cost of running the business as a whole (executive salaries, accounting, business development) allocated across all work.
When you see it
As a rate applied near the bottom of your price build-up.
Do you need it
Every contractor has G&A whether or not they calculate it. Calculate it.
Where it comes from
FAR Part 31.
Related terms
General Services Administration
The government's central buying and real estate agency, and the home of the MAS program and SAM.gov.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Buys research, engineering, and IT, and runs the SEWP GWAC.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Buys scientific services, vessels, and IT within Commerce.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Small Business Administration
The federal agency that sets size standards, runs the socioeconomic certification programs, and advocates for small business across government.
When you see it
Everywhere size status, certifications, and set-asides come up.
Do you need it
Yes. Your certifications and size status all trace back to SBA rules.
Where it comes from
U.S. Small Business Administration.
Social Security Administration
Buys IT, facilities, and administrative services.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Transportation Security Administration
Aviation security screening technology and services within DHS.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
Defense Contract Management Agency
The agency that administers DoD contracts after award, including surveillance and rate agreements.
When you see it
As the administering office on your DoD contract.
Do you need it
Once you have administered contracts, DCMA is a key relationship.
Where it comes from
Department of Defense.
Department of Commerce
Includes NOAA, Census, NIST, and USPTO.
When you see it
In solicitation headers, forecasts, and outreach events. Knowing which component inside the agency actually buys what you sell is the real work.
Do you need it
If this agency buys what you sell, start with their small business office. They publish forecasts, host outreach, and will take a capability briefing.
Where it comes from
Federal agency. Small business support runs through their OSDBU or equivalent office.
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