Industry Guide

Professional Services Supplier Diversity Guide

Professional services represent one of the most accessible entry points for diverse businesses into corporate and government contracting. From consulting to staffing to marketing, buyers constantly need specialized expertise.

$25B+ in federal professional services to small businesses
Find Your Certifications

Why Certification Matters for Professional Services Businesses

Professional services is the fastest path to contracting for many diverse businesses. Here's why certification matters:

Low Barriers to Entry: Unlike manufacturing or construction, professional services require expertise rather than equipment or facilities.

High Demand: Every organization needs professional services - consulting, staffing, legal, accounting, marketing.

GSA Schedule Access: Professional services are well-suited for GSA Schedule contracts, opening federal opportunities.

Corporate Spending: Fortune 500 companies spend billions annually on professional services with supplier diversity goals.

Subcontracting Opportunities: Large consulting firms (Big 4, Accenture, etc.) actively seek diverse subcontractors.

Professional services certifications can unlock opportunities in virtually every industry vertical.

Best Certifications for Professional Services

8(a) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

8(a) Business Development

Business development program for small disadvantaged businesses.

Cost: Free Timeline: 90-180 days
Learn more →
MBE Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)

Minority Business Enterprise

For businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority group members.

Cost: $350 - $1,500 Timeline: 60-90 days
Learn more →
WBE Women Business Enterprise (WBE)

Women Business Enterprise

For businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women.

Cost: $350 - $1,000 Timeline: 60-90 days
Learn more →

Where to Find Opportunities

Government Path

Federal Opportunities

Professional services are needed across all federal agencies:

  • GSA Professional Services Schedule: Gateway to government-wide opportunities
  • Agency-Specific BPAs: Blanket Purchase Agreements for ongoing needs
  • Staff Augmentation: IT staffing, administrative support, technical assistance
  • Consulting: Management consulting, strategy, program evaluation

Key Contract Vehicles

  • GSA MAS (Multiple Award Schedule)
  • OASIS (complex professional services)
  • Alliant 2 (IT services)
  • Agency-specific IDIQs

8(a) Advantage: Professional services are ideal for 8(a) sole-source contracts up to $4.5M (or $7M for manufacturing).

Top Federal Agencies

  • General Services Administration $8B+
  • Department of Defense $15B+
  • Department of Health & Human Services $5B+
  • Department of Homeland Security $4B+

Corporate Path

Corporate Buyers

Fortune 500 companies purchase extensive professional services:

  • Staffing & Recruiting: IT staffing, executive search, temporary labor
  • Management Consulting: Strategy, operations, change management
  • Marketing & Creative: Advertising, PR, digital marketing, design
  • Legal Services: Outside counsel, contract specialists, compliance
  • Accounting: Audit support, tax, financial consulting

Big 4 & Systems Integrators

Large consulting firms subcontract to diverse suppliers:

  • Deloitte
  • PwC
  • EY
  • KPMG
  • Accenture
  • IBM Consulting

How to Connect: These firms have formal diverse supplier programs and subcontracting requirements on large contracts.

Top Corporate Buyers

Professional Services Companies with Supplier Diversity Programs

Leidos Substantial investment in diverse supply chain Jacobs Substantial investment in diverse firms SAIC Strong track record of diverse spend Booz Allen Hamilton Significant diverse supplier investment Boeing Over $4 billion RTX (Raytheon Technologies) Over $3 billion General Dynamics Over $2 billion Northrop Grumman Over $2 billion
View all 43 programs →

What Professional Services Buyers Look For

What Professional Services Buyers Look For

Expertise & Credentials

  • Relevant industry experience
  • Professional certifications (PMP, CPA, etc.)
  • Case studies and references
  • Subject matter expertise

Team Quality

  • Key personnel qualifications
  • Bench strength and scalability
  • Employee retention rates
  • Training and development

Delivery Capability

  • Methodology and approach
  • Project management practices
  • Quality assurance processes
  • Communication protocols

Business Fundamentals

  • Professional liability insurance (E&O)
  • Financial stability
  • Security clearances (for federal)
  • Rate competitiveness

Getting Started: Your 90-Day Plan

Your 90-Day Plan

Days 1-30: Foundation

  • Define your service niche and value proposition
  • Document credentials and past performance
  • Research certification options (8(a), WOSB, NMSDC, WBENC)
  • Develop your capability statement

Days 31-60: Certify and Position

  • Apply for appropriate certifications
  • Consider GSA Schedule application (12-18 month process)
  • Register in corporate supplier portals
  • Build your case study portfolio

Days 61-90: Business Development

  • Network at industry events and matchmaking sessions
  • Connect with prime contractors for teaming opportunities
  • Respond to RFIs and capability requests
  • Join professional services trade associations

Professional Services Tips

  • Start with subcontracting to build past performance
  • Develop niche expertise rather than being a generalist
  • Invest in professional development and certifications
  • Maintain a bench of qualified professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a GSA Schedule for professional services?

Apply through GSA's eOffer system. You'll need financial statements, past performance examples, pricing based on your commercial rates, and various certifications. The process takes 6-12 months. Consider using a GSA consultant if you're new to the process. Start by determining which SIN (Special Item Number) categories match your services.

Should I pursue federal or corporate opportunities first?

It depends on your experience. Corporate opportunities often have lower barriers - you can start with a single project. Federal requires more compliance (SAM.gov registration, often security clearances). Many firms start with corporate work to build past performance, then expand to federal. 8(a) certification can accelerate federal entry through sole-source contracts.

How do I partner with Big 4 consulting firms?

Register in their supplier diversity portals, attend their matchmaking events, and respond to their subcontracting requests. Build relationships with their small business liaisons. They need diverse subcontractors to meet requirements on large federal and corporate contracts. Start small and prove your capability.

What rates should I charge for professional services?

Research market rates for your geography and specialty. Federal contracts often require rate transparency. Structure rates by labor category (senior consultant, analyst, etc.). Consider blended rates for fixed-price work. Your rates need to cover benefits, overhead, and profit while remaining competitive.

Ready to Get Started?

Take our free certification quiz to find out which certifications you qualify for and get personalized recommendations.

Take the Certification Quiz Build Your Capability Statement