Industry Guide

IT & Technology Supplier Diversity Guide

The technology sector is one of the fastest-growing areas for diverse suppliers. From federal IT modernization to Fortune 500 digital transformation, certified diverse tech companies are in high demand.

$30B+ in federal IT contracts to small and diverse businesses
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Why Certification Matters for IT & Technology Businesses

Technology is experiencing unprecedented demand for diverse suppliers. Here's why certification matters:

Federal IT Modernization: The government is investing billions in cloud migration, cybersecurity, and digital services. Small business goals create massive opportunities for certified tech firms.

Corporate Digital Transformation: Fortune 500 companies are actively seeking diverse tech vendors to meet their supplier diversity commitments.

Subcontracting Requirements: Large IT prime contractors (Accenture, Deloitte, SAIC) have diversity goals they must meet on federal contracts.

Innovation Sourcing: Many corporations specifically seek diverse tech startups for innovation and new capabilities.

Federal IT spending exceeds $100 billion annually, with significant portions targeted to small and diverse businesses.

Best Certifications for IT & Technology

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 →
HUBZone SBE

HUBZone Business

For small businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones.

Cost: Free Timeline: 60-90 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 →

Where to Find Opportunities

Government Path

Federal IT Opportunities

Key agencies buying technology:

  • Department of Defense (DoD): Largest IT buyer, cybersecurity, software development
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Border technology, cybersecurity
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Healthcare IT, EHR systems
  • Civilian agencies: Cloud services, modernization projects

Contract Vehicles

  • GSA IT Schedule 70 (now MAS)
  • CIO-SP3/SP4 (small business specific)
  • Agency-specific BPAs and IDIQs
  • 8(a) STARS III

Compliance Requirements: FedRAMP for cloud, CMMC for defense, various security clearance requirements.

Top Federal Agencies

  • Department of Defense $40B+
  • Department of Homeland Security $8B+
  • Department of Veterans Affairs $6B+
  • General Services Administration $5B+

Corporate Path

Tech Giants

Major technology companies with strong diversity programs:

  • Microsoft: Comprehensive supplier diversity, cloud partners
  • Google: Diverse supplier program, startup partnerships
  • Salesforce: Active diverse vendor engagement
  • Amazon (AWS): Growing diverse supplier initiatives

Systems Integrators

Large SI firms subcontract to diverse tech companies:

  • Accenture Federal
  • Deloitte Digital
  • IBM Consulting
  • CGI Federal

How to Connect: Most have online supplier portals. Attend technology industry events and matchmaking conferences.

Top Corporate Buyers

IT & Technology Companies with Supplier Diversity Programs

Leidos Substantial investment in diverse supply chain BAE Systems Substantial annual diverse spend 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
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What IT & Technology Buyers Look For

What Tech Buyers Look For

Security Posture

  • SOC 2 compliance (increasingly required)
  • FedRAMP authorization (for federal cloud)
  • CMMC certification (for defense)
  • Data handling policies

Technical Capabilities

  • Cloud expertise (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Agile/DevOps methodologies
  • Modern technology stack
  • Scalability

Past Performance

  • Similar project experience
  • Customer references
  • Case studies demonstrating impact

Team Qualifications

  • Relevant certifications (AWS, Azure, etc.)
  • Security clearances (for federal)
  • Technical depth

Getting Started: Your 90-Day Plan

Your 90-Day Plan

Days 1-30: Foundation

  • Register in SAM.gov with appropriate NAICS codes
  • Document your technical capabilities and past performance
  • Identify certification path (8(a), WOSB, NMSDC, etc.)
  • Begin security compliance assessment

Days 31-60: Certify and Position

  • Apply for appropriate certifications
  • Develop capability statement for tech focus
  • Register in corporate supplier portals
  • Consider GSA Schedule application

Days 61-90: Build Pipeline

  • Set up SAM.gov saved searches for IT opportunities
  • Connect with prime contractors for teaming
  • Attend tech industry matchmaking events
  • Join relevant tech trade associations

Tech-Specific Tips

  • Invest in security certifications (SOC 2, etc.)
  • Build relationships with prime contractors early
  • Consider joint ventures for larger opportunities
  • Keep technical staff certifications current

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need FedRAMP to sell to the federal government?

FedRAMP is required if you're providing cloud services that will store federal data. Not all IT services require FedRAMP - consulting, staff augmentation, and on-premise solutions may not need it. However, FedRAMP authorization is increasingly valuable and can differentiate you from competitors.

What certifications are best for tech companies?

For federal: 8(a) is powerful for sole-source contracts up to $4.5M. WOSB/SDVOSB have set-asides in IT. For corporate: NMSDC (MBE) and WBENC (WBE) are the gold standards that most Fortune 500 companies recognize and actively seek.

How do I partner with large IT prime contractors?

Research their supplier diversity pages, register in their portals, attend industry days and matchmaking events, and reach out to their small business liaisons. Many primes actively seek diverse subcontractors to meet their contractual obligations.

Is GSA Schedule worth it for a small tech company?

GSA Schedule (MAS) can be valuable but requires investment. It takes 6-12 months to obtain and requires ongoing compliance. Consider if you have the capacity to pursue federal opportunities at scale. For many small firms, starting with 8(a) and subcontracting relationships makes more sense initially.

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