FAQ | Government Contracting Certifications & SAP — RickerTime Consulting

Question 1

What certifications does RickerTime Consulting help with?

Accepted Answer

We process six federal and state certifications: WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), WBE (Women's Business Enterprise), SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business), VBE (Veteran Business Enterprise), DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise), and MBE (Minority Business Enterprise). Each certification unlocks specific set-aside contracts and supplier diversity opportunities.

Question 2

How long does the certification process take?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary by certification type and certifying body. WOSB self-certification through SAM.gov can be completed in days, while third-party WOSB certification through an SBA-approved organization typically takes 60–90 days. State certifications like WBE and DBE generally take 60–120 days. We manage the entire process and keep you updated at every step.

Question 3

Do I qualify for WOSB or WBE certification?

Accepted Answer

To qualify for WOSB, your business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens, and it must qualify as a small business under SBA size standards. WBE requirements are similar but administered at the state level. During your free consultation, we'll assess your eligibility for every certification you may qualify for — at no cost.

Question 4

Can I hold multiple certifications at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many of our clients hold two, three, or even four certifications simultaneously. For example, a woman-owned business run by a service-disabled veteran could qualify for WOSB, WBE, SDVOSB, and VBE. Holding multiple certifications dramatically expands the pool of contracts you're eligible to bid on.

Question 5

Is the RickerTime Guarantee real?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As long as you've been honest about your eligibility and meet all qualifying requirements, we guarantee you will receive your certification(s). Payment in full is required before submission. Note that government contract opportunities themselves cannot be guaranteed — only the government can award contracts — but we guarantee the certification outcome.

Question 6

What is the Simplified Acquisitions Program (SAP)?

Accepted Answer

The Simplified Acquisitions Program (SAP) allows federal agencies to purchase goods and services directly from certified small businesses without a full competitive bidding process — for contracts up to $350,000. This means agencies can call or email your business directly to place an order, bypassing the lengthy RFP process. It's one of the fastest paths to federal revenue for small businesses.

Question 7

How does my business get found by contracting officers under SAP?

Accepted Answer

Contracting officers search SAM.gov and agency-specific databases using NAICS codes and keywords. RickerTime Consulting ensures your SAM.gov profile is fully optimized with the right NAICS codes, capability keywords, and business descriptions so you appear in the searches that matter. We also market your business directly to federal and state contracting officers on your behalf.

Question 8

Do I need to be certified to participate in SAP?

Accepted Answer

You need to be registered in SAM.gov to receive any federal contract, but specific certifications (WOSB, SDVOSB, etc.) unlock set-aside SAP contracts reserved exclusively for businesses like yours. Without certifications, you compete against all small businesses. With certifications, you compete only within your set-aside category — a much smaller, more targeted pool.

Question 9

What does the free consultation include?

Accepted Answer

During your free consultation, Ricker personally reviews your business to identify every certification you qualify for, explains the SAP opportunity in your industry, and outlines a clear action plan. There's no sales pressure — just honest guidance on what's possible for your business. Book yours at the Contact page.

Question 10

What are your service packages and pricing?

Accepted Answer

We offer three engagement options: the Certification Package ($1,500) covers end-to-end certification processing; the Full Launch Package ($2,500) adds SAM.gov registration, capability statement development, and SAP positioning; and the Ongoing Retainer ($1,000/month) provides continuous support, marketing to contracting officers, and bid opportunity monitoring. All packages include the RickerTime Guarantee.

Question 11

What information do I need to provide to get started?

Accepted Answer

To begin, we typically need your business formation documents (articles of incorporation or LLC operating agreement), proof of ownership percentages, personal identification for all owners, your EIN, and any existing SAM.gov registration details. We'll send you a complete checklist after your consultation so nothing falls through the cracks.

Question 12

How do I pay for services?

Accepted Answer

You can pay securely online via our Pay page, which accepts all major credit and debit cards. Payment in full is required before we submit any certification application, per the RickerTime Guarantee terms.

Question 13

What is SAM.gov and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government database where businesses must register to receive federal contracts or grants. Without an active SAM.gov registration, you cannot be paid by a federal agency — period. Registration is free but the process is detailed and error-prone. We handle it for you as part of the Full Launch Package.

Question 14

How often does SAM.gov registration need to be renewed?

Accepted Answer

SAM.gov registrations must be renewed annually. An expired registration means you cannot receive federal payments, even on existing contracts. Our Ongoing Retainer clients never have to worry about this — we monitor and renew your registration automatically before it lapses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Certifications

Simplified Acquisitions Program (SAP)

Working with RickerTime

SAM.gov & Registration

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

1Certifications

2Simplified Acquisitions Program (SAP)

3Working with RickerTime

4SAM.gov & Registration

Still have questions?

Certifications

Simplified Acquisitions Program (SAP)

Working with RickerTime

SAM.gov & Registration