The U.S. Small Business Administration is proud to announce the launch of the SBAExchange pilot program.

The program is a streamlined electronic tool that allows agencies to award simplified acquisitions up to $100,000 (including micro-purchases) and to make purchases and payments electronically with a government-wide commercial purchase card.

Agencies will be able to use SBAExchange to award purchases over $25,000 that have been posted in Federal Business Opportunities provided the notice states that the award will be made electronically. Additionally, it will help small businesses compete for purchases currently being obtained through other contracting methods.

To participate, small businesses must obtain an Internet-based Supplier Web Site from www.SBAExchange.gov. Through the Supplier Web Site a small business will receive:

• A fully hosted, supplier branded, e-commerce Web site.
• Exposure to federal buying authorities, large federal prime contractors and other large buying officials.
• An electronic catalog.
• A centralized order management systems for receiving and processing Internet-based orders from federal, state, local and commercial buying authorities.
• A management system for tracking new business, creating and submitting quotes.
• Assistance in managing the new site.

   SBA plans to kick-off the pilot program nationally on Mar. 30. In order to ensure a successful launch in March, the small business electronic catalog development period began on Oct. 30, 2002.

The annual cost to participate in the SBAExchange Pilot Program is $1,500. Additionally, a transaction fee of two percent will be added to all orders. The first 2,500 small businesses to sign up, will receive a $450 discount.

To learn more, visit the Web site at www.SBAExchange.gov. Further questions can be e-mailed to questions@sbaexchange.com.