The Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system is the gateway for private businesses to obtain contracts with the federal government. A private company must be registered with CCR prior to being awarded any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement. This registration is helpful to both the federal government and to the private company. It helps the federal government by creating a single database for all government agencies to find and shop for private companies. It helps private companies by cutting down on redundant paperwork that would be required if the private company wanted to do business with mulitple agencies. It also makes marketing to federal agencies simpler.
DUNS Number
Before you can register with the CCR you will first need to obtain a "DUNS" Number from Dun & Bradstreet. The more popular name for Dun & Bradstreet is D&B. You will need to provide information to D&B about your business that will allow D&B to evaluate the legitimacy of your company. Once D&B determines your business to be legitimate they will issue your company a DUNS Number. Again, you cannot register with the CCR without first obtaining a DUNS Number.
For information on additional requirements for registration with the CCR, read my article Central Contractor Registration.