Are you ready to work as a contractor for the Government?

The United States federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world.  Providing goods and services to government agencies can be rewarding.  However, each government agency, whether local, state, or federal, has its own list of requirements that must be met during the bidding phase and the contract fulfillment phase.  These rules are usually in place in order to satisfy fair practice and other regulations put in place by the constituency; and the government, like any other organization, wants to obtain the best deal possible.  Learning how to identify and abide by these rules will enable you to meet each challenge.  A SCWBC business coach can help you learn about some key areas that you will need to understand:

• Contractor registration
• Identifying relevant Request For Proposals and Invitations For Bid
• Writing bids and proposals
• Responding to Request For Proposals and follow-up questions
• Understanding contracts and referenced clauses
• Following formal communication channels during the bid process
• Contract fulfillment
• Product and service codes
• Billing and payments
• Disclosure, gifts, entertainment, travel, and other ethical requirements

There are several programs in place through the Small Business Administration (SBA) that assist economic and socially disadvantaged business owners and businesses located in economically disadvantaged areas with obtaining contracts with the federal government.  The SCWBC can help you determine if you are eligible for any of these programs and put you in touch with the appropriate contact at SBA.  These programs address in particular:

• Economically and socially disadvantaged
• HUBZone
• Women-owned
• Service disabled veterans

A SCWBC business coach can help you learn more about government procurement and formulate a strategy for bidding on government contracts.   Request a consultation with a business coach to get started.

Resources
Services to Grow a Profitable Business {mosimage}
How The SCWBC Can Help You

Relevant Web Sites
www.sba.gov
The US Small Business Administration

http://www.ccr.gov
Central Contractor Registration, a place for businesses to register so that government agencies can find potential businesses to fulfill their needs

http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html
Federal Acquisition Regulations, repository for all federal government regulations on acquisition

http://www.fedbizopps.gov
Where all Open federal contracts over $25,000 are publicized