Friday, March 31, 2017

Learn How To Be A Government Grantee Or Contractor

By Jason Gray


Business owners who are interested in new opportunities and expanding their market are always on the lookout for new clients who can help them do that. There are many companies that don't seriously consider applying to become contractors for federal agencies. Some believe they don't have a chance of winning a bid, and others feel the solicitation process is too complicated and time consuming. You can learn how to be a government grantee or contractor by taking simple steps. It may not happen overnight, but you becoming a competitive bidder is possible.

If you want to bid on a federal contract, you are going to need a Dun and Bradstreet identification number and a federal identification number, if you don't already have one. If you are a successful bidder, you will probably have to increase your business insurance to include an errors and omissions policy or increase a current one.

Once you have started to research the possibility of bidding on jobs, you will discover you must register with the government's database before you can begin the bidding process. You should fill out the forms as completely as possible, because federal office's routinely search the data for appropriate businesses. It is a common belief that federal agencies always award contracts to the lowest bidders, but this is not true. Officials are often more concerned with references and competence.

Networking is as important when dealing with governmental agencies as it is anywhere else in the business world. You will need to be aggressive and persistent, but you can become acquainted with procurement officials who will be interested in your product. You can start by contacting them online. You can also attend conferences to meet these professionals in person and establish a relationship.

The first time you try to fill out a bid solicitation, you will probably feel like throwing your hands up in the air, but persistence will help you here as well. Dividing the document into sections might make it more manageable, but don't be tempted to leave anything out of the final bid offer. One small mistake can cost you a contract. You may not succeed the first time, and if you want to know why not, contact an agency representative for an explanation.

Contrary to the opinion of many, small businesses do have some advantages. Federal agencies are required to award contracts under one hundred thousand dollars to these kinds of companies, and there are many such contracts. You don't have to limit yourself to the small contracts though because agencies are willing to award large jobs to small businesses if they are convinced the company can handle the workload.

Businesses owned by individuals considered disadvantaged or minorities get even extra consideration. Companies owned by disabled veterans and those that are located in low income areas are examples of these types of businesses.

Growing a business in a sluggish economy can be hard, but there are some good options out there. Bidding on governmental contracts takes time and patience, but it can be rewarding and lucrative.




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