Government 101
Government Contracting 101
Advice from a contract specialist
Ricardo Carter
April 16, 2009
Road to Success
- Who is your ideal client?
- Find out what their needs are!
- Find out who you need to see!
- Determine your price.
- Create a marketing strategy.
- Make Contact
- First Meeting
- Follow-up
- Network, Network, Network!
- Be professional
Suggestions
- Contact the small business representative for the IRS and inquire about setting up a meeting with their small business section.
- Consider teaming arrangements
- Do homework and understand the challenges of Government organization prior to meeting
- Host webinars and product/service demonstrations
- Seek mentors
- Get to know and know the role of the Contracting Officer (FAR 1.602)
- Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization http://www.treas.gov/sba
Questions for vendors to ask
- What is the evaluation criteria?
- How long has organization had this challenge?
- What attempts have been made to solve this challenge?
- Is funding available to resolve this problem?
- Are their any governing authorities that may affect this procurement apart from the FAR?
Contracting Process
- Government identifies a bona fide need
- Government investigates the scope of the need and develops a statement of work with their unique qualifications. (ex.. Cost, specialties, resources)
- Requisition is created and funding is established (amount procurement will cost) and requisition is sent to contract specialist
- Contract Specialist solicits requirement
- Contract Specialist selects vendor
- Contract is Awarded
- Work Commences
- Performance is Monitored
- Contract Ends