MightyRecruiterSmall Business Government Contracts: What’s Out There
Being designated as a small business means that you have the opportunity for government contracting. Small business government contracts are something that federal agencies are required to have. Because of this, a lot of money goes to small businesses each year for the services and goods they sell. Of course, there are some guidelines you have to adhere to in order to be considered a small business, and you do have to compete for the contracts, but once you’ve got firm ground, the possibilities are endless.
Some industries that may see more opportunities for small business government contracts include building and maintenance, research and development, security and surveillance, housing and urban development, and transportation. Because the government typically doesn’t take too big a hit when a recession occurs, you could be more likely to remain on top when you have secured some contracts with their agencies.
What First-Timers Need to Know
If you are trying to get a contract with a government agency for the first time, there are some things you should know.
1.It can be difficult ï As a first-time prime contractor, you may have less success winning a government contract, but if you go in as a sub-contractor, you’ll be able to gain traction with a prime contractor that already has relations with the agency. This will give you the ability to move forward in the future as your opportunities expand.
2.You’ll need to strategize ï One of the biggest benefits you have as a small business is access to the budget of government agencies. As sectors in the public eye, they are required to put their budgetary priorities out there for everyone to see. This allows you to strategize. It helps you see what their budgetary goals are so you can come up with a plan to get their contract.
Take a look at the small business goals of every government agency. Each federal domain is required to have a certain amount of small business government contracts. If there is one that falls short, you can target them, which also helps them stay on track.
3.There are specific requirements ï Don’t think you can just run out and have a contract signed. Specific requirements have to be met if you want to do business with the government. Some of those include having ïpast performance,ï a DUNS number and registration with CCR. It’s important that you investigate this further because the process can sometimes take a while, but if you already meet all the requirements, it might not be as bad.
4.You’re not alone ï There are all types of resources available to help you along the way. Check out an SBA Contracting Guide. Visit with an SBA Procurement Center Representative (PCR) for counseling and training. Read up on some contracting blogs or take a self-paced online course. Pair up with a mentor from SCORE. All of these resources and more will help your business be ready. They will help you know what to do to make the most of your government contracting opportunities.
Becoming a Contractor of Choice
Part of landing more small business government contracts is becoming a contractor of choice. Starting out as a sub-contractor, pairing up with a mentor and then demonstrating strong performance will show government agencies that you are reliable and worth the taxpayers’ dollars. They have a responsibility to the public, and as their contractor, you do as well. Go to them with experience and on-time delivery of goods or services. Stay on budget and have reliable goods available when they need them.
Dealing with private contracts is different than dealing with government contractors, and it’s important you don’t treat them the same. For example, government agencies are not allowed to take gifts of any kind, so you have to be careful in marketing. Make sure you have a clear distinction between the two as you market your products or services, carry out the contracts and remain a low-risk solution. As your reputation grows, it will become evidentiary that you are a contractor of choice.
Get Certified and Start Contracting
There are so many opportunities to secure small business government contracts, but you need to be ready for them. Whether you run a business in transportation, building or surveillance, get certified as a small business so you can put your resources to work in finding some contracts to get started with. Using the resources previously mentioned, as well as those you’ll find on your own, will help you to get started on the track to securing the contracts you desire most. For more instruction, search Mighty Recruiter to find useful information and tools that will help you secure small business government contracts and better your business.