Things To Do Before The Requests For Proposal Or The RFP Is Released.
You should always ask the following questions in order to fully understand how you are going to structure your winning proposal:
- What is the top priority, quality, price, or speed?
- What problem can you solve for the government using your product or service?
- Do you need to team up with anyone else?
- How is the proposal going to be scored by the agency?
- What are the agency’s operating policies?
- Who is the agency’s current contractor for this particular good or service?
How Do You Get Started Working With The Government?
SAM stands for System Award Management.
To do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management. In addition, the government will not hire any type of business that has not been written in the SAM directory.
We have an article on our site, Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses, that gives you essential information about this process.
As a savvy entrepreneur, you have already used our site to register in the SAM directory. Congratulations on taking this essential first step to become a government contractor.
The First Step Is Registering With SAM
To do any business with the federal government, you must register your business in the System for Award Management directory. The government will not hire any type of business (large or small) that has not registered in the SAM directory.
Please read one of the helpful blog articles on our site like Everything You Need to Know About SAM for Small Businesses. These blogs will help give you all the information you need to understand how we can help make the process very easy for you. In addition, Sam Directory will happily guide you through this often confusing process.
The Bid
The Federal government has the following type of solicitations for bidding:
- Request for Quotation (RFQ). This type is for contracts below $150,000 with a simplified acquisition procedure.
- Request for Proposal (RFP). This type of solicitation asks vendors to propose in response to the government’s request. You can (and often will) discuss delivery details, technical requirements, and specifications with the contracting officer when you bid on that solicitation.
- Invitation for Bid (IFB). The “lowest bid wins” or “sealed bid” type of solicitation. No discussion or price negotiation is implied here.
- Request for Information (RFI). This is primarily to research the market and evaluate the interest and capabilities of contractors in a specific niche.
Read the solicitation requirements carefully. A solicitation package will include documents, technical conditions, attachments, and other things required with the submission. For most federal government contracts under RFP and IFB solicitations, there are standard contracting forms you should fill out. For needed documents, they are listed in the solicitation.
Contact your contracting officer if you have questions. You must understand everything about the solicitation you are bidding on. Also, look to FARs (Federal Acquisitions Regulations) that govern the solicitation you are to respond to make sure you know the regulations and requirements.
Small Business Administration Certifications
A Small Business Administration certification is an excellent way for your business to stand out in the marketplace. Certifications can help you gain access to specialized funding and scholarships, allow you to compete for set-aside contracts, and can be a great bonus to potential clients. Here are some certifications to consider for your small business:
- Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program (WOSBs)
- 8(a) Business Development Program
- The Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern Procurement Program(SDVOSB)
- Historically Underutilized Business Zone Program (HUBZone)
Make Sure You Are Organized
Having solid financial records and a clear thought out process goes a long way to impress government agencies that you can handle the job. It presents a professional demeanor that is quite impressive.
Sam Directory will guide you through the process of writing a successful government contract proposal. We are invested in your success and want to help you succeed in winning a lucrative federal contract.
What Do I Need To Register For The Sam Directory?
You will need the following :
- A Data Universal Numbering System or DUNS from Dun and Bradstreet
- Your Tax Identification Number or TIN
- A Social Security Number if you are a Sole Proprietor.
What Is A DUNS Number?
The Data Universal Numbering System—or D-U-N-S number—was created and copyrighted in 1962 by Dun & Bradstreet. It is a unique nine-digit identifier that has become the standard numbering system to identify businesses across the globe. You can compare the DUNS number as a social security number for your business.
Any contracting opportunity within the System for Award Management (SAM) will require a DUNS number.
CAGE Code (Commercial and Government Entity)
This code is five characters and unique to your business. It’s your ID code, and government agencies will identify your business using this code. It is a bit like a social security number for your business. If your business includes more than one facility, then you will need multiple CAGE codes. Each location must have its unique code, and each location must be registered separately with SAM.
The Government Can Really Increase The Standing Of A New Business
The government is one of the most powerful consumers in the world. Being a government contractor is a wonderful way for any new business to grow its reputation in the digital marketplace as well as other forms of advertising. It is a fantastic way to build a strong reputation in a relatively short amount of time.
Government Contracts Offer Security In These Uncertain Times.
Covid-19 has halted a lot of different industries. However, the government must continue to move forward for the health and welfare of its people. Government contracting can be a shining light in the pandemic darkness and provide a lifeline to many new struggling businesses that are trying to survive this unprecedented situation.