Government contract consultants understand how to successfully procure government contracts and the various intricacies that are involved with the procurement process. This review discusses the benefits of working with a government contract consultant for contract procurement with a government agency.
What Is Required To Procure Government Contracts?
You must register your small business and meet the eligibility requirements before you can procure government contracts. First, you will need a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number. They require all of your general business information, such as your business location, mailing address, and phone number.
You will also need a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. This provides a specific number for your products and numbers. Finally, you will need to meet the size requirements and register with the System for Award Management (SAM).
Time And Resources
Obtaining the proper registration can take time and require certain resources. Government contract consultants can advise you through the approval processes for government agencies such as the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to minimize the time it takes to begin working for the government. Setbacks in the process are much more likely to occur without the assistance of a consultant who has experience working on government contracts with the specific government agency with whom you intend to work.
Relationships And Networking
Similar to the private industry, it is important to develop a strong relationship with your clients. If you are a government contractor, this includes networking and building relationships with those in charge of assigning government contracts and schedules. It also includes building strong relationships with contractors, particularly if you are a subcontractor or a contractor who regularly works as a part of a team on government projects.
Familiarity With Procedures And Regulations
A common reason contractors are turned down for government contracts is because they do not follow the proper regulations and procedural requirements. Government contract consultants are familiar with the procedures for submitting proposals for government contracts and can help ensure that you follow the proper regulation requirements.
How Government Contract Consultants Can Help
Government contract consultants can help government contractors register with the appropriate agencies, identify the right contract opportunities, ensure that all requirements are met for government contracts, and market their business to the government.
Registering You With The Appropriate Agencies
There are different government agencies that you may need to register with in order to procure contracts for which you are qualified. This may include the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), among others.
Identifying The Right Opportunities
Being a successful government contractor requires you to find the opportunities for which you are qualified. A government contract consultant understands how to identify the right opportunities and properly submit contract proposals.
Searching Databases
There are various databases a government contract consultant can use to help their clients procure contracts. The specific databases depend on the industry you are in, and they may include SubNet, Dynamic Small Business Search, and SAM.gov.
Getting On GSA Schedules
A GSA schedule makes the process of contract procurement easy for the contractor as well as the GSA. A consultant can help ensure that you meet the criteria necessary for a GSA schedule and advise you throughout the application process.
Subcontracting Opportunities
SubNet allows subcontractors to find larger contractors who are looking for specialized work from small businesses. This is just one of many possible subcontracting opportunities that a government contract consultant may draw upon to find the right contracts for their client.
Ensuring You Meet The Requirements
Depending on the government agencies you register with, there are certain requirements that must be met. A government contract consultant understands the requirements for each specific agency and can ensure you are able to take the necessary steps to become eligible for government contracts for which you are qualified.
Marketing Your Business To The Government
Similar to working in other public or private sectors, it helps to market your business for government contracts. Government agencies want to hire the most reliable contractors who provide the highest quality work at competitive rates.
Developing Winning Proposals
The best way to market your business to the government is to find out what needs government agencies have and how you can best fulfill those needs. One way a consultant can help with the process is through the use of the Federal Procurement Data Systems (FPDS), USAspending.gov, and other databases that show government contract data.