Securing Government Bids Requires Patience
By Susan Billad on October 15, 2009
As the single largest purchaser of goods and services in the United States, the federal government is now focused on how its purchases will have an effect on the environment. More companies in the private sector are also manufacturing more products and providing more services that have fewer burdens on the environment. This is a great partnership, and a way for companies to be more effective in competing for government bids on new contracts. In the past, small and medium sized companies have had the most difficulty accessing the federal marketplace. The complex and archaic acquisition process as kept these companies out of the loop -until now.
Accessing the federal marketplace with environmental products and services requires having an understanding of how the federal government seeks to incorporate these into its purchasing decisions. Private companies also need to know how they can market and sell their products and services and win government bids. It is also valuable to know that there are resources available to small and medium businesses to make them more competitive by knowing who to contact within an agency regarding purchasing decisions.
Always Use the KISS Factor If your business uses complex language in your government bids, you will loose out on this opportunity. Your proposal must be simple and easy to follow, uncluttered with industry language not recognized by the government.
Don’t Risk Current Projects for Future Gain Greed is not good when you are submitting government bids. If you know that you do not have the current labor force to complete the project, do not take on more work. Additionally, know that you presently have the skills and resources required to finish a project, and are not dependent on hiring additional staff once the contract is secured.
When the time comes to sell the company, a government agency will increase the value of the business to potential buyers, primarily for the same reasons that the business has benefited you. This is also true if you need to apply for a business loan or line of credit.
Incorrect Pricing The most common mistake is pricing items in incorrect units. For example, do not submit a bid reflecting gallons when the government is soliciting quarts. Change the language to four quarts rather than one gallon.
Magnitude of Impact Not only must companies know the impact its product and service has within the United States, but it must also consider the global impact to the environment when used.
Applying for government bids requires patience. The contract process can be a long and arduous procedure, and your company must be willing to play by the rules and properly follow the procedures.
Not only is the process slow, but the sales cycle is slower than the capital markets and requires dedicated time and effort. However, once you have secured the contract, your business will appreciate the fruits of the labor.
Bookmark/Share this Post by:
Readers Comments
Business »
Internet Defamation Of Character Repair
September 2, 2010
Do your enemies, ex-lovers, disgruntled ex-employees, competitors continually spread libel and slander that you are a con-artist, or rip-off running some sort of scam? This happens so much now-a-days, what would have been a useful tool in our modern society is instead just a nuisance to whoever is of any status above the rest, that makes any mistake.
Finance »
Add Some Spice And Flavor To Your Finances With Food Inspired Checks
September 1, 2010
Everybody likes to eat! If you are bored of your bare and uninteresting personal checks and want to add some new flair to them then how about purchasing checks that have images of some of your much loved foods?
Health »
The 4 Channel Color Quad Yields Effective Property Surveillance Protection
September 3, 2010
We were a big family, and when all children got married, my widowed mother thought of redesigning the big house into a home for senior citizens.
Education »
Wedding Reception Bands – Know What To Look For
September 1, 2010
Wedding reception bands create the mood for your reception by the type of music they play. If they play lively dance music, your guests can let their hair down and dance the night away. On the other hand, your band could play quiet background music that allows guests to visit and talk with each other without having to shout.
Investing »
The Importance Of Life Insurance Quotes
July 4, 2010
The importance and value of getting the right life insurance policy is something that goes without saying. The security of knowing that your finances are going to be alright whatever the circumstances are what should come from having the right cover. Easing the impact on your budget, however, is also something that we all look for, and so getting the best deal available is the ideal scenario.
Currency Trading »
The Selection Of Forex Managed Accounts
August 11, 2010
When it comes to the benefits of Forex managed accounts the potential is nearly limitless. If your financial picture isn’t what it should be and you are considering investments as an alternative method to profit, Forex trading is probably on the top of your list.
