3 Myths In Federal Contracting

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According to the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) there were over $425 billion dollars of requirements procured in 2012.  Even though over four hundred and twenty five billion dollars of procurements were processed some federal agencies were still not able to achieve their goals.  The reason why is because many small businesses fail to get in the federal game believing there is no work available for them.  This is not true, the federal government is looking for you, there is a need for your product or service but business owners shy away from federal contracts based on false information or ideas about working with the government. 

If you’re new and you want to start out on a smaller platform try subcontracting.  Subcontracting is when a business signs on with a prime contractor to perform a portion of the government task order for a nominal fee.  Luckily, the Small Business Administration has made final ruling on the *Small Business jobs Act that looks out for the subcontractor when it comes to performing task for the prime.  So this can eliminate some of the concerns that you may have teaming with a larger more experienced vendor.  

Another myth vendors use in working with the feds is not pursuing opportunities because federal language is too confusing.  If this is the only problem you have then you’re doing pretty well.  Understanding government rules, regulations, and protocol is not something that can be learned overnight, but you will definitely be able to learn it.  There are so many free classes, websites, and information available to you at some point you will at least understand the basics of federal contracting language.  You can get up to date free information about government contracts on my website at gsaproposalmaven.com or by visiting your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center’s (PTAC). 

And finally the most popular excuse is the federal government doesn’t pay small businesses.  If there were any customer to make sure that you get paid consistently it would be the federal government.  Although they do not pay multiple times per month ex. Weekly, bi-weekly, they do manage to make payments electronically every 30 to 45 days.  Wide area work flow is a really good system to maintain invoices and payment dates when dealing with the federal government.

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“Ilene Giles is an expert with GSA contracts and its process and she has helped contractors worldwide in winning more federal business faster and easier with a GSA contract. Get her FREE CD “Top 3 Things You Should Know When Applying for a GSA Contract” at www.GSAProposalMaven.com”