If you’ve worked hard to build up a small business from scratch, you might wonder how you can supercharge your company and achieve even greater success. One of the best ways to improve your reputation and increase your revenue is to land a federal government contract. This is not only lucrative but also shows other potential customers that you are well respected.
So, where can you find such contracts, and how can you make sure that you beat the competition? There are many websites and job boards that can help, but nothing is better than working with experienced professionals who can show you where to look and coach you.
Where Can You Find a Federal Government Contract?
There are several ways of finding government contracts online. You can join a database and wait to be found by the government, apply via job boards, or pitch yourself directly. Whatever way you choose, you’ll need to do your research ahead of time and make sure you can deliver on your promises. Because applying for a contract is challenging, many companies get coaching from experts like GovCon Giants.
Online Via Websites that Collect Small Business Information
When government agents look for a small company to work for, they might first go through existing databases. For example, the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) is a platform that helps government agencies find businesses to work with. To make sure your company is listed, you should sign up to the U.S. Small Business Administration, which is the organization that manages this database.
When applying to be included, provide as much information about your company as possible. The clearer you are about what you do and the scope of your work, the more likely it is that you will find the right opportunity. Remember, there are lots of businesses competing for the same job, and government officials will choose the one that seems to be the best fit for the project. Even if you’re awesome, you won’t be chosen if your company’s profile is empty.
Online Via Job Boards
You can also apply directly to government contracts via job boards. Start by looking at SAM.gov, which is the U.S. government system for listing contract opportunities. All contracts over $25,000 have to be put on this board, so it’s a good place to begin.
You should also check out SubNet, a network where large contractors look for smaller businesses to help them serve the government. Working under a bigger firm and doing only part of the work could be a great way for newcomers to start and build up a reputation.
By Pitching Your Company to the Government
If you don’t want to wait until a job gets advertised online, you can pitch yourself directly to the government. To do this, you first have to find out what kinds of services are needed and then create a strong proposal that shows why you are the best person or organization for the job. A great place to start is the Federal Procurement Data System, where you can find out about past contracts and the businesses that have won them.
A similar site is USAspending.gov, which collects data about government spending and allows you to see where the majority of the money is going. You can also check whether there is an Office of Small Business Programs or an Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for your industry. These organizations find opportunities for businesses and promote collaboration between the government and small companies.
By Working with Government Contract Professionals
Securing a government contract is hard, and most small businesses that try don’t succeed. To increase your chances, consider working with experts who can show you how to position your business to win a contract. If you attend a class, sign up to a coaching program, or take part in a certification program, you will gain access to the most up-to-date information and the best platforms to use.
How Can GovCon Help Me Win a Contract?
Here at GovCon, we have helped dozens of businesses win government contracts. In the last year, our clients have done $30 million of work for the government. If you’ve applied for a contract in the past and have failed to get it or you’re not sure where to start, you should consider asking us for help. We have several programs, including courses, certifications, and one-on-one coaching.
Usually, we start by looking at your business to see what your strengths and weaknesses are. With our help, you can improve your reputation and online presence, so the government will see why you’re the best company for their next contract. We can also show you where you can find new contracts and how you can apply. Plus, we have a lot of industry insight. We’ve helped many businesses like yours in the past, so we know what works and what doesn’t.
What Should I Do to Have the Best Chance of Winning a Contract?
Now you know where you can find federal government contracts, let’s have a closer look at how you can beat your competitors. Remember, for every government job, there are likely to be many applicants, so you have to stand out from the crowd. Together with your GovCon Giants expert, you can learn how to research the contract, come up with a targeted proposal, and send the proposal to the right person at the right time.
We will also help you build up a strong reputation in your community and improve your online presence. That way, the government officials who make the decisions about contracts will see that you are a well-loved business that deserves a chance.
Research the Contract and Make a Targeted Proposal
It might be tedious, but you won’t get around doing some research before you create your proposal. Read about the kinds of government contracts that have been awarded to other businesses in your industry and find out how much funding there was. This gives you a better idea of where you fit in and how much you stand to win.
Once you’ve found a contract that’s perfect for your business, you will need to write a detailed proposal. Show the government how you will fulfill their needs, what innovative ideas you have, and what similar projects you have done in the past. If the officials can visualize how you will help them, it’s much more likely that they will select you.
Build Up a Reputation in Your Local Community
Once you’ve been chosen as one of the top candidates for a government contract, it’s likely that the officials will consider several factors before making a final decision. They might look at how long you’ve been in business and what other projects you have done in the past, but they will also check whether you have a good reputation in your community.
Do locals rely on you, and are you their first choice? Are you actively involved in helping out disadvantaged members of your community, for example by employing minorities or people with disabilities? Do you take part in local festivals? If so, the government might choose you because you are an asset to your community.
Check Your Online Presence
The government officials will also have a look at your website and social media channels to make sure they are consistent with your proposal. If you’ve written that you specialize in building commercial properties but all the information on your website is about building private homes, your proposal might not look credible.
Before you submit, make sure what you write in your proposal is consistent with what you post online. Check that all your profiles are fun and engaging but professional and that you haven’t posted anything that could lower your chances.
Make Sure You Can Deliver
You should only apply to a contract when you’re sure you’ll be able to deliver. If you apply for many opportunities and don’t discriminate, you’re less likely to get accepted, and if you do, you might not be able to do a good job for the government. This is worse than not working for them at all because it will reduce your chances of getting another contract in the future.
Your experts at GovCon Giants can help you figure out which contracts are appropriate. They will ask you about your workforce, your suppliers, your equipment, and your expertise. Once you’ve defined exactly what your company can do, it’s easier for you to figure out which projects you’ll excel at.
Winning a federal government contract is a major challenge, but if you succeed, your business will have an income for months or years at a time. You can find out about opportunities online or pitch yourself directly to the right agency, but it can often be hard to know what to say. Send us a message at GovCon Giants to find out more about our coaching program and to get your piece of the millions of dollars we have helped others secure.
