Tag: govcon

Dr. Krystal Nerio: From Air Force to President of Prosperitus Solutions

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Learn from Dr. Krystal Nerio as she shares her journey that led to building of President of Prosperitus Solutions, as well as her advice for small businesses, especially women-owned.

BACKGROUND

After graduating high school, Dr. Krystal Nerio’s older sister urged her to join the U.S. Air Force. During these years of being a full time logistician, she also went to night school to pursue her education. 

Then, after spending six years serving the nation, she returned to the US and began working at different small and large businesses. She had also managed and oversaw the Air Force Mentor Protege Program. 

It was then Ted Terrazas, the former owner of TerraHealth Inc., who encouraged her to take the leap and start her own business, after he sold his company and she’s left to start the next chapter of her life. 

Currently, Dr. Nerio is the President of Prosperitus Solutions, her successful medical logistics staffing firm that provides innovative manpower and project management solutions in the government space. 

Apart from that, she is also the Senior Managing Partner at Nerio Enterprises, where they provide strategic leadership and management of existing real estate portfolios, and the Chairwoman of Global Chamber San Antonio, an international trade and development organization. 

Above all of these, Dr. Krystal Nerio is a proud Hispanic woman who sets an example for all women in the minorities. 

“When I saw that Hispanic women didn’t even make a mark in higher education, it was like, okay, this is not about me anymore. It’s about, you know, my future didn’t, you know, the future generations to come. It’s about making that example for them. So, that’s when I was like, ‘Okay, I gotta do this now.’ So, I changed my mindset on why I was there and that’s how I finished my PhD.”

TRANSITIONING FROM THE AIR FORCE

Dr. Nerio returned to the US when she was 23 years old but in transitioning to being a civilian, she found that her NCO logistics background doesn’t equate much, so once Home Depot decided to hire her, she accepted the job. 

“So, I was getting adjusted to life on US soil and also trying to figure out, ‘Okay, what am I going to do now?’ ‘Cause I was told what to do for six years. So I was told what to wear. I was told where to go. So, it was, truly, I’m having to adjust to civilian life and also adjust to who I am, finding myself.”

Meanwhile, she then got a call from General Dynamics for a logistics job and this was where she learned how to really get in front of the door and learn writing resumes.

“Probably the only difference was, is what? Our war.”

STARTING AND MANAGING PROSPERITUS SOLUTIONS

In starting her business, Dr. Nerio found it easier as Mr. Terrazas, her mentor, had already helped her build relationships and to work in the same environment.

“I was fortunate and blessed that I had been working in those environments for my mentor. I had been doing that for the last three years. You know, hitting the pavement, shaking those hands, getting those contracting officers day in and day out, and so when I switched hats, it was a little easier for me because they knew me.”

The only thing that she did to separate herself from her old employer, TerraHealth Inc., was rebranding and showing that she can do it, even with a different role as an owner.

Then, as part of her company’s growth, they started to provide administrative and medical services aside from logistics, as well as, build their past performance through teaming and partnerships. 

“I had been working with a lot of different prime contractors and it’s a very small world. You just pick up the phone to, to do a reference check real quick, you know… And you, you have to say what you do and do what you say. You have to be a person of your word because in this business, I mean, we’re all at the end of the day, we’re here to, you know, help each other and help each other grow.”

Aside from building her company’s success, Dr. Nerio also aims to help other veterans, in their transitions to the civilian world. The ultimate goal is to put the veterans back in an environment that they’re familiar with: civil service or permanency.

“I knew the struggle of what it was when I got in the military and not knowing what I was going to do or what was next. And so and I say their dependence as well because they’ve been along for the ride and sometimes after retirement, now it’s their time to, it’s a shine or maybe it’s now it’s their time that they want to pursue what they’ve been wanting to do for a while, but they couldn’t do to military life.”

When asked about the story behind Prosperitus Solutions’ logo, she revealed that it is like an ancient culture symbol where it starts small and continues growing. 

“I think as just people in general, we need to be constantly growing and seeking knowledge to be better. Not only for our family but, you know, for others.”

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

In their third year in business, Dr. Nerio thought that building a business might not be for her. However, that next day, someone called to give them an opportunity. If she decided to give up early, what do you think will happen to that opportunity? 

“Don’t give up. You’re going to have those sleepless nights. You’re gonna have those stressful, most stressful moments. But just keep at it every day. If it’s something that you truly are passionate about and that, you know, you want it more than anything in this world, just keep going after it. You’re going to have a struggle in the beginning, but it won’t be for long. You know, it will not be for longer. You’ll have that one moment, that right when you’re about to give up, that next door just opens up.”

ADVICE FOR WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS

In building her business, Dr. Nerio found quite a few women in business and when she found one, she tried to really hold on to their relationship. 

“You know what advice I would give is to be a good mentor to another women-owned business. Because there were so few of us that I struggle finding a female mentor, believe it or not. And my mentors have been men… And so my advice is, you know, once you do become established and you do have wisdom and knowledge to share, definitely embrace another woman-owned small business.”

RESOURCES

If you want to learn more on how Dr. Krystal Nerio built and expanded Prosperitus Solutions, then be sure to click the resources below.

You can also visit the GovCon Giant website or the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

From Air Force to President of Prosperitus Solutions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psgh_MmT6M4&list=PL6-jBNNcc98vTBvNhFYfUTeH0k-Vx2VBH&index=15

024: Dr. Krystal Nerio – From Air Force to President of Prosperitus Solutions, a Multi-National Medical & Logistics Staffing Firm

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/024-2/

Respond to Sources Sought and RFIs!

Posted on by Eric Coffie

There are more ways to win government contracts than just bidding, bidding, bidding!

STOP LOOKING FOR THE WRONG NOTICES

There are a ton of people who always say that they don’t win any contracts because of this and that. And you might be one of these people that go into beta.sam and other govcon databases and say, “I don’t see any of my stuff in here!”

However, instead of just looking for solicitations or requests for proposals (RFPs), why not look for sources sought notices or RFIs?

Remember, these sources sought and RFIs are still possible contract opportunities even if these are still in the market research phase. 

“This may actually never come out to become a solicitation because someone like myself took the initiative, respond to the RFI,  and start doing a direct negotiation with the government. They can do that. Remember, at this phase, at this stage, it is not a solicitation, they’re doing market research. And when they’re doing market research, they have the ability to be able to shape requirements and or decide that they want to put it out in a different manner.”

CREATE A PATH TO YOURSELF

When you visit beta.sam to look for sources sought notices and RFIs, you will find a ton of opportunities in every industry possible.

In one of our videos, we even found notices about adult sports, building relocation, laundry services, Virtual Patient Immersive Training, janitorial services, exterior wash, marksmanship, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard Preservation among others.

And because these notices are not public yet, you can  negotiate this and if you meet the requirements, you might be awarded a sole source.  

“It makes no sense to wait or think that by waiting until a formal solicitation is released, by waiting until a formal project comes out for bid, that this is even going to happen. It doesn’t always happen, folks. These do not always turn into full and open competition or even small business set aside bids. This is why I’m encouraging to get in at this basic level here when the only thing they’re asking is respondents, interested respondents right? Respond a company name, point of contact, CAGE and DUNS, information about the product or services as it meets requirements, annotate it in this sources sought which includes a brochure, white paper pamphlet, and or other information content.”

SHARING IS CARING

The thing about sources sought notices and RFIs is that it follows the rule of two which says that in order for it to become a set-aside, there should be two or more small businesses to respond. If not, it will be given to large companies. 

“Why don’t we help them (small business activists, liaisons, and some offices) do their job easier? Like let’s make their job easier by giving them the information they need, finding people that can do these types of jobs, and if even if you can’t do it, reaching out to someone who you know that can do it and have it helping them submit their information. All that does is creates more opportunity for all of us small businesses out there.”

You should also consider that some of the people who do these activities are not in beta.sam or don’t have a business development person scouring through different govcon databases for opportunities. Hence, it is best to share it with others and together, let’s make government contracting more small business friendly. 

“The reason why I thought that exterior wash was interesting is I wanted to show to the level of who can get involved. I had someone reach out to me that says they’re starting a pressure washing business and this seemed right up their alley if you do pressure washing… Again, folks that do pressure washing, and steer washing, car washing, they’re not likely to be here on beta.sam looking at opportunities; so, this is why we present this to folks out here and share. Sharing is caring. But also, we want to help people be able to see the vast degree of what actually exists.”

RESOURCES

If you want to know more about sources sought notices and RFIs, you can check the links below. Also, you can visit GovCon Giant’s blog and other social media platforms as we share our knowledge about government contracting and other contract opportunities out there. 

Mohanchand Raghbeer Shares How He Finds All The Search Results On The SAM Database

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/mohanchand-raghbeer-shares-how-he-finds-all-the-search-results-on-the-sam-database/

What is a ‘Sources Sought’ on FedBizOpps (FBO) & how to respond? – Eric Coffie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra8q2SfKeD0

How to respond to a Sources Sought?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eEGLkukCOo

Let your competitors know about a sources sought

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8oNJ0tSyqs&t=6s

Sources Sought Notices And The Rule Of Two – MasterMinds Monday

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/sources-sought-notices-and-the-rule-of-two-masterminds-monday/

#SourceSought: Contract Opportunities You’ll Be Interested In!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJrPRQ4xJuQ&t=17s

0821 SS/RFI: ISO Services, Roofing IDIQ, Mental Health, Blasting, R&D, A/E, Coaching

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg1pVz1Y_DM&t=363s

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY: Commercial Trailer Repair Service

Posted on by Eric Coffie

The Texas National Guard has a requirement for inspections, service and repair of commercial trailers. This sources sought is to determine the availability of vendors in the Austin, TX area that can support this requirement. If you can support this requirement, please send response to email: [email protected] with subject line “Commercial Trailer Repair”. Provide company name, cage code, business size and location.

Classification

  • Product Service Code: J023 – MAINT/REPAIR/REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT- GROUND EFFECT VEHICLES, MOTOR VEHICLES, TRAILERS, AND CYCLES
  • NAICS Code: 81111 – Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance
  • Place of Performance: Austin , TX 78703, USA

 

Responses are due by 10:00 am CDT Aug 13, 2020

The Do’s and Don’ts in Performing Your Government Contracts

Posted on by Eric Coffie

As government contractors, you cannot freely do anything with your project the way you wanted it to be. You have guidelines to follow which are all in your contracts. To give you an idea, here are the do’s and don’ts in performing your government contracts.

FOLLOW THE SPECIFICATIONS. 

Contracting officers have a very specific set of guidelines that government contractors should follow. 

These people might not be the one who are the main reason why that project took place but for the fact that they have the authority to obligate the government’s spin and funds, then you shouldn’t defy them. 

“We should be thankful that we are in a position to where somebody is calling us with the contract and opportunity that is not publicly posted to do a negotiation and a potential sole source.”

COMMUNICATE IN TERMS OF CHANGES.

Then, you should also communicate with your contracting officer if you want certain changes in your contract or there are parts that you find difficult to understand.

In most cases, when you do something that is not part of your contract, contracting officers will either not pay you or only pay the agreed payment based on the contract. 

However, you can avoid it by writing all of your recommended changes in terms of a Request for Information and sending it to your contracting officers so that they can include the changes in your contract or exclude anything from the list of your responsibilities.  

“If there’s a change of scope, you put it in the form of an RFI and you let them make the determination.”

STOP THE PROJECT.

The last thing that you should do is to stop the project if there are changes that are not part of your scope of work.

Don’t just do all of the things that are being ordered by the agency that you’re working with. Rather, communicate with your contracting officer and make sure that what you’re doing is still under your contract and if you are sure it is not, then temporarily stop  your project. 

“Don’t come back and ask for money for things that you took upon yourself without getting permission.”

Remember that the government and the contracting officer will just pay you if a project is done or a product or service is delivered according to their contract. Other problems that you might face in doing the project is not part of their problem. So, it is best to ask for the permission of your contracting officer first.

RESOURCES

If you want to watch Eric Coffie’s full video, then be sure to click the links below.

Negotiating a $5 million dollar contract do’s and don’ts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXj_oSdNKb8

How to price a FedBizOpps contract, things to consider?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98Rdcck0e0Q

How to Bid a Job?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drxbXzQSfG0&t=146s

International Contracts – How to register if you are a foreign company

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWbcnqp1ymE

Get Past Your Fear of Failure and Take Action!

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Get past your fear and take action by learning what fear is not and the benefits of failure on your journey towards success!

OUR GOAL

One of our goals in creating more content is to help more people. This is part of our 20/20 challenge to help people and get feedback to know what’s working and what’s not. 

Luckily, our group continues to grow, so if you also want to grow with us and meet like-minded individuals, you can go through our 12-day course and transition into our private Facebook group where we share more information and opportunities with each other. 

“I need people to start doing these activities so that we can, you know, we can kind of find out where they’re at what’s working, what’s not working, and we can start adjusting from that.”

However, in order to get past through this, you need to forge a fearless attitude towards life. Our content won’t help you, if you, yourselves, are afraid to take action. 

FEAR AND FAILURE

1. Failure is not avoidable.

If you don’t feel fear in your activities, then you’re not being bold and with that you won’t grow and you won’t develop.

There will always be fear of what will happen next, but you can’t avoid it, you just have to do it. 

“As long as you’re attempting new things, you’re gonna make mistakes.”

2. Failure is not an event.

In the game Zelda, in order to get to the next level, you have to find a key to the door by finding hints and clues. 

That’s also the same with reaching your goal, you will never stay in the same area. When you want to grow, you need to learn the rules and move to the next level. 

3. Failure is not the enemy.

Most people try to avoid failure like the plague. However, it takes adversity to create success.

For instance, we look up to the success of the Ferrari car inventor, Enzo Ferrari, but we don’t even know that for him to reach success, he had to face several charges (which was later acquitted) because some of his previous car crashed and killed its drivers and spectators. 

4. Failure is not irreversible. 

In a quote by Mark Cuban, he says, “It doesn’t matter how many times you fail. You only have to be right once and then everyone can tell you that you are an overnight success.”

This is a fact because most people don’t even bother to ask about what a person went through just to get that success.

“That’s the same thing that happened to me is that, you know, no one, I haven’t, no one person to say, ‘Eric, let me, can you tell me about some of your failures and some of your mistakes?’ You guys don’t realize that a few years ago that I almost went bankrupt, I mean I made a video about it but no one even watches it.”

5. Failure is not a stigma.

When LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers and played for the Miami Heat, people went crazy. However, when the Heat won, suddenly he’s King James. 

“There was obviously the stigma that was placed upon LeBron James, but is now gone, right, so there’s no stigma with failure.”

6. Failure is not final.

People think that failure is final, it’s not. The only time that failure’s final is when you quit.

As Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that it won’t work.” 

BENEFITS OF FAILURE

We’re all social creatures, so it’s natural for us to conform to the people and norms around us, but underneath we also have that fear to follow our own path no matter what people think of us.

The fearless types are able to conquer this fear and they fascinate us. We secretly admire and respect them and we wish we could act more like they do.

“I really believe that we can build an army of really good contractors out there.”

However, we believe that we, regular people, can achieve this. And to  emphasize our point, we will use Helen Keller’s lessons:

1. You will learn lessons. 

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.

2. You will develop boldness, courage, and strength.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul will be strengthened ambition inspired and success. 

3. Your experiences will open you up to new possibilities.

No pessimists ever discover the secrets of the stars or sail to uncharted land or open a new heaven to the human spirit.

4. You move closer to your purpose.

I long to accomplish a great and noble task but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks if they were great and noble.

GET PAST YOUR FEAR

1. Choose what you won’t regret.

In an interview with Jeff Bezos wherein his brother asked him why he quit his job as an engineer and started Amazon, he answered that he decided to project his life out at 80 years old, and then he would take the path that produced the minimum amount of regrets.

Think about that. Project your life at that age and think of activities that will help you create the minimum amount of regrets. 

“You’re not gonna regret not going to work and quitting that job… What you’re gonna regret is not seeing all that you can be and being able to go after these contracts, making that phone call to the contracting officer, not having gave in that presentation, not having try to put in a bid for that particular contract— The additional effort, those are the things that you’re gonna regret.”

2. Work on the things that others won’t.

This marketplace is tough, but that only means that the people who could get through these barriers are the only ones who will succeed. 

So, instead of doing those little contracts that you see on FedBizOpps or other contracting databases, why not focus on market research and building relationships with your target clients? 

The truth is only only 55% of contracts are on these databases, some of these contracts are directly given to the incumbent contractors that have been working with these agencies for years already.

“When it’s difficult, it makes it better for the people who were serious and the people who really have a hunger for this, and people who really want it, and I’m hoping that you, the people that are listening me today and taking the time out to be on this channel are the ones that are serious and the one that really want it because those are the people who I want to spend my attention with, and my time on, and invest in them, and help them get to a level where I’m at. Those are the people that I want to work with.”

RESOURCES

If you want to learn more on how to get past your fear and take action, then be sure to click the resources below. You can also visit the GovCon Giant website or the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

Listen Here If You Want To Take Action!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drv8y80mnwg&t=25s

Why not you? Why not NOW?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_99Yog9FlE

Is your personal philosophy, poor me? Find out how to change that. – Eric Coffie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1fdnEAwOow&t=848s

Fear and Failure in Government Contracting | Govcon Training Day 2 – Eric Coffie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDjuSKMwE7o&feature=youtu.be

We are more alike than we are different

Posted on by Eric Coffie

I don’t have any specialized talent or skills. I don’t have a super memory. I am not connected to the Washington beltway or sponsored by one percenters. I am just like you and I’m here to tell you why we are more alike than we are different. 

I ONCE HAD A 9-5 JOB

It wasn’t a long time ago that I had a nice cushy job and always had the security of a steady paycheck. However, when the market took a dump, my private sector projects tanked my business and I was forced to take a position in Miami-Dade County as a Construction Manager 3.

In that job, my days were pretty easy. Each morning, I would dress up ‘business casual” and head to the office on the Express bus, transfer to the train piled with 9-5’ers, and get off at the exit at my building.

My office was on the 11th floor and after a few morning pleasantries, I was back on the elevator down to the cafeteria for some pastries and pastelitos.

The morning cafecito crowds were a usual mix of the same characters. The smokers, people who drag in late, the homeless, early birds returning from a walk after clocking in, delivery drivers, visitors and county staff from other facilities. It was a good mix of morning humor and a way to pass the early morning hours, assuming you had no 9 a.m. meetings.

Then, I was back upstairs to welcome everyone that I had not greeted in the 1st set of rounds. Our team occupied 25% of the floor, so there were another 75% of people at desks who I didn’t interact with throughout the day. Truth be told, I got more local news in the first two hours of the day than Channel 7.

After returning to my desk and responding to the barrage of emails, the assistant director usually would come in with a new found agenda that we were now forced to adhere to based on upper management meetings.

So, off we go in the county car to a county facility to address a complaint or, in this case, a change that a tenant wants in one of our over 100 facilities. These meetings can take between 15 mins to 1 hour, but there is still a 2-hour traffic back and forth.

After a late morning meeting, we track back to the office in preparation for lunch where we spend countless times discussing what to order, where to go, and with whom.

A usual meeting or conference call in the early afternoon, a few more emails, and the day is over.

If any of that story sounds familiar to you, then I wish you the best because I decided to end it. 

BUT THEN, I QUIT

I remember the day I came back to the office and announced that I QUIT. Many people told me to never come back as it would only be a lifetime sentence of unfulfilled hopes and shattered dreams. 

So many people admitted that they felt trapped in that job too. They once had aspirations and dreams like starting a restaurant, a day care, bakery, and a cleaning business.

However, they didn’t pursue these because they weren’t sure and they love the security of living from check to check. The job that once brought them security and comfort now becomes the chains that held them back from ever pursuing those ambitions.

Some (like me) came to the county after failed attempts at business, a layoff in the private sector, and others referred by family and friends, and they simply never worked anywhere else. All of them knew that the minimal responsibility position was not transferable to “real world” jobs.

“In the private sector, you must deliver; in the county, you just have to show up and get through the day.”

NOW, EXPLORE YOUR INNER GIANT!

Now picture me, Eric Coffie, in that same 9-5 job all over again. What if I had stayed in the county and left my dreams rot away in my mind? Would you ever know me? Would you know about Govcon Giants and learn from our wide-array of valuable content?

I don’t think so. You would never come to know my name or that of thousands of other entrepreneurs out there in the world if we all had chosen to stay at our jobs.

Though I have to admit, many people do enjoy the routine and consistency of a steady paycheck, but for the rest of us with high hopes for the future, this was not the place. 

So, if you think you are the next inventor, creator, and entrepreneur, explore your INNER GIANT!

Abandon the false comfort of check and take the first step towards realizing your FULL potential!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE RESOURCES!

With this in mind, if you want to know how to transform your life and realize your full potential, then check the resources below. 

If you also want to learn how to do business with the government through government contracts, then join us here at GovCon Giants.

Just visit our website and other social media platforms or check the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

10 Steps to Life Transformation – Eric Coffie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yeu0bRx71cc&t=1111s

5 Step Formula for Overnight Success – Govcon Training Day 4 – Eric Coffie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMMWh5dSbgU&t=737s

Evolve or Die! Savor Life versus Make Impact

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQbA8nesh8s&t=2161s

How to Set Goals in Life – Eric Coffie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLqx9IjOXTs&t=167s

Govcon Giants Podcast Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6-jBNNcc98vTBvNhFYfUTeH0k-Vx2VBH

Motivation Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6-jBNNcc98vrZd7y7Jp78iyFpJhcrO-R

Take This FREE Government Handout Better than FEMA!

Posted on by Eric Coffie

A lot of people are asking me the same question, “Eric, how do I get a contract?” So, to answer these people, take this FREE government handout that is better than FEMA!

THIS IS THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HANDOUT!

The United States federal procurement system is the biggest handout in the world.  There’s no other country in the world that has a procurement system similar to the way ours is run and operated.

“It’s the only program, the only system that I know that will take a one-man or a no name company and turn them into a multimillion dollar organization.”

So, if you’re looking for opportunities in the federal marketplace or you’re interested in doing federal procurement, then take advantage of this opportunity to provide products and services to the government. 

Besides, the systems are already in place and designed to help you succeed. The government doesn’t want you to fail. They want a win-win-win for everybody: the contractor, the company, the entity… everyone.

JUST PICK UP THE PHONE!

Still, you need to consider that you still need to be involved in the process. You need to do the work in order to succeed in this marketplace. 

The things that you need to do include looking where the opportunities are, finding out who or what company has contracts, and start calling these people. It’s just as easy as that.

The truth is, these companies need people like you to fulfill different contracts. They can’t do all of the work alone. This is why we have subcontracting, consulting, and teaming. 

You can start out by being a subcontractor and by providing something of value to the person or the prime who’s actually servicing the specific government agency. You can do this by just finding out who has the contract that you are looking at and giving them a call. 

You can say this statement, like, “Hey, listen, Jack. My name is Eric. I’m calling from Evankoff Construction. Listen, congratulations. I see you just won the contract award. I want to congratulate you, but let me tell you a little about my company. Do you have a minute?”

“They’re always looking for one more better supplier, one more better subcontractor.”

Now, guess what happens once you do that and you start talking to people? You become a subcontractor and because of that, you can have a past performance and a professional reference for the work that you performed. You can use that stuff in the future once you are ready to become a prime contractor.

HERE’S A STORY FOR YOU!

I actually have a couple of friends of mine that do drywall, but they’re broke. They’re not successful. They’re like handymen. They’re just getting by and scraping by. 

Then, I also know a prime that does a 100 million a year and they have a job that’s $17 million. Now, they’re even looking for a drywall company to do around 1 to 2 million dollars worth of drywall work.

So, why is it that this guy is not doing well in his business when there’s this million dollar opportunity in place and there’s no one to do it? This just doesn’t add up. 

“You can’t make the connection if you don’t reach out to the person and call them. You’re not going to be able to find that opportunity and they’re not going to be able to find you because no one’s talking.”

Besides, who needs the money more? My friend with a drywall business does. And in this case, you too. You’re the person on the other side that needs these contracts. So, call these people.

“You need to call them and say, ‘Hey, listen. I’m your guy. Whatever opportunities that you have in my field, please, let me know. Give me a shot. Give me a chance. Let me try. Try me out for a moment and see what I can do.’”

Now, that’s the handout right there. Once you start calling people, you’ll start building your history and past performance and you’ll continue to gain more opportunities. That’s what I’ve been doing and that’s what I continue to do.

RESOURCES

Forget about FEMA. Forget about food stamps. Forget about certifications. Remember, you already have the opportunity. You just have to do the necessary steps to take action in order to make it happen for yourself, for your company, and for your family. 

With this in mind, if you want to be part of a community who wants to succeed in life in terms of doing business with the government, then join us here at GovCon Giants.

Just visit our website and other social media platforms or check the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

To learn more about the topic above, you can also check these resources below:

Free Government Handout, better than FEMA!

https://youtu.be/_I1kivIB9Do

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Free-Government-Handout-better-than-FEMA.pdf

Worried about not having a certification, see why it doesn’t matter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwGPXj6TLng&t=771s

Your Certifications DON’T Mean ANYTHING!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwyZwq_D4O0

Finding 💎MILLIONAIRES💎 to network with, becoming a dealmaker and more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woPcldc3sfY&t=977s

028: Small Business Administration Subcontracting Program Manager

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8MvSXYv6yY&t=1738s

Want to make money as a Government Consultant, follow these steps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1801TXW3pQ&t=30s

06: Joint Venture and Mentor Protégé Guru

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df9jBqAT3Xc&t=2482s

Build a Target Market List using the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS)

Posted on by Eric Coffie

In this blog, we’re gonna discuss three things: what is FPDS, what kind of things can you do at FPDS, and how to build your target market list. 

WHAT IS FPDS?

The Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) is a huge database of all the government contract awards.

This is where you go to search for your competitors, your customers, and the people that want to buy your products and services.

HOW TO BUILD A TARGET MARKET LIST?

In building your target market list, you can go to the FPDS database and start doing an easy search. With this, you can just type your NAICS code and hit enter. 

Afterwards, it will reveal results with information including the top 10 department names, top 10 agencies, top 10 vendors, and then it shows you account symbols. 

Of all that information, we’re going to actually go to  contract and agency names, and then vendor names. These are actually self-explanatory as FPDS provide results of people who have received the most contract awards for that particular NAICS code under their system. 

For instance, if you click a contract agency under the top 10 contracting agency name, then you will see that the Department of Air force might have given 10, 000 worth of contracts, the Navy gave 7,000 contracts, and so forth.

What I usually do is I click on an agency name and look for their top 10 vendors. Then, I went to my Excel sheet, typed in for instance, Department of Army, and then put in the top 10 vendors of that agency. I also put other agency’s vendors in my Excel spreadsheet and so forth. 

So, what I’ve done is, I’m building up a target market list of both competitors and contracting agencies that I can use to solicit business from.

I will then check more information about these vendors and contact them if they would like to give some parts of the contract that they can’t do. 

RESOURCES

Now, those are the ways that I use FPDS to build a target market list. You can just do it without even registering, so it’s a good introduction for all of you out there. 

“It’s just an introduction, but it’s the first step to learning who your competitors are, who your clients are, and who’s going to buy your products and services.”

With this in mind, if you want to learn more about the tips and tricks in winning government contracts, then join us here at GovCon Giants.

Just visit our website and other social media platforms or check the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

You can also check these resources below to learn more about the topic above:

Build a Target Market List using FPDS -Federal Procurement Data System

https://youtu.be/gUbTyb2h7as

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Build-a-Target-Market-List-using-FPDS-Federal-Procurement-Data-System-1.pdf

 

Where Do I Start? List of GovCon Videos to Watch!

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Working in the federal marketplace can be a journey, so to help you better learn where to start, GovCon Giant made this list of videos to watch for you to follow!

THIS IS OUR STORY

Before we dive into some lessons, find out who is Eric Coffie and what is our mission here at GovCon Giants.

Listen to Eric Coffie’s 2020 Challenge video and learn our story and see why we believe that every small business on the planet should be doing government contracts!

“My name is Eric Coffie and it’s my mission in life to help small businesses achieve overwhelming success in the federal marketplace… I know that by creating an army of excellent contractors that operate ethically, we’ll provide the optimum value and best price for the government, we can curb this deficit spending trend, and start solving some of the life’s real challenges that this country faces you.”

BUSINESS BASICS

1. Learn the basics of government contracting. 

Before you start your company, learn the marketplace first. Remember, the government arena is different from the commercial marketplace.

With this, we give you a little summary of the fundamentals. This video will give you an overview of the basic building blocks to successfully win federal contracts.

2. Form your company.

Before doing business with the government, you need to incorporate your business. Remember the U.S. is a capitalistic society, even if you don’t have a tangible business, get incorporated now.

Still needs more reasons to incorporate? Watch this video: Six (6) Reasons to Form your corporation. 

3. Get your DUNS number. 

A Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) is a nine-digit identification number assigned to identify your business and to track your company’s credit record.

While the SAM database is extending the transition from using the DUNS number to the New Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in April 2022, you still need to get your DUNS number before registering to the database. 

Want to know more about how to do it? Check this video on how to apply for a DUNS number. Please note that getting your DUNS number is absolutely FREE and you don’t have to pay someone to get this done.

4. Choose your NAICS code. 

A North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is a six-digit long code that helps classify the types of products and services that you supply.

The government actually permits having multiple NAICS codes, if you provide a wide variety of supplies. However, be careful in choosing because choosing the wrong NAICS code can cost you millions.  

5. Register in SAM.

The System for Award Management (SAM) database is a platform to properly represent your business in the federal contracting arena.

Depending on the complexity of your business, your registration might take about an hour and it can also take an average of 7-10 business days to process it in the database. You can check more information about the SAM.gov database here. 

If you want to learn more on how to register, then check these SAM Registration Tips. We also have a registration playlist in both Italian and Spanish language. 

WINNING TIPS AND STRATEGIES

1. Consultant or Contractor?

Now, there are two paths that you can take… be a consultant or a contractor. A consultant is a person who represents a firm and helps you win contracts, meanwhile a contractor is the company that actually does the work with their team. 

If you want to be a consultant, then check this video on how to get started as a consultant or check this playlist on consulting.

2. Where to look for contract opportunities?

After you create your company, you’re probably looking for a few ideas of how to make money using the power of the government. Here are a few places to start: How to make money online – no sales required.

3.  Are you eligible for these?

The federal government allocates 23% of all contracting dollars to small businesses. That’s a whopping $156 billion dollars!

So, if you have a woman-owned small business, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, a small disadvantaged business, or a Historically Underutilized Business, then check these small business programs!

You can also check our playlist about the 8a program which offers a broad scope of assistance to small firms.

BUSINESS ADVICE

1. Business is like a jungle. 

Once you start learning how to make money, be careful because there will always be people who will try to take you down. Business is like a jungle, as they say. 

“They’re out there and they’re looking to take you down. Again, they’re coming from the bottom, they come up from the top, and if you can get through that jungle and you could make it on the other side, then you’re going to be successful in business. Just keep in mind that they’re all there to stop you from your pursuit of getting out the other side.”

2. Pain is positive. 

Scared to say the wrong things? Afraid to make mistakes? Faced with mental struggles? Our life can be compared to evolution and adaptation. Remember, the strong survive and the weak shall perish. Learn more why I say that pain is positive and helps you ascend to new heights!

3. Fair and failure are cousins. 

If you think that everything is too much for you, understand that fear and failure are cousins. These two are causing the death of many good ideas that never materialized. So, learn how to handle fear in this video.

4. Success does not discriminate. 

Don’t worry about the naysayers, the doubters, and the haters because regardless of your background, they will always say something negative towards you. 

Remember this, all of my rich friends started with no experience. Some of them are former criminals, most have no college degree, and little formal education. But they are all successful. Why? Because success does not discriminate.

GET INSPIRATION FROM US!

Starting is not easy, but it is necessary. Throughout the journey towards success, you will face a lot of setbacks. With this, you can learn from the personal philosophy that I use to develop a mental foundation.

You can also learn from these techniques that I use to become the smartest persons in the room.

Consider that all of those things that you are feeling right now are normal for a business owner, but you should not focus too much on these matters. 

If you want inspiration, you can check the story of how I leveraged the techniques above to land more than $1.5 million in contracts.

You can also check other GovCon Giants who have already gained success in the government arena through our podcast.

“I was born in a very poor community down in Miami, Florida… It was a predominanty black community and I grew up and we saw guns and knives, and we saw prostitution and drugs. And you know what? I chose a different path for myself. I chose a different way… I started a business, I started a company, I jump into real estate, I bought property, I made investments. And so, I’m telling you that I’m living proof of it.”

10 Things they don’t want you to know about Government Contracts!

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Let me put you up on the game when it comes to government contracts.

JOIN THE GAME OF GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING!

There are some things in life that we know to be true; then, there’s also some stuff that your parents or teachers didn’t teach you at home or in school.

These things are how to make money and how to take advantage of the largest economic system in the world.

To give you an idea, the United States (US) is the greatest creator of personal fortunes and wealth in the world, by all accounts. But, you can’t take advantage of its benefits if you don’t know how to make money out of it. 

This is why we have government contracting. But what really is it? To give you more ideas, take a look at these 10 things you probably don’t know about government contracts.

10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW!

1. These places are the richest.

The largest source of wealth creation in the US has some of the  richest zip codes in the country in terms of household income. These places are mostly behind Wall Street, Silicon Valley, Washington, D.C. and its surrounding area. 

2. This stuff is easy.

In this marketplace, we are basically dealing with different agencies in the government, so all of the forms and documents are standardized. 

The whole system and process is standardized to make dissemination of the information uniform. If they wouldn’t do that, it would be impossible to facilitate millions of contracts yearly.

So, if you want to look on some forms that you may use in government contracting, just look at these standard forms.

3. Anyone can do this. 

You can easily start doing business with the government, no college degree, no federal certifications required.

Consider this, my college friends are not millionaires and my millionaire friends don’t have college degrees. So, better start grinding right now. 

4. You don’t need money to start.

Everything you need to start government contracts is at your disposal. The only thing you need is to  do is start communicating with your target clients and build relationships with them. 

5. They owe this to you.

Chances are, the government probably owes this opportunity to you because their purpose is to basically help the people and recycle the money. 

This is why, small business programs are created to try to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Now, it’s your time to claim your stake of this trillion dollar behemoth!

6. No agency is meeting all the requirements.

The government is ensuring that they are providing opportunities for small businesses, but according to our research and data from sources across the web, they are not entirely hitting their goals.

To give you an idea, each government agency has their scorecards in which they check the boxes if they have provided contracts to different small businesses. 

However, because some small businesses are within two or more programs, that agency will be able to check more of their boxes, which is essentially against what their goal is. 

And because of this, large companies have continuously been taking small business contracts for many years and continue to do so, if there will be not enough small businesses to participate.

7. They are not bidding at the highest levels.

With nearly 50% of all contracts going to 1 or no bidders; large primes are using specific contract vehicles like GWAC, STARS II, MATOC, and SATOC to avoid bidding open market. 

You can get into these vehicles too, you can just learn the techniques and you can do the same.

8. The government prints money.

The government spends money every year just to make sure that government projects and contracts are fulfilled. In fact, Obama spent $8 trillion during his term and Trump may have spent more than that. 

The money is going somewhere, so why not let it flow down to your coffers?

9. Grants are good, contracts are great.

People want grants, but these are only good for one time and don’t create a recurring revenue stream. 

Contracts, on the other hand, can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years with $100M cap. Besides, more than 4,000,000 contracts are made each year.

10. Huge companies participate in this game.

Fortune 500 companies are also doing business with the government. Why? Because government contracting is lucrative and these companies realize the consistency and stability of a recurring revenue stream.

START YOUR GOVCON JOURNEY NOW! 

Now, of all these things we tell you, don’t you want to be part of this marketplace? Remember, this market is wide open for hungry businesses looking to capitalize!

So, if you are like this and want to capitalize what you have, then we have a handful of resources to help you. Just click the resources below. 

You can also visit the GovCon Giant website or the new GovCon Edu where you learn everything about government contracting!

Where do I start?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpoNXwhZDuw&list=PL6-jBNNcc98vgItLSmWLW2nZfNv9gOFeJ

Win Your 1st Government Contract

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqfX2ZBg2Ck&list=PL6-jBNNcc98tilGNNd9Q0BRGttl2egns6

Small Business Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXNLfpNOmgg&list=PL6-jBNNcc98s8Wokfs6Gg03bCuthc8bkk

Bid Opportunities

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/blog/bid-opportunities/

Govcon Tips

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/blog/govcon-tips/

GovCon Giants Podcast

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/