Government Contracting: It’s not just a bidding thing

The list below was written to address a federal agency, but it works in concept or variation for state and local agencies also. Use it as a way to jump start your efforts and a map for pursuing new opportunities each day.

Here we go. You can do business with an agency by:

1. RECEIVE A PRIME CONTRACT
The most direct way to do business is through a contract between your firm and the agency.

Beth White
Beth White

2. RECEIVE A SUBCONTRACT FROM A PRIME CONTRACTOR OR ANOTHER SUBCONTRACTOR
Many larger contracts allow for some support from subcontractors. You should market your capabilities to other vendors who might have subcontracting opportunities. Usually firms make subcontractor agreements before submitting offers.

3. BE A PRIME OR SUBCONTRACTOR TO ANOTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND RECEIVE A CONTRACT THROUGH AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
Agencies sometimes obtain goods and services through other Government agencies using “interagency agreements.” They do this because the other agency has a contract with a firm doing the type of work that meets their needs.

4. TEAM WITH ANOTHER FIRM ON A CONTRACT
Two or more companies can form a team to submit an offer on a contract. The team can be set up as a partnership, a joint venture, or as a prime with one or more subcontractors.

There are eight more items on this list. You can find the rest of it here.

Surprised? Some of it may not be applicable to you, but several items probably apply. So take a moment to re-think your focus and efforts and email me at whiteb@iastate.edu if I can help!

For more information, join our LinkedIn discussion at http://ow.ly/HR8oV.