Head Exposed Press

Obama Administration Encourages Increased Use of Suspensions and Debarments to Hold Contractors Accountable

As part of the President’s Campaign to cut Fraud, Waste, and Abuse, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) has directed agencies to “ensure they are fully equipped to suspend and debar contractors and other recipients whenever necessary to protect the government’s interest.”  The Administration believes that effective suspension and debarment programs play an important role in protecting taxpayer money.  By using suspension and debarment procedures effectively, agencies can ensure that contractors who lack business integrity and honesty do not receive any portion of the public fisc.  However, the Administration does not believe agencies are currently taking full advantage of these essential tools.

via govtcontractsmonitor.jacksonkelly.com

thanks so much for publishing this! it's indeed vital that we be careful in government contracting -- to protect the citizens' money..

Government Contract Awards for SASS-y Contractors

There are a lot of means in which contractors can guarantee achievements in acquiring government contract awards.

There is always a reason why small scale enterprises long to have government contract awards. It is actually noticed that if the government is your client, you will have an enormous chance of multiplying your returns of investment up to a hundred folds.

Nevertheless, winning a federal contract is not easy for beginners who are competing with the more experienced ones. But they also have a huge chance of winning if they only know the correct spots to be targeted.

Note that the achievement in bagging government contract awards depends on the price schemes and ranges stated in the contract. This is why it is important for contractors to sensibly set and plan amiable price schemes for the goods and services they offer.

The most applicable way to get government contract awards is having the accurate method of setting the award amount for the federal contracts. Award amounts will serve as the basis in pricing government contract awards while being a cause of the value that needed to be cut from the current price ranges to win the next round of bidding or negotiation.

To locate the award amount of the government contract awards, businessmen should deliberate on the money value of the project while following the steps with SASS:

S-eek Award Information

As a contractor, you can ask for details on government contract awards after submitting a bid. A contractor should not fail to submit a request most especially when the contracting officer does not receive any letter from an unsuccessful bidder. When making a request for information on government contract awards, always remember to write in the project title, bid due dates and awarded contract number. It would also be beneficial when the businessmen are distinct about his claims - dollar award amount vs. Schedule items of bids breakdown.

A-sking for Award Announcements

The finest way to prepare for negotiations and bids is to be knowledgeable of the chances one can get from government contract awards. The list of awards notices can be accessed from websites when the bidders know the solicitation number and keywords of the award schedules. If the keywords do not bring any luck, the state of contract performance or the agency that sponsors for solicitation can be entered.

S-earching for the S Department of Defense’s records for government award contracts

To access the database, one should have the contract number that includes the dashes and keywords. If the contractors are clueless about the number of the government contract awards, they can still have access to the reported awards when they use the first six digits of the solicitation number instead of the keyword.

S-ubmitting request of Freedom of Information Act

The bidders are free to ask about the office controlling the processing of the FOIA requests intended for the attainment of government contract awards. In this process, the bidder needs to give the contract number and state the data asked, along with the maximum amount of fee you are willing to pay.

Important questions on Government Purchasing

A young entrepreneur cannot just familiarize the ways on how to register his business for a government purchasing. It is very important for him to know the W and H questions about government procurement.

Small businesses with high quality supplies and services can rapidly produce the return of their investments if they are successful in venturing into government purchasing.

Businessmen who want to develop their businesses through making the government as their client need to follow the registration process before taking part of the bidding and negotiations for procurement contracts. The Federal Acquisition Regulation or FAR obligates contractors to register their company and acquire DUN and Bradstreet DUNS number for them to be an eligible partner for government purchasing.

For owners to have information on marketing mechanics when venturing into government purchasing, they should know the basic nature of government procurement.

What are goods merchandised in government purchasing?

On the three levels of government, various products are being purchased. The federal army of the government usually order fuels for aircrafts and other forms of military transportation. The federal government purchasing paper needed for printing official reports is also a common scene in the procurement process.

On the State level of government purchasing, educational equipment and materials are usually purchased. Contractors who have these construction materials for new classrooms and facilities as well usually win the bidding especially when they offer good prices for their supplies. Computer equipment, parts, and other machineries are also purchased in this level.

Furthermore, the local government purchasing level focuses on procurement of materials for fire and police protection. The level also handles the Public works and highways. This is a reason why enterprises who offer asphalts and other construction materials succeed especially when they give good bids to the local.

When does the government purchase goods?

There are no seasons in particular in which government procures materials from their trusted suppliers. Nevertheless, the best time to make negotiations and take part of biddings is when the government work on projects, programs and constructions like building new schools or fixing some roads. It is also recommended for businessmen to offer year round products and services for government purchasing.

Why does government purchasing exist?

Generally, the government is buying supplies because they are essential to them. In addition to this, government purchasing is an operational way of motivating more economic activities. By way of a persistent procurement, the government can diminish regression of industries. A falling sector of the economy can also get assistance from government purchasing by keeping it active at affable levels until the volume of demands by consumers grow.

How does the government purchase?

The suppliers with high quality products for government purchasing are being chosen by the government through the methods of bidding and negotiations. Taxes and loans are the source of funds in this case. One source of financing for government purchasing is the bulk of revenues gathered from specific programs, retail sales and properties. When the government faces a situation when expenditures are higher than taxes, it sells legal claims and bonds through the financial markets.

Apt Preparation of Government Contracts for Bid

Participating in a bid may be one of the trickiest risks for businessmen. It gives an opportunity for entrepreneurs to be producers of supplies for the government, thus it is very important for them to know how to win and as well as lose when formulating government contracts for bid.

There are two ways for entrepreneurs to acquire federal contracts for government procurement. These are through negotiations and biddings. One can definitely acquire a contract if the created government contracts for bid and the negotiation meet the standards and proficiency that the clients anticipate.

Before someone can risk on venturing business with the government, it is very important to know the distinction between a negotiation and a bid.

Negotiation - Allows various ways of presenting business proposals to the government. There is a long conversation between the contractors and clients for the clear basis for evaluation of proposals. It starts with passing of Request for proposal that contains the goal of the contractors, terms and conditions and other important information about the company.

Bidding - This starts when contracts are planned to be handed to contractors using price scales as the main basis. This method is a convenient way in choosing the contractors since bidding does not include discussions with the businessmen. Bidding also begins when the government publishes invitations for bids with distinct information. Contractors will organize contracts for bid.

Based on the description state, it is supposed that creating government contracts for bid is more critical than writing a proposal for a negotiation. Entrepreneurs can have the chance to support and alter the terms of the contract while in a negotiation. Passing government contracts for bid provides entrepreneurs a definite chance of beating the deals offered by some tight competitors.

Therefore the government contracts for bid should be made as clear as possible, concise and precise. Most of the time, the contracting officer choose responsive government contracts for bid that possess these qualities:

• Gratifies the specifications, terms, and conditions specified in the issued invitation for bids.
• Offers reasonable and fair price schemes and other price related factors that meet the requirements of the IFB.
• Considered by the contracting officer at the exact time and place determined in the IFB

Take note that not all contracts have positive outputs. Government contracts for bid are usually given back to the contractors due to some reasons:

• Contractors fail to sign the government contracts for bid.
• The company does not recognize the receipt of the alterations.
• Incorrect number of copies of the government contracts for bid sent.
• Not being able to attach needed paperwork like financial statements, compliance reports, licenses, etc.
• Lacking of important company information like the identification number, references and the likes.

Put in mind that these are just minor indiscretions and bidders are given the chance to alter the government contracts for bid under such conditions.

If the bidders are failed to be given a chance and they feel that such procurement procedure ignores their interest, then they may file a bidding protest.

Essential matters on Federal Acquisition Regulation

There are 53 current obligations under the Federal Acquisition Regulation nowadays. Though the importance is on the pricing policies, businessmen should know the sections that contain policies on contract termination, changes, payments and inspections.

Because of the extremely competitive marketing field for businessmen, entrepreneurs should follow the firm implementation of policies to make the processes organized. This is where the Federal Acquisition Regulation turns into a need.

The Federal Acquisition Regulation was founded by the US government for them to have a sector that release set of guidelines for businessmen to obey. Basing on the rules of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, it can be seen that there really is a difference on the federal contracts from the commercial contracts in terms of the policies on termination, contract changes, payments and inspections and testing procedures.

Termination

Based on the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the government can invalidate a contract with an existing business for the following reasons:

• Not being able to send on the arranged time in the contract.
• Failing on avoiding risking too much on the performance of the contract.
• Failure to abide by the rules and necessities of the contract.

 

Before closing the contract though, the Federal Acquisition Regulation provides the contractor the rights to:

• Petition solutions and answers to problems.
• Explain why the contract should not be cancelled.
• Inquire on the payments of the purchased items of the government.
• Require a written notice of termination before the preparation of termination decision claim.
• Plea on guidelines for the protection of properties at risk on becoming the government’s property.

Know that the government does not hold the right to nullify a contract if the delay of the delivery and the failure to abide by the contract is beyond the control and will of the contractor. Termination of contracts under these conditions is considered Convenience of the Government under the Federal Regulation Law.

Contract Changes

The government can adjust the contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation if:

• The alterations are just within the overall range of the contract.
• The modifications do not change the general nature of the contract itself.
• The contractor approves on the changes of the price and can still comply with the schedule alterations of the deliveries.

Payments

Businesses, whether big or small scaled succeed with the payments in replacement for the products and services offered. This is the reason why the Federal Acquisition Regulation provides the government the responsibilities to:

• Make hasty payments for the goods bought.
• Make exact invoices, and pay interest if ever the government do not pay on time.
• Pay the contract price in one single lump sum for cheaper contracts, and send progress payments upon costs incurred in the procurement process after several months for larger scaled contracts.
• Protect its interest by taking title from the contractors for their work-in-process after the progress payments have been made.

This is why the Federal Acquisition Regulation entails the contractors to have an accounting system which will be effective in isolating contract costs, needed for them to qualify for progress payment.

Testing and Inspection

Under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the government is entitled to reject the products when the products do not pass the specifications and quality standards written in the federal contract.

Keeping on with “GIFT” in Government Bidding

Due to numerous tips that should be done and avoid in government bidding, it is a bit impossible for businessmen to memorize everything. It is therefore advisable to bring the GIFT with you when risking into government procurement.

Winning a government bid and risking into procurement can give businesses into a big change. Money from federal contracts is in constant entry due to the huge amount of supplies acquired. The government also have the constant demand for materials and supplies for their handled projects to push through.

Challenging with all other experienced businessmen in government bidding might be a bit tough and complex. This is why young businessmen who want to risk into government procurement business should also be cautious of the possible pitfalls that may lead them to failing in grabbing contracts from government bidding.

Carrying the GIFT on a government bidding can push the chances of young businessmen to get their desired federal contract for procurement.

G- Getting Registration and Research

Businessmen cannot take part in negotiations and government bidding if they do not complete the registration required by the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This will be an easy task because there is an online registration available on the internet. Always make sure that you carry along the DUNS number when entering a government bidding. When done with the required registration process, a new businessman will somehow know what to do in government biddings and negotiations.

Businessmen should also conduct a research to know proper information requirements of the proposal.

I-Identifying Customers and Amiable Pricing

There are actually three levels in procurement - federal, state and local. These levels demand their own kind of products. The federal government seek for entrepreneurs who offer fuel products and transportation supplies in government bidding, while office supplies are sought in the state level of government procurement. It is recommended for businessmen to have a goal level for them to know what products and services they should sell.

Pricing structures and discounts also influence the result of a federal contract. The answer to such dilemma is to expect random abilities of competitors to give better deals, this is also the reason why entrepreneurs should offer reasonable prices and discounts especially on bulk orders. Prevent from changing prices a few times during a government bidding so finalize on the prices beforehand.

F- Finding Bid Leads

The government is required to provide information on the goods and services they want from the contractors before a government bidding. The qualification lists and agency boards can give ideas on products and services the government usually seek. Checking on FedBizOpps and SUBNet can also help entrepreneurs.

T- Think Like the Government

To comprehend the demand patterns, the supplier needs to know the mindset of the client. This is the same with government bidding. Thinking about the process of bagging a federal contract can be a nice start, but being wary of the output is more effective in winning a deal in government procurement.

Downsides to Avoid In Venturing Into Government Procurement

Distinguishing the precise way of attaining a contract for government procurement - entrepreneurs should be aware of the common difficulties during negotiations and bids. In what approaches can they NOT get a contract?

One of the most applicable ways for small-scale businesses to succeed is to risk into government procurement. Notice that the purchasing outlines of government agencies are not the same from individual households. They have the persistent need of different and numerous supplies. If ever new enterprises get to have federal contracts from the government, they can have an increased return of investments.

Many young entrepreneurs have skills on how the registration processes work. The Federal Regulation Law (FAR) helps them to get their companies in the legitimate bidders list for government procurement.

Some believe that they will have the contracts after following the advices in making bids and negotiating with government agencies.

However, young businessmen are known to be reckless than those experienced ones. The following are the common mistakes these businessmen do when they make business for government procurement:

1. The use of complicated language in the proposals. So that they will not sound like newbies, new businessmen tend to try to speak eloquently in their bids and negotiations. However, this is not advisable. The proposal should be simple, concise and straight to the point. It is a necessity for one to use simple words that are easy to comprehend. Remember not to use long and complicated sentences.

2. Having another bid while a government procurement deal is still on-going. Devotion of the suppliers is one of the major demands of agencies. Most of the time, young businessmen try to grab as much contracts they want while there are other procurements going on. This is the reason why they fail to complete the proposals and bids. Before any negotiation, businessmen should have an assurance that they can finish the project without jeopardizing other government procurement on the process.

3. Negation of payments through credit cards. Generally, agencies favour submitting payments through merchant credit cards for government procurement. Rejecting this kind of payment can actually cause companies to fail in acquiring contracts. Try to expand the payment options by allowing credit card payments. Anyway this payment is even more favourable. Companies do not need to do thorough paperworks and wait for a check. Payments from government procurement will easily be received through this method.

4. Wrong units in item pricing. When agencies call for price scheme per gallon, it a wrong move to submit proposals with prices per quart. Adjustments in prices during bids can also cause companies to deny your negotiations.

5. Passing proposals with typographical errors. It is right to be professional when dealing for government procurement. Always try not to have typographical errors, blank pages, smudges, rips and poorly constructed sentences and unnumbered pages when proposing bids.

How to be a practical Government Contractor?

Basically, a government contractor is a company owned by a private individual or a company which produce various goods to be sold locally for national customs.

There are many government contractors nowadays that are working with different terms and conditions. But what should be the best set of terms and conditions to have a successful business venture with government departments? Traditionally, both sides should have an agreed set of terms for them to have a business. Every government contractor should not forget to value fairness at all times.

There are just companies that are too insistent and eventually they tend to fail than winning the deals. In other words, being too insistent also mean being selfish. So to prevent misunderstandings and a bad image from the public, always be a fair government contractor at all times. In time, you will see the outcome of it if you begin to choose between awarded projects at the same time.

Moreover, a government contractor should not establish a very high profit margin if they negotiate with government agencies. You should know that the money they are using for purchasing your services are from the citizens that is why they would surely want to maximize that money. So if you seem to be very hard to handle, you will likely fail in having that deal.

A government contractor should truly avoid setting the provision of high quality materials for the project and not purchasing those provisioned items. This might have an effect of which the client will pay a very high price expecting that you have promised high quality materials and eventually find out that you have used the opposite. So, in time they will surely be disappointed and can even file a case against you. For best results, always explain to your clients that you are not draining out their money but you are actually helping them instead. After all, their projects will be for the goodness of the people and you will eventually benefit from it if the project was done honestly and successfully.

Generally, the fair businesses will succeed, while those that are too aggressive will usually fail. So for the reputation of your business, always make productive negotiations and be fair. Your reputation should always be your number one priority.

Tips on How to Win Government Contracts

Are you curious to learn more about how to win government contracts? This article provides you with information on such. Read on and nail that much-coveted government contract.

By this time, you probably know already that small businesses have a very large opportunity in gaining a business relationship with the government. If you really are an aspiring businessman who wants to take full advantage of this opportunity, then you need to have enough knowledge on how to win government contracts. Winning government contracts is like winning the lottery in business terms. The federal government would become your largest potential customer.

The federal government spends around $530 billion, according to the International Association of US Government Contractors. This adds more to the $787 billion budget for spending on Federal stimulus. All in all, the total exceeds $1.3 trillion. The government spends this $1.3 trillion and you can therefore take advantage of it.

If those numbers are not yet enough for you to learn how to win government contracts, then here is an additional fact that will surely make you jump off your seat: the government actually allocates around 39% of their total spending towards small businesses. By being a small-time organization owner, you should have the objective of securing contracts straight from the federal government. The federal government basically promotes and supports the development of small businesses. The government has proven this by allowing small businesses to bid and win government contracts. Thus, we developed these tips on how to win government contracts.

Small business owners then think of how to win government contracts if the competition is very stiff. You may also ask whether the government can provide time for you. Several big-time companies have enough experience and even offer a very low bid. You may ask, how will you win over them? Do you need more tips on how to win government contracts?

Well, it’s not just about being the lowest bidder.  This is one of the major tips on how to win government contracts. You need not offer that lowest bid. Do not even stress yourself. When you do business with the government, the lowest bidder will not always be the winner. Statistics have shown and proven that eighty percent of the time, the federal government has not awarded a contract to the lowest bidder.

So what exactly is the best strategy in mastering how to win government contracts? If having the lowest bid does not assure you of winning a contract, then what is the key to win this game? What can make you acquire the biggest customer of your business career?

Well, like with other businessmen, the government always wants value for their budgeted money. The government chooses accordingly the ratio of cost and value. The federal government looks for the greatest value rather than the lowest cost.

Thus, to answer the question of how to win government contracts, all you have to do is to fully know the services and products that you want to present to the federal government and present it in the most convincing and exciting way that you can. You need to showcase to the government that as they choose you, they’ll be acquiring the best value for their money.

There you have it. These are just some of the best tips on how to win government contracts. Win that contract and ease your way through the millions!

 

tips on getting government contracts

Getting government contracts can be tiresome for some. But this should not be the case.

If you want to acquire tips on getting government contracts, then this article can help. Just read on to learn about getting government contracts for small businesses.

Register first

To do business with the government, you need to register first. Now, this may entail a lot of paperwork, but if you really want to start getting government contracts, then you need to consider this. Avoid wasting your time in marketing or even in meeting with government procurement officials until you have accomplished this part. If you fail to take care of this, you are risking your reputation as an incompetent businessman.

Get SBA HUBZone certification

Afterwards, you need to acquire an SBA HUBZone certification. This will take a while, thus you need to start right away. HUBZone, a small business administration certification, caters to businesses in specific designated areas. When you are working on this one, avoid staying stagnant. Even if you still do not have minority certifications just yet, don’t wait to start getting government contracts.

SBA 8 (a) Certification Process

This is the business certification for minority businesses. If you run a minority business, then you have to start this certification process as soon as possible. This certification comes with a specific time limit, thus it is best that you work on the other tips provided first before this one. When you already know what you’re doing, you can proceed to this step. Always keep in mind that it is important to prevent yourself from simply relying on the certification. Procurement, contract personnel, and purchasing still want those who can deliver and perform.

Always keep these three tips in mind before setting forth in getting government contracts. You need to be equipped with enough information before you engage with the biggest customer that you can possibly have business with, the federal government. Getting government contracts may seem improbable, especially for minority businesses. However, with the right mix of determination and patience, you have the edge in getting government contracts.

If you really want to start getting government contracts, be mindful of all the possibilities and the hindrances that you might encounter along the way. Stick to your plan and follow the tips mentioned above too.