14 Feb Tips to Government Bidders
1. Start small – If you have never bid with the government before, consider starting small. This will give you time to get used to the process without overwhelming you. Generally speaking, the more a contract costs, the more complicated the bidding process can get.
2. Be Persistent – some contractors have reported not being able to win bids for a year or two. But being persistent for those two years have paid off. Not every business will have this issue, but do not get discouraged if you don’t win your first bid or two.
3. Build a Relationship – Governments can come off as impersonal and bureaucratic agencies, but it is important when it comes to government bidding that you form a relationship with the procurement officers within that particular agency. Not only should you get to know the procurement officers you will be dealing with, but it is important to get to know other contractors in your field. Bidding as part of a team can also be a good strategy.
4. Do your Research! – Register yourself with Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. This is a necessity if you are planning on working with the federal government. This way government procurement officers can easily find your product. Next get on the pre-approved bidder list on the General Service Administration (GSA) schedule so you can see what your competitors are up to.
5. Register with the Entity – Whether it’s the federal government, a state or local agency, it’s important to register with the entity you are looking to do business for. Each agency is different, we have complied many registrations links for different entities on our site, if you cannot find the registration page on our site, contact the entity and figure out how to register with them.
6. Read the bidding document carefully – Make sure that your bid has all the documents and requirements listed in the solicitation. It may even state that the pre-bid meeting is mandatory. Be sure to cover all your bases.
7. Attend public meetings – This allows you to gain insight into upcoming projects. A lot of what is discussed at these meetings will end up as requirements in the solicitation. This also can give you a feel of how the elected officials feel about certain projects.