Step 1 Research

Before you embark on selling to the government you need to a bit of research first to determine which government agency you would like to sell your services and goods to. Visit usa.gov for a list of all government agencies that you can sell your services to. Remember that a civilian contract such as that of selling to the US Dept. of Education, is very different than getting a defense contract. Learn the mission of the agency that you would like to service and what your business can do to reduce costs and help them be more efficient. Businesses that do this are more likely to get the work.

Step 2 Visit ccr.gov

The first step is to visit ccr.gov (or known as the Central Contractor Registration) and enter your company information into the database. Once your information in included in the database, all government agencies have access to your firm to know what services and goods you offer to sell to them. This step is required in order for you to get payment.

Step 3 Get pre-authorized

Pre-authorization is known as a contract vehicle that you as a supplier or service needs to be able to contract your work to the government. At this stage, the government confirms that your business is legitimate and gives you the stamp of approval. Now the government agency heads can purchase your goods or services. While the number of contract vehicles differ, the best one for any business is the GSA (General Services Administration) Schedules because it has the lowest entry fees for suppliers and is the most comprehensive.

Step 4 Check your performance records

At this stage in the process, the government checks the background of your business to see how you fare against other firms in performance. government agencies want businesses that can be relied upon and show evidence that you can deliver what you claim and that you have a record of such. Prepare yourself for this by getting a list of seven references from happy customers who have used your services before. Have proof that you can deliver what you say and that you have a contingency plan in the event of a crisis.

Step 5 Have a long-term strategy

Be sure that you have a solid business plan in place as advised by business.gov. You should also plan on selling to the government for the long-term if you do get the chance to sell your services.

Remember, although the process of being selected as a government supplier and seller is difficult, the government is one of the most reliable and secure customers your business will ever get. Please visit stepsto.com for more great business advice.

Step 1 Check the facts

Visit vsc.gsa.gov to get specific details about what to expect at your next visit. Since each review is dependent upon a particular industry, Follow up on the current year criteria that will be examined during a GSA contractor assistance visit.

Step 2 Get your records in order

Per federal law, two industrial operations analysts will visit your business site and the first action each will take is to review all of your records to ensure compliance with all regulations. Hence, the second step you need to take is to be sure that all of records are current, in order, and adhere to the specified guidelines on the vsc.gsa.gov web site. You should also include within your documentation the actual MAS contract and the final proposal revision.

Step 3 Know your responsibilities

The next order of business is to understand what your responsibilities are as a government contractor. Do you have sufficient staff to perform the duties outlined in the contract? Are you following the set rules highlighted? If not, you need to be sure that you know what your firm is accountable for. While the on-site visit is not a formal audit, your business will not succeed or be up for the five-year renewal unless you demonstrate that you can fulfill your duties as you promised.

Step 4 Prepare some more

Be sure that you modify all approved price lists and have a working sales tracking system. YOu sill also need to keep abreast of yur claim processing systems and guarantee that your company follows the Trade Agreements Act that you are required to comply to.

Step 5 Review your report card

The analysts will provide you with a report card (rc) that will tell you how well you are able to meet the terms and conditions of your contract. Carefully review the suggestions and make sure that you implement any changes suggested prior to the next on-site review. This will improve your grade and be beneficial for you to get a renewal when the time comes.

Remember, as a government copntractor you must be diligent and thorough. Please visit stepsto.com for more great business advice.

Step 1 Determine your needs

What is the primary purpose of your business? Who can benefit from its services? Before even looking at the types of government contracts available determine what a contract will do for your business. Will it really boost your business security? Can you handle the extra work if you did receive a contract? These issues must be sorted out ahead of time.

Step 2 Keep costs low

Fixed Price Contracts: These contracts are specific agreements that intend to separate the cost of any particular business organization form that of their revenue. To do this, the contract insists on the existence of governmental support that intends to drive the expense cost as low as possible hence giving back higher profits to the organization.

Step 3 Stabilize your financial resources

Cost Reimbursement Contract: This type of contract gives an investment source that most business entrepreneurs would need especially when they are to face the challenges of fluctuating financial sources for their organization. In support to the low profit gains, the government shall provide a certain amount of money [depending on the percentage agreed upon] to boost up the sales and the growth of the business.

Step 4 Get the materials you need

Time and Materials Contract: aside from monetary support, the government is also giving the chance for local entrepreneurs to establish their business resources through providing them with the right materials that they need for the reestablishment of their business groups.

Step 5 Plan ahead for competition

True, these contracts are specifically provided by the government to local entrepreneurs to give them the right chance they need to face up with the already big and well established organizations in the market. This gives them a better chance to establishing their own name even in the middle of a tough competition.

Remember, a government contract is a great way to boost business. Please visit stepsto.com for more great business advice.

Government grants were given to start up one’s own business and to improve their part in the economy of country, but currently few government grants are assigned for starting or giving money to start up a new business. Though there is a small business administration (SBA) to financially assist people in planning and taking proper steps to improve business and get funding. Since 1953, SBA has played its part in providing free guidance to obtaining government grants to starters for their small businesses.

Step 1 Review your business

In order to acquire help of SBA, your small business must meet the business size standards and adhere to the rules of the Small Business Administration. Obtaining a government grant is tough, but without ensuring that your business meets the strict guidelines of the SBA grants, your chances of obtaining such monies is zero.

Step 2 Review your proposal

Like with any other type of grant, a well written cover letter and proposal that introduces your business, shows your business model, and projects sales are required. As there are fewer government grants, be sure that your cover letter and proposal are flawless to increase your chances of getting a grant.

Step 3 Apply online or via mail

Once you determine that your business is eligible for a government grant, you can apply online through the SBA. On the page, you can also find the specific address for your region to mail in your grant material, which should include your proposal.

Step 4 Consider private funding as an alternative

Government grants were allotted if the specific criteria were met, but since few such offers are available now, consider the many private grant providing organizations that can fund you. For acquiring these grants, one must meet their requirements and eligibility criteria, so they are assured that the grant they are giving would be used at the right place.

Remember, competition for grants is fierce. Prepare yourself.

Step 1. * Obtain a CCR profile *

Register with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) to qualify to bid on government contracts. Be sure to prepare a profile that separates you from competition.

Step 2. * Find the list of procurements and contracting leads *

Go to the Commerce Business Daily, which lists contracting information and procurement actions. Also visit GovCon, which provides a condensed version of procurement information. If you are interested in Defense, contact the Defense Electronic Information Center at 1-800-334-3414.

Step 3. *Market your business to the government*

Prepare a one-page description that showcases the abilities of your firm and then introduce your company to a contracting officer at the government agency you’ve selected from Step 1. You may also complete a Standard Form (SF) 129, Solicitation Mailing List Application, and sending a copy to each agency you are interested in to get on their mailing lists. Join the Small Business Administration’s PRO-NET, which is a free service that the government uses to find businesses to fulfill procurement contracts.

Step 4. *Increase the odds of landing a contract – get 8(a) certified*

Highlight your firm’s need for a government contract by completing the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) certification process. By doing so, the odds that your firm will land a contract increase greatly since the Small Business Administration has associations with federal purchasing agents and functions as a prime contractor, which in turn gets contracts for 8(a) certified firms. There is usually a two-week waiting period.

Step 5. *Find a matchmaker*

Search for the Business matchmaking program near you on Google. The program is designed to match businesses with federal, state, and county government agencies that have contracts for these businesses. These programs can be found online or at major local events.

Step 6. * Protect your business from contracting scams *

Obtain a copy of the Federal Acquisition Regulations form, which outlines current contracting regulations to prevent scams.

Step 7. * Present your Request for Proposals (RFP)*

The Request for Proposal is a invitational form for businesses to bid on government contracts and projects. These notices can be found in newspapers, government agencies, and publications. Nothing further. That’s it! Remember that although competition can be fierce these days, by landing a government contract you can be sure that is one client whose paycheck you can rely.

Go to http://www.stepsto.com/home to learn how to start up your business, grow your business, make money and live the life you want! We have advised and evaluated thousands of companies from start-ups to Fortune 500 Companies. Steps To combines this knowledge with 25 years of research on the right steps the Greatest Minds in History took to achieve extraordinary success.