Once you’ve completed all the necessary tasks to qualify and register as a small business as discussed in Tips for Entrepreneurs to Gain a Foothold in the Lucrative Federal EEO Contracting Business (Part 1), your next step is searching for government contracting opportunities. This blog will offer tips for entrepreneurs and discuss websites and resources available in the government procurement process. Let’s begin by answering the following questions:

First, what type of contractor do you plan to be?

  • A prime contractor is solely responsible for the contract including staff performance and payment, invoicing the government and other tasks involved with the contact.
  • A subcontractor means you will be teaming up with a company/prime contractor who is responsible for the contract and paying you for your services. When working as a subcontractor, be sure you understand the chain of command and how you will be paid.

Secondly, where do you find information about government EEO contracts or other categories of interest? The following websites provide the stepping stones and links to relevant information to help you understand the channels necessary to gain government contracts.

  • FSD.gov – Federal Service Desk. As a free service, the Federal Service Desk’s sole purpose is to help visitors get the information and assistance they need for the systems (websites) that the FSD supports. This service was created as a central information hub for training materials and various resources to businesses who want to learn more about the systems that FSD supports. Such systems like System for Award Management (SAM) and Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) to name a few are supported by the FSD. Take advantage of this support channel to learn and grow as a business.
  • Acquisition.gov is a website designed to bring together an abundant collection of resources, regulations, and links to associated government entities and the supporting systems.   The site provides information and updates about changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and links to supplemental regulations for federal agencies and their procurement regulation websites. Make it part of your firms ‘best business practices’ to stay current and visit the site often.
  • USA.gov is a portal to all things “government.” With an ever-changing need for innovative ways to share information, the U.S. Government has embraced technology to provide a virtual window into government. With everything from unclaimed money to federal government agencies, this site links to it all. Be aware of grants, laws and legal issues, and other services the U.S. Government makes available to the public. The mission of site is to create and organize government information and services assembling a repository for all to have easy access.   Bookmark USA.gov for future reference, it’s your personal reference guide to the U.S. government.
  • GSA.gov also known as the General Services Administration (GSA) puts a primary focus on products, services, and facilities needed by the federal agencies to serve the public. The GSA offers purchasing programs worth billions in products and services to qualified businesses. GSA’s procurement program is a way for small businesses to partner with the agency. Visit the site for information on acquisitions, policy and regulations, and the GSA’s vision for operational excellence.

For more information, tips for entrepreneurs, or training on the lucrative business of federal EEO contracting, contact PREEMPT Corp, a leader in the federal EEO contracting business serving the federal government at information@preemptcorp.com. Also, stay tuned for PREEMPT’s upcoming podcast on the Lucrative Business of Federal EEO Contracts.