Federal, state and local governments seriously want to work with small businesses. Contracts take many forms. The Federal Business Opportunities website has 23,300 opportunities, and those are just federal opportunities. State, county and local city opportunities abound as well.
Contracts aren’t just for road and highway construction and maintenance. Any type of business could be a government contractor – provided that business is set up properly and goes through the process of getting registered on the right lists. Plus, frequently, these contracts give first priority to veteran-owned, service disabled-owned or women or minority-owned businesses.
Construction, commercial cleaning, uniform sales and cleaning, flooring, medical and veterinary services, office supplies, computer repair and supplies all can be potential government contractors. Just about any business might qualify.
Here are a few examples of open opportunities on the Federal Business Opportunities website (GSA.gov) and there are thousands more:
Clinical Expansion for Mental Health and Sleep Lab
Boiler Inspection Services
Hoist Way Door Replacement Service Car #2
Pharmaceuticals – medical, dental, veterinary equipment supplies LENS,LIGHT – lamps, lighting fixtures
General Health Care Services – medical services
Campground Attendants
Many businesses find subcontracting a preferable route to getting experience as a federal contractor. Large business prime contractors with contracts exceeding $700,000 (or $1.5 million for construction), except small businesses, are required to subcontract some of the work to eligible small businesses. This is an excellent way to test the waters of government contracting without suffering undue risk. Additionally, when a small business is hired as a subcontractor, the vetting is done by the prime contractor, not the government agency, which can be less complicated.
To successfully compete in the government marketplace you first need to understand how and where you fit in. Through our partnership with the statewide Arizona Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), the SBDC in Yavapai County can help you determine if you qualify and how to go about applying as a government contractor. There are many resources available through the Small Business Administration and the federal government as well.
On March 1, Yavapai College is hosting a “You Can Do Business with Yavapai College” conference from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Continental breakfast is provided. Learn about the college’s current procurement processes and procedures, including dollar thresholds for different types of solicitations. If you are a business owner, you won’t want to miss this.
In the afternoon, from 1-4 p.m., Danny Ayala, director of the AZ PTAC, will provide general guidance on government contracting. This fun, lively class will take you through the who, what why, where and when of all levels of government contracting. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and determine if you are ready to pursue government contracts.
The workshop will be held on the Prescott campus of Yavapai College, Building 3, Room 119 or online via Zoom. If you are interested in participating in the workshop, sign up online at yc.edu/YouCanConference. QCBN
By Jeri Denniston
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