I am in the planning stages of starting a security company that focuses on government contracts. I realize this is probably a broad topic, but I have been searching for information on bidding on these contracts, the red tape involved, and just generally useful information. The problem I have encountered is that for every online site I have visited, I get two opinions about how to go about getting started. So, does anyone know of good reliable resources, either online, in a book, in a public office, on a bathroom stall, or any other method?
Also, feel free to weigh in with your opinion on the following: Do you think investors are interested in companies that seek government contracts?
Thanks for all your help.
Answers
Brandon,
Goverment contracting is very complex and a critical function to all goverment operations.
In the Army I have only witnessed an E-7 or higher actually work on contracts or allowed to be around contracts. Officers and Warrant Officers administer the contracts. Typically at least an 0-3 who is trained in contracting will be the liason between the contractor(s). Big, Big money going back and forth here. The more money it involves the higher up the chain it goes. A good resource to better understand how they operate is
http://www.dau.mil/default.aspx.
- I temped for the "Directorate of Contracting" at a major military installation...
Best
Matt
Brandon,
Check out New Market Veterans for a good example on what to do. NMV is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned business (SDVO). A percentage of government contracts are targeted to SDVOs.
http://www.newmarketveteransllc.com/
Best
Tim
Re: investors and gov't contractors...investors are not averse to the gov't contracting sector. While things will decline, it is still a better sector than many. The question I would ask you is what need will you serve that isn't already saturated? Being a small business is not a differentiator. Even if you win a few contracts you could quickly find yourself with enough revenue to move out of established small business categories.
There is no perfect answer on where and how to get started. Greg had some useful comments. I'd consider your target market and who's already there. Are you with a ACP mentor right now? That kind of help could be warranted.
Hi James, were referring to The American Small Business Coalition http://www.theasbc.org/ ?
Check out asbc.org and consider joining when you get ready to jump in.
Thanks for your help Greg. I had no idea about either the advocates or corporate mentorships that help so much. I will definitely be looking into these.
Every government organization has a small business advocate. Their job is to help small business gain government contracts. The second avenue is to find a corporate mentor. Companies like Lockheed Martin, HP, General Dynamics and others are paid by DoD to mentor small business owners. These mentor protege programs are free to the small business. At HP, we help our small business partners develop their proposals and create the internal mechanisms they need to do government work.
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