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For both Federal Government contractors and subcontractors, knowing what’s available is increasingly crucial to keeping work schedules full.
Federal Business Opportunities (FBO), the government-mandated central repository of federal
government procurement information, is one key resource that identifies and
publishes federal government contract opportunities and federal contracts.
According to its strategic plan, “The FBO supports and helps implement the goals
and objectives in the government-wide initiative for expanded electronic
government in the President’s Management Agenda for Fiscal-Year 2002.”
Federal Contracts Publishing Criteria
Opportunities for federal contracts above $100,000 should always exist in
FBO.
Opportunities for federal contracts above $25,000 but below $100,000 will not
necessarily appear in FBO if they have been posted through another method or
site (i.e., through electronic data interchange (EDI) or via a government agency
website).
Opportunities for federal contracts below $25,000 may be posted on any number of
decentralized government agency websites. Searching for these federal contract
opportunities has become easier with the increased popularity of the internet,
but surfing is a time consuming process. The next section covers how to find
these federal contract opportunities.
Additional Resources For Federal Contracts
The opportunities for federal contracts under $25,000 and those between $25,000
and $100,000 not covered by FBO represent a significant source of new business
for contractors. Fortunately, the federal contracts data is available, even
though it can be hard to find. Here are some resources to help companies become
proactive and increase success in the federal contracts marketplace.
Promote yourself through the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) website. This
site exists for suppliers and contractors to communicate their wares and
services to government agencies for federal contracts. In any event,
registration with the CCR is necessary to work on federal contracts and
projects. Some state agencies may also ask for CCR registration. Suppliers and
contractors can access the CCR by going to www.ccr.gov.
Secure a GSA schedule.
A GSA (General Services Administration) schedule is a
best price guarantee for government buyers. Through a GSA schedule, companies
offer a “most preferred pricing” structure for services or products to
government agencies. There are a number of private consulting companies that
will help secure and manage a GSA schedule on your behalf. Currently, there are
over 9,000 contractors participating in this program. Visit www.gsa.gov for more
information.
Subscribe to a government business intelligence service that complements
FedBizOpps. Use an information service that collects all the federal contracts
and federal government opportunities available. Additionally, the service should
collect federal contracts awarded and further customize the information on the
federal contracts to your products or services.
Of these three options, this
option is the only that offers a proactive means of ensuring that no stone is
left unturned in seeking federal contracts and federal procurement
opportunities.
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